Beginner 1/2 Ironman Plan Group (Page 50)

Did a 1000 TT in the middle of my 2500 meter session yesterday and finished in 16:30 (8:07 first 500, 8:23 second 500).

That's about 1:39 average. Progress still being made!

I've started experimenting with the hip driving the stroke during my stroke drills and am starting to feel the benefit. That, along with getting in the unconscious habit of finishing my pull with a quick glance of the thigh, and my times are improving. Still bilateral breathing. No flip turns.

OW swims have walls every 25 yards or so to grab and take a breath.....right? 

Good luck on your race! My husband and I did our first 1/2M with our daughter and we still talk about it Is the distance anywhere close to what your plan has you do this weekend?

Great work everyone. Sounds like your getting in some terrific workouts.

Pops, have a blast with your daughter.

I forced myself through a nasty ride fighting the elements today. Strong winds and rain for the last 45 min but at least I didn't quit. I used all my energy just to keep my bike from blowing over today!

Did my TT today too and was right around 1:35 average, but that wasn't in the middle of a longer swim.  Nice job!!  hahahaha about the walls.  I wish. 

Best to both of you pop!  Taking my daughter to her first kids Tri in may, awesome dad/daughter time a bit more special than a HIM by yourself!  What could be more special than that!

Nice job to you both!  How the heck are you guys cranking out these amazing times?!?!  I did back flips yesterday over a 1:44 in my TT (and was absolutely gassed at the end)...  Any tips you're willing to share on good stroke drills or web sites/books you're using?  Anything to improve efficiency/speed.  Distance has neve been a problem but I'm consistently a 2:00/100 swimmer when I'm not sprinting.  I'm one of those "I'll catch you on the run" people...

At 1:44, it won't take you long to catch me on the run :-)

I guess I've noticed a steady progression with my swimming with the following improvements:

1. Proper breathing - head low, turn with hips, breath into pocket of air

2. Proper hip rotation - started thinking consciously about the hips powering the stroke

3. Finish the stroke - pull all the way back until I touch my thigh

4. Avoid crossover - both at recovery and pull portion of the stroke

I've also just spent more time in the water. Core and balance are strenghtening, improving my position.

I try and keep my car and especialy desk at work loaded with snacks healthy snacks.  Since it is still cool enough here in the east coast, I keep containers of soy chocolate milk (the kind that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the car along with high quality cereal bars.  Bananas and apples ale always winners and travel well. I find it is key to eat within the first 30 mins after a strong workout and I've read reports which say that the first 10 mins is even more important. 

I'm pretty happy about how week 20 went. I even got my 4 runs in!! I was suppose to do an hour and a half on the trainer this morning, but cut it short at 1hr 18min and did some adjusting on my seat and handle bars. It feels really off, not sure how that happened. I haven't touched since the fall.

I was pretty excited to get my new wetsuit in the mail, until I tried it on. How tight does it have to be?? Note to self: Pay closer attention to diet.

Congrats!!  Wow!  That is awesome to be where you are now especially in light of where you were!