Manatee Mentors 2016 - Part deux (Page 54)

Awesome picture.  Looks like they are having a great time.

Originally posted by marysia83

Originally posted by msteiner

Gj Adamn as well as the other racers.  

For a quickish update from me, I've finally solidified what will be my first race of any sort this year.  I will be racing the Ella Strong Triathlon on June 25, which is a sprint, but it will challenge me plenty.  

The distances are 300m swim, 10 mile bike, and a 5k.  I've been biking occasionally, but my swim is nonexistent and my run hasn't been much better this year.  The swim I can get ready for via a few lunch swims I think.  The run however will be the big obstacle for me.  When I raced triathlon I weighed 150-155 lbs, and I now bounce between 175-180.  While most of that weight is from my lifting, that weight can and will slow me down.  Currently my plan is to get as many 3 mile runs in as I can at a relatively easy pace.  

I started this approach since last Wednesday, and it seems like 3 miles is my sweet spot of not too far to wear me out for the next day while being long enough to feel like I've done something.  It will be interesting to see how I do come race day.

You have a plan, I bet you will do great Remind me, when was the last time you raced triathlons? Just curious how it feels and how it goes after a break.

The last tri I raced was Sunfish in July of last year.  That was while I was mostly training for road racing.  2014 was my last year of full tri training.

That is a  great photo!

That is sound advise (pun intended).

It's good that you specified this.  I have a number belt with both a pocket and the little gel holders (someone needs to give me tips on shoving the gels into the tiny spaces!).  Anyway, I carry my own as well.  That way I can get the type, flavor, etc. that I want.  I do try to use the course nutrition if I can tolerate it though, since I am a klutz.  I have heard stories about mixing gel brands causing some... issues.  I have not experimented much on that front!

This is weird because I have not had this experience with the 920 at all.  I OWS with people who have a variety of devices and we all come up pretty much the same.  Granted, my sample size is small.

So much goodness in that picture!

I was going to respond similarly.  I'll have to go and see what Jen did since it was yesterday.  Go to the pool, swim but not with masters.  Easy peasy.

Originally posted by marysia83

Originally posted by Atlantia Stacey - Awesome picture, those are some gorgeous smiles! Adam - way to go!! Can't wait to hear all the dirty details Janyne - nice running in some soupy humidity! I had loads of fun at my sprint on Sunday, and am already thinking about what's next. Actually, I was hoping to get some opinions from the Pod about my Oly in September. Coming up: 5k on July 4th - just to have something on the schedule, and to see how I do running an open 5k without a pacer like I did in April. No pressure, just fun! OWS on August 7th: http://www.harborfestswim.com/- I think a standalone swim even sounds fun, especially since finding open water to practice in around here seems to cost a fair chunk of change. I figured since I was prepping for a fall Oly I'd do the 1.2 mile swim. September 10/11 - Olympic distance tri. Here's where I don't know which to pick. I've got three on my mind: 1. http://www.restontriathlon.org/tri/Reston Triathlon. Lake swim, kind of hilly bike and run. This would be super close to home (less than half hour drive) and my family would likely be able to come out and cheer. I'm a little wary of the hills. 2. http://nationstri.com/The Nation's Tri. River swim, flat bike and run (so they say.) This is also closer to home (probably only 30 minutes, not sure if I could metro to the start that early) and my family may come out for it. I've heard that the bike course is quite congested. But....monuments! 3. http://www.vtsmts.com/patriotsinternational/Patriot's International. This would need to involve a hotel stay, since it is a 3 hour drive and starts on a Saturday morning. That being said, it is cheaper than the other two. River swim, flat bike and run. My husband would drive down with me, and we'd make a little mini getaway of it and see Williamsburg and stuff. I don't know....all things being equal, which would you pick?

They all sound great. I would be concerned about hills as well... I have never swum a race in a river. Have you? I think I would be scared as hell, but on the other hand - great new experience

Tough call, I think Patriots sounds fun. A bit of a getaway, no congested bike and no hills to worry about

My initial thoughts were that it would be cool to race in DC on September 11th, but really, each race looks like fun. Is there one that you'd be disappointed if you were told you couldn't do it?  Or more disappointed? If so, pick that one!

Great suggestion Hands. DS2 always says to flip a coin. Not to let that decide but because when the coin is in the air you'll likely figure out which one you really prefer.

I vote for Nations Tri first.  Close, probably can get family support, monuments.  Sounds fun.  Is it spendy?

My concern about Patriots is that I think the swim is tidal.  Do they change the course based on the tide that day?  I know someone who did the HIM there a few years ago and he said the swim was difficult with the current/tide.  The bike and run course look nice though!  And I love a racecation!

The Reston one has three laps on the bike?  Hmm.  Could you drive out and do a lap of the bike course and then decide if the course is to your liking and select a race?

Well you pointed out the likely factors. Nutrition and jumping to a bigger distance then trying to run after. So work on those. But also, some training days just suck. My run on Sunday was TERRIBLE! I just had no energy. Could've been my busy week or lack of sleep the night before, or it could have been just one of those days.

Don't get discouraged, it'll be fine. Just keep training consistently and you'll see improvement (although running off the bike never feels quite right). I call it C3PO legs.

Your event is two months from now.  You can swim 1500, you can ride 25 miles, you can run a 10k. You've got this!

Now the trick is putting all three together. As you said, gradually increase your long bike, continue to add brick runs of 20-30 minutes about once a week, try some different things with nutrition.

Fantastic pic!  Gotta love any race pic where you're smiling!  :D 

My first thought was Nations Tri as well for all the same reasons Janyne mentions... MONUMENTS!!  

Though race-cations are also pretty nice...  and you'd be done the race early enough on Saturday to go and enjoy the rest of the day!  :D