Hashers and Mashers Part 2 - OPEN (Page 4)

While biking outside in mid-winter I was thinking there are some things about Fresno that don't suck.  So I snapped a couple pictures on my normal bike route:

I'd be interested to see pics of where other Hashers and Mashers are training.

As always, I preface anything I say with "I'm no expert" but I have a couple thoughts.  First, if you are following a plan, by all means follow the plan.  But if I were you I'd avoid the swim focused plans at this point.  Once you are comfortable with the distance you have to go, you don't really *need* to focus on the swim.  Which is to say, if you only have time for 7 workouts in a week, I'd only devote a max of 2 of those to swim, honestly if it were me and I only had time for 7 workouts I'd only swim once per week.  Once you are comfortable enough with the swim that actually finishing it is not a concern, the swim becomes the least important part of the triathlon by far.  The difference in time between the FOP and MOP or BOMOP swimmers is not nearly as significant as same for biking and running.  Also, after doing Masters for a few years at varying degrees of committment, I've found that once I'm at my normal swim fitness I can maintain by only swimming on average 1.5 times/week (once one week and twice the next, on average).  Swimming two or three times per week doesn't make enough of a better swimming than swimming 1.5 times per week to justify the time at that point.  To become a better swimmer I've got to get in the pool at least 5 times/week, which isn't going to happen.  Granted this is only relevant once I'm in proper swim condition.  If I don't get in a pool for a few weeks it takes a few weeks of swimming at least 3 times/week to get back into condition.

That's long winded, but I think it's an important point.  YMMV though.

Is 4-5 hours/week the most you can fit in your schedule?  I'd assumed you were doing more than that, though I haven't looked at people's logs in awhile.  If you can I'd really encourage you to work up to more time.  I'd really encourage you to run at least 3 times/week, 4 if you can fit it in, and bike basically as much possible.  Like, seriously.  And swim enough so that you stay comfortable in the water.  Unless you really want to be a FOP swimmer in which case why aren't you in a pool right now.

My week was going so well and then I had to cancel my swim tonight because of out of town visitors. But hopefully I'll be able to get it in tomorrow morning followed by long run, then kids birthday parties, then bbq, then sleep.  Then hopefully a bike ride Sunday (fingers crossed).  What's everyone else got on the docket this weekend?

Is anyone doing any early season races?  I may not have a race until July.  I'm hoping to squeeze in a training sprint or oly in the spring, but we'll see.

Best way to eat before a race is however your stomach is comfortable eating.  Nothing new on race day.  There's a handful of articles on the main site on this topic, I'll see if I can find some this weekend.  In the end though it all boils down to trying things out and figuring out what works for you.  I personally like a smoothie, maybe a clif bar, and plenty of electrolyte drink.  Timed well.  There are articles about this too. 

How to choose a bike again strongly depends on your budget and your own personal preferences.  If you have the money and you don't think this is something your going to do once and forget about it, the best thing you can do is go to your local bike shop and have them help you out.  They will get you on the bike that fits you and will help you with service and everything else.  Or, you can play the safe route and find a used bike that fits you.  Do you know anyone that rides?