login
Lora's Girls Group of Beginners - CLOSED (Page 5)
-
No new posts
|
 2011-01-14 4:12 PM in reply to: #3257199 |
Member  20 Denver |  Subject: RE: Lora's Girls Group of Beginners - CLOSEDFinally got a run in this week. Paths in the park are either snow packed or mud puddles - kind of makes it like an obstacle course. Horton, our pup, is a pretty good running bud. He doesn't like running uphill and creates a bit of drag; downhill, however, he likes to set the pace. We both came home pretty dirty. I'm pretty new at running. Anyone got tips for eliminating the heel-strike? I'm having a tough time figuring out how to hit more mid-foot. I have been thinking about getting the book Chi Running. Anybody here read it? I've been working on endurance but think maybe I should start looking into some technique drills and interval training. How is everyone else going about this? I have to second what everyone was saying about good shoes, too. I got a (free) gait analysis at a good running store here last summer -- it was really helpful in picking out the kind of shoe and an insert that helps with some foot problems I have. I would recommend finding a shop that could help with that if you can. I can tell a big difference from my old shoes. Found a spinning class (I had been skeptical it could be fun - but it is) and met another triathlete who has recommended open-water training areas here and given some pointers on some local races (Tri for the Cure is moving down on my list). My sore seat will go away if I just keep doing this, right? We also talked wetsuits a bit - for those of you who are a little wary of the water, she was saying that they're not as much for insulation as to help keep your legs bouyant. Lora, would you agree with that? |
| 2011-01-14 10:17 PM in reply to: #3257199 |
New user 38 Texas | Subject: RE: Lora's Girls Group of Beginners - CLOSED So talk to me about spin classes. Is it a good substitue for biking on the road in this cold weather. I've never done one - but I'm tempted after todays miserable attempt on the trainer. |
| 2011-01-15 8:06 AM in reply to: #3257199 |
Member 64 Queens/Nassau County | Subject: RE: Lora's Girls Group of Beginners - CLOSED Hi Ladies, two replies to you- Lora you can give your wisdom on this but from my experience: RUNNING- while my running time is nothing to speak of, I should say that 2 years ago I could not run at all. I mean not even across the street to catch the light. I wasn't that visibly overweight but I had gained 15-20 lbs around my middle (NOT pregnant LOL) and had gotten myself into such a sedentary lifestyle and had been so obsessed with work and life responsibliities that at 37 I was in terrible shape, sticks for arms and legs and a big middle. So although my time is the next thing to work on, the fact that I can run 10 miles comfortably now is an accomplishment. I credit this one hundred percent to three things:
Edited by shaptavajra 2011-01-15 8:26 AM |
| 2011-01-15 6:14 PM in reply to: #3257199 |
Master 1887   Loveland, Ohio | Subject: RE: Lora's Girls Group of Beginners - CLOSED Tracy, glad you enjoyed the article. Sarah's absolutely right. Invest in good running shoes - which brings me to an important piece of advice for everyone: Get fitted for your running shoes. Don't go to DSW and find a pair that looks sporty. Don't even go to a Dick's or department store. Find a tri store or a running store. They have a lot of experience on fitting. When you go, be sure and bring any old running shoes that you've worn. This gives them an idea of how your feet move and bend shoes. Some places can analyze your gait which is important, too. The teenager logging hours at Dick's (love the store for everything else but shoes), could care less if you overpronate. Most of these places will let you return them - if they're still in good condition - if they're the wrong fit. Even after having run in them outside. Ask before you buy. I understand getting fitted and then buying them cheaper online. If the fit was wrong, you're probably out the money, though, because that online retailer might not have that guarantee. Plan to spend between $100 or $150. Don't buy a shoe that is cheaper but didn't fit you as well as the one that was $20 more. Stay firm in no extras if you don't want anything else. A properly fitted shoe is a critical foundation for the rest of your training. Buy a cheaper heart rate monitor or pair of sunglasses. Get the best shoes you can. Speaking of icy and snowy conditions, you might want to grab a pair of YakTrax for $20 bucks at Dick's. They're not a 100% guarantee from falling, but I've been running in mine for a couple winters and have never even slipped. Anyway, sounds like you're on the right path, especially in staying firm against those upsells.  Good luck! |
| 2011-01-15 6:26 PM in reply to: #3298075 |
Master 1887 Loveland, Ohio | Subject: RE: Lora's Girls Group of Beginners - CLOSED Hey, Marie. Motivation for the swim and the bike are the hardest for me, mostly because of all the gear I need to bring.  Girl, if you've got those Total Immersion (TI) DVDs in your house, you've got a great resource. That's how I learned to swim. I went from swimming 400 yards in 27 minutes in my first tri, to now swimming 400 yards in about 11 minutes thanks to that program. I also read the book, too, which was like an epiphany for me. Oh, sure, I still need help on ways to improve (I'm still considered a slow swimmer), but I would not be where I was today without that book. Another cool resource to just go the distance is this Swim 1 Mile in Six Weeks program. I used it even after I could swim that distance just to have a planned workout. There's also Swim Plan. You swim for five minutes and then log your time. It then creates drills based on that information. Great advice on finding a Masters program, too. Between TI and a Masters class, you should be golden. |
| 2011-01-15 6:48 PM in reply to: #3257199 |
Master 1887 Loveland, Ohio | Subject: RE: Lora's Girls Group of Beginners - CLOSED Rachel: Congrats on getting in that run. So cool you get to run with the pup! I totally, totally recommend ChiRunning. Right before tris were even on my radar, I wanted to start running. As I did, my knees hurt like they had before when I'd wanted to run. I found ChiRunning and have been running that way for almost three years. Between it and Total Immersion, I wouldn't be where I am today. I would recommend the book and the DVD. I initially borrowed mine from the library and then bought them later.You could still do intervals doing this, though you'd want to get your form down some first. Check it out. If it clicks for you then awesome. If it doesn't, you'll know pretty soon, and at least looked into it. That's so great you met another triathlete who could give you some pointers. I always wear bike or tri shorts to spin class. Your body should get used to the saddle, though that's never a guarantee. If it's your bike saddle, it's a combination of getting used to it and finding a the right saddle. Also, I know it's gross, but vaseline helps while on the bike or spin bike. Marie: You should definitely check out spinning. Nothing mimics the road exactly, but if you don't have an indoor bike trainer, these classes are great for keeping you in that mode. I'm the health and fitness editor for a regional magazine, and my next article is going to be about What is this spinning thing anyway? Sarah had great advice on the teachers. Know which ones push you and which ones don't. Sarah: That is completely cool how you went from not running anything to running that far. Love the imagery of not catching the light. I've never heard of "Born to Run" but I like that philosophy! |
| 2011-01-16 11:56 AM in reply to: #3257199 |
| Minneapolis | Subject: RE: Lora's Girls Group of Beginners - CLOSED Hi All- I have been reading your posts because I have them forwarded to my phone, but I haven't had a chance to post in a while. Training plan: I bit the bullet and bought a monthly gold membership, at least for the next few months. That allowed me to create a custom plan and I can move things around form one day to another if my schedule changes. I decided to invest in that and save money in some other places. It's been working pretty well so far, although this week I had the headache from hell and had to slow down to do massage and chiro before I start back up this week. Equipment: With 3 kids in college, I am on a tight budget too. I just found a pair of gel camari bike shorts at the goodwill for $3!!!! Amazing. I also found nike pants, several great tops and an awesome running bra. Because I am planning on losing weight before my tris this summer I didn't want to spend a fortune on new clothes, etc. Also, I subscribe to groupon, living social and daily deals, and got a $50 off coupon to a local running store, so I got fitted and new shoes for about $55. Keep an eye out, especially in January they are having a lot of fitness related offers. The bike thing is interesting. I have a mountain bike, yikes! So, I am keeping an eye out on Craig's list for an inexpensive road bike to use this year and see if I like this sport enough to invest in something better. The wet suit came!!! OMG! I purposefully ordered it 2 sizes smaller then I am right now, and it looks TINY!!! I have hung it up in my closet as a visual reminder. Food: Ages ago I got a book called Body For Life and it has the simplest eating plan in it. 6X per day, eat a fist sized (your own fist, so this makes it individualized) portion of carbs (grains & high carb veggies), a palm sized portion of protein (meat, tofu, eggs, beans) and water. You can add a thumb sized portion of healthy fats 3x per day. Green veggies are free. Over the years I have found that this is the easiest way to eat to keep my blood sugar steady, and to gain muscle. I am going back to that as of this coming week. The tracking tool on this website is amazing! It has a huge database because everyone adds new things as they go and make them public. Where I am at: Did an hour SPIN class today! After struggling with my back all week it felt soooo good to get up and do that with my hubby. I love doing classes together because that is the only time I can stay beside him. I call him "Daddy long legs" because his hips come up to my shoulders... the man is 60% legs! At the club we go to, they have training SPIN classes for people who are road racers in the summer, so they do a pretty good job at training for the bike. I have yet to get in the pool. I haven't wanted to push my upper body like that quite yet. I have been doing my strengthening exercises from physical therapy, and I used to be on swim team... a million years ago, so I am hoping I can jump into the training schedule when I feel my back is ready. Plus, I HATE being cold, and living in MN right now makes me feel cold all of the time, let alone getting into cold water!! I'm being a baby! I SOOOO wanted to run away from this commitment this week. It hurt so much just to get out of bed with my head pounding, but I have kept up minimal strengthening workouts and a run and bike and pushed through; I am pretty happy with that. I am seeing that I either have to be working out with someone else, or go do my workout first thing in the morning, otherwise, I talk myself out of it through the course of the day. GGRrrr, I used to be soooo self-diciplined. When I was struggling to overcome difficult things in my life, I was a rock about the things I committed to doing. Now that life is basically pretty d*mn happy, I am sooooo lazy!!! LOL... We should all have such problems! I am here to reclaim my backbone!!! I hope everyone is having a great weekend. I am glad you are all here, too. |
| 2011-01-16 1:21 PM in reply to: #3257199 |
New user 38 Texas | Subject: RE: Lora's Girls Group of Beginners - CLOSED Lora- thanks so much responding. It's a 99 % mental thing.. I know. But I did manage to get my self out some negative self talk by completing 3 miles without stopping. Haven't done that in a LONG time! Now I know I can do the rest. Hope everyone has a Happy Sunday! |
| 2011-01-16 4:34 PM in reply to: #3302709 |
Master 1887 Loveland, Ohio | Subject: RE: Lora's Girls Group of Beginners - CLOSED Jina: No problem. Good idea about the Gold membership. The training plan capabilities alone have been worth it. Congrats on the great buys recently. You can actually use a mountain bike in a tri. In fact, a lot of races have a mountain bike category so your chances of placing are greater as their aren't that many in the category. Just a little perk to think about. That is really cool they have spin classes devoted to road racers...like, really cool. You sound like me when it comes to being cold. Big congrats for toughing it out and getting out there period! The first steps are often the hardest. Marie: Congrats on those three miles! That's awesome! Everyone: So, who would be up for a challenge? I've been a part of some to see who could get the most swim, bike, run or strength training in and it can get confusing. How about let's see who can put in the most training this week no matter what it is? If you're not in a position to swim right now, you could do yoga to log the hours for example. Any of the activities that BT has in its Sports category in the Training Log will count.  Oh - AND - the winner gets a prize: A never-before-used 2008 Tour de France water bottle! (It's the yellow bottle.) I bought some things from Nashbar recently and I snagged the bottle for a couple bucks, but I don't really need another one. So, whoever puts in the most hours of training Monday (1/17) through Sunday (1/23) wins the water bottle. Post here to let us all know if you want to join in the challenge, and good luck! |
| 2011-01-16 4:35 PM in reply to: #3302709 |
Master 1887 Loveland, Ohio | Subject: RE: Lora's Girls Group of Beginners - CLOSED Jina: No problem. Good idea about the Gold membership. The training plan capabilities alone have been worth it. Congrats on the great buys recently. You can actually use a mountain bike in a tri. In fact, a lot of races have a mountain bike category so your chances of placing are greater as their aren't that many in the category. Just a little perk to think about. That is really cool they have spin classes devoted to road racers...like, really cool. You sound like me when it comes to being cold. Big congrats for toughing it out and getting out there period! The first steps are often the hardest. Marie: Congrats on those three miles! That's awesome! Everyone: So, who would be up for a challenge? I've been a part of some to see who could get the most swim, bike, run or strength training in and it can get confusing. How about let's see who can put in the most training this week no matter what it is? If you're not in a position to swim right now, you could do yoga to log the hours for example. Any of the activities that BT has in its Sports category in the Training Log will count. Oh - AND - the winner gets a prize: A never-before-used 2008 Tour de France water bottle! (It's the yellow bottle.) I bought some things from Nashbar recently and I snagged the bottle for a couple bucks, but I don't really need another one. So, whoever puts in the most hours of training Monday (1/17) through Sunday (1/23) wins the water bottle. Post here to let us all know if you want to join in the challenge, and good luck! |
| 2011-01-16 7:30 PM in reply to: #3257199 |
Member 64 Queens/Nassau County | Subject: RE: Lora's Girls Group of Beginners - CLOSED Hey Lora, ok the challege sounds awesome! Thanks for the motivation! I have a question for you or anyone who may have advise. As you know, I caught a chill last sunday, then had a full blown sinus infection by tuesday. I gave myself a little bit of a light week but want to get back at it. My (bad) former habit seemed to have been, get in a routine, get sick, lose momentum on routine. So tonight, I still feel like crap really...the antibiotics are done but I don't feel all that much better. I have a very demanding job which requires 100 percent focus and attention, and I'm just feeling out of it and a little sick. I am wondering if I dont eat enough or eat properly for recovery, etc...i've never paid too much attention to that because i found it too confusing. I've also been someone who, in the past, can go for a long time without remembering to drink water or stop to eat (I really don't have time to take lunch at my job). Any suggestions? I have sort of kept i diet log with my training. Thanks and enjoy the rest of the long weekend! |
| 2011-01-16 8:11 PM in reply to: #3303369 |
Master 1887 Loveland, Ohio | Subject: RE: Lora's Girls Group of Beginners - CLOSED shaptavajra - 2011-01-16 8:30 PM Hey Lora, ok the challege sounds awesome! Thanks for the motivation! I have a question for you or anyone who may have advise. As you know, I caught a chill last sunday, then had a full blown sinus infection by tuesday. I gave myself a little bit of a light week but want to get back at it. My (bad) former habit seemed to have been, get in a routine, get sick, lose momentum on routine. So tonight, I still feel like crap really...the antibiotics are done but I don't feel all that much better. I have a very demanding job which requires 100 percent focus and attention, and I'm just feeling out of it and a little sick. I am wondering if I dont eat enough or eat properly for recovery, etc...i've never paid too much attention to that because i found it too confusing. I've also been someone who, in the past, can go for a long time without remembering to drink water or stop to eat (I really don't have time to take lunch at my job). Any suggestions? I have sort of kept i diet log with my training. Thanks and enjoy the rest of the long weekend! You know, and this is my personal opinion - I'm not a coach or anyone with a medical background - but I would recommend resting a little longer. Just when you think you've got the energy and drive to get back into it, take a couple extra days. It's better to rest and risk losing motivation than risk not giving your body the rest it needs. For those of you who read music, a friend once said to me, "In life - like in music - the rests are just as important as the notes." You said that tonight you feel like crap. For me, that would be enough cause to rest. Here's to hoping for a quick recovery! |
| 2011-01-16 11:31 PM in reply to: #3257199 |
Member 65 Long Beach, NY | Subject: RE: Lora's Girls Group of Beginners - CLOSED Hey, I think I'm in over my head and I may be taking up a spot for someone who belongs here. How do I leave the group? Thanks. Tracy |
| 2011-01-17 6:06 AM in reply to: #3303662 |
Member 31 | Subject: RE: Lora's Girls Group of Beginners - CLOSED Tracy, You DO belong here. You're a beginner as are we all. I urge you to stick with it. Things may seem a bit overwhelming, but it gets better as time goes by and you learn more. If you think this is too much of a time commitment, then maybe rethink the distance you want to do. Sprints are short and you can find ones that are shorter then others. If it's the financial commitment, then you have to figure out what you can reasonably cover. Perhaps you have other reasons. Can you discuss them? |
| 2011-01-17 6:51 AM in reply to: #3303662 |
Master 1887 Loveland, Ohio | Subject: RE: Lora's Girls Group of Beginners - CLOSED tlynn721 - 2011-01-17 12:31 AM Hey, I think I'm in over my head and I may be taking up a spot for someone who belongs here. How do I leave the group? Thanks. Tracy Hey, Tracy. I understand how you feel. I think most everyone feels overwhelmed starting out. A group like this can be very helpful, though. I won't be finding anyone to replace you, though, so if that's a part of your consideration, don't worry about that. Having said that, if that's what you need to do, then that is perfectly fine. I can take your name off the list if you'd like, but we'll be sorry to see you go.  |
| 2011-01-17 11:11 AM in reply to: #3303067 |
Member 31 | Subject: RE: Lora's Girls Group of Beginners - CLOSED I'm in! A Tour de France bottle might be a nice bit of inspiration come the spring. With that, I need to get off my butt and get to the gym. I forgot to mention my goals this season. I'd like to complete 3 sprint tri's this year. I'd also like to remain injury free. I'm also hoping to shave 10 mins off my total time (of a same distance race) which is totally doable. I know I can squeeze at least 3 mins. out of my transition times (but let's not get ahead of ourselves). I've posted some other non-tri specific goals on my log. SBR!!! |
| 2011-01-17 12:07 PM in reply to: #3257199 |
Member 64 Queens/Nassau County | Subject: RE: Lora's Girls Group of Beginners - CLOSED Hey Lora, thanks for your advise about the rest. on one hand, i totally agree. the problem arises that thanks to my work schedule, i honestly always feel like I'm dragging - I exercise to get a little more energy in the first place. It's been almost 3 years at this new job and it is really, really hard to do what I need to do at work, have any hope of a personal life, and do it on more than 6 hours sleep. I hate it and wish it weren't so, and hopefully one day soon it won't be. So, here I am pounding back the vitamins trying to catch up on house chores I'd wanted to do all weekend, but haven't...maybe I'll skip spinning class tonight, we'll see how that goes  |
| 2011-01-17 1:13 PM in reply to: #3303067 |
Member 20 Denver | Subject: RE: Lora's Girls Group of Beginners - CLOSED I'm in on the challenge! |
| 2011-01-17 2:47 PM in reply to: #3257199 |
New user 38 Texas | Subject: RE: Lora's Girls Group of Beginners - CLOSED Count me in the challenge. AND TRACY: Don't go. Give it some more time. This is for beginners. And though I can run farther than I thought I know I can't swim the length of a pool and the I struggled through 20 minutes of the bike. But we all start somewhere. And from personal experience - the tri community is SUPER encouraging no matter what your experience, speed, or weight. I just had to finish the first one (after two failed attempts). I came in 6th from last place amongst the females. Talk about humbling. But I can tell you I was encouraged every step of the way. Hang in there girl! |
| 2011-01-17 2:57 PM in reply to: #3304716 |
Member 65 Long Beach, NY | Subject: RE: Lora's Girls Group of Beginners - CLOSED mquevedo - 2011-01-17 3:47 PM Count me in the challenge. AND TRACY: Don't go. Give it some more time. This is for beginners. And though I can run farther than I thought I know I can't swim the length of a pool and the I struggled through 20 minutes of the bike. But we all start somewhere. And from personal experience - the tri community is SUPER encouraging no matter what your experience, speed, or weight. I just had to finish the first one (after two failed attempts). I came in 6th from last place amongst the females. Talk about humbling. But I can tell you I was encouraged every step of the way. Hang in there girl! Thanks for the words of encouragement. I'm going to Runner's Edge tomorrow to get fitted for shoes and see if I can find a good deal. I'm going to stick it out for now. I really appreciate the support! |
| 2011-01-17 5:44 PM in reply to: #3257199 |
| New user 29 Woolwich, Maine | Subject: RE: Lora's Girls Group of Beginners - CLOSED Tracy, glad to hear you are staying!! About the challenge, I won't be "in it to win it" but I'm going to try and do as much as I can but still being easy on the knee. The walk I went for yesterday left me in as much pain as I was 2 months ago when I hurt my knee. I did some power training tonight and just avoided some twisting leg moves. Up at 4:30 tomorrow morning to swim before work! Have a wonderful night ladies! |
| 2011-01-17 5:53 PM in reply to: #3257199 |
| Minneapolis | Subject: RE: Lora's Girls Group of Beginners - CLOSED Hi All- I'm in on the challenge. Glad to see you are staying Tracy. I am at the very very beginning, too. I can't even run for 4 minutes in a row yet, so keep me company in the "slow lane" lol! |
| 2011-01-17 5:54 PM in reply to: #3305127 |
Member 65 Long Beach, NY | Subject: RE: Lora's Girls Group of Beginners - CLOSED You can wave at me as you blow by! HAHA! jpenn815 - 2011-01-17 6:53 PM Hi All- I'm in on the challenge. Glad to see you are staying Tracy. I am at the very very beginning, too. I can't even run for 4 minutes in a row yet, so keep me company in the "slow lane" lol! |
| 2011-01-17 6:18 PM in reply to: #3257199 |
Member 64 Queens/Nassau County | Subject: RE: Lora's Girls Group of Beginners - CLOSED Tracy, glad you are staying! I too, am a total beginner (I've been coasting at beginner level for a very long time, in part I would like to think because I never took advantage of a community.) I swam the first length of a pool ever a few weeks back (and lost my training now due to sickness) and I am sure the accomplishment was largely because I know it's 4 feet of water and I didn't panic. Just wait till I get in the open water. I actually can't see it yet - it scares me so much - but I'm going to pretend like that will be ok when the moment of truth comes. I'm also very slow running (run/walking) and biking. I'm not doing the tri to get a time, I'm doing it to hopefully accomplish it without fear, (or maybe some fear but no panic), to not get injured, and to accomplish a goal. I"m also doing it because I know I can go two roads now at age 40-- the one i've been on which leads me to a very skinny, flabby, small frame and no strenght at all (physically or mentally!); or I can work towards a strong body and hopefully, a strong mind too. you can do it! |
| 2011-01-17 8:14 PM in reply to: #3291191 |
New user 18 | Subject: RE: Lora's Girls Group of Beginners - OPEN Hi Jina, I'm in Blaine and am a member at the YMCA so it might work best to wait for an outside workout but I would still love to meet for coffee sometime. It would be nice to have a few minutes and chat about our goals. I totally understand the back challenges. Just before Christmas my back seriously rebelled as well....muscle spasms and he whole deal. So good to be back on track. Way to hang in there!!!! Candi |
|
|
|
|
View profile
Add to friends
Go to training log
Go to race log
Send a message
View album
CONNECT WITH FACEBOOK