DeCracker's Group ( de tricrackletes) Full (Page 6)

Hope all my fantastic tri training peeps are well and enjoying the benefits of Daylight Savings Time. Nothing like extra time to train.

Sorry I haven't posted much lately but like you all I've been busier than a one legged man in an azz kickin' contest. Work's been hectic, both boys playing varsity baseball (can't miss a game), family, and training doesn't leave much time.

Did the PI Sprint and have the Cooper River Bridge Run next weekend. Hope your season is off to a great start. Let us hear about it.

Howdy--

Just checking in.  I enjoyed my time in Florida with the folks and kids.  Was able to squeeze in two bike rides.  One was through Fl's newest state park--it's a cattle farm and has an enormous lake simply swimming with alligators.  We stood out on this little bitty dock counting heads--BIG heads--until we realized we'd be cornered if one of them decided to visit the dock, too!

Bad news is, I think I'm out of the race this go-round.  My ankle's just not getting better.  I can't really even do the exercises my PT prescribed.  Not really sure what to do at this point.  Thinking maybe I could still swim and bike the sprint and just not do the run part--not much of a triathlon, but better than I couldv'e done last year this time!

Frustrated as all get out. 

Sorry for ranting!  Certainly hope everyone else is doing well.  

Good job on the sprint, Cracker, and good luck next weekend! 

A key training workout for preparation (phys and mental) is the brick. Whether it's swim/bike or bike/run, you need to get some brick work in before race day. There are differing strategies. One is the brick based on time, whereas you would bike for 20 minutes and run for 30 minutes. And the other is distance, whereas you would swim for 750 meters and bike for 12 miles. Either way make sure you do them, both types, and more than once.

Not only will bricks teach you how your body will react when going from one discipline to another, but you can also practice transitions (free time savings) and get in some longer workouts. Your first sprint may take you between 1:15-1:40 to complete. You need to make sure you're up to that length of time. Also practice your hydration. Caloric intake isn't such a big deal during sprints but hydration is always very important.

Sometimes I'll do a practice tri without going outdoors. After swimming in the pool at our Y, I'll jump out of the pol and head for the spin room.  After 40 minutes on the bike I'll dash over to the treadmill for 5K. Just have a towel and your bike shoes and running shoes handy and you're set.

Good luck, hope this helps.

Way to go Kate!

You need to really appreciate those hills. They are so important in your bike and run training. I drove over an hour Sun morning just to ride some small rolling hills. I need a lot more hill raining so I'll be driving a lot this summer just to find a few. Keep up the good work man. You're doing great.

Isn't it great to think back where you were as compared to where you are now with your training. Think about how great it will be in 6 months or a year or 2 years. Even at my age I still look to the future for improvement. It has such a positive effect on other aspects of your life. I really hope those closest to you can see and appreciate the changes you are experiencing. I know the weight loss is tough, it's so tough for me too. But I keep trying. I slide back and then I go forward. But I keep trying. Check yourself in the mirror every day, right out of the shower is a good time. Then ask yourself, "Am I there yet?", "Could I look even better?", and keep plugging away until you can honestly answer "YES!!!".