Fred D's Ironman/Half-Ironman focused Mentor Group --CLOSED (Page 41)

I do like my pasta too! I am more like you for the music- the only thing I don't have on the playlist is Opera but I do have upbeat stuff for the hard sets - techno and another one I like is a podcast from MotionTraxx - is all by bpm-

^^^ditto^^^ from what I seen in vids and pictures, it's a awesome venue and great scenery!  It will be a great race for Bryan.

I have another question for all - how many strokes do you take on a 25m/yd pool? somewhere between 14 and 18 for me.

I've tried changing/increasing arm turnover trying to get faster. In logical terms it does make sense that if I want to get faster at running, the legs need to turn faster (horizontally); for swimming has to be the same to an extent.  I did do a few sets a couple of weeks ago and was able to to cut time off but I don't really know if in the long run it will pay huge dividends. I think if I do attempt to keep that tempo, there has to be a lot of pool distance involved! I don't know -- your thoughts?

I haven’t done a stroke count in a long time.  Last I remember 12-15 depending on speed.  I don’t worry about it to much I just swim long and lean, pull water as I enter; push back at a point and recovery elbow high. 

Finding the sweat spot between turn over, catch, pull and recovery is what I strive for.  I truly believe that it’s all in the body position which follows the head.  Hydrodynamic is my key. 

Music for me atm is ministry of sound 5k 10k mix and Hayseed dixe as thats all that is on my phone.

went for a ride with Sicone today it sucked as im out of shape.

arm warmer, leg warmer light jacket should do it. I'd rather take off than put on. 

  Hydrodynamic is my key.  

I think it makes little difference, you are either going up, going down or on a flat, work harder to go faster going up, gearing will have little affect at all on your riding ability. Not that what other people ride means anything, but last year i raced compact 50/34's with an 11-26, on both TT and Road bikes. This year i have upgraded to 52/36 on the front, as i wanted a little more top end for the down hills. Did not change the rear cassettes.

I think it will only help you in the long run, and not hurt at all. Just my opinion.

I agree.  If your riding up the hill your body is going to adapt to that type of ride, regardless of the gearing on your bike and your going to adjust what gear your in anyways as you get stronger.  I remember back in Oregon when I was first getting back into road biking we'd go do this hill and the first few times I was always in grannie gear.  Then one day I got to the top and I all of a sudden realized I never left the middle ring.  WTF?  How'd that happen?  I ride a compact now and I've noticed that when I ride Mt Lemmon regularly that I start to stay in a bigger gear as time goes on.  So, just don't sandbag the ride and you'll be fine

Chris,

I have a compact 50/34 with rear cassette 11/23 on my 07’ Scott CR1 full Campagnolo group road bike.  I train on the Scott a lot on hills, flats and rollers.  I also ride A type group rides with 5-15 guys.  My only probable with the compact crank is I will spin out of gears on group rides chasing down breaks and fast descents. 

My TT bike is a 10’ Felt B12 full Shimano Ultegra group.  Crank on the Felt is a standard and I have chain rings 53/39 and 52/38.  My cassettes are 11/23, 12/25 and 12/27.  I ride same terrain as the Scott but about 99% solo. 

I got a Gold membership for my last HIM and that was my biggest grip on the BT plan.  I got to the point where I was dreading my swims, especially the long swim.  It was so repetitive.  I used their Silver HIM previously and did not feel the same (although as mentioned it is very swim heavy).  Honestly when/if I do another one I might actually go back to paying for Mark Allen Online.  Although perhaps I will wait for the end result before I really say that.