Schmize's Group - FULL (Page 4)

Great questions and glad to have you back.  There seems to be a nasty bug going around everywhere.  I have something, but I am still able to train.  I am hoping it doesn't get any worse, though.

As far as training goes, the general rule of thumb is to skip them entirely and move on.  So, I would do as you suggested.   Repeat the peak weak and move on.  Listen to your body.   I would still do the run.  Take it easy and aim for a negative split (i.e. start out slow).  You might surprise yourself.  Many records have come when a runner gets injured weeks before the race FORCING them to not train.  The rest does good.  I wouldn't necessarily shoot for a PR, but have fun and pick up the benefits of racing and being in the crowd again.  All invaluable.  Its hard to go into a race not wanting to PR, but if you know in your mind you are just trying to accomplish other goals (pacing, racing again, nutrition/hydration, clothing, fun), it will be beneficial.  You might surprise yourself, and if you don't, who cares?  Acknowledge and move on!

I have been seriously busy at work, but I am checking this thread and everyone's logs.  The season is kicking off!!!!!!

Mikkel -  we have already spoken, but good stuff.  Keep us updated on that foot, too.  And please share any knowledge, etc. that you learn from your new coach that might help all of us.  Also, I am pretty sure that March 2nd will be the first event for our group, so we will be watching closely.  Be sure and do a race report for that.  Great way to capture thoughts, learn, and get input from others.

Ajotto - Sarah is right.  Yoga is awesome.  Although, I don't go as often as I used to, I still use all the stretches I have learned from classes I have taken.  Down Dog, up dog, lotus sit, child pose are all good ones.  There are also some great stretches in runners world on their web site.  Calves are usually a problem, so I always do the calf stretches from there.  It looks like you have the quad stretch.  Hamstrings are always tight, so down dog is good, as well as laying on the back and taking a towel and lifting a leg up and stretchign it as far as possible, then a little further, while still being comfortable.

Angelo - I am pretty sure that snorkles CAN be used during races.  I actually saw a guy in one of my Olympics (pleasant prairie '06) and at first I thought it was illegal.  But when I asked around, everyone said that it is actually allowed according to USAT.  I guess they must not see it as a competitive advantage.

With that said, I think they are a good training tool, especially for someone learning the stroke from scratch.  This guys snorkel was cool in that it went behind his head, so I am pretty sure he could site OK.  I would be worried that a snorkel would be restrictive in a race, in more than one way:  a) you need to be sighting every once in a while and by looking up and around, you may get water in the thing.  b) These OWS get kind of crazy, and again with all the water splashing around, I would think you would get water in there again.

I have raced and watched many triathlons and have only seen one person use it, so I am not sure how effective they are.  But if it gives you the confidence, then you may want to try it.  Definitely try it in the open water first.  I would lean towards using it in the pool to get your confidence, and then get your breathing down with out it.  Hopefully, there is enough time for that.  I always lean towards taking time from something else that are strengths (running, biking, weights) and using that time working on a weakness.

Hope that helps.

Mikkel - That sucks.  I was a little afraid of something like that.  But you have the right attitude.  You will definitely learn some mental fortitude doing the aqua running.  I was just reading an article in RunnersWorld where this 40 something age grouper did aqua running for month with great results.  I have heard other good stories.

Good luck and stay positive!

Hey, I just found this thread on BT....  Take a read...

Snorkel Swimming