tcovert's Winter 2009 Mentor Group - FULL (Page 38)

I'm pretty sure it's the La Jolla Half Marathon  somewhere around April 26th? I ran it last year but didn't have a great experience but mostly because of a friend who got dehydrated. I can elaborate if you'd like. It does include the big Torrey Pines hill (inside). I really liked the America's Finest City half which is in August. You start at Cabrillo and run down to Balboa park.

And, FYI, for anyone in So Cal. the SanDiego R and Roll is having relays this year with 4 to a group, each runner runs a slightly different distance, which is great because I didn't want to run the whole thing and yet you get to be part of the experience! 

Way to go, Todd. I'd like to learn to run that fast...maybe someday.

We're off to the mountains of Idyllwild for a short stay at our funky old cabin up there. I plan a trail run and a bike on Friday if the winds and/or rain doesn't get in the way. 

Happy, happy ya'll. 

Lynn,

Yeah, I looked into the La Jolla run and it looks like it's full this year.

Are you going to the HIM race this weekend in O-Side?  Same question for the Carlsbad 5000 ...

I ran 7.5 miles with the training group last night.  It was the course for the May 2 race.  I was able to talk and had some left at the end.  I'll leave it there next time.  How cool to do this after starting 6 months ago unable to run 3 mins. 

I also ordered a wet suit yesterday.  Full body, entry level Quintana Roo.

morgan, it seems to me you've done quite a few events this winter, maybe you just need a little break.  you have my permission to take one

pat yourself on the back for staying motivated all winter - you deserve it.

woosh

the breeze is chilling.

very cool.

how does one go about finding the right wetsuit?  i can't consider a tri in new england without one - even in the heat of summer.  that's somewhat of an oxymoron...

yeah, my goal right now is to run everyday until i can go for an hour without stopping.  i'm at about 45 mins. now and i know i could go farther i just don't have the time in my schedule.  but if i could get my lazy a outta bed when the alarm goes off i'd be at the one hour mark in no time. 

memo to self - put your money where your mouth is.

you guys are all great inspiration to me, thanks.

I'm running 2-3X a week, drawing out the distance.  Swimming 2-3 times a week, with at least one drill session and a longer swim up to 1800 yards.  I had 450 miles on the road on my bike in March and road my first 30 in April last night.  Weather here has been really wet and windy and cold.  So, running longer and more often is hard time-wise for me.  I joined the running club to make myself show up on time and do what they tell me.  That has worked out really well.  I respond well to informed direction. 

I can't say I "enjoy" the run yet, but I really don't mind it.  That's a huge change from the start when I dreaded it.  But setting goals and meeting them has changed my attitude.  What I like most about the run is what the cross training is doing for weight loss and fitness.  A marked improvement in both areas.  I was in a rut with the riding alone.  Body had grown accustomed to the daily rigors of doing the same several miles at the same intensity.  It became efficient at meeting the challenge.  Weight loss slowed as a result.  By "confusing" my body and ramping up the challenges, the weight loss accelerated again.

The wet suit thing was a combination of reading gear reviews, coming to a conclusion of what would work performance-wise and cost-wise and then going to the guy I know who owns the outdoor gear store in town.  He is a scuba diver so he knows wetsuits and has gotten into tri gear as the sport has grown around here. 

He actually rents suits.  Check that out as an alternative to buying until you know what you want. 

He handles Quintana Roo, a good name, and he knew what was available.  He also knows some of the features like a break-away zipper to speed the process in transition.  Full suit or not, I chose full because I have muscular legs and can use the floatation help and if I ever do an Ironman, like as not it will be in saltwater.  Reading about things that can go wrong, I decided I did not want any more stings from jellyfish than necessary.  Might be something that doesn't happen often, but I'd hate to train for an event only to have it blow up on me because of something like that.   It is an entry level model that lists for about $250, but he's giving me a deal in exchange for me singing his praises. I have no problem with that.  He sells quality stuff, gives great service and is a decent guy.   It amounts to a sponsorship.  Same with a local bike shop.  I am very particular who I let on my team, but they are loyal to me and I am loyal to them.   

Hey all,

Anyone heading down to Oceanside tomorrow for the California HIM?  Lynn?  Todd?

If so, let's hook up!

scott, thank you for the feedback on the wetsuit; it gives me a starting point.  i will begin looking around here, there is actually a dive shop walking distance from my house so i will see what they try to sell me and compare to what you've just told me.

cross-training is da bomb!  i rode long distance bike for years and thought nothing of riding 70-80 miles before everyone else was out of bed but i was stale.  then i began running.  i actually developed a butt for the first time in my life and yes, i'm bragging about that   but(sorry, i couldn't resist) i started to feel the zone-thing that runners talk about.  that has made all the difference in the world.  now, the goal is to conquer the swimming which i really am very weak in and seriously need a coach if i really want to tri.

have a great weekend!

todd, great  minds think alike.  thanks for the wetsuit info too.  fit is a real challenge for me; i'm tall and thin so stuff tends to be irritatingly short and baggy, two things i don't think will serve me well in a wetsuit.  i wasn't planning on buying online because of the fit issues but i will definitley check Xterra and their return policy.  no way am i going for sleeveless here.  the highest the ocean temp gets is mid 60's and that's after weeks of 90+ degree air temp.  in fact, i'm thinking about geting a hood - lol!

question - does a wetsuit make one feel claustrophobic?

"question - does a wetsuit make one feel claustrophobic?"

Depends on the person, I would assume.  I've never personally felt claustrophobic in a wetsuit, but I got my first wetsuit when I was 7 and have used them ever since.  Very comfortable to me.

But I also imagine it could be a problem for some at first.  Definitely not a "rule".  I would simply suggest wearing it as much as possible to get used to it.  Wear it to the pool, even if you feel like an idiot.  Seriously, the LAST thing you want is to panic on race day because of a wetsuit!  

What I like about tri wetsuits is that they're thin and they let you move in the water, kind of actually fun to wear.  Surfing wetsuits tend to be thicker all around, and diving suits can be a pain, especially if you're diving in California and wearing a 3/4" suit!  The tri suits, to me, feel very natural.

I just use a QR Ultra-Full, the entry level suit.  Affordable at under $200, easy to get on and off, and it does what it's supposed to do ... which is to keep me a bit warmer and increase buoyancy a bit.  Personally, I can't for the life of me see spending $500 to $700 on a wetsuit.  Ever.  Do they really help *that* much? 

good advice morgan, thanks.  i'm sure wearing your first suit at 7 makes a bit of a difference but i totally get what you say about wear it alot pre-event to get used to it.  i actually thought about wearing it to the pool but first i have to get my to the pool; then i'll think about wearing the wetsuit

i agree that spending anything over $200 is nuts for someone at my experience level (read none) but some people get their kicks having the latest and greatest so, there will always be a market...  personally, i'm looking for one that keeps these scrawny limbs warm in the freezing cold new england ocean.

i really need to think about relocating...

Computer is back and working! Woo hoo! Hip is still hurting at times, so training is very touch and go.

It's GORGEOUS here in So Cal today! Hope everyone has an amazing weekend! Anyone racing?

Sorry about that experience, Todd. Shake it off.

It's really great to hear about everyone's training and how well you're all doing. Really making some breakthroughs, even with other life stuff happening, including injuries.

Morgan _- Looked for you at the 70.3 yesterday. No see. I was at the run turnaround most of the afternoon.