Marvarnett's Group - Full (Page 5)

Cash - I can imagine all of the little aches and pains that come with marathon training, make sure you get that taper in.  I wouldn't sweat it if you have to walk a few times over the last few miles, as long as you toe the start line and cross the finish line, that is all that matters!  I think getting to the start is actually tougher than finishing a race.    Great job on that 23 miler!   

I'm glad to hear that you survived your first bike crash!  At least now you have that check mark off of your list.  Sometimes it just happens.  I use the park took cleaner and found it to be great.  Really easy to use.  Makes a hell of a mess though.  I do it in the back yard.

If done right, water running is quite the workout.  I had to do it for a while when I was rehabing in college.  It's kind of annoying because you slowly make your way across the pool when you think you should be staying in one place.  Work on form while doing it and you'll be surprised!!

Cash, you'll do great in your marathon!  If it makes you feel any better, I know several elite runners who's goals are to not walk during a marathon.  And few of them actually accomplish that.  If you need to gather yourself, do it.  Work it into your run scheme.  Get that taper in because that is where you will get your body ready for the race.  The hay is in the barn!

Cashmason - 2007-01-22 9:06 PM Not only is the hay in the barn, so is all the horse poop! Have any of you noticed if training on a bike is helping your run times?

I've noticed that it allows me to run harder because I'm not tearing as much up each run.  I think that's more of the cross training component. 

I'm going to have to think about if there is a direct corrolation between biking and run fitness.   That's a fine question.  Have you seen an improvement?

It makes sense.  Also, my friend JC (running stud) said she PR in all her running races while training for Ironman.  She's incorporating Tri training this year in order to get in shape for the Olympic trials.

So that in itself says that what you're finding is right.  Keep up the great work.  Are you getting nervous yet?

If you haven't done any tri races they are pretty competitive. I'd say more so than some of the longer runs. You must put it the time and effort if you want to do well. It sucks to be last. The programs on here are pretty good plus you can log in to make sure you are on track. Personally I think its great value for the cost. You might find after a good race or two you really like it; it becomes a lifestyle.

I would spend the money on good tires. At the speeds we acheive on downhills call it insurance. Keep them properly presurized on each ride and you might even get a little more speed as a bonus.  

Biking is just like running in regards to variation.  If you just went out and did LSD's then you would only get better at LSD's.  In order to get your LT highter, you have to push beyond your aerobic threshold.  Riding with a road group is great for this.  But also putting in interval work into your bike session are awesome also.  Like if you were going for an hour ride.  You could do a 15' w/u, 15 X 1 min hard effort with 1' recovery between and then 15' easy home.  OR things like. 4 X 3' push pace with 5' recovery between.  or my fav, big gear work.  This allows you to get strenght work while on the bike.

So, in short, you'll get better faster if you do more than just ride long and easy.  IMHO.

I agree with Starcorp about the tires.  I am bad about letting my tires wear out, but just make sure you look at them often.  Check them out before every ride.  A good pair of tires will last you a couple of thousand miles.  Yep!  My Michelin pro 2's were on there all last year and I put in over 3K miles.  You can get them online really "cheaply".  Like 35ish.

Having a plan helps SOOO much when you're training.  It gives you purpose and a path.  Tons better than just doing random workouts.  Unfortunately, the only thing that gets you better in the water is time.  Lots of practice.  Enjoying the process is very important.  Too many people forget that.

Not that you'll need it, but good luck!!

A reverse sprint, interesting. Apparantly Ironman started out that way but the athletes almost drowned by the end of the race.

From your last blog I would concentrate on your swim. A sprint is a short race, its all about speed and its not as easy to make up time in your weak leg. The fact you are a good runner and should do fine on the bike will be to your advantage. Save a little for that last leg. And practice, practice, practice. Look into some coaching or a masters club. It would be a huge benefit.