Hey KCGuy!

GO FOR IT!   You absolutely could use the 16 week program.  Just start at the point in the week where you are.   So if you start tomorrow, just start with Wednesday's workout and go from there.  That should do just fine.  Count backward on the program to dewtermine exactly where you are.  So if the event you are leading up to is on Saturday, June 30  for example, count backward so June 23 would be week 1 and so on.  that's how I do it and it works well for me.

As to 20 minutes non stop.  That, in my opinion, isn't an issue either.  Most swim workouts are chopped up.  Eventually, and probably sooner than you might think, you'll be able to pop off 20 minutes ( or proabably about 1000 yards)with little to no trouble.  Keep your rest breaks minimal, and you'll be fine.

Hope that helps!  Everyone else -- how are you doing?  Are you working hard?

Keep it up!

Good Question, Kris!   I have no "scientific" proof of what I'm about to say, but I believe it to be not terribly far off base.

There is a HUGE difference between riding on a stationary and on a "real" bike.  At least that's my opinion.  Stationary can give you a great workout, but I feel like I can do better on a regular bike.   I think part of the reason is that with a regular bike, you get actual movement, and inertia can kick in, giving you momentum that you won't get sitting still as it were.  So in that sense it could actually make the road bike easier, as at least in my case, I feel like I work much harder generally on a stationary than a road bike to get the same "speed".  On the other hand, I think you get a better workout on a road bike, because, you're not only providing propulsion, but you have to use many fine motor muscles to maintain balance, etc.

Another thing about a stationary bike, is that they are SO inconsistent.  A level 9 on one bike feels like a level 2 on another.  That makes is more difficult to truly guage your efforts

As to muscles, you basically use the same muscles, but that also will vary.  If you sit on your road bike in the exact same position as you do on a stationary, there's probably not much difference in that respect.  However, if you think about it, on a road bike you tend to be much more forward on the bike.  Most stationary's I've ridden you sit almost straight upright, so you are definately using the leg muscles differently.  

A stationary bike used for a spinning class will be a bit closer to the real thing than a traditional stationary bike.  

All that being said, there is a good reason why many triathletes/cyclists, when wanting to ride indoors because of weather, etc, purchase a "trainer"  With a trainer, you mount your actual road bike on it and ride in place.  With that configuration, you are able to mount and ride the bike almost identically to how you would ride it on the road.  Same muscles get worked, gear ratios are the same, etc.  Biggest difference is the need to use those small balance muscles.  Even that can be overcome with a set of roller, which you put your bike on and literally ride in place.  Both tires roll, and the is no hardware to keep the bike on the roller, other than how the rollers are positioned.   Have to stay shartp to ride that way!  

I hope this has helped somewhat KrisMarie.  Let me know if you need more help, and I'll try to find a more accurate source of information.

To the rest of the team!   How are you all doing?  Everyone training hard?  I've been toying a little bit with an idea for our March activities.  What would everyone think of a "team challenge".  We might even be able to do the ladies against the men.   The team that meets their goals first or by a larger margin wins bragging rights, and the losing team must eat crow and pay homage to the winners.  What do you think?   Could be LOTS of fun!!

Have a great day, gang!  Happy Training.!

Hey KC -- CONGRATS on the new WHEELS-  Always loved good bike porn!  haha

Everyone -- how are you doing?  Are you ready to "RUMBLE"??

HEY GANG!

March is upon us.  I didn't have the best February either -- only made one goal -- the 25k yards in the pool.  Everything else -- well, let's just say it didn't happen.

As your mentor, I also let some of you down a bit, by not keeping you inspired enough.  No one has said anything to me about that, but I need to do better!  And my committment this month is to do just that.  Going to be a challenge with another event to run on March 24, but I'm gonna get it done!

OK -- We talked about a "challenge" for the month of March.  Here's the deal!

It's ladies against the men -- and I think the ladies have the edge here -- Us men need to step up to the plate!

Each of us will come up with at least  4 goals for the month of March.  At least 1 of the goals must address one element of the sport.  So, there should be a swimming goal, a biking goal, and a running goal.  The 4th goal should be some other element -- for me -- it's weight loss.  For you, might be extra strength training.  It might be to get registered for 2 events or something like that.

The goals should also be quantifiable and easily measured.  For example -- maybe the goal is 5000 yards swimming.  That's easily measured.  Goals like run 3.5 miles outside nonstop are also excellent goals and should be persued.  But how are you going to get there.  Are you going to run a minimum of 10 miles a week, or 45 minutes twice a week.  That's what I'm talking about.  What is the PLAN to get to the ultimate goal of 3.5 miles non-stop.   Easy to measure if you made your 10 miles that week or your 45 minutes.

I would like everyone's 4 goals by Monday if possible.  I will then build a spreadsheet here on the site and input those goals and we will monitor each others progress very easily.  SMACK talk is permitted and encouraged!     Let's make this fun!

The winners get bragging rights, and the loser's eat crow!  Let's have some fun with this.  There are often challenges on BT, and I've personally found it a great way to help keep myself motivated.  Let's give it a whirl, shall we!

By the way, KCGUY!  Love your post about -- did we do it??  Awesome!

My goals will be posted by the end of the day!

LET THE CHALLENGE BEGIN!!!

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