huskyboy's Group - FULL (Page 4)

Training when sick - one rule of thumb I've heard is that if it's from the neck up (a little congestion, runny nose for example), it's all right to keep training, but if it gets below the neck (chest congestion, coughing, stomach/intestinal problems) it's probably better to rest.

Have you checked out some of the training plans here on BT? There are a variety of plans for different distances which can provide some structure. Most balanced plans involve doing each of the disciplines 2-3x a week (each), and working up to a swim, bike, and run that's at least a little longer than your target event.  If you can do each distance individually, then start to add in some bricks, doing a short run after the bike for example. If you can do that, you'll be good to go for your event.

I found using a structured plan to be the most useful when I was starting out - it gave me confidence to think that if I could do the training prescribed in the plan, I could do the race. One thing to keep in mind is to not get too obsessed with the plan - if you miss a day, or change some things around, it won't hurt you. Early on I would get a little obsessive about the training plan and start to freak out if I missed some, but eventually I learned to see the big picture.

These days I'm kind of following one of the winter maintenance plans, but modifying it quite a bit to fit my schedule.  This plan will take me through February, after which I'll start training toward my goal races for this year (several half IMs). I won't likely follow a training plan, but generally try to do each discipline 2-3x a week with at least one long ride, one long run, and one long swim.  "Long" would be relative to your longest distance race, although I will probably still do a number of 80-100 mile rides and 16+ mile runs since I am looking to "race" the half IMs and also build toward my next IM.

So currently it looks like you already have the endurance to do the three events in a mini-sprint (looking at this week - 50 minute spin class, 50 minute swim, 30 minute run), so consider adding another session of each discipline each week, try out some bricks, and maybe increase the run gradually over the next two months, and you should be more than ready. 

parratt - 2007-01-23 7:22 PM Yuck --> snot in the pool

Yeah, maybe skip the pool even if it is above your neck .

Some plans are more detailed for performance members, with more specifics (not just "swim 45 minutes", but actual structured workouts).  Kind of depends on what you are looking for - there's nothing magical about one plan versus another, just how well they fit you, your schedule, etc.

Keep at it - keep increasing the workouts, reducing the calories, and it will happen...

Yeah Mats, nothing like nyquil - hmmm, what kind of swedish specialties are we talking about - massage with one of those famously beautiful swedish women?

Can't wait to hear how the bike feels Mark - some of the FIST fitters go for pretty aggressive fits, may take some getting used to.

How's everybody else - winter is winding down, woohoo! Longer days, more daylight, not as cold, although speaking of cold...

I had a race today - 10 mile run with 5 below zero windchills. Nothing like a race to get your adrenaline up and get you excited about training again. For those of you who have not done any races - consider it as you start to feel comfortable with the distances, even with some walking. A lot of people feel intimidated to consider doing a race, but once you get there you realize that everyone is not some super fast runner or triathlete (especially at small local races). The experience of having people cheering for you as you push yourself to cross that finish line is super-motivating.  Just something to consider.

Keep at it everybody - I'm traveling to Oregon this week for a conference - should be fun.

triguy38 - 2007-02-09 8:32 AM hey guys. for some reason i hit a wall and have had a hard time making it to the gym for the past couple of weeks. things were going strong and then WHAM. you would think it was that time of the month or something. . but then i hopped back on here and was encouraged by the blogging. i will stop by the gym on the way home from work and get a bike/run in. Huskyboy- 10 miles in 5 below.....are you crazy????

Maybe a little...

Get to that gym, Bob! We're all rooting for you.

Hey all - I've been traveling a lot and haven't been posting much - I'm still in Florida right now.

Definitely hard to keep motivation going in the winter - it does seem like we're programmed to get slug-like pretty easily. Keep trying to force yourself out there a few times a week, and when the better weather comes hopefully you'll feel a surge in motivation and drive.

I've signed up for a few races so far, ones that fill up early - I'll probably do 6-8 tris this season, but most I won't have to sign up for until the season starts.