Fred Doucette's Half-Iron and Ironman Focused Group! -CLOSED! (Page 37)

Fred Doucette - 2011-01-24 7:10 AM Just finished  a challenging swim. 3,000 yards with alternating sub-threshold intervals.

(James I rested more than 20 sec after the long ones)

I think the cold weather is making people at my YMCA cranky as there was some curious locker room passive aggressive stuff going on. There are no claimed lockers at my Y, yet people seem to want to have the same locker and will crowd in on arrival regardless of who's there

Training today?

Fred that was a strong swim today.  I have noticed improvements in your swim times.  Very well done.  Descending swim ladders are great to way to build speed and endurance.  They can be tough but that’s point. 

Training for me today is; Kettlebells and a CT ride tonight.

As of yesterday (and planning to continue today), I have my longest streak of working out at least once (s/b/r) per day ever, 27 days.  I just beat my streak of 26 days from Dec 09-jan 10 (it must be something to do with the New Year and deciding that it's now or never to get serious).  I have another streak I found in my logs of 29 days, but that was strung together by a day of stregth training only, so I don't think it's valid.  Once I noticed (rather someone pointed out in an inspire) that my Jan was perfect, it's been incentive to keep the streak alive once or twice when I may not have otherwise.  Motivation can come from the weirdest places sometimes.  I'm sure someone here can beat that though, anyone?

I'm gonna try to get an easy run it at lunch, but work may be killer with some really critical stuff going on and I'll be going to some demos and meetings in New Mexico Tue-Friday.  Tonight, it's gonna be a sufferfest on the trainer with Jorge's winter plan.  I'm scheduled for a WU, then MS of 6x4 min at 108% CP with 45 sec rest at 65-70%.  Last week on the same workout at about 107%, I cheated and took up to a minute and a half on the later intervals to be able to hit my targets.  At this intensity/duration for me, proper nutrition is key, as that was a limiter last week.  Eat the right stuff, and not too much or too little in the hours before the workout will make or break these type of efforts for me (along with running intervals or tempo work).  Then, hopefully I'll cool off with some broomball.

I love Y/locker room etiquette.  Last week, a kid from the swim team in the lane next to me jumped into my lane, literally right in front of me, at the end of a 50 sprint.  I got a giant wave, inhaled A LOT of water, then hit her.  I was coughing for at least 10 minutes after that, and was a little panic-y at first - it was the most I've ever choked in the water.  The instructor (about 5 feet away) didn't not even aknowledge anything had happeded (nor did the girl) with so much as an "I'm sorry" (or even eye contact).  I understand that she can't always control her kids, but an apology would have been nice.

Then in the locker room - there's always "that guy" who thinks that 30 seconds of spray from his Axe is an appropriate amount.  It is not, and I'm actually choking in here because of it.  I sometimes find the lack of common courtesy people show each other (locker rooms and everywhere else) quite disturbing.

I've been going to the Downtown YMCA in Mobile for 20+ years-ususally at lunch.  Its Senior Bowl week here in Mobile so lots of NFL personnel and coaches in town.  Most stay downtown and use the Y.  You never know who you will see working out or on the cardio equipment.  I'm not a huge NFL guy but there are always a couple of faces I recognize..There were several years when Jimmy Johnson was still coaching that you would see him running/waddling on a run through downtown.  In general I dont think most of the recognizable coaches do much fitness training during the season given how they look during Senior Bowl week

Lunch time swim (not at the Y as they have an 18 yard pool) for me and some yoga tonight.  "Leg rest" day for me.

Randy

Kathy-I know you are well along into the Finding Freestyle program and I am also doing the program although just beginning the 4th week.  Curious to what you attribute your recent breakthroughs in the pool.  The program does not advocate any particular style, type of kick or even stroke speed so I was curious what you have "found" that has allowed your recent progress.

I have not done any time trials to test my speed but do feel that I have better body rotation on my stroke since starting the program-not sure that will equate to increased speed but I'm only 3 weeks in. Hopefully, I will see improvement as well. 

Randy      

Kathy-thanks for the thoughts on your recent swim breakthrough and Finding Freestyle.  When I did timed 100's last week I focused on quicker stroke turnover.  My ususal easy swim has me at 14-15 strokes per length/25 scypretty slow turnover.  Downside of quicker turnover was that I was quicker to fatigue.  Will need to find the balance between speed and effort level.  As always how this translates to OWS is a whole different conversation. Thanks

Randy

5.5 at 5:00 easy on the treadmill this morning.  Intervals on the bike tonight.

Fred, have you had a chance to go outside with the Quarq yet?  Curious how you like it.

Randy

wiky did 13.82 mile on the TM sick as well.  Although both are great athletes it’s not really a competition but just good solid training. 
 
 
Those trainer workout look to be awesome. 

Off for a swim.