kenj mentor group - back for another great season! CLOSED (Page 33)

You may be right about the pool.  It will be interesting if that solves your problem with your sinus.

I built my gym in the basement (you can see the pictures in my album if you are interested) while training for IMLP in 2008.  No idea how I managed to do that.  Now it is tough to find time to change the furnace filter let alone build a room.  It took me a few months from start to finish, but a lot of that was paying cash for the materials and a lot of weeks I ran out of extra cash before I ran out of time. 

Have fun with it though!  I enjoyed doing mine!

Omahabritt - 2013-01-31 10:33 AM So I think for the most part I've done well on my January goals, I've skipped some workouts, but actually that's part of the plan before official training starts so that's really ok. I still need a trainer, but I'm planning on ordering it tomorrow. I think I've decided on the Kurt Kenetic over the Cycle Ops, but if anyone has an opinion one way or the other I'd be happy to hear it! Becky-I'm a late night snacker too. Two things that have helped me are first, setting a time that I won't eat after (I try for 8, but for sure 9). If you eat late, regardless of what you eat, your body will turn it to fat, which is no good. Second, only allowing snacks on a certain number of nights. For me, 3x during the week is a good number, but you can pick what works for you. Brian-I can totally relate to how stress negatively affects your workouts. This week has been by far one of the most stressful in a long time. While working out is a great stress reliever, it can also add an additional layer to any already stressful time. I've realized workouts this week will be a struggle & not to expect great quality or quantity. I'm not going to be happy about that, but eventually I'll be able to look back on this week as a sense of accomplishment & be proud that I got through it. Don't scrap your season & try not to look too far down the road. I remember reading about ultra marathoner, Scott Jurek that wanted to quit during a race, laying-down-I'm-done, the entire race seemed impossible & he couldn't do it, so he thought about what he could do. He could go 100 steps, then another, until he finished & won the race. (Some facts my be altered, due to my memory & I've lent out the book so I can't check, but you get the jist). So try & focus on your workout for the day not the week or the entire season, or like I was doing this morning, one more lap around the track, then another, etc. At least you recognize your stressed & you need to improve your attitude, if only it was as easy to change it! The kids had a snow day yesterday, but luckily are back to school today!

Thanks Ali!

I don't have experience with the Cycleops trainer.  I've heard they are a little louder than the KK's.  But that's the only issue I've heard.  I like the ability of the KK's to add the iNride system or a cheap little power computer they have, as well as the larger flywheel accessory you can buy.  I have had a KK road machine for 2 years now with zero issues, and I put a ton of time on it.  That one is going to my wife.  I picked up a Rock and Roll KK yesterday onsale at bikebling.com .  It was onsale and I found another 10% discount code ontop of that searching around online.  Ended up being $455 shipped to my door.  The road machine is less.  It would be around $320 shipped with the code :  "hookup" I've only seen them cheaper than this around the holiday sales, but not much cheaper!

http://www.bikebling.com/Kinetic-Road-Machine-Fluid-Trainer-p/kinetic-roadmachine-fluid.htm

Or......

try this  http://www.bicycleoutfittersindy.com/product_p/t-002i.htm  Use the 15% code on the side if you've never ordered from there before.  This may be cheaper, but I've bought from there and can't use the code!

Ken....

I've seen those pics before, but they are good motivation to get moving!  Can I ask what kind of floor you put down, where you got it, and how you like it?

Omahabritt - 2013-01-31 11:33 AM So I think for the most part I've done well on my January goals, I've skipped some workouts, but actually that's part of the plan before official training starts so that's really ok. I still need a trainer, but I'm planning on ordering it tomorrow. I think I've decided on the Kurt Kenetic over the Cycle Ops, but if anyone has an opinion one way or the other I'd be happy to hear it! Becky-I'm a late night snacker too. Two things that have helped me are first, setting a time that I won't eat after (I try for 8, but for sure 9). If you eat late, regardless of what you eat, your body will turn it to fat, which is no good. Second, only allowing snacks on a certain number of nights. For me, 3x during the week is a good number, but you can pick what works for you. Brian-I can totally relate to how stress negatively affects your workouts. This week has been by far one of the most stressful in a long time. While working out is a great stress reliever, it can also add an additional layer to any already stressful time. I've realized workouts this week will be a struggle & not to expect great quality or quantity. I'm not going to be happy about that, but eventually I'll be able to look back on this week as a sense of accomplishment & be proud that I got through it. Don't scrap your season & try not to look too far down the road. I remember reading about ultra marathoner, Scott Jurek that wanted to quit during a race, laying-down-I'm-done, the entire race seemed impossible & he couldn't do it, so he thought about what he could do. He could go 100 steps, then another, until he finished & won the race. (Some facts my be altered, due to my memory & I've lent out the book so I can't check, but you get the jist). So try & focus on your workout for the day not the week or the entire season, or like I was doing this morning, one more lap around the track, then another, etc. At least you recognize your stressed & you need to improve your attitude, if only it was as easy to change it! The kids had a snow day yesterday, but luckily are back to school today!

I have had both, and I prefer the CycleOPs a little better, simply because it is easier to set the tension.  Just flip the lever.  I may need to replace it though as the drum is getting pitted and it tears up even the trainer tires a little more than it used to. 

Here is another outlet for trainers that I have used for other bike products.  Sunrise Tri

It does look like the outlets that Brian posted are a little better though.

I don't think you can go wrong with either brand though.

Thanks, it is close to being the room in the house I spend the most time in awake.  So I wanted it to be comfortable.  Also well ventilated which is my pet peeve with most hotel fitness rooms.  And unfortunately I spend more than my share of time in those!

If I understand what you are asking, there is a favorite link box on the right hand side of your blog page.  It looks like you already have something in there.  Other wise the e-mail notification works too.

I can't think of the brand, but they are 24" rubber squares 3/8th inch thick that I bought at Home Depot.  They work ok and were easy to install, link together with the puzzle like edges.  But, if I had to do it over again I would of held off and bought the 1/2 inch rolled out flooring through a flooring contractor.  It is heavier duty and glued to the floor.  Not cheap, more than carpeting, but the product I have works ok, but it does move side to side and occasionally comes apart. 

The room I built at our office has that and it works so much better.  Especially here since it sees a lot more traffic than the one at home. 

Thanks!

My R&R shipped yesterday.  Crossing my fingers for it to come this weekend! 

Todays is supposed to be my rest day, but I think if I can convince the wife to train with me, I may go to the pool and do another swim/aquajog.  Already had an unplanned rest day this week 

CyborgQueen - 2013-01-31 6:58 PM Weather here has gotten warmer so I'm looking forward to getting my rides outside. Now I just need motivation to get out there and do it vs trainer time. . I don't really like to ride solo, and nearly everyone I know works, so I'm kind of stuck in a way. Its been a while since I did a nice hard ride outside, so I can't really tell if my trainer work is paying off...I think 3 weeks is too soon to tell, but we'll see. I have Cyclo Ops, and I just turn off my CI or set it to filter out background noise (now, that's cool to adjust specific sounds I want to hear on the fly!). I never found the noise bothersome. I have no basement so I use it on my parquet flooring, and doesn't seem to cause any issues. I don't think there's that much difference between Cyclo Ops and KK. I *think* KK is a bit more percise for TrainerRoad and has inRide if you want to. I think its just easier to set up tension on the CO though. If your wheel is pitted, call CycloOps about it and they will send replacement part free (lifetime warranty). I did that when the tension "yellow flap thingy" screw got stripped. They sent me a new screw and everything is perfect again.

That is true DJ, I forgot that the warranty was lifetime. 

Glad the weather is improving so you can get outside.  Doing long rides outside is a bit boring but it is better than long rides inside by yourself I guess. 

Meulen - 2013-02-01 9:46 AM I went to a new masters swim last night. I was surprised it only took me 15 minutes to get there!  The pool was salt water and it was pretty interesting.  I did an aquajog at my other gym before I went.  Never put my head in the water and I could feel and smell how corse the chlorine is in my sinuses.  But, at the salt water pool, I didn't notice anything.  No smell, no sinus issues.  I ddn't even wear my ear plugs!  Wanted to hear the coach!   I think the workout could have been tougher, but the coach was probably just feeling me out and will probably put me in a faster lane later.  I got a good amount of attention and some good direction.  Something the masters swim at my gym really lacked.  The people there were REALLY nice too.   

 

My R&R shipped yesterday.  Crossing my fingers for it to come this weekend! 

 

Todays is supposed to be my rest day, but I think if I can convince the wife to train with me, I may go to the pool and do another swim/aquajog.  Already had an unplanned rest day this week 

That sounds like a win/win Brian! Good pool that doesn't aggravate the sinuses and a masters program with good coaching to boot! 

Does that pool offer any other opportunities for open swim so you can use it for yourself when training on your own and aqua jogging?

The tire on the bike now is a trainer tire, but I just put it on last fall and it is the first one I have used.  I just always used old tires that were cut or worn.  Never had a problem with slippage or excess rubber build up.  Who knows what caused it.  I will see what they say.

Thanks!

Hi all,

I'm rolling along. Still working on my base. I rode with my Wednesday group and we did a repeat ride from a couple of weeks ago. I was happy to say the hill climb wasn't easy but it was easier. I think the Spinnerval trainer rides are paying off.

The 10K I'm doing with my daughter is a week from Saturday. I'm looking forward to it. She's done great keeping it all up and it'll be a fun race. Then I have to start with a little run push for me but I'm looking forward to it. I'm thinking of signing for a Du in March. Last year I did the sprint (2 mile, 10 mile, 2 mile) but this year I think I can be ready for the International (10K, 40K, 5K) distance. I'll see how my post 10K running goes. The price increases at the end of February so I have time.

Swimming is swimming. I love when I'm there and when I'm done but it's still a struggle to get up early and go

I started a 2nd part time job this week. I'm a Personal Assistant to a Marriage and Family Therapist. I think I'll like working with her. Between the 2 jobs, the family, the horses, the dogs and the training, my life is complete.

Ken, love your new workout room.

kenj - 2013-02-01 10:45 AM

Meulen - 2013-02-01 9:46 AM I went to a new masters swim last night. I was surprised it only took me 15 minutes to get there!  The pool was salt water and it was pretty interesting.  I did an aquajog at my other gym before I went.  Never put my head in the water and I could feel and smell how corse the chlorine is in my sinuses.  But, at the salt water pool, I didn't notice anything.  No smell, no sinus issues.  I ddn't even wear my ear plugs!  Wanted to hear the coach!   I think the workout could have been tougher, but the coach was probably just feeling me out and will probably put me in a faster lane later.  I got a good amount of attention and some good direction.  Something the masters swim at my gym really lacked.  The people there were REALLY nice too.   

 

My R&R shipped yesterday.  Crossing my fingers for it to come this weekend! 

 

Todays is supposed to be my rest day, but I think if I can convince the wife to train with me, I may go to the pool and do another swim/aquajog.  Already had an unplanned rest day this week 

That sounds like a win/win Brian! Good pool that doesn't aggravate the sinuses and a masters program with good coaching to boot! 

Does that pool offer any other opportunities for open swim so you can use it for yourself when training on your own and aqua jogging?

Not for me!  I would have to join the gym.  It's a park district that I don't live in.  It would be about $35/mo and the other fascilities arent' all that good.  The pool seems to have a lot of other group activities booked there too so I would be worried availability would be an issue as well.

I was just trying to put a theory together on the tires.  I never use regular tires on my.  I'm theorizing that the regular tires would probably heat up more.  The hotter temps may be weakening the metal and causing your pitting over time.  I see this at computrainer classes all the time too where people come in and just use street tires all the time.  I've gotten those trainer tires on sale for $35.  That's cheap! and saves me from using street tires and keeping old garbage tires around taking up space.

Meulen - 2013-02-01 8:46 AM I went to a new masters swim last night. I was surprised it only took me 15 minutes to get there!  The pool was salt water and it was pretty interesting.  I did an aquajog at my other gym before I went.  Never put my head in the water and I could feel and smell how corse the chlorine is in my sinuses.  But, at the salt water pool, I didn't notice anything.  No smell, no sinus issues.  I ddn't even wear my ear plugs!  Wanted to hear the coach!   I think the workout could have been tougher, but the coach was probably just feeling me out and will probably put me in a faster lane later.  I got a good amount of attention and some good direction.  Something the masters swim at my gym really lacked.  The people there were REALLY nice too.   

 

My R&R shipped yesterday.  Crossing my fingers for it to come this weekend! 

 

Todays is supposed to be my rest day, but I think if I can convince the wife to train with me, I may go to the pool and do another swim/aquajog.  Already had an unplanned rest day this week 

I really hope this pool helps w/ the sinus's - keep us updated.  Glad the master's group went well too - I really need to do this even though my swimming doesn't need much work, the motivation would be huge!

Meulen - 2013-02-01 8:56 AM

kenj - 2013-02-01 10:45 AM

Meulen - 2013-02-01 9:46 AM I went to a new masters swim last night. I was surprised it only took me 15 minutes to get there!  The pool was salt water and it was pretty interesting.  I did an aquajog at my other gym before I went.  Never put my head in the water and I could feel and smell how corse the chlorine is in my sinuses.  But, at the salt water pool, I didn't notice anything.  No smell, no sinus issues.  I ddn't even wear my ear plugs!  Wanted to hear the coach!   I think the workout could have been tougher, but the coach was probably just feeling me out and will probably put me in a faster lane later.  I got a good amount of attention and some good direction.  Something the masters swim at my gym really lacked.  The people there were REALLY nice too.   

 

My R&R shipped yesterday.  Crossing my fingers for it to come this weekend! 

 

Todays is supposed to be my rest day, but I think if I can convince the wife to train with me, I may go to the pool and do another swim/aquajog.  Already had an unplanned rest day this week 

That sounds like a win/win Brian! Good pool that doesn't aggravate the sinuses and a masters program with good coaching to boot! 

Does that pool offer any other opportunities for open swim so you can use it for yourself when training on your own and aqua jogging?

 

Not for me!  I would have to join the gym.  It's a park district that I don't live in.  It would be about $35/mo and the other fascilities arent' all that good.  The pool seems to have a lot of other group activities booked there too so I would be worried availability would be an issue as well.

 

I was just trying to put a theory together on the tires.  I never use regular tires on my.  I'm theorizing that the regular tires would probably heat up more.  The hotter temps may be weakening the metal and causing your pitting over time.  I see this at computrainer classes all the time too where people come in and just use street tires all the time.  I've gotten those trainer tires on sale for $35.  That's cheap! and saves me from using street tires and keeping old garbage tires around taking up space.

Are you changing out your tires every time you put your bike on the trainer or do you keep one of your bikes as a trainer bike?

50andgettingfit - 2013-02-01 11:03 AM

Meulen - 2013-02-01 8:56 AM

kenj - 2013-02-01 10:45 AM

Meulen - 2013-02-01 9:46 AM I went to a new masters swim last night. I was surprised it only took me 15 minutes to get there!  The pool was salt water and it was pretty interesting.  I did an aquajog at my other gym before I went.  Never put my head in the water and I could feel and smell how corse the chlorine is in my sinuses.  But, at the salt water pool, I didn't notice anything.  No smell, no sinus issues.  I ddn't even wear my ear plugs!  Wanted to hear the coach!   I think the workout could have been tougher, but the coach was probably just feeling me out and will probably put me in a faster lane later.  I got a good amount of attention and some good direction.  Something the masters swim at my gym really lacked.  The people there were REALLY nice too.   

 

My R&R shipped yesterday.  Crossing my fingers for it to come this weekend! 

 

Todays is supposed to be my rest day, but I think if I can convince the wife to train with me, I may go to the pool and do another swim/aquajog.  Already had an unplanned rest day this week 

That sounds like a win/win Brian! Good pool that doesn't aggravate the sinuses and a masters program with good coaching to boot! 

Does that pool offer any other opportunities for open swim so you can use it for yourself when training on your own and aqua jogging?

 

Not for me!  I would have to join the gym.  It's a park district that I don't live in.  It would be about $35/mo and the other fascilities arent' all that good.  The pool seems to have a lot of other group activities booked there too so I would be worried availability would be an issue as well.

 

I was just trying to put a theory together on the tires.  I never use regular tires on my.  I'm theorizing that the regular tires would probably heat up more.  The hotter temps may be weakening the metal and causing your pitting over time.  I see this at computrainer classes all the time too where people come in and just use street tires all the time.  I've gotten those trainer tires on sale for $35.  That's cheap! and saves me from using street tires and keeping old garbage tires around taking up space.

Are you changing out your tires every time you put your bike on the trainer or do you keep one of your bikes as a trainer bike?

I usually have a bike I keep on the trainer.  However, that bike is getting worked on right now.  So my race bike is on the trainer.  It doesn't really matter right now because it's coooooold here.  If I need to go outside I'll just ride my road bike anyway.  I usally keep an extra rim around with a trainer tire on it that I can swap out.  But since my powertap is on my race wheel I just use that and swap tires out when I race.