Meulen's 'Let's tri this Thing!' beginner mentor group-CLOSED (Page 50)

It feels great and NO WAY could I have done that even 2 years ago. 2 years ago I had horrible back pain and was 35+ lbs heavier than I am now. Since then I've become a runner, returned to swimming, improved my biking skills and become a triathlete! So cool.

As for things I learned this past weekend: don't stay at the skyline motel, time myself on the swim closer to the race, depending on when your wave/heat is called you might have a *long* wait between race start and *your* race start so bring snakcs, be more confident!, try running w/o socks (I didn't have trouble putting on my socks & I'd practiced it, but T1 took me 2+ minutes and so many people have sub-1 minute T1's that I want to improve!), pay more attention to where the water station is going to be on the run! I thought it would be obvious, but I didn't even *see* it! LOL

Meulen - 2011-05-10 9:01 AM

libramom - 2011-05-10 7:54 AM I rode on my bike yesterday sans child on the back for the first time in 11 months and I felt like I was flying. Though I still need to get out there a few times every week (hopefully we won't have a raining summer like our spring has been), I feel much more confident about the bike part of the race....especially the hills! Yay!

Having the kid on the back only makes you stronger!! You think the seat would hook up to my TT rig? I'd love to borrow a kid for some training!!!

haha!! if you lived in the same city, i'd let you borrow both of them anytime!!

I'll be attempting my first open-water race at the Chaska River Days Triathlon on July 16th. I figure the water should be warm enough by then to be okay w/o a wetsuit, but if I decide I want to deal with one I'll look into renting.

This race is slightly longer than the Chain of Lakes w/ a 1/3 mile out-and-back swim, a 16-mile cycle and a 5K run.

This is kinda on a whim for me, cos my training is changing to P90X starting this weekend, but I've modified my schedule to include a long & short swim, and a run day each week. Cycling is just gonna be for transportation for the most part, but I'll work in a couple long runs in the weeks leading up to the race. Last year when I did P90X though I noticed that my general fitness improved so much that I excelled at things like running, even when I only ran once a week. I'm hoping that will apply to my Tri as well and then I'll dedicate next year's training mostly to a triathlon schedule.

It's been awhile since there was a QOTD, so I thought that I'd throw one out there.  What's your dream race?

Of course, I would love to complete an IM.  However, I'd love to race in the Escape from Alcatraz race.  It would just be very cool starting from that island and swimming that famous swim. 

That is the second race that I dream about (Vegas).  Erin and I lived in Vegas for several years and I'd love to go back to see some friends and race.  There were some great things about that town, but it also has it's bad side.  I use to teach in the inner city, so I saw it ALL.  I still think that I will head back there to do the HIM.  Excellent choice!!!!!

P.S. Kona is of course my ultimate dream, but I know that is not quite in my cards at the moment....

Meulen - 2011-05-11 9:51 AM

libramom - 2011-05-11 8:12 AM a tri in vegas too, but not in the summer!!! i would die if i had to race in 120 degrees. but it was as flat as a pancake there in the valley. what a nice, lovely race it would be to race on flat land. oh, how i miss it there so much.

The Vegas IM is partially in the mountains. I believe it has one of the the highest elevation gains in the sport!

I believe that it takes place by Boulder City. I could be wrong, but I remember looking at a map once.  It's sort of ironic that they hold a race in a very flat city/desert and race in the mountains. 

mcommend - 2011-05-11 10:01 AM

Meulen - 2011-05-11 9:51 AM

libramom - 2011-05-11 8:12 AM a tri in vegas too, but not in the summer!!! i would die if i had to race in 120 degrees. but it was as flat as a pancake there in the valley. what a nice, lovely race it would be to race on flat land. oh, how i miss it there so much.

The Vegas IM is partially in the mountains. I believe it has one of the the highest elevation gains in the sport!

 

I believe that it takes place by Boulder City. I could be wrong, but I remember looking at a map once.  It's sort of ironic that they hold a race in a very flat city/desert and race in the mountains. 

bizarre. if it's a vegas race, it should be in vegas! lol

QueerDrummer - 2011-05-11 12:01 PM QOTD: Hmmm...I don't feel emersed enough to even know what my criteria for a "dream race" would be, and I'm not familiar enough with what's out there to have a specific race in mind. I think, though, that it would be an international race. My dad was born & raised in the UK but has never been back in my lifetime. Going there is one of my biggest dreams, so I think doing a Mid-Distance Tri in the UK would be pretty freaking incredible. Just checked out the British Triathlon Federation website and there are tons of races to choose from. SOME DAY!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!! Enjoy your day!!

gadgetlaw - 2011-05-11 4:05 PM For me any race that I enter and finish feeling good is a dream race!!!     My half marathon is coming up on Sunday.  I just want for it to be here!  I want to do it, now!  I feel so ready.  I have put in the training, and I am at my lowest weight since about sixth grade.  Ok, not really, but I honestly do not remember when I have felt this fit!  Never thought I could say that!  Of course, now they are calling for rain on Sunday, but I am still hopeful that it will be a nice day. 

Good luck and have fun! I might bike down to see the excitement of the race on Sunday. I'll be thinking of you!!!

Yes, I think this tapering thing is driving me crazy.  I didn't think it would be bad, since it is just for a half.  But, I am going stir-crazy!  I feel tired and lazy!  Last night I sat on the couch like a slug and all I wanted to do was eat!

Thanks for the well-wishes!  Yes, everyone please come out and watch!  The more people cheering us on the better!