Todd's Tri Turtles - (Beginners, Sprint, 5K, 10K) - CLOSED (Page 36)

Originally posted by Taringa

Question time for all you turtles!

This subject has been tackled now and again on the open forums, but I thought I'd ask my mates....What are everyone's thoughts on training plans, planning, how to do it, how to stick to it, etc?

I've decided just recently that I should  try to be a bit structured; up until now I've written myself a swim/bike/run/strength pattern month by month but my workouts have been a bit impulsive. I've borrowed Joe Friel's Training Bible from the library (and ordered my own copy online), set myself an annual training plan, and I'm hoping to stick to it and see some results. His stuff does seem to make scientific/biological sense ( though I'm not convinced on the paleo diet part, I like my bread too much) and it all seems to be well thought-out. 

Anyone using his methods? Tips and tricks, pitfalls to avoid? 

Originally posted by RZ0

I used a generic training plan I downloaded off the internet. It simply gave minutes per day for each discipline. Monday might be 45-minute run, Tuesday might be 30-minute swim, 15-minute run, etc.
It kept me disciplined, just like any 'to-do' list does. Knowing what I had to do in a day made me more likely to do it.
It helped me plan ahead. Sometimes looking out a couple days, I'd see some conflicts. One weekend I was out of town but scheduled to do a swim I knew I wouldn't have time for. So I moved the swim up a couple of days and moved a run into the weekend.
There are lots of places to pick up schedules, including elsewhere on the BT site. I guess I'd advise avoiding schedules that are too ambitious - calling for two hours a day/six days a week when you only have time for 45 minutes, that sort of thing.

Originally posted by Rnay225

Do you mind if I vent for just a second...or many seconds?

About 6 months ago my gym put out a call to anyone interested in becoming a group fitness instructor so my sister and I went to a few of the meetings to check it out. The first meeting seemed nice and we were told each of us would get a mentor and training etc. so we could start teaching classes (or at least parts of classes) by the summer. It seemed great! So we signed up and came to the next meeting which was a workout format. When we were there we were repeatedly "called out" in a sort of condescending manner for not attending more group fitness classes. My sister is a nurse so her schedule isn't set except for her working 3-4 12 hour shifts per week. The days tend to vary so she attends classes often but not at the same time or with the same instructor. At the time I was in grad school so I was the same way. I went to some but not all and really whenever they could fit. I actually spent more time on the elliptical or treadmill or spin bike because I could read for school while getting a workout in. It made us feel really alienated because the other 2 women in the room told us they didn't work so attended basically every class everyday. Group fitness was also their only source of fitness which is fine but I of course like to SBR too. So we went through the class and everyone kept saying how they couldn't believe how well we could keep up...um, rude. The next couple of classes we went but not together because of our schedules and it was more of the same but they'd also sort of bash whichever one of us wasn't there because we missed. We ultimately stopped going (which was fine since the other women still aren't instructors to this day) because of how they made us feel and because aside from learning routines there was no education such as basic anatomy. Once the weather got nicer we switched to outside workouts since that's what we love and admittedly haven't been in the gym as much as we should. So yesterday we went back and one of the women leading the fitness instructor program spotted us. She went on and on about how she was glad we finally decided to come back to the gym and that if we can start working out regularly again she'd be willing to work with us on being instructors. SERIOUSLY?! We run 4 days a week! Just because we don't spend 3 hours (she told us she spends at least that long in the gym) a day in a gym doesn't mean we just sit on our butts. Needless to say, we're thinking it might be time to leave the gym. Does anyone else have bad feelings towards gyms or is it just me? I've never loved them and especially since my sister and I have had weight issues we can be a little sensitive. But after that this is quite obviously not a supportive environment!

Sorry for the rant, just needed to get it off my chest

Originally posted by Taringa

Question time for all you turtles!

This subject has been tackled now and again on the open forums, but I thought I'd ask my mates....What are everyone's thoughts on training plans, planning, how to do it, how to stick to it, etc?

I've decided just recently that I should  try to be a bit structured; up until now I've written myself a swim/bike/run/strength pattern month by month but my workouts have been a bit impulsive. I've borrowed Joe Friel's Training Bible from the library (and ordered my own copy online), set myself an annual training plan, and I'm hoping to stick to it and see some results. His stuff does seem to make scientific/biological sense ( though I'm not convinced on the paleo diet part, I like my bread too much) and it all seems to be well thought-out. 

Anyone using his methods? Tips and tricks, pitfalls to avoid? 

Originally posted by Rnay225

Do you mind if I vent for just a second...or many seconds?

About 6 months ago my gym put out a call to anyone interested in becoming a group fitness instructor so my sister and I went to a few of the meetings to check it out. The first meeting seemed nice and we were told each of us would get a mentor and training etc. so we could start teaching classes (or at least parts of classes) by the summer. It seemed great! So we signed up and came to the next meeting which was a workout format. When we were there we were repeatedly "called out" in a sort of condescending manner for not attending more group fitness classes. My sister is a nurse so her schedule isn't set except for her working 3-4 12 hour shifts per week. The days tend to vary so she attends classes often but not at the same time or with the same instructor. At the time I was in grad school so I was the same way. I went to some but not all and really whenever they could fit. I actually spent more time on the elliptical or treadmill or spin bike because I could read for school while getting a workout in. It made us feel really alienated because the other 2 women in the room told us they didn't work so attended basically every class everyday. Group fitness was also their only source of fitness which is fine but I of course like to SBR too. So we went through the class and everyone kept saying how they couldn't believe how well we could keep up...um, rude. The next couple of classes we went but not together because of our schedules and it was more of the same but they'd also sort of bash whichever one of us wasn't there because we missed. We ultimately stopped going (which was fine since the other women still aren't instructors to this day) because of how they made us feel and because aside from learning routines there was no education such as basic anatomy. Once the weather got nicer we switched to outside workouts since that's what we love and admittedly haven't been in the gym as much as we should. So yesterday we went back and one of the women leading the fitness instructor program spotted us. She went on and on about how she was glad we finally decided to come back to the gym and that if we can start working out regularly again she'd be willing to work with us on being instructors. SERIOUSLY?! We run 4 days a week! Just because we don't spend 3 hours (she told us she spends at least that long in the gym) a day in a gym doesn't mean we just sit on our butts. Needless to say, we're thinking it might be time to leave the gym. Does anyone else have bad feelings towards gyms or is it just me? I've never loved them and especially since my sister and I have had weight issues we can be a little sensitive. But after that this is quite obviously not a supportive environment!

Sorry for the rant, just needed to get it off my chest

Originally posted by Rnay225

Do you mind if I vent for just a second...or many seconds?

About 6 months ago my gym put out a call to anyone interested in becoming a group fitness instructor so my sister and I went to a few of the meetings to check it out. The first meeting seemed nice and we were told each of us would get a mentor and training etc. so we could start teaching classes (or at least parts of classes) by the summer. It seemed great! So we signed up and came to the next meeting which was a workout format. When we were there we were repeatedly "called out" in a sort of condescending manner for not attending more group fitness classes. My sister is a nurse so her schedule isn't set except for her working 3-4 12 hour shifts per week. The days tend to vary so she attends classes often but not at the same time or with the same instructor. At the time I was in grad school so I was the same way. I went to some but not all and really whenever they could fit. I actually spent more time on the elliptical or treadmill or spin bike because I could read for school while getting a workout in. It made us feel really alienated because the other 2 women in the room told us they didn't work so attended basically every class everyday. Group fitness was also their only source of fitness which is fine but I of course like to SBR too. So we went through the class and everyone kept saying how they couldn't believe how well we could keep up...um, rude. The next couple of classes we went but not together because of our schedules and it was more of the same but they'd also sort of bash whichever one of us wasn't there because we missed. We ultimately stopped going (which was fine since the other women still aren't instructors to this day) because of how they made us feel and because aside from learning routines there was no education such as basic anatomy. Once the weather got nicer we switched to outside workouts since that's what we love and admittedly haven't been in the gym as much as we should. So yesterday we went back and one of the women leading the fitness instructor program spotted us. She went on and on about how she was glad we finally decided to come back to the gym and that if we can start working out regularly again she'd be willing to work with us on being instructors. SERIOUSLY?! We run 4 days a week! Just because we don't spend 3 hours (she told us she spends at least that long in the gym) a day in a gym doesn't mean we just sit on our butts. Needless to say, we're thinking it might be time to leave the gym. Does anyone else have bad feelings towards gyms or is it just me? I've never loved them and especially since my sister and I have had weight issues we can be a little sensitive. But after that this is quite obviously not a supportive environment!

Sorry for the rant, just needed to get it off my chest

Originally posted by Taringa

Question time for all you turtles!

This subject has been tackled now and again on the open forums, but I thought I'd ask my mates....What are everyone's thoughts on training plans, planning, how to do it, how to stick to it, etc?

I've decided just recently that I should  try to be a bit structured; up until now I've written myself a swim/bike/run/strength pattern month by month but my workouts have been a bit impulsive. I've borrowed Joe Friel's Training Bible from the library (and ordered my own copy online), set myself an annual training plan, and I'm hoping to stick to it and see some results. His stuff does seem to make scientific/biological sense ( though I'm not convinced on the paleo diet part, I like my bread too much) and it all seems to be well thought-out. 

Anyone using his methods? Tips and tricks, pitfalls to avoid? 

Originally posted by Hubbie

Well I got tonight off with a bang, of sorts. I was dropping my son off at his sitters home and we were talking out on her front porch was we always do. Suddenly I heard my son screaming at the top of his lungs, it was that terrified in pain scream that made my blood run cold. I saw a swarm of bees around him as he was frantically trying to get them off. Of course all his movement just angered them even more. In one somewhat smooth and frantic swoop I grabbed him and bodily threw him into the house at the same time yanking the door open with my other hand will all my might. Then the sitter (who is not a small woman) and myself where trying to squeeze into the same doorway together while swatting at the bees.

Once we had both doors closed we both scrambled to get my kids clothing off him to make sure no bees where still on him while I was pounding the mound of cloths to make sure any wayward bee was good and dead. While I continued to give those cloths the beat down of a life time my sitter was literally throwing bags of frozen peas and chocolate candies at my kid to put on the stings.
All the while I’m pounding the cloths with one hand, holding the frozen food with the other, trying to hug and comfort my son with my arm and shoo off the dog. In hindsight we must have looked ridiculous as two grown women freaking out and flailing our arms.

I had just gotten my son calmed down when he started shrieking bloody murder again. Of course I thought more bees where in the house and started the swatting thing all over again but was stopped when my kid pointed to my forehead and said “Bbbbblllllooooooooooddddddddd!!!!!!!!)
Apparently in my haste to get in the house I misjudged the distance between the door and my forehead and got hit hard enough to cause a three inch laceration to my forehead. All this and I had to be at work in 10 minutes. So I got work called and got them informed of my situation getting the OK to be late.

All in all my son got stung six times and I twice. As I’m sitting here at work with a large bandage on my forehead that is already bleeding though I’m getting weird looks from the hospital patients. If it weren’t for my paramedic uniform I could easily be one of the patients.

What a way to start my shift.

Originally posted by Hunting Triathlete

Good luck, you and the bike will be just fine tomorrow, give them heck.

Originally posted by NMS




Well I did my race today, the Belfast Titanic Sprint Triathlon. I decided on an early night last night to ensure I was we'll rested, the night went like this:

10.30 off to bed
11.30 too warm can't sleep
12.30. Too cold can't sleep
1.30 pain in leg can't sleep
2.30 pain in wrist can't sleep
3.30 big thunderstorm can't sleep
4.30 toilet visit can't sleep
5.30. Get up for breakfast and shower

Soooooo as you can see. I was really well rested - not! But the excitement and adrenaline kicked in. Got showered had some porridge and banana after a coffee. Packed bag, nibbled on a clif bar and sipped some High 5. Took bike for a short spin round the street to check the gears. All fine. Off we go. It was a bit cloudy but by the time we got there the sun was breaking through. Found my spot in transition got set up and wandered about with my support team of husband and son, chatting to people I knew. The time went in very quickly and it was time to get in the water. I was in the third wave, first wave being the World Police and Fire games, second wave being Olympic distance. I found a space right at the back, to give myself space to get into my rythmn. No panic, those practice open water swims did the trick to ensure I was calm. Pretty soon I was passing people and I was surprised a how quickly we got to the half way buoy to turn. There was a bit of congestion and contact going round the buoy but nothing too awful. Then we were on the home straight but by this time the previous two waves were mixed in with us and quite a lot of contact too place, but I avoided where I could and kicked hard when people swam over my legs so they would know I was there. At the end we had to pull ourselves up onto a ramped pontoon. I was surprised and grateful when the girl in front of me got on then turned round and held out her hand to pull me up. What a lovely gesture, that is why I love this sport. I got on then turned to help whoever was behind me to return the favour but it was all big muscley men who were not going to take help from a girl so I got up and ran to transition. Wetsuit came off easily and I remembered to hold hat,goggles etc in my hand while I pulled the top down so they ended up inside my sleeve, which worked well. Helmet on, bike out and onto the cycle course. This was pancake flat so straight into top gear and didn't change down the whole way. I was passed by the whole world it seemed but I really enjoyed myself and passed a few people. I reminded myself not to go too fast, which would have been easy on such a flat course, to keep something for the run. I didn't allow myself to be freaked by so many passing me and reminded myself to race my own race and to have fun. I felt I made really good time and I was back into transition after 60 minutes overall for swim and bike. I took my time here as I really needed a drink, not yet being able to drink on the bike, I knew this would slow me down but it was very hot by now with the sun beating down so I knew I needed it. Off out to the run. Unfortunately this is where my hips started to play up and get sore (I have osteo arthritis in my hips) so I could not run fast, I had to just keep it slow and pace myself to ensure the pain was bearable and I could last the distance. As I turned the last corner my son (14) started to run along side me on the outside of the barrier encouraging me to the finish. Over the line where my husband was waiting, I was given a medal and a bottle of water and directed to the snacks and free massage. My overall time was 1:37:38, I don't know the split times yet. I was 173/195. I was 3/3 in my age group (50-54) but as the overall female winner was also in that age group (1:09:00) and the second person only beat. Me by 52 seconds I am happy with that.

I had a whale of a time. I went into this event with the mantra "I paid to do this so smile and enjoy it" and that is what I did. I improved on my previous sprint time of 1:45 and am also further up the field having finished 22 from the bottom this time as opposed to 11 from the bottom last time. I am tired and sore and have donee nothing but lie on the sofa and eat all afternoon, but I am a very happy bunny :-)

Originally posted by NMS




Well I did my race today, the Belfast Titanic Sprint Triathlon. I decided on an early night last night to ensure I was we'll rested, the night went like this:

10.30 off to bed
11.30 too warm can't sleep
12.30. Too cold can't sleep
1.30 pain in leg can't sleep
2.30 pain in wrist can't sleep
3.30 big thunderstorm can't sleep
4.30 toilet visit can't sleep
5.30. Get up for breakfast and shower

Soooooo as you can see. I was really well rested - not! But the excitement and adrenaline kicked in. Got showered had some porridge and banana after a coffee. Packed bag, nibbled on a clif bar and sipped some High 5. Took bike for a short spin round the street to check the gears. All fine. Off we go. It was a bit cloudy but by the time we got there the sun was breaking through. Found my spot in transition got set up and wandered about with my support team of husband and son, chatting to people I knew. The time went in very quickly and it was time to get in the water. I was in the third wave, first wave being the World Police and Fire games, second wave being Olympic distance. I found a space right at the back, to give myself space to get into my rythmn. No panic, those practice open water swims did the trick to ensure I was calm. Pretty soon I was passing people and I was surprised a how quickly we got to the half way buoy to turn. There was a bit of congestion and contact going round the buoy but nothing too awful. Then we were on the home straight but by this time the previous two waves were mixed in with us and quite a lot of contact too place, but I avoided where I could and kicked hard when people swam over my legs so they would know I was there. At the end we had to pull ourselves up onto a ramped pontoon. I was surprised and grateful when the girl in front of me got on then turned round and held out her hand to pull me up. What a lovely gesture, that is why I love this sport. I got on then turned to help whoever was behind me to return the favour but it was all big muscley men who were not going to take help from a girl so I got up and ran to transition. Wetsuit came off easily and I remembered to hold hat,goggles etc in my hand while I pulled the top down so they ended up inside my sleeve, which worked well. Helmet on, bike out and onto the cycle course. This was pancake flat so straight into top gear and didn't change down the whole way. I was passed by the whole world it seemed but I really enjoyed myself and passed a few people. I reminded myself not to go too fast, which would have been easy on such a flat course, to keep something for the run. I didn't allow myself to be freaked by so many passing me and reminded myself to race my own race and to have fun. I felt I made really good time and I was back into transition after 60 minutes overall for swim and bike. I took my time here as I really needed a drink, not yet being able to drink on the bike, I knew this would slow me down but it was very hot by now with the sun beating down so I knew I needed it. Off out to the run. Unfortunately this is where my hips started to play up and get sore (I have osteo arthritis in my hips) so I could not run fast, I had to just keep it slow and pace myself to ensure the pain was bearable and I could last the distance. As I turned the last corner my son (14) started to run along side me on the outside of the barrier encouraging me to the finish. Over the line where my husband was waiting, I was given a medal and a bottle of water and directed to the snacks and free massage. My overall time was 1:37:38, I don't know the split times yet. I was 173/195. I was 3/3 in my age group (50-54) but as the overall female winner was also in that age group (1:09:00) and the second person only beat. Me by 52 seconds I am happy with that.

I had a whale of a time. I went into this event with the mantra "I paid to do this so smile and enjoy it" and that is what I did. I improved on my previous sprint time of 1:45 and am also further up the field having finished 22 from the bottom this time as opposed to 11 from the bottom last time. I am tired and sore and have done nothing but lie on the sofa and eat all afternoon, but I am a very happy bunny :-)

Originally posted by NMS




Well I did my race today, the Belfast Titanic Sprint Triathlon. I decided on an early night last night to ensure I was we'll rested, the night went like this:

10.30 off to bed
11.30 too warm can't sleep
12.30. Too cold can't sleep
1.30 pain in leg can't sleep
2.30 pain in wrist can't sleep
3.30 big thunderstorm can't sleep
4.30 toilet visit can't sleep
5.30. Get up for breakfast and shower

Soooooo as you can see. I was really well rested - not! But the excitement and adrenaline kicked in. Got showered had some porridge and banana after a coffee. Packed bag, nibbled on a clif bar and sipped some High 5. Took bike for a short spin round the street to check the gears. All fine. Off we go. It was a bit cloudy but by the time we got there the sun was breaking through. Found my spot in transition got set up and wandered about with my support team of husband and son, chatting to people I knew. The time went in very quickly and it was time to get in the water. I was in the third wave, first wave being the World Police and Fire games, second wave being Olympic distance. I found a space right at the back, to give myself space to get into my rythmn. No panic, those practice open water swims did the trick to ensure I was calm. Pretty soon I was passing people and I was surprised a how quickly we got to the half way buoy to turn. There was a bit of congestion and contact going round the buoy but nothing too awful. Then we were on the home straight but by this time the previous two waves were mixed in with us and quite a lot of contact too place, but I avoided where I could and kicked hard when people swam over my legs so they would know I was there. At the end we had to pull ourselves up onto a ramped pontoon. I was surprised and grateful when the girl in front of me got on then turned round and held out her hand to pull me up. What a lovely gesture, that is why I love this sport. I got on then turned to help whoever was behind me to return the favour but it was all big muscley men who were not going to take help from a girl so I got up and ran to transition. Wetsuit came off easily and I remembered to hold hat,goggles etc in my hand while I pulled the top down so they ended up inside my sleeve, which worked well. Helmet on, bike out and onto the cycle course. This was pancake flat so straight into top gear and didn't change down the whole way. I was passed by the whole world it seemed but I really enjoyed myself and passed a few people. I reminded myself not to go too fast, which would have been easy on such a flat course, to keep something for the run. I didn't allow myself to be freaked by so many passing me and reminded myself to race my own race and to have fun. I felt I made really good time and I was back into transition after 60 minutes overall for swim and bike. I took my time here as I really needed a drink, not yet being able to drink on the bike, I knew this would slow me down but it was very hot by now with the sun beating down so I knew I needed it. Off out to the run. Unfortunately this is where my hips started to play up and get sore (I have osteo arthritis in my hips) so I could not run fast, I had to just keep it slow and pace myself to ensure the pain was bearable and I could last the distance. As I turned the last corner my son (14) started to run along side me on the outside of the barrier encouraging me to the finish. Over the line where my husband was waiting, I was given a medal and a bottle of water and directed to the snacks and free massage. My overall time was 1:37:38, I don't know the split times yet. I was 173/195. I was 3/3 in my age group (50-54) but as the overall female winner was also in that age group (1:09:00) and the second person only beat. Me by 52 seconds I am happy with that.

I had a whale of a time. I went into this event with the mantra "I paid to do this so smile and enjoy it" and that is what I did. I improved on my previous sprint time of 1:45 and am also further up the field having finished 22 from the bottom this time as opposed to 11 from the bottom last time. I am tired and sore and have done nothing but lie on the sofa and eat all afternoon, but I am a very happy bunny :-)