Baowolf mentor group is [ Closed ] (Page 59)

I am a bit of an emotional wreck today. On the surface I am ready and have confidence in the training I have put in. On the inside I am fighting lies about how much more I could have done to be ready and how much I failed in my training. There is also this overwhelming joy that comes when I think of how far I have come. I am so thankful during times like this I know where my identity and value come from; otherwise, I would probably have thrown in the towel long ago. I'm gonna make it to the start line and the finish line, but I'm confident there will be many tears along the way.

You have each played a part in my journey and I sincerely thank you for your encouragement and consistent support as we journey together! Steve I owe so much of my growth to you and the commitment you have upheld to mentor me through this group AND last year. You have stayed consistent even when your life has gotten crazy and all the times in between. Words never seem to say enough, but THANK YOU!

Took my bike to LBS today to get a few more minor adjustments. Did my 4.6 mile run and stretched for a while. Legs are still tight but better than they were. Wondering what to do about the stuff I take to the starting line that I don't actually want to take in the water with me: possibly a sweatshirt if its cold, bike pump to top off my tires, shoes and stuff. Do I need to have someone I can give it all to?

Carol - thanks for the tips. On my run today I realized my new top has good pockets so I might go without the pods and drink at the drink stations. I will decide one of these days. Considering I only have four left I suppose it will be sooner than later

The guy at LBS today was suggesting I just use the food they give at the aid stations because I won't have to carry any of my own. But I'm not really sure what they will be serving and I have confidence in the way GU works for my body. Definitely not gonna try new nutrition on race day. For future what would y'all recommend? Find out what the race is gonna serve and train with it, or just bring my own? And this is only for the run because I use Infinite for the bike.

Samantha, when you read getting to the starting line is most of the race, it includes going through the full gampbit of emotions you are going through right now.  Part of it is your taper where your body is healing and sending messages to your mind that are confusing (are we turning back into a counch potato or is this the calm before the storm and you are going to want more from me) and part is the unknown and self-doubts.  Breath in through your nose slowly (1 ....2....3...4 and out through your mouth, 1....2.....3....4.. rinse, repeat 10 times as often as needed and visualize your happy place (beach, bed, lazyboy...etc.) Keep that drill with you for race day, the night before, in the cold water, in the wetsuit, slow the breathing down, focus on a thought happy, inspiriational and slow down the energy then relax and move ahead with confidence.  You can do this (I can do this.). 

I cary my GU on a racebelt with little stretchy loops that hold them in place.  I love my triberry.  They should list on the website what they are having on the run.  Now that IM is using GU I probably can just live off the course.  Tire pressure, meh anywhere 100 to 110 is probably fine, a little lower if hotter (100) a higher if cooler (105 ish).  Probably not your chief concern.  You will probably have a pair of sweats or whatever, leave them in transition when you put on your wetsuit you will be fine this time of year.  At 60F you probably want to get your freeking out cold used to the water thing out of the way before the race starts by swimming for a few minutes.  At 60F we all do a little hyperventalating till we aclimate to the water.  Slow down, smooth steady strokes, good siting, don't force the swim it will take care of itself.  Just glide through the water.  Rotate more if the water is rough.  I put on sunscreen before the race starts and let it dry before putting on the wetsuit.

Hrm... ER called and said I have a screw loose.  I'm all what.  She said it is number 3 out of the 7 screws in the plate in my callorbone.  It is completely out of the plate in the exray.  So... my thought is hrm can he just like poke a little hole in and grab it or does he have to take the whole plate out?  My second thought was hrm so that pain in my shoulder could be a screw rubbing on things with every swing of my arm when I'm running...er walking quickly, not running cuz I'm not supposed to do that yet.  And that can't be good.  So ya the orthopetdic surgeoun is 100 miles away and can't see me for 10 days to then figure how what he is going to do probably in another 3 weeks and such.  And mr. sandman passes time as the IM gets closer.  Yes I am rambling and yes I have had some chocholate this week.  How does that go breath in through the nose out through the mouth.  Might not be in Palm Springs this year.  And that kneecap pain kicks in around 4 miles, so good that I have that figured out...  I think I'll take the stitches out myself and save the co-pay, throw that in the bike fund.  Who knows that screw could have been out all this time and could have caused me trouble if I hadn't gotten an extra to point out that it needed to come out and not find something in my body to poke.  I know Carol could put a better sliver lining on it but thats mine for the moment.  

So its all good because this is a lifestyle and no one or two races really matter.  Surgery after the half marathon maybe 8).  It was good to be out and moving during lunch for the 2nd-4th mile, the the clay feet started kicking in.  Oh it is Monday, maybe I will catch my first football game in over a year. 

I figure even if the bike is totaled I can ride it on the trainer indoors until I get a good deal on a bike this fall when the prices drop.  Specialized Transition Ultegra would at least give me a bike from a shop wihtin 150 miles, but they appear overpriced.  

So to everyone still here, enjoy ever day, hard or recovery, just enjoy being out there, watch or not just moving, scaring cows, making dogs bark on each of 5000 laps around the block, smile at people and just be.  Have a good day.. or you won't.  P     

Steve – I am sure there are a few jokes about looses screws in there somewhere. My wife gives me looks like she sees looses screws when I talk about racing a HIM, or IM. Probably best they found it. Any chance the Dr could make a house call. Not like they need anesthetic or anything. Right?

Samantha – Yes, breathe. Trust the training, let the anxiety float away and let your body do what it knows to do. This is one step on your journey and there will be plenty of time to celebrate when you finish. Nature does have a funny way of reminding us what really counts, so hope the fires are not a problem.

Carol – Does not look like you have missed a step. Those split times look great.

Mike – The water is a magic elixir and seems to ease all those sore muscles. There are days when it seems like it take 30-40 minutes to warm up in the pool and it make spending an hour plus in the water very enjoyable.

Larry – Nice improvement on the run! You do not have much to prove when it comes to mental toughness. You have what it takes.

I ran last night in much cooler and less humid weather for 4.71 miles in 44:48. So Saturday’s race still disappoints and the result goes in as one of those races. There will be more. Splits for last night are 9:39, 9:24, 9:32, 9:40, and 9:49. The miles rolled by with little change in breath and nice turnover. The legs felt tired after 3 days of running but no exhaustion. If every day were like that then you might call me a runner.  

Joe, very nice times on the run.  It's nice to see you right back at it.

Carol, the running numbers we're posting are definetly similar.

Steve, I applaud your mental attitude towards your accident.  A lesson to all of us on the right mental approach.

Samantha, having gone through the same first time HIM emotions a few weeks ago, I'd say it is natural.  I completely agree with Steve on the swim.  I took it easy on purpose, and actually enjoyed the swim, and it was faster than any training swim I had.  I'm so excited for you!!

Samantha -- trust your training, you are ready. It may be a stressful few days until you step to the start line, but you have done all you could and what is necessary to earn your right there, and to finish. Find the joy in the day of being out there, relished the success of your training, and love that you can be there doing it. Finish with a smile. If there is anything I took away from my HIM in June it was to enjoy the race -- its your reward for working so hard to get there. Its a time to celebrate.

One other thing -- I also found it vitally important to stay upright on the bike, and to keep your front wheel attached.

Thanks everyone! I am feeling better today. Excitement and anticipation are filling my heart, mind and soul.

Joe - nice job on your run! Those are consistent splits and they are a great pace. I think we can call you a runner for sure!

Larry - it is fun to have someone who just finished what I'm about to finish. Walking the same path provides understanding on a deeper level.

Mike - Staying upright and keeping my front fork attached is definitely a goal for the day.

Breathing in 1,2,3,4 out 1,2,3,4...

Weather is predicted to be 79 and sunny. Still don't know about the fire situation, but if I don't hear from anyone I'm gonna keep moving forward. Several friends will be traveling out to see me race and I will appreciate that so much. Saturday night after the race we will go watch a free laser light show at the Grand Coulee Dam. Should be a pretty sweet weekend!

3 DAYS!

Go gettem Samantha.

Did 4 miles today, knee didn't bug me so I guess I stopped soon enough.  Those bruized thighs are still tight after a couple miles, no idea why.  Walked a half mile then 8:25 mpm pace for the rest.... er at a fast walking pace, certainly not running against doctors orders.  He did say 7-10 days...and it is 7, hrm. 

Bike shop called, they had to take my bike out back and put er down.  The dent with cracking on the downtube was the nail in the coffin.  Poor baby.  She served me well for 25,000 miles.  Now to bike shop and look at the budget, maybe in that order.  

So I will want Shimano 105s or better, definately tri configuration.  Having the close bike shop (150 miles away) have a dealership with that bike copany seems to be important is unforseen ways.  Will have to do some searching, soul and otherwise. 

Have fun folks, it is what it is all about.   

NEW BIKE FOR STEVE! Can I celebrate that development in light of the cost - physically, emotionally and financially? So glad your body is letting you get out there and cover some miles. 7-10 days is grey area; plus you know your body better than the doc. Should I send you the picture of the Cervelo P4 just for inspiration? :D maybe you can get electric shifters, or better yet, get a bike with a motor...hahahahahahhaha

Did my last two mileage workouts this morning as a brick. S/B. Had a bit of trouble getting my wetsuit on over my shorts. I think they are officially too big now that I am slimming down. Had to do some stuffing and look awesome while doing it...ha! Tri top seems fine. Stayed calm and breathing never really got out of control even in the cooler temp water. Bike was great other than it was so cold to bike with wet clothes, but now I know what to expect. I was sweating by the end. I will do a 20minute S/B/R over the next couple days. Gonna get my swim in at the race site on Friday, if possible. My bike financier will be there to cheer me on; I'm glad he will get to see the bike in action.

Joe, really nice run!  Yeah, I know...where was that on race day? Seriously, heat and humidity is a killer.  I would not underestimate that as possibly the biggest factor.

Mike, LOL re: keeping wheels and forks together.  Glad you are able to laugh about it!

Yep, Samantha, arriving healthy at the starting line is such a huge victory, and you are almost there!  We are all pulling for you to have a great race day.

Steve, looks like Monday night football was not enough to dissuade you from runing ahead of schedule.  Hope the screw thing can be repaired easily.  Bike totalled huh?  That part at least I can relate to.  Having the shopping/decision thrust on you not at a time of your choosing definitely takes some adjusting...financial and mental.  I was so mad about mine for a while, I couldn't really even enjoy thinking about a new one.  But, yes, you get past that phase and it becomes fun again.

First real group road ride for my hubby last night.  We had a very encouraging ride leader, and Kerry wound up averaging like 2 mph faster than he's ever gone before.  We rode out to a place where we could opt in or out of a loop with hill repeats.  I did one loop (about 4 miles) and that was enuf for me, but I can see where that would be a really good ride to do again.  

Carol - if I don't keep a sense of humor about what happened, I'd likely be depressed

Had another core training session last night, and it was a thourough butt-kicking. SO different than the usual s/b/r. You think you may be in decent shape, but after a session like this, you wonder if you are.

Certainly impacted my swim this AM. I felt like I was swimming with cement blocks for arms. A good session for toughing it out, and managed to get 2550 yards in. Just worked on form, and not so much speed. times were slow - nearly 10 sec/100 in some cases. It will get better.

One fun thing is that my coach asked if I wanted to participate in a masters swim meet in December and/or next March. it would be a long course mile swim. I think it sounds like fun, so we're going to stretch my masters sessions to get me ready. I'd compete in my age group (near geezer bracket) so I won't get smoked by 22 year olds doing a 16 minute mile

Mike, I love the idea of you competing in a meet.  It will help with how boring just training can get.  A goal always help.

I have officially retired from squatting as a lifting exercise.  I tweaked my back pretty good yesterday doing reps with 155.  This is terribly depressing considering I once squatted 500 pounds years ago.  Teh good news is I hate squats and never have to do them again. 

I'm constantly checking my running miles and pace, and it helps motivate me, but I got some even better numbers this morning.  I checked my blood pressure and it was something like 120/70 and my resting heart rate was 42.  When I started the numbers looked like 170/120 with a resting heart rate around 95.  I know, heart attack waiting to happen

Larry, that is amazing.  Your resting heart rate at half of what it was and your blood pressure is now "normal."  The medication companies are going to be very dissappointed in you for living a healthy lifestyle rather than paying $200,000 in medications over the next 30 years.  You should have fun when the nurses take your bloodpressure and heart rate twice to make sure they are getting it right give how bit the change is.

Wow a mile swim only race.  You are gona have to learn to do flip turns... Ya core work should help your swim in the long run, but..... not so much the next day.  Being IM fit doesn't mean that you can go bench 200, but it means that you have really good cardivascular health and slow twitch muscles are strong.  Using muscles in different ways will still kick your butt.

Samantha tell us how things are going today on the HIM emotinal roller coster.  

Samantha, T minus 2 days and counting!  I looked at the info about your race, and it looks like a great venue.  Bike course looks a bit hilly, so good that you are not having to use the down tube shifters anymore . 

Thanks to Mike for doing the core work for our group!  I'm sure it will get easier after a few more sessions.  Swim races sound right up your alley.

Larry, awesome numbers all the way around.  Sounds like your family has a much better chance of you sticking around for quite a while.  Glad you are being "forced" to give up the squats.

Steve, how are you feeling?  Have you decided which bikes you want to look at?  I'm with you on the value of bike shop support. 

Really nice 30 mile bike ride with a friend this morning.  I'm pretty sure we solved all the worlds problems .  I'm considering a 10K race on Saturday.  Would be my 4th time running this particular one, and they always have the BEST women's specific tech shirts.  I was going to skip it because the price has gotten a bit steep, then I saw that this year's shirts are bright pink.  Decisions, decisions. 

The shoulder is actually loosening up pretty nicely.  I won't be swimming tonight or anything but I am getting some range of motion back.  My wife took the stitches out of my finger lastnight so that is moving along and the shoulder is not oozing as much (roadrash) so I might not have to bind myself as much before work each morning.  I did a 5 mile ru.. er walk today during lunch (8:12, 7:40, 7:42, 7:41, 7:33 mpm splits) and the arm is able to swing almost like it should, thighs still a bit tight, but was able to go the full 5 without the knee bugging me.  I have managed to not split the ankle stitches open with me "walking" so that is good.  Bike thing is still up in the air alot, no one seems to have any old fancy bikes lying around or at least do not have up to date webpages.  My top choices are Specialized, Cervelo, (Treck uses junk compenents so probably not) Cannondale.  I haven't seen too many Look, Blue, Giant or Scott dealers yet in my searches.  Towns are 90 miles north (but they suck at bike service, know nothing about tri bikes), 150 miles west (like the shop but only Specialized bikes which run a bit pricey for the models and tend to skimp on components), 120 south (looks like no stock so would have to order something) or 180 miles south east.  Other directions are sand and wind. So ya I have things pretty narrowed down.  No response from Felt which is dissapointing.  I would like to at least hear a, we don't have any sponsorship slots open for the year.. blah blah try Joe's for a good deal something or other. 

My biggest worry right now is the likely surgury to the collarbone.  That is a minimum of 2 weeks out of the water + another 2 weeks mending time for muscle and such probably and with the doctors appointment a week away followed by 2 weeks or so before they can get me in for surgary.... that leaves about um cary the 2, Means I can start swimming again 1 month before the race.  Hopefully we can shave er cheat another 3 weeks in there, but getting to Im swim fitness in call it 5 weeks is gona be iffy at best let alone bike fitness.  Run will probably be fine, I can run in a sling.  There is also the question of if they take screws out of the collarbone it may be 5-6 weeks for the bone to support swimming or biking again.  And that just isn't good at all.  I will know more next week.  I think I can do the half marathon though if the knee holds up to increasing my run vollume.  I hope to get in at least 25 miles this week and then more next week.  Teach you to ask me questions when my mind is searching to solve insolvable problems with insufficient information 8).

Carol - it's so fun to hear about your hubby getting involved in biking with you! Do you think he will do a triathlon?

Larry - sorry about the back tweak. I guess since you don't like squats it is for the better, but I hope you recover quickly. Nice job on your running pace; I'm SO impressed with your improvement. You are so committed and really take things all the way. Now you are enjoying the health and financial benefits. No money for drugs to make all those numbers look that good!

Mike - you are so perfect for swimming competition. You are already fast and what kind of improvements you would make with intentional training in a master's class. Excited to hear what you decide to do.

Steve - Wow, you really are in the middle of nowhere! Bike shopping is difficult to do. It seems to more you know the more decisions you have to make. I knew just enough to make a decision and very easily could have made a less good decision, but I think I ended up in the good. Anyway, I hope you find something. Great news on the shoulder seeing some improvement. Yeah for no knee pain and removal of stitches. Patience for the rest...NOW! HA!

Today has been rolling hills for me. Small down and some bigger ups. Excitement is mounting along with nerves. Some details are coming together and that brings some peace of mind. As I sit looking at my bike and consider the race I am thrilled to see God's faithfulness playing out in tangible ways. He has truly been faithful to give me the desires of my heart, and this race is leading up to IMCDA and that ROCKS! I spent the afternoon getting a list together of the things I need. I working on my bike water system, getting it seated more securely and shining up the bike. I was thinking about tire changing while out on the course and wondered what to do if I get a flat and need to flip my bike upside down to change it. All my water will pour out. Or is there something I can do. YOu mentioned putting plastic over the holes to prevent splashing; do you do that for this as well?

I guess I'm kinda ready to be out there. Partly to get it over with so I can stop being nervous, but more because I am anticipating the feeling of accomplishment of completing something that really wasn't possible not so long ago. My desire to be an athlete who pursues the discipline of physical fitness is now my reality and I thank the Lord for His work in me!

3 more sleeps...then GAME ON!

Stepping back to look at this group, the resiliency and determination is amazing. 

Mike - With your ability and competitiveness, Masters swimming sounds like a nice match for you. 

Samantha - Now that it is a little closer, you can solidify plans for weather, clothing, extra water, etc.. Suggest making a plan and sticking to it. Race morning is hectic enough with out questioning those details.

Steve - If that screw was loose anyway, maybe it can wait until the "off - season". Not sure when that is but you know silver lining and all.

The miles are rolling along with 5 more last night in 48:44. The cool weather has really helped my speed as this was supposed to be an easy run. It was slower than monday so I guess that works. I can feel some fatigue set in but kept pulling it back until the last 1/4 mile where I pushed the pace a bit. Splits 9:50, 10:08, 9:52, 9:56, and 9:34. Keep those legs turning over! Back to the build this week and the mileage is adding up. At 12 now and plan a 10 mile long run Friday, or Saturday. New goal is to run for at least 25 miles for three consecutive weeks. That brings me to 2 weeks away from 1/2 Mary. Plenty of time to recover, maybe a little too much.

Carol, that sounds like an amazing bike ride.  Sometimes training can be fun.  I pretty much train alone because I don't have friends into the type of fitness I do, or they lie about their bike speed or don't show up.

Joe, very nice run.  And great job finishing strong. 

Samantha, I had similar emotions in the days before my HIM.  Wanting to get it over with, amazed at where I'd gotten too, and the sense of peace with my new lifestyle.  Soak it all in!!

Steve, I am very impressed with the "walk" splits.  Good luck with all of your injuries, and with the bike search.  I like the idea of buying online.  I've bought arcade games, pool tables, weightlifting power rack, baseball cards (like 50,000), a diamond ring (shopping tip:  if it is certified, it's the same ring you buy in your local store at about 1/4 of the cost.  I did a lot of research.  The savings were amazing), and a bunch of other junk.

I did speed training today.  I did 7 x800 with a 400 jog between each.  My goal was under 4:00 for each.  My first was 4:02, and everything else was under 4:00.  The last one got tough, but I suppose it should.  I now weigh 195 pounds.  I'm at like 19% body fat still, so I figure my final goal will be around 180 pounds, and lifting to make sure I don't lose muscle. 

You guys are all coming along so well.  A bunch of folks who love running who would have thought that 4 months ago. 

Samantha, do you have a CO2 device and a spare tube or two in a bag on your bike with leavers and such?  You don't have to put the bike upsidedown to change out the tires.  If you just lay it on the side (not the one with the chainring) you can can get everything off and back on fine.  On its side you won't lose much water or infinite, maybe a dribble. 

I was looking at the Specialized Transition Expert as a shop that I like is a Specialized dealer and he may be able to get me a "hard luck" deal on it. But they might not let him order it because although he sells Specialized bikes, he is not listed as their TT bike specialty store.  So we will see.  I was also looking at Cervelo P1/P2s.  It looks like the P2s will be discontinued in 2013. 

Samantha, sounds like your taper is working.  Once the preparations are complete, I think you will go to the starting line ready and calm.  I'm so incredibly happy you are at this place, and able to really appreciate where God has brought you.  Oh, and no, probably no tris for my husband.  He's not at all keen on swimming, and is even more of a smell the roses type than I am.

Steve, what, no Shiv for you?  Yes, I'm talking bike and not something to keep the titanium plate in place.  I do hope you get some answers on the potential surgery soon.  Know it's tough to be in the "unknown zone".  And I never knew you were a world record speedwalker!

Joe, your half mary plan sounds like it will serve your well.  You're logging some really solid runs.

Larry, very nice 800's for you.  As for training with friends, even though this area has a lot of folks involved in tris/cycling/running, it is still hard to find folks with similar enough paces to train with.  The one I rode with this week had to give up running due to some health issues.  We used to run together quite often.  But she has adapted, and really threw herself into cycling the last few months.  I am definitely the one slowing her down on the bike now!

OK, so I signed up yesterday for the Tour des Fleurs 10K this Saturday.  The hot pink shirt is awesome, and I was somehow feeling drawn to this race (my 4th time).  I did a little pacing practice this morning, and yeah found out what pace NOT to target given my present fitness level.  Not going to be a PR day, but I'll have some fun, finish in time to cheer in some friends on the 20K, and go to bkfst afterwards.

Hey Elena (waving crazily )!  You rock too.  Glad you are enjoying the speedier workouts!

Samantha, I always carry TWO tire levers.  One to slip in to get things started.  Leave that one in place (clipped onto a spoke), the other one to run around the tire/wheel to get the tire on the outside of the rim all the way around.  You probably already know all that or are just better at dislodging the tire from the rim than I am, but wanted to mention just in case.