left.right.repeat group -closed - Full of a bunch of winners...YEAH! (Page 47)

Although Gary's post was first, I think Cardholic's answer was more complete. Way to go!!

 Now a nickname suggestion. We have a Flipper in the group but wouldn't "Shark" be a great name for a card playing triathlete?

Let's see, nicknames for Diane:

Fins

Decked - Card related!

Shuffles

Will work on more.

WAEF - Another option is yogurt.  Actually has a decent amount of potassium.  I get the 100 calorie orange creme and key lime.  Tasty!

You guys are wonderful...I'm laughing as I read these posts...just what our group needed. Welcome Gary

Jennifer, I have the exact problem with fins. I have tried Zoomers and other types of fins..to no avail. I still cramp. I have tried wearing light socks but that did not help. I have gatorade, bananas...anything with electrolytes...and guess what...still cramp. My current swim coach says dont worry about it, dont use fins if they cause a problem....you cant wear them in a tri!!!! I swim alot and completed an ironman swim this past summer. I have no cramp problems while swimming unless I have fins on. Hope this helps. Some people swear by the sock trick.

 So great to see this group lively again

Do you guys mind if I have 2 mentoring groups? Is it against some rule? Gordo is so full of information, but he'll only be checking in once a day. It doesn't seem like the group is "team" oriented. Not the type of motivation I need... you guys are so full of information & motivation & support...

anyway, if you mind, I'll make a decision and leave one group... but I think the combination works for me so far...

I got an invite and would like to join also.  I'm very new to BT and have never done a tri before.  I am signed up to do a Half Marathon in May (Cap City Half Columbus, OH)  I have mostly been running the past couple of years and this will be my first half.  I joined a Masters swim team about 2 months ago to try to get my swimming speed up.  

I am thinking I will do a tri in July or August of this year.  So right now my focus is the training for the half with the swimming as cross training.  After the half then I'll focus on adding in more biking etc. 

Thanks again for the invitation.  I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone!

I can import/export csv files, but I think you have to be a paying member. http://beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=58

I think you're right.  Thanks for pointing that out. 

Gee I also could upload my Garmin info instead of having to upload that somwhere else too.

Turtles?  We are turtles?  Cool, on Runnersworld WAEF, Diane, and I are Penguins so we are in the right company.

One question, anyone here mind if I add them to my friends list?  I won't be hurt if you say no.  I, like WAEF, like the inspires.  I only stalk UPS drivers so you should be safe!

Thanks for the suggestions. Truth be told, I have cramping with and without fins. Usually starts up some point after 1000 yards. I’ll monitor and see if it’s any better or worse without fins.

Both my coaches (swim coach and Masters coach) still want me to use them so I don’t think I can or should stop completely. I hear your point that we can’t use them in a race, but that’s true of all the training aides we use right? But your point is well taken; I need to practice race conditions more. I did that before my first tri, and I was fine on race day. So you make a really good point there.

The reason I started using them in the first place is that my coach noticed some form, body position, and strength issues. And in retrospect, I can see they helped my kick tremendously. Really helped me develop leg strength, way better body position, and a more uniform tempo. Those issues are corrected now, even without fins.

But now she noticed that I have some ankle flexibility issues and that’s one of the reasons she wants me to move from Zoomers to the long non-split fin. I defer to her expertise because I can’t see what she sees as I swim. (Although she does video me from time to time…what a trip it is watching that!)

So all that said, I hear ya on replicating race conditions. I’m definitely cutting back. I had grown dependent. It is actually quite liberating swimming with just the equipment God gave me. And if it helps reduce cramping – all the better!!!

Oh yes we are turtles!!!! I told you we are not speedy but we get there

I leave inspires for a lot of my BT connections. Ask Dan...I bug his a$$ regularly when he doesnt log his workouts...keeps him hopping! So add my name and I'll drop by... careful what you wish for ...just ask Dan

 As far as other mentor groups, join as many as you want (ours is still the best IMO).

I think Shark is a great name...esp for a cardaholic who swims!

Penguins and turtles unite. Awesome!

Mav - added.  I don't mind the extra reminders. 

WAEF - I remember seeing on the forums someone talking about cramps and pointing your toes during a swim.  Recommendation was to relax the foot.  I will search for the link and will send it to you if I find it.

you're welcome to add me to your friends list - whatever that is. i also have no clue what inspires are but i suspect that it has something to do with being a paying member ?? 

If you click on your log button, you'll see I left you an Inspire. Really it was just a hello.

MSUDan will do.  Are you sure you don't have another pop up blocker.  Often times the google toolbar (or others) will have their own.  As a temporary work around try right-clicking on the Inspires and select open in new window and see if that works.

Thanks everyone for the welcome.  I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone better and to start tri training after my half. 

 I agree that I will enjoy tri training much better than just running.  Running does get boring and I  have already joined a masters swim team to start getting the swimming in.  I'm really enjoying it, but I knew that I would as I was always a water dog when I was younger. 

I would love to figure out how to add you guys as friends etc...I'm still just figuring out this site.  I did "semi" get my log uploaded...but it doesn't have the times.  I'm still working on that.  I'll see if I can't get that fixed today and start remember to log my work outs here too