kaburns1214 Mentor Group - CLOSED (Page 5)

I would never call yourself a "luddite"!  clip on aero bars = cheap speed.  $100 bucks will buy you 3-5 MPH.   In terms of safety, you only go aero when appropriate.  Thus, if you are riding in a pace line, heavy traffic, etc, you would not be aero.  In terms of the speed, its just always being under control and knowing your capabilities.  As you get more comfortable riding you will feel better about goign fast.  The issue isn;t speed its being under control.  So, before you buy a TT rig, get some clip ons and you will see a difference in sprints and olys.

My husband got me a trainer for Christmas - Cycleops.  I am going to shop for a new bike on Tuesday.  Pretty sure I'm buying a road bike......we'll see!  I am so excited!!  I'm getting a little bored with running.  Can't wait to start building a decent base on the bike. 

Any suggestions as to what type of bike to buy?  Things I ought to consider?  Thanks!

The only thing I would add about aeros is get used to them on a trainer and do a few rides by yourself outside before joining others.  It maybe take a few rides to get comfortable being in aero bars.

While I am very comfortable at this point, there are always a few "OH " moments with aero bars whether it be a gust of wind you didn't expect, a bump you didn't see, etc.  Just get comfortablee and don't ride to close to those in front of you!!! (my first ride in aero outside was in 20-30 gusts with race wheels, scared the crap out of me, but I got used to them.)

Having said all that, they are absolutely wonderful.  It will take anywhere from a few weeks to a month of consistent riding in aero to get your body used to them (using different muscles), but your body will thank you.  I can't imagine riding any other way at this point.

If you are into triathlons, I would buy a tri bike and you can get them cheap enough as a road bike.  If you are not sure, get the road bike, you can add aero bars later.  I you know you like tris, spend the money now on the tri bike then getting a road bike now and finding out later you want a tri bike.

As far as suggestions, it would depend on what you want to spend.  I would stop at a few local bike shops and ask them suggestions based on your body type and size.  You also might be able to get a bike on clearance as they try to clear out the 2010's with the 2011 coming in.

Couple questions for the group: Trying to decide on which 70.3 to do, Racine 70.3 or Muncie 70.3. 

Know my limiter is the run, do I do a harder bike with an easier flatter run (Racine) or an easier bike and a more challenging run (Muncie)? (also roads for Racine are not in nearly as good shape as Muncie)

Other question:  Know that this is my first HIM, and that I want to do the Chicago marathon (Oct 9), is it unreasonable to do an HIM in early July and another in mid-August?

Running and nutrition question:  I know that you are supposed to carb load in the days leading to a long race, but while you are running, do you still load with complex carbs, or do you want simple carbs?

In my half I used gatorade endurance and cliff blocks.  I wanted to used Hammer gels, but heard they are complex carbs and so I thought I wouldn't want something that wouldn't be as easily absorbed.  Am I right, or do they absorb easily?  I have a hard time eating blocks than downing gels.

I'm about to buy my first race bike and have been contemplating the benefits of a road bike vs Tri bike for sometime now. I've decided to go for a road bike purely because, whilst i love Triathlons, the majority of my bike training will be with a cycle group rather than solo and Tri bikes dont seem to have the same manoeuvrability in group situations that a road bike does.

Just another thing to consider i guess!

I'm not as familiar with the ingredient panel on Hammer gels as I am GUs but assume they're pretty similar.  If so the first ingredient is maltodextrin which is a quick absorbing, simple carb.  You should be pretty set mid race with these as that's what they're designed for.

As far as the road v. tri bike issue.  I'd say get a roadie if you don't have one to start with.  It's more versatile and if you end up not doing tris for a long period of time it can be used for family outings, group rides, etc.  Tri bikes are kind of a one trick pony.  That's not to say I won't be dropping $2500 when the time comes to pick up a sweet tri ride to put along side my roadie.

Diet fell through this weekend and plans for a workout too.  Just couldn't take time away from the little ones this weekend.  Eh, oh well back at it today.  Got a good weight training session in and a decent run @ about an 8:30 pace.  I must be getting old because it took a good 2 miles for my knees to warm up.

I would go with Muncie, it was purchased by the WTC this year and it has always been a fantastic event (and a PR course).

You can do a HIM in early July, one in mid-August and then Chicago, you just have to lay your plan out well. 

My thought is you should follow a complete HIM plan through the early July race.  Post-early July race you should have a week of recovery/easy training, move into a 3 or 4 week build block and then have a week to taper into the mid-August race.  Post the mid-August race, take another recovery/easy week and then you should have 3 -1 -3 -1 of build -recovery-build-recovery into Chicago.

My only thought/concern is making sure that you get enough running in while HIM training to hit your marathon volume.

having a new set of eyes and support has helped me revive a sagging training plan. Thanks gang! Had a good hard swim this AM. I will have to see about the run. My right knee is killing me. Already hit the IB and know have it wrapped. I will give it some time and see.

I have a specific pre-race carb loading plan.  PM me your e-mail and I can send it to you.

I did the Muncie aquabike this year and loved the swim and the bike was nice.  Just want to make sure it is the right choice given that the run is harder than Racine and that is my major limiter.

Muncie is probably better given the water in Racine is usually under 70 degrees and sometimes lower than 60 . . . burrrrrr and I guess the bike is on some roads that are not very nice.  Just hate the thought of traveling 5 hours to a race.  Driving home was miserable this year probably cuz I didn't take any time to relax and stretch.

I was able to get in a 5mile run/walk with my husband yesterday and did another 5miles on a treadmill at the gym followed by a quick 5 mile ride. The diet on the other hand was just poor for the weekend. Back on track today with healthy eating.

Not looking forward to going back to 2 feet of snow in NJ - so much for outdoor runs for a while.

The wind and the snow up here are not making training super hospitable -- at least it looks pretty.

Part one of my day is done. I had aspirations of taking the dogs for a longer run, but my older lab is getting old He had fun though

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tGs6QxPft4

For for a mile jog/walk out in the desert. 

Jasper and Spencer are adorable.  Which one is which?

We have a corgi / doberman mix who sprints really fast for a few hundred yards then lays down and wont move, not a very good running buddy.

Jasper the black lab, Spencer is the chocolate. They are uncle/nephew too.

Just in from a run for ME, since the boys were being pokey. Never thought I'd be faster than my dog.  

I have a really overweight beagle.  If I wasn't faster than my dog I wouldn't do this. 

LOL! Excellent point! 

What did you do.  I hit up the Leg Press and calves this morning as part of my push/pull split.  Will be doing deads and GHRs Wednesday.  Ahhhh I love off season lifting.

What plan do you generally follow for off season lifting?