Southwestmba/Andy's excellent adventure group-Full (Page 4)

I don't know if it's inspiring but they say misery loves company. I have 'junk miles' to get past to get to my designated bike training area as well; actually around one, but it's a mile of poor roads and shoulders. I have a road bike, but a mountain bike would be better equipped to handle this stretch, I can't believe a road could be so bumpy without being planned this way! The bike handles the bumps quite admirably I feel, it's a Trek 4.7 105, but this cannot be good for it. I'm thinking of putting it in the back of my truck and bypassing this part, but that seems like a wimpy way out.

As for inspiration, I did find some neat bike quotes here:

http://www.theargonauts.com/coolquotes.shtml

some of my favorites:

I thought of that while riding my bicycle. ~ Albert Einstein on the theory of relativity

Life is like a ten speed bicycle. Most of us have gears we never use. ~ Charles M. Schulz

When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me. ~ Emo Philips

Here's one for you gals...

Let me tell you what I think of bicycling. I think it has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world. It gives women a feeling of freedom and self-reliance. I stand and rejoice every time I see a woman ride by on a wheel...the picture of free, untrammelled womanhood. ~ Susan B. Anthony 1896

Thanks Andy!

Based on the buoyancy and speed advantages, I'm going to get one. Heck, the way this year is panning out, we'll be lucky if the lake is 60 degrees. I was going to post for suggestions but I have decided to get the XTerra Vortex 3; the price is right with the membership savings and it's probably a good buy for me as an embryo. That's less than a newb, because some of the 'newbs' out there have done way more than I have, so I'm apparently not that yet. One step at a time.

Anyways so it should get here in a few days and I can decide if it fits right or if it should be returned for a different size.

Next I think is the transition bag. TYR has a sweet one, the Convoy, but it's like $180.00; anyone know of a decent bag they would recommend?

if you're not sure how to determine fit, which one to buy, sleeved vs. sleeveless, etc., i highly recommend renting.  i used wetsuitrental.com for my first few races; it's about $50 including shipping and gives you an opportunity to try different styles.  i actually bought a used one that i ended up liking, and i think they credit you the rental fee if you rent then buy.  plus the customer service people are awesome and really good at recommending brands for your body type, etc.

personally i prefer a sleeveless suit and have been super pleased with the 2xu i bought from them, but figured i should upgrade to full sleeve for the chilly alcatraz waters, so picked up a vortex for that race.

and thanks all for bike commiseration.  i suppose it's helpful to use the junk miles for "handling skills," although my ability to not get sideswiped by a cabbie or careened into by a bike messenger riding the wrong direction probably aren't so applicable to race day...let's hope.

Dude I read your write up on the Rev3 Knoxville event, wow! Way to tough it out...what a mess that must of been. Still passing people, way to go!

So what is this EFS liquid you write about? Is it like 5HE (Five hour energy)? I usually use that, how does it compare to EFS?

Should we join this if we are to continue triatheleting? Did I just invent a word?!

Anyways, I notice many of the sprint events have a one day membership thingy (does it make you faster), Andy (or anyone) do you feel it's beneficial or should I just pay for the one day?

So I'm about 7 weeks out from my first HIM, and I'm starting to wonder about race simulations. Generally, I won't do different events (swim/run/bike) back to back unless it's specifically a brick workout. I've mostly focused on build up the endurance on each portion. About once a week I'll do a brick and once a month I'll either do a race or simulate one, but these are nowhere near HIM distance. I just don't have more than 2 or 3 hours on a given day.

Does it make sense to continue this path of focusing on each event, or should I really be focused on combining them? The farthest I've gone with all 3 is an Oly, though for each individual part I can do the HIM distance without much problem.

Steven

Thanks Andy...oh, I got to get me a membership now, a national ranking, woot! 'Look honey, all this work is paying off, I'm ranked 200...thousand!'.

Gotta start somewhere...

Syphon I don't have an answer for you, but I'm excited for you that you are preparing for your first HIM, good luck! And, while unfortunate, it seems neat and special that you want to push your body further but there isn't enough time in your day for you to push it where you need it to be.

Ooorah!

NW,

What's your budget? I highly advise you look at nashbar.com. I've been able to find some great deals there, including some Shimano SPD SL pedals and shoes for about $100. Most of the bike shops around here said I couldn't get pedals and shoes for under 200, so I felt pretty good about that. Yes, it's entry level, but that's exactly where I'm at!

That being said, toe clips are better than nothing.

Steven

I agree with getting a USAT membership if you are gong to do a few triathlons a year.  It does pays for itself.

I'm sidelined for a few days with strep throat. First time I've ever been sick during a training program. 

...in my quest to be as efficient as possible in my workouts...

is there a benefit (or downside) to tacking on a 1-2 mile brick run after my shorter weekday rides?  is it worth it to occasionally cut 5-6 miles so i could run for 20 min?  i traditionally run a few miles after the weekend longer ride, as most training plans suggest.  but started to wonder if doing several quick brick workouts a week might be more beneficial than straight riding?  or can running too frequently after cycling be detrimental somehow?

Andy,

If you're in Chattanooga as I suspect you might be, River Walk is a great place to run.  You can start downtown, where I like to stay.  Or, you could start closer to the Chickamauga dam towards the other side of town.  There's also lots of places to park along the entire path.  Very scenic, a hill or two keeps it interesting, and some shade as well.  Some water available along the way, but if you're going long, you might consider bringing along a small bottle to refill.

As for me, finally over my illness and got in a 5K run on the treadmill at the hotel before going to the circus at Indian Point.  Bike ride to and from work today. 

Tom