Matt Gilmartin's Group- CLOSED~ we're swimming! (Page 35)

Completed the Rock-n-Roll USA half marathon yesterday.  While I missed my 2:15 goal by quite a bit (finish time was 2:18:54), I'm trying to celebrate the fact that it was a PR and I shaved more than 10 minutes off my prior half time.  I was really blown away by what a great race the Rock-n-Roll organization pulled off (I ran the philly rock-n-roll half before and like this race allot more).  I'll admit that I was skeptical going into it because of a) the horror stories I had heard about Rock-n-Roll Las Vegas and b) Rock-n-Roll just bought this race (it used to be the National Maraton/Half-marathon) and the learning curve is typically steep for an inaugural race.  Getting to the race on the metro was an absolute nightmare.  Even though metro agreed to open at 6am (an hour earlier than usual) to accommodate the race, there weren't nearly enough cars for all of the runners.  We were stuffed to the gills in each train and I came very, very close to having an anxiety attack---never realized how claustrophobic I am!  I was able to distract myself by talking to the runner beside me who had a DC tri shirt on---she gave me a recommendation for a great LBS and invited me to join her group for an upcoming bike ride near my house---nice!  Once at the race, everything went like clockwork.  There were plenty of porta-johns and the bag dropoff was extremely organized inside the armory.  The weather was gorgeous and unseasonably warm so it wasn't uncomfortable to line up in my corral and wait for the start in just a singlet over bra/shorts.  The course turned out to be much hillier and hotter than I was expecting---and you could definitely tell that many of the runners weren't acclimated to the heat this early in the season (nearly 75 degrees by the end of the race).  I really focused on consistent splits (I have a bad habit of getting caught up in the excitement at the beginning of the race and taking off too fast).  I carried my own camelbak and gu so that I wouldn't be at the mercy of the water stops which were pretty congested.  I'm eager to see a breakdown of my splits but haven't figured out how to get them to display ever since I started downloading my garmin data onto a mac rather than a pc.  I heard a few complaints from runners who didn't feel like there was as much rock-n-roll as the name would suggest, though that's not something I really cared about since I had my own tunes.  I think that the thing I was most impressed with was the finisher's area---it was very well organized with tremendous athlete support---right after you got your medal, there was food and drinks galore---to include muscle milk, water, gatorade, bananas, apples, greek yogurt, snickers marathon bars, dried fruit, etc. etc.---honestly, Marine Corps could learn a thing or two from how Rock-n-Roll runs their finish with the same numbers of runners.  The finish at Marine Corps last year was an absolute boondoggle.  In comparison, this one was very organized with resources spaced out so that runners weren't falling all over each other trying to get nourishment.  There was also a big post-race party with a band, vendors, and lots of beer.  I would have liked to stick around but had to get back home because I was responsible for our family St. Patty's Day meal that we were taking to my parent's house an hour away to celebrate my dad's release from the hospital.  Though I was a little disappointed that I didn't hit my goal time, I was feeling on top of the world until I bumped into two friends (same age/better athletes) whose times were MUCH faster.  Though I typically just try to focus on my own improvement and not compare myself to others, I felt so deflated/embarrassed in comparison to their performance!  I kept trying to remind myself how far I've come in two years (when I first picked running up two years ago, it took me 36 minutes to run a 5k).  I think this race was a good opportunity to check in with myself to see where I'm at with my training/fitness level and changes I need to make to have an enjoyable/successful tri & running season this summer/fall.  Thanks for reading---it already feels therapeutic just to put these feelings into words. :)  Hope everyone else had a great weekend.  One last thing---thanks so much for the honeymilk recovery drink recommendation.  I ordered two cases and they arrived the day before my race.  The night before the race, I froze one and threw it in my bag.  It was nice and slushy when I gulped it down after the race.  Absolutely delicious!

Robin

RobinRN - 2012-03-18 1:46 PM

You had a 10 minute PR, Robin- this might be more like "before and after"

Steve, I wish you have a fast recovery- take care of that stuff, man.

Hi Mat

   Thanks for the lead - I checked the 2012 Luna chix Seattle roster...no one named Anne (or Medusa).  Looks like a great group nevertheless.

    OK wetsuit question - rent or buy?  I am planning 2 or 3 races this year only to get a feel for this sport.  If the consensus is buy, is there a brand for short women that fits ok?  This is not a thin endurance athlete body YET.

Thanks, Melinda

Melinda,

If you use your wetsuit twice it'll pay for the cost of the rental.  Check out the Xterra line- there's a nice BT discount.  Good entry level suits at a great price.

Matt

I'm really enjoying all of the posts and the info!   I wish everyone good health and good training, we all know anything can (and usually does) pop up at any second!  I am so motivated by hearing the struggles and the PR's!  I'm such a newbie that I think I pick something up out of every post. LOL

After some searching for used bikes, I decided to go ahead and buy new from a local store.  The closest (big) bike shop that sells used bikes is an hour and a half away, and I just couldn't get there.  As soon as I got into the local shops and had narrowed it down to two bikes I liked and had good reviews, my car sprung an oil leak.  It's due back in the shop again Friday.  Then my lawnmower died.  Ha!  Anyway, I had to lower my budget on the bike and get a hybrid, which I am OK with, instead of a road bike. It should be in this week, then they start doing all the adjustments.  I have no problem having to save for awhile, then after I am more experienced on a bike (and in triathlons) going to get a FASTER bike. 

I also discovered there is only one bike group in my county, it's all men, and no one attempts it unless you are very very good (per both the bike shop owners).  I don't know anyone who bikes, and can't talk anyone into trying.  So I'll be on my own.  I have a vacation coming up and I'm planning on getting outside every day to get acquainted with this bike and distance. 

  Any quick advice for loners out in the park and out on the neighborhood country roads?

April, tons of things you need to keep in mind if riding alone and in a rural area:

1) Get a Road ID, and make sure to wear it.

2) Have a smartphone with you.  If you go missing they have built-in GPS.

3) Bring a toolkit in a bag so you can fix a tube, minor damages, etc.  If you break down and have to walk it REALLY sucks.  If you have no idea how to change a tube out, go to a class before you start riding.  You'll be glad you did when you have the inevitable flat tire.

4) I'd highly recommend any woman carry pepper spray or mace.  There are a lot of creepy dudes out there, and athletic women are always a target.

This is only the start, and I don't mean to scare you off, but be safe and everything else falls into place quite easily.

Matt

Hey Kids- here's an article from the WSJ about Dwyane Wade's "unorthodox" workout regimen.  I'm a believer in all of these!

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304459804577281872955931702.html?grcc=0647bc57ce6889f0e8f2c19276bf87fdZ3&mod=WSJ_hpp_sections_lifestyle

Love it!  For me, pedicures, massages, and weekly chiropractor adjustments are KEY to tolerating/enjoying both my athletic endeavors and, more importantly, my livelihood as an orthopaedic nurse.  Best advice I ever got when I went in the military was, "Take care of your feet!!".  Same advice I'd give any new nurse or runner as well.  Funny to think of Wade's size 15 feet at the nail salon!  I've recently started wearing calf compression sleeves during/after runs and am really impressed with how great they make my legs both during and after runs. I used to take an ice bath after every long run but have steered away from that torture lately since I'm not convinced the benefits outweigh the heart attack risk!

We've been talking about wetsuits and I'm ready to make the plunge on an xterra.  Is this something that's okay to order online or does it need to be purchased in person?  The sizing has me a little concerned---I'm assuming they're supposed to be distressingly snug?

Robin, I've never had a pedi, although I have been told by many women that I should get one LOL.  Not sure if that's an insult or a constructive criticism

As for the wetsuit, check the site and look at the measurements.  As part of your training you should get your body dimensions at least once a month anyway, so if you haven't done so, now is the perfect time!

This is sound advice. I have had the opportunity to walk a bike home with a flat and no spare tube. It's miserable, especially if you are wearing your biking shoes. Walking with cleats on pavement isn't fun.

I have a Bento Box that sits on my top tube right behind the stem and it holds my cell phone and some gel packs. I also have a spare tube, wrenches and CO2 cartridge in a bag behind my seat. I like to know that unless I blow out both tires I can at least make it back home on 2 wheels. Having the phone helps if you have mechanical problems but only if someone is available to come pick you up.

I haven't gotten a road id yet but its on the short list of things to get. I never thought of pepper spray but might start carrying it. Not because any sicko would target me but because of loose dogs that like to chase me when I go by their house.

I don't like it when our group is at the bottom - so here's a little story:

So today, my son wanted to clip in outside! I wasn't too sure about it as I think he should just work on the trainer right now, but he persisted so I took him outside to see what we could do. I only let him put his bike shoe on one foot and his regular shoe on the other foot so he could practice without worrying about unclipping to put both feet down. 

He clipped in with one foot and then...COMPLETELY FORGOT HOW TO RIDE A BIKE!!! He acted like it was the first time he had ever been on a bike and freaked out! He wouldn't pedal, wouldn't steer and even with his non-bike shoe foot, wouldn't hold himself in the upright position without acting like I was pushing him over! Perhaps we'll try again...when he's 25 years old!

Having some motivation issues lately.  Usually I'm working for the end of the day so I can go crush my workout.  The last few days it's been more "meh" when it comes to the day's activities.  I don't know if it's the change of seasons, the cloudy skies, phase of the moon, retrograde of Mars or what. 

I was ready to ride my bike indoors today since it was raining.  I had to mount my trainer tire on the new rim I got.  I wrestled with it for about an hour and decided there was more to it than I wanted to deal with at that time.  (see link)  At this point I could have laced up the shoes and gone for a run, but the reality of the situation was that I got in the car, drove around a bit and ended up at a local fast food joint and I'll leave the rest up to your imaginations. 

Work has been rough lately and my wife has been putting in a lot of extra hours at her job - which doesn't make me feel guilty about my training schedule.  Working out is my release valve from the day, but lately I have to talk myself into it when before I was chomping at the bit for the day to end and to get out the door.  Ugh. 

What do you do when the motivation is fleeting? 

Morning all!

    As a recent clipper convert, I can totally sympathize with your son's freeze (and I am a bit more than 25 at this point!).  As everyone does, I got into a situation on my first ride that my really loose and easy to clip out clips didn't.  I was riding around in increasingly tight circles desperately trying to unclip and yelling at my husband (fond tender epithetes, of course) until I yanked my foot out of the shoe trying to unclip.

    Things are better now.

   Also, just wanted to update that I did order the Vortex wetsuit and it is on the way.  There are a lot of YOUTUBE videos about how to put it on (including one famous guy that puts it starting with it inside out).  I do not dig the one with the chick with the six-pack.  Please note, my first, second and third attempts to wiggle into the sucker will NOT be on youtube. 

Melinda

Thanks Mariah  I hate it too, but I often forget to post.  Bad mentor = bottom.

I've been in your position, especially after a few hard weeks at work or coming back from vacation - it's easy to "fall off the workout wagon", if you will. Trust me, bad habits are easier to pick up than it is to create good habits, unfortunately.

My best advice is that even though you might not feel like getting out there are doing anything, go anyway - even if you tell yourself that it's only for 10 or 15 minutes. After the given time limit, if you're still not feeling it, stop for the day and try again tomorrow. Chances are however, that after 15 minutes in the pool or on the bike, you may actually WANT to go further or finish a particular set, and you'll not only get your workout in, but you'll feel good about yourself too!

Perhaps even buying a new piece of training equipment might help. You can get some Sufferfest video's fairly cheap (~ $12 each), so that might help get you motivated to get on the trainer (once you get that trainer tire mounted!) or maybe a new pair of socks to get you back running, you know - to compare those socks to another brand that you might already have.

Do you have a training partner? Is there someone that you can workout with that will hold you accountable? Maybe you don't actually have to workout side-by-side with them, but if you and said person meet up somewhere and do your workout, you are responsible for reporting to that person and certainly you wouldn't want to let them down! 

Basically, it all comes down to playing mental games with yourself...at least that's what gets me going (and the fact that if I fail a PT test I can now be kicked out of the military). I hope you can find your mojo and get back into the swing of things. Good luck and let me know if there's anything I can say to you to light that workout fire!

Melinda - I don't like 6-pack abs girl, either! I haven't seen the one with the guy putting in on inside out - will have to check it out. I remember all too well the first time I tried to put on the wetsuit. I was so paranoid about putting a fingernail "moon" into it or tearing it or whatever, that I actually put it on with gloves! Anyway, I should have sold tickets the first time I put it on. It would have been a sell-out crowd!

I wiggled and squirmed into it halfway (finally got it up to my waist) and I had to take a break!! No kidding! I was sweating and huffing and puffing and just worn out. I sat down and had to rehydrate! My husband was cracking up!

I have found that it gets easier the more times you do it. I put bags over my feet which help them in a lot easier. Getting out of it is a lot easier than getting in! Do you have an open water swim planned? I took my kids to the local dive shop and rented out their salt-water pool for a half-hour ($10) so the kids could get a feel for wearing a wetsuit and swimming in salt-water, so that may be a better option rather than swimming in your local (chlorinated) pool if you can't get an OWS in.

Good luck - it will get easier (or maybe we just get more accustomed to the struggle of putting it on)!!

Christian,

This is normal, I go through it all the time myself.  I have found that I need to force myself to do three consecutive weeks of building with increased volume before I will allow myself a "slacker week".  The training volume graph on the left side of the training log has become the source of many nightmares and dreams for me.  The scale is also a big motivator- I am a clydesdale so a few pounds generally doesn't matter, but when I go over 250 that's when I freak.

Training on a trainer indoors when it's raining is tough.  Chalk it up to short term funk.  Do you think you're maybe bored with swim/bike/run?  I know I get that way sometimes.  I like to do yoga, pilates, MMA, and kickboxing.  They're all great exercise and help relieve your mind of the monotony of tri traning.