Experior and Slornow's Spring/Summer Mentor Group-CLOSED (Page 48)

Have a look at these guys runing (if you haven't already seen it)

http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/track-and-field/galen-rupp-wins-10k-at-u-s-trials.html

It is truly amazing how relaxed they look at the speeds they are going.  They are running around 16-17s every 100m.  Go out and run 100m all-out some time and see how that feels.  Amazing.

In general I think it is a bad idea to try to emulate every aspect of what we see from elite runners -- they are altogether a different beast -- but relaxation and economy of motion are aspects that I think we should try to emulate.

Happy 4th Everyone!

Ran in a 5K this morning with my FIL.  He wasn't the oldest this time as there was an 85 year old!!  It was, however, quite warm... no PRs to be had today (by quite a margin I might add).  Supposed to be a fast course... hahaha!  Anyway, ran a bit after to get up to 6 miles.  Just trying to have a solid week of training for a change - 4 days in a row - yes!  My sister and her kids arrive Friday, so we'll have a full house then.  My in-laws got their electricity back last night (4 days).  Refrigerator cleaning time for them unfortunately.

Stu

Says video is only available to US and US territories. Guam is a US territory. ARRGH.

Jason, sounds like you had a blast mountain biking. I used to mountain bike a lot way back in high school, and still miss it. Also, I wouldn't be able to contain myself if I knew my bike was coming home tomorrow!

Went for a bike ride and short run yesterday before joining in on all the 4th festivities. It was a good day, although too much crappy food (good-tasting though!)

Also, I have a friend who's getting into triathlon, and I keep relaying to him all the stuff I'm learning in here. Would it be possible for him to join? He just got his bike, and he's signed up to race in my upcoming sprint on the 14th.

Hope everyone had a great 4th! 

Morning all.  Hot day today.  (I know, what's new?)

Blanda -- so sorry about the video restriction.  Here's an alternative:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udqNUmci4WU  These ladies are running 5:00/mile.   You can tell from their faces that they're working, but just watching them run, their pace is really deceptive.  I've run a 5:00 mile before (not for 5K though!), and I'm pretty sure I looked like I was being chased by a lion.  They look like they are out for a casual jog.

Jason -- I love mountain biking too, although it scares the crap out of me.  Now, don't be taking that Shiv on the trails!

Jamie -- yes, your friend is welcome here!  Have him look through the bios at the beginning of this thread, and then post one of his own.

Thanks Michael.  I still remember after finishing a half-marathon watching the elite marathon runners come in... after 26 miles... still beautiful and relaxed.  Totally awed.

The other thing I find amazing from the video is how much separation there is between the elite runners.  I always kind of imagine that the best would be up against some kind of "limit on human capabilities", but athletes like Bolt just blow that assumption out of the water.

Very hot outside.  Enjoying the day off work.  Did a 2000 yd swim this morning followed by a 9 mile run. 

Jason - we would love some pics when she arrives

Blanda - Cool video.  I always like to imagine that I am the guy in the lead, then when I go out and run, reality sets in fast.

I just wrote this in response to a question elsewhere, and thought I'd share, as the article that I've linked to really is superb, IMO.  

An explanation of some training jargon that gets thrown around (LT, FTP, CP, etc.):  http://physfarm.com/new/?page_id=511

What goes for 'power' goes for 'pace' as well.  So for running (and swimming), you just take the same ideas, but translate to pace instead of power.  The one caveat of course is that in running (and somewhat in swimming), conditions, especially temperature, can influence pace to a degree, so what we count as 'FTP' (or CP, etc.) really should be tagged 'under such and such conditions'.  Bottom line:  try to test under conditions similar to what you will encounter in the race and in your key workouts (the ones where hitting the appropriate level of effort is most important).

Hey Gang-back from the beach.  Was able to get a good ride in yesterday morning as well as a short OWS. Trying to get all my race stuff together to leave tomorrow.....so much stuff!

Jason-you are a stronger person than me if you can leave that new bike in the garage come race day

Randy

Oh, I missed that part.  Ride it!!!  Here's a story:  I got my new bike a few days prior to a (small) sprint.   I rode it once on the trainer prior to the race.  Maiden voyage outdoors was the race.  Top bike split and 1st OA in that race.  It's all about the bike!

We leave for Chattanooga tomorrow too.  I had a good swim today, and I'm going to ride tomorrow morning a bit.  We leave in the afternoon.  My goal is not to forget anything, a goal I've failed at several times this season...

Michael: Thanks! I can almost feel the pain just watching them kick and finish! So neat to see how little they move apart from the arms and legs, but the concentration on their faces does say it all. The finish as well with the crawling and panting trying to catch their breath. I can't wait for the Olympics to start!! My heart rate goes through the roof when I watch people racing like that.

After a fun 4th of July spent camping at the beach, so ready for some work. Swim and run today. Yay for routine!

Jason-looks like the decision has been made for you.

I have a story similar to Michael's.  Decided in March 2009 that I was going to do a triathlon in June 2009.  Bought a road bike and started to ride.  Quickly decided that I "needed" a tri bike.  Ordered a Cervelo P1.  Delivery was delayed and I got home with the bike Friday evening at 5:30pm before the Saturday morning race.  Had never been on a tri bike before, rode it for about 15 minutes that night in the neighborhood and did the race. Worked out fine....was second in the "first timers" division.  So, I have a hard time telling people nothing new on race day when I took such a big chance.  I think Michael and I were both a bit lucky despite what might be considered poor judgment.  Hard to keep a new toy on the sidelines.

Had a good run this evening.  Right calf tightened up at the end of my Tuesday run so I have really been keeping an eye on it.  I think it will be fine for the race on Sunday.....especially with 26 miles of cycling as a warm up.

Randy

I'm actually not a huge fan of 'nothing new on race day' (we can discuss why later if folks want), but I certainly agree that if you can't be fit on the bike, racing it wouldn't so smart.

Have a great weekend everyone and good luck to all racers!  (Randy -- I'm wishing you good luck only because you aren't in my age group.  Lol.)

Almost forgot the required pre-race bike pic!  (Yes, I need to mow my lawn.  I did that after getting the bike ready.  Priorities, priorities...)