kaburns1214 Mentor Group 2013 (Year 3!) - CLOSED (Page 5)

Yeah, my sports background is in swimming, so I'm used to long, tedious sessions where you have only your mind to keep you company (I played basketball and volleyball too, but I didn't have to run 4 x 1 miles all out around a track for those...haha)  

I don't think it's durability either. Not just now, but also when I did IM's. So I'm trying to figure out why I feel like crap when I start the run. Not always, but Vineman certainly. My avg HR biking was 134 (which is low Z1 on your scale Kelly), so not a hard effort by any means. My max HR for the bike was 166 (which is Z3), I'm sure it was on Chalk Hill which we did twice. Can you overdo the bike in a couple of short hard efforts, such as hills? I didn't "attack" the hill, but it did require a harder effort to get to the top, but I wouldn't think two short hills would ruin my legs for the run. All I know is from the very beginning of the run I just had nothing in my legs. Was it just a bad day? Not bike related? Or did I make a mistake somewhere on the bike that I can learn from for Tahoe? (Of course, Tahoe will be a whole different challenge with the long climb done twice, and elevation.)

With you and Vineman, I think the issue was the massive amount of stress you were under pre-race. 

A few short really hard efforts can "burn too many matches" but I think you burned quite a dew matches before the race started based on the rough couple of weeks you had pre-race.  The beautiful thing about racing is that there is always another race around the corner.

Usually we hate the things we need the most.

Wow, I'm falling behind! I still owe you guys a bio. I'm visiting family this weekend, so it's hard to find time to get to a computer. 

Name: Courtney

Story: Last year was my first season. I've been into running for several years and was interested in trying triathlons but was intimidated to do one on my own. A friend of mine who lives in Dallas is really into tris and invited me down to do one with her -- at first she wanted me to do a HIM with her, but that seemed a bit much for my first tri. So we did an Olympic together instead, and I used a bunch of borrowed gear for the race. It was a bunch of firsts for me: first time on a road bike, first time open water swimming, first time in a wetsuit, etc. I had no idea what I was doing and there were a lot of confusing moments, but I had so much fun and have been hooked ever since. 

I did two more sprints last season on my own, basically just making things up as I went. Then a month or so ago, I found this site and have been reading through the forums, and wishing I had known about this site at the beginning of last year! I'm really excited about this mentor group and getting more serious and into the details of training and racing.

Family Status: single

Current Training: At this point, I guess I'm just building a base. I had a knee injury at the end of last season, so I've been trying to focus more on biking and swimming. I just got a new trainer that I'm looking forward to trying out as soon as I get back home! 

2012 Races: Texasman Olympic, Naperville Sprint, Tri the Creek Sprint

2013 Races: Chicago Triathlon... and the rest TBD -- sprint and Olympic distance this season, and then next year or the following, I'd like to try a HIM. 

Weightloss: I have a few extra pounds to lose. I was careful about what I ate when I was training last season, and I lost about 15 pounds. So I'm hoping to do that again this season and get down to my goal weight. 

And I guess that's it. I can't wait to get started! Thanks for having me in the group!

Don't worry about falling behind.  We'll be here!

I pretty much walked right into that one huh?

Oh yeah.

Ok.  Y'all are all listed on my training log now also.  Please feel free to have a look and let me know if you see anything really stupid I'm doing (or not doing).

Kelly, thank you for the advice.  I think because I was racing with a hybrid, I had to work harder to get the biking done.  Not that I didn't enjoy it.  I actually enjoyed the challenge of having to push harder, but it made my legs like rubber afterwards.  It took a good 1/2 mile to a mile before my legs would obey my command to run like they should.  So, if I am riding aerobically, an hour of riding at RPE 4-5 would be sufficient?  Or are we talking trainer work - something I don't have.

I echo Jeff's statement - espescially because I believe, and I might be incorrect by this, I am the only one in this group who has not done a tri yet and this group is comprised of people who have some seriously impressive accomplishments. So, much thanks to Kelly who has already given this noob some important feedback. I appreciate the time that you (Kelly) have put into this group already (front loading the appreciation because I have more questions to come).

Jeff - I like your avitar. I also ride (not as much as I would like) and ride with a group up here in Maine. There are some awesome trails in ME, VT, and NH and people hit the trails almost all year round (big fat studded tires). I belonged to PF before I got my membership to the Y. You get what you pay for - can't beat the price, the hours are good. Lockers were kinda gross and I just avoided the peak hours.

Off for a 6 miler on this sort of cold, snowy, morning. Merry Christmas everyone.

Merry Christmas everyone!

I have a bike with a few intervals this morning and then a run this afternoon (hopefully its not too icy).

That Jeff (JSklarz) sure did keep us honest! What's he up to Kelly? And Rudy?

I've never been in a Planet Fitness, I'm picky about my gym. I used to belong to the Y, but the one near me was always dirty, pool was always being used for water aerobics, and equipment was always broken. So I moved to Lifetime Fitness (which is expensive but actually was about the same as the Y - and they have towels!) and love it. I'd say if PF has most of what you want, and you can use it while traveling, then at $20 it's hard to beat. I pay $62/month for just me, $20 seems like a petty good deal.

And what's with the pull ups? I need the assisted machine! Maybe that will be a goal for 2013, be able to do 1 pull up unassisted.

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!! Hope you have a safe and wonderful day.  We'll be headed out soon to go on a 9ish mile hike in this 32 degree weather, then back home for maybe a movie.  It's just me and my husband today.  What a special day it will be.

Look what he had made for me!!    I will wear this proudly!!!

Love the front loading appreciation comment Chris. Pretty funny.

Tom is sick, he's sure I brought home germs from my recent trip. I think he just has a weak immune system.

We are going to the movies today, and then on to a Chinese Bistro for dinner. It's tradition for the three of us. Tom and Andrew want to see the new Bond movie, so I guess that's what we'll see. Not much else out anyway.

Hoping to squeeze in a walk/shuffle sometime today.

Merry Christmas everyone!

I like that! Very thoughtful. He done good! Enjoy your hike, sounds wonderful.

They should have everything you need for your rehab at least.  Do they have a smith machine?  Google rack chins and you should be able to sub it in for pullups.  If they had a pool I'd be ok with the place.  The mentality they market is a little offputting to me, but given my background that isn't too surprising.