Manatee Monkey Mentors SHUT (Poptart or pet pic bribes considered) (Page 36)

Originally posted by bullygirl979 Ha! I thought you guys were kidding about the gallery!! And nice domane, whoever owns that. That was my second choice bike Chris, thanks for posting those articles. I am brand new to road biking and I want to join the group rides at my LBS as soon as I am able to do the distance. They seem like a helpful and friendly bunch, but I like to be prepared going in to things. Speaking of being prepared....I have my first swim lesson tonight. I am a weak swimmer and have no idea how to do a crawl. I found the coach through this forum (woo hoo!) but I have no idea how to determine if she is "good" or what have you. Any tips or suggestions?

You're welcome. I am a big fan of group rides, as are a few others in here. And I'll be the last to say anything on swimming, as I am the worst. But I will say that a coach is a good idea, good luck with it!

Welcome Debbie!  Nice ride and cute pup.    Good luck with the swimming lesson - that's a GREAT idea for us adult-onset swimmers (I'm hoping to take some soon).

On other topics, naked runs sound like they could be painful (if I participate, then on the eyes of the other runners, but was thinking more about body parts jumbling along being less than comfortable).  The underwear run sounds like a hoot!

I need to get some pictures of the menagerie chez McManus and post them up.  The dogs are cute, but the salt and other tanks are kinda cool (at least to us), as is Mia (yes, my daughter's hamster is named "Mia Hamm-ster").

Thanks for the kind words on my race last weekend.  Was a hoot and I'm very happy with the PR!  Just found out I also made the roll-down list for ITU Long Course Worlds (which I'd totally do - what better excuse to learn to swim and to take the family to Sweden for a week?!?).  Would require pretty much everyone that qualified outright to say no, but I'm happy just to have made the list.

RR forthcoming (in less than 10 months, I hope!).

OK, off to getting the house ready for the realtors coming through (again) today!  Head is frazzled…     

Matt

OHMUHGARSH - I love all the pics of the furrkids everyone has!  

Ours were cute little furry jerks again last night, but they're still cute enough to keep.  FYI, kittehs are NOT very aero when they get tossed off the bed.  

Today's job-saga update is that I just got a call from the recruiter who said that the head honco partner guy liked me and now they want me to interview with the 2 associates I'd be working with.  Interviews galore!  Hopefully these will be the last two and then there will be good news   

I did enjoy my time.  I'll get back out with them again sometime.  I was just happy to have kept up with the A group.

Another point I noticed (haven't read the articles yet) is the dress standard.  Here I am in my Peral Izumi solid colored jersey, and everyone else is in some type of custom jersey.  I didn't let it scare me away (because I know I can ride with them), but it could easily create an 'us and them' with new riders.

It was just interesting to experience cycling culture.  Which is is different from triathlon culture, which is different than running, which is different than swimming.... I'm glad to be a part of all FOUR groups.

Originally posted by bullygirl979 Ha! I thought you guys were kidding about the gallery!! And nice domane, whoever owns that. That was my second choice bike Chris, thanks for posting those articles. I am brand new to road biking and I want to join the group rides at my LBS as soon as I am able to do the distance. They seem like a helpful and friendly bunch, but I like to be prepared going in to things. Speaking of being prepared....I have my first swim lesson tonight. I am a weak swimmer and have no idea how to do a crawl. I found the coach through this forum (woo hoo!) but I have no idea how to determine if she is "good" or what have you. Any tips or suggestions?

She is "good" if you are learning, making progress, and enjoy your personal interactions with her.  If she's making you feel dumb, you can find others that are nicer (not that she will).  I worked with a local tri coach on swimming technique for a bit.  That was profitable.  Give it time, you'll enjoy it!  Let us know how it goes!

Originally posted by cdban66

Originally posted by bullygirl979 Ha! I thought you guys were kidding about the gallery!! And nice domane, whoever owns that. That was my second choice bike Chris, thanks for posting those articles. I am brand new to road biking and I want to join the group rides at my LBS as soon as I am able to do the distance. They seem like a helpful and friendly bunch, but I like to be prepared going in to things. Speaking of being prepared....I have my first swim lesson tonight. I am a weak swimmer and have no idea how to do a crawl. I found the coach through this forum (woo hoo!) but I have no idea how to determine if she is "good" or what have you. Any tips or suggestions?

You're welcome. I am a big fan of group rides, as are a few others in here. And I'll be the last to say anything on swimming, as I am the worst. But I will say that a coach is a good idea, good luck with it!

The group I did my ride with is distinct from any of the LBS around here.  There are a number of rides organized around the city at different speed levels so that all cyclists can find a group to ride with.  It's nice to have.

Originally posted by ponderingfox

Originally posted by bullygirl979 Ha! I thought you guys were kidding about the gallery!! And nice domane, whoever owns that. That was my second choice bike Chris, thanks for posting those articles. I am brand new to road biking and I want to join the group rides at my LBS as soon as I am able to do the distance. They seem like a helpful and friendly bunch, but I like to be prepared going in to things. Speaking of being prepared....I have my first swim lesson tonight. I am a weak swimmer and have no idea how to do a crawl. I found the coach through this forum (woo hoo!) but I have no idea how to determine if she is "good" or what have you. Any tips or suggestions?

She is "good" if you are learning, making progress, and enjoy your personal interactions with her.  If she's making you feel dumb, you can find others that are nicer (not that she will).  I worked with a local tri coach on swimming technique for a bit.  That was profitable.  Give it time, you'll enjoy it!  Let us know how it goes!

I'd say she's good if you are learning and making progress whether or not you personally hate her guts and the very sight of her (but I'm sick and can go a long way on hatred, just sayin' )

If the coach is on this forum, one of the actual coaches FOR BT, or was recommended by someone on BT, chances are good she's at least competent.

Originally posted by cdban66

Originally posted by bullygirl979 Ha! I thought you guys were kidding about the gallery!! And nice domane, whoever owns that. That was my second choice bike Chris, thanks for posting those articles. I am brand new to road biking and I want to join the group rides at my LBS as soon as I am able to do the distance. They seem like a helpful and friendly bunch, but I like to be prepared going in to things. Speaking of being prepared....I have my first swim lesson tonight. I am a weak swimmer and have no idea how to do a crawl. I found the coach through this forum (woo hoo!) but I have no idea how to determine if she is "good" or what have you. Any tips or suggestions?

You're welcome. I am a big fan of group rides, as are a few others in here. And I'll be the last to say anything on swimming, as I am the worst. But I will say that a coach is a good idea, good luck with it!

I enjoy group rides as well.  Each definitely has it's own personality.  Most groups that I ride with are have a friendly warm up section and then transition into a speedier or more attacking section.  It's definitely important to find out if if's a no drop ride or not and to have a cue sheet or be familiar with the route just in case you get culled from the herd.  Last weekend the group broke because of a stop light (and we normally don't separate) so even something like that can cause you to be separated from the pack. 

Fingers crossed...

(and what's the number for Austin's fire department???)

Ha!  I really should give them LOTS of warning, and maybe put out some sort of public service announcement.  And have them on speed-dial...  

Wow, that is quite the interview process they have!!  At least it looks like there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  Good luck!!

Have you considered little aero kitteh helmets??

So exciting!!  No word on working for the current firm, I assume?

As for the kittehs, aero helmets might keep them from getting kitteh head injuries or needing red solo cups to prevent wound licking.  Those poor abused little kittehs, but such photo ops!!  Plus if they got helmets, they might be so PO'd that they'd leave you alone so mission accomplished?

Originally posted by jmkizer

Originally posted by cdban66

Originally posted by bullygirl979 Ha! I thought you guys were kidding about the gallery!! And nice domane, whoever owns that. That was my second choice bike Chris, thanks for posting those articles. I am brand new to road biking and I want to join the group rides at my LBS as soon as I am able to do the distance. They seem like a helpful and friendly bunch, but I like to be prepared going in to things. Speaking of being prepared....I have my first swim lesson tonight. I am a weak swimmer and have no idea how to do a crawl. I found the coach through this forum (woo hoo!) but I have no idea how to determine if she is "good" or what have you. Any tips or suggestions?

You're welcome. I am a big fan of group rides, as are a few others in here. And I'll be the last to say anything on swimming, as I am the worst. But I will say that a coach is a good idea, good luck with it!

I enjoy group rides as well.  Each definitely has it's own personality.  Most groups that I ride with are have a friendly warm up section and then transition into a speedier or more attacking section.  It's definitely important to find out if if's a no drop ride or not and to have a cue sheet or be familiar with the route just in case you get culled from the herd.  Last weekend the group broke because of a stop light (and we normally don't separate) so even something like that can cause you to be separated from the pack. 

Haven't gotten up the nerve to join a group ride yet.  Not sure I could go far enough or fast enough.  I suppose I could go with a no-drop group for part of the distance, then turn around but I'm just a little too proud for that.    I figure I'll check one out when I can make it 20+ miles.

How is it different?

I actually don't find that it is.  Where I live, there is a lot of cross pollination.  The only issue that I see is someone who joins a group ride and thinks that they are going to ride in the middle of the pack in their aero bars, and then get snotty when you say don't do that. 

Anyone who is friends on Facebook with me has seen this, but I wanted to share it here...this was an interview our PR person set up for me with our local free print paper. Its kind of cool, and hopefully will give a bit more attention to the reptile house at Sac. Zoo....

http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/cold-blooded-keeper/content?oid=13620726

Great story!  Interesting that there are tarantulas in the reptile house.  Guess they figured they should put all the creepy crawlies in one place?

Mine resembles Janyne's. Most of the area triathletes are pretty understanding of the bike group rules. Anyone that isn't aware gets educated. And the folks at my LBS that I ride with are very nice, understanding people who do their best to help others nicely. As someone here says, you should never underestimate the power of a kind word. 

I do understand that every area is different though. I agree with something Janyne mentioned a while ago, and that is to be aware of the group you are going to ride with. Don't be afraid to do a little looking around, you may be surprised by some of the group offerings in your area.  We have one that does 20 mile rides at 13-15 MPH.

Originally posted by IndoIronYanti

Originally posted by ponderingfox

Originally posted by bullygirl979 Ha! I thought you guys were kidding about the gallery!! And nice domane, whoever owns that. That was my second choice bike Chris, thanks for posting those articles. I am brand new to road biking and I want to join the group rides at my LBS as soon as I am able to do the distance. They seem like a helpful and friendly bunch, but I like to be prepared going in to things. Speaking of being prepared....I have my first swim lesson tonight. I am a weak swimmer and have no idea how to do a crawl. I found the coach through this forum (woo hoo!) but I have no idea how to determine if she is "good" or what have you. Any tips or suggestions?

She is "good" if you are learning, making progress, and enjoy your personal interactions with her.  If she's making you feel dumb, you can find others that are nicer (not that she will).  I worked with a local tri coach on swimming technique for a bit.  That was profitable.  Give it time, you'll enjoy it!  Let us know how it goes!

I'd say she's good if you are learning and making progress whether or not you personally hate her guts and the very sight of her (but I'm sick and can go a long way on hatred, just sayin' )

If the coach is on this forum, one of the actual coaches FOR BT, or was recommended by someone on BT, chances are good she's at least competent.

I can tell you that I have improved muchly since working with my training partner, who is a personal trainer.  I tell him on a regular basis that I hate him.  Just sayin'.

You just have to learn how to grasp and toss correctly.  Our cats are very aero off the bed. 

You must be rocking the interviews if you keep getting them   Keep it up!

Just got word on the current firm that the first OK has come through for me to work remotely, but now it has to go to the board of directors - which will be a LOT tougher to get approved.  We'll see what happens! 

I don't know that the aero helmets would help... it was more about the splaying limbs not being very streamlined.  Any ideas to help with that aspect of the aero-kitteh??  

Originally posted by bcraht

Originally posted by IndoIronYanti

Originally posted by ponderingfox

Originally posted by bullygirl979 Ha! I thought you guys were kidding about the gallery!! And nice domane, whoever owns that. That was my second choice bike Chris, thanks for posting those articles. I am brand new to road biking and I want to join the group rides at my LBS as soon as I am able to do the distance. They seem like a helpful and friendly bunch, but I like to be prepared going in to things. Speaking of being prepared....I have my first swim lesson tonight. I am a weak swimmer and have no idea how to do a crawl. I found the coach through this forum (woo hoo!) but I have no idea how to determine if she is "good" or what have you. Any tips or suggestions?

She is "good" if you are learning, making progress, and enjoy your personal interactions with her.  If she's making you feel dumb, you can find others that are nicer (not that she will).  I worked with a local tri coach on swimming technique for a bit.  That was profitable.  Give it time, you'll enjoy it!  Let us know how it goes!

I'd say she's good if you are learning and making progress whether or not you personally hate her guts and the very sight of her (but I'm sick and can go a long way on hatred, just sayin' )

If the coach is on this forum, one of the actual coaches FOR BT, or was recommended by someone on BT, chances are good she's at least competent.

I can tell you that I have improved muchly since working with my training partner, who is a personal trainer.  I tell him on a regular basis that I hate him.  Just sayin'.

Wait... we have the same training partner???  

I KNEW there was something I was doing wrong - clearly I need to learn the proper "grasp and toss" technique as the current method is proving to be very unhelpful.  

Hopefully these will be the last interviews, I'd just like to know what the heck is going on with my life!