Timberman - Half Iron : Official Thread (Page 6)

Ha ha good point about my run Sam, what the heck is wrong with me anyway?  Ha

I like your new blog BTW.

I am super happy you brought up GoTribal - always good to get the word out, so thanks! 

Must refuel!

Cheers,
Mandy

PLEASE HELP ME WITH BUYING AN INDOOR TRAINER.

I have a crappy wind trainer circa 1776...it is rumored that Thomas Jefferson used this model.  So, any trainer will likely be better, BUT I am interested in your opinions.

What I want is a quieter, smoother ride.  I am looking at fluid trainers and magnetic trainers.
From what I understand, fluid trainers have the following feature:  The level of resistance increases with the rider's pedaling speed, but magnetic trainers do not have this quality.  Is resistence increasing a desirable feature? 
With my wind trainer, if I increase my cadance, the resistence doesn't change, I'm just spinning faster because of my effort.  It sounds like a fluid trainer would cause my peddling to become more difficult because added resistence.  Wouldn't this make for a more difficult spinning session or am I confused?

What do you have and if you are happy with it?...How come?

I'm thinking one is not necessarily better than the other, but they serve different needs.  Your input is welcomed.  Thank you very much!

Peace,
~Sam

Sam-
I have a Blackburn TrakStand Ultra I got on Ebay about 2 years ago.  I love it, but I also don't know any better.  It is quiet, easy to set up, allows for tension, and runs smoothly - but I just read some reviews that lambasted the model, so maybe I don't know what I am talking about...All I can say is that it has worked great for me.
Cheers,
Mandy

Mine is a Blackburn Trackstand I believe.  Anyway, I asked several people and sources and decided on a magnetic trainer.  I ordered it already, so we'll see how it goes! 

Thanks for the input. 

Is it weird that I find "Biggest Loser" inspiring?

I'll admit my family always tunes into Biggest Loser as well.  I do enjoy seeing the transformation of the athletes ... but have to wonder as i watched the first show: how do people let themselves get to be morbidly obese....i mean, isnt hitting 400+ pounds a severe wakeup call?

I put on about 5 lbs since race season ended in September, and couldnt stand it ....so i'm working on shedding it now.

Boy do I need someone to light a fire under my a$$! I have done almost nothing for training lately! I can come up with a list of excuses, but in the end they are just that- Excuses... Heading up to swim later this morning and HOPE to get on the trainer this evening. Have only run one time in the past month. UGH At this rate I won't be ready for Timberman in August, let alone the 1/2 mary I am signed up for in May.

sign up for a few running races between a 5K and 10K this winter. I am doing a bunch of NYRR races in NYC this winter to keep the motivation up and to keep my head in the "racing" atmosphere.

elbi999-
First of all, you received some good advice about registering for some other races which can be done as training races or just races to get your head in the game.
Also try going to youtube and check out footage from previous year's Timberman events and/or other triathlon events you might have an interest in.

I managed a decent indoor training ride and a weight lifting session this morning, but...

FUNNY THING HAPPENED...
Ok, so I recently ordered a new indoor trainer and it is scheduled to arrive at my door this afternoon and that's a good thing.  This morning we had a 2-hour delay (I teach third grade) so this presented a perfect opportunity to get my training in during the morning instead of when I'm tired at the end of the day.  So, I strap on my cycling shoes, board my bike and hope that my trainer has one more ride in her.  Midway through the ride a hear a loud "THWACK!!!" and my peddeling is suddenly easier. 
The "fan" (for lack of a better term) portion of my antiquated wind trainer snapped off, flew behind me, and slammed into some cupboards, leaving a black mark on the otherwise white cupboard.  I thought I was done, but I got off the bike and tried to do minor surgery on the thing...no luck.  So, I pull real hard on different pieces and parts to see if they are also ready to come off.  They didn't budge, so I got back on and kept going.  I was half-expecting the whole thing to implode and be sent flying off the thing, but it held on like a warrior.  Now, that is a great send-off!

Get out there and do it so the BT'ers can bring the lumber to Timberman!

Peace,
~Sam

Sam, that is so funny!!! Wow, good thing you got a new trainer!

elbi999 - Looking for some motivation - I have totally been there!  Definitely signing up for a few races in the off-season helps - at least it helps me.  I am only signed up for 2 - a 5k and a 10 miler.  Utube has some good inspiring videos, but be careful, you can get stuck looking at those instead out out running!    Also what helps me if I am feeling the need for a little push is to review my years goals and remember what I need to do to get there.  Each workout is a building block to get where I want to go, and each block I don't set, makes my base or my foundation just a little less strong...Then I think of how bummed I will be in May, then August, if I reflect on my off season realizing that I sat on the couch and ate Cheetos one too many times...

Anyway...Good luck finding the ole MO.  Eyes on the prize!!

Cheers,
Mandy

elbi999 - a few things that might help you: in addition to signing up for some road races, try to find some indoor TT's to get some equal cycling motivation going.  There's a bunch here in the Boston area, people in the LI region can probably point you to one or two you could do.

Also, indoor cycling/spin classes can help get you going.  Just once a week will generally do the trick, because in addition to that one session I've found I have more motivation to get on the trainer so I'm in better shape for that class. 

Another one is to find a running partner, someone of about equal running ability.  Again, doesn't have to be an every day thing, once a week might do the trick so you have an extra kick in the to get out there more frequently. 

These are all things I have going on this offseason and I've only missed on training session the past three months--partly because I know I need to get training in for the HIM, but also because I have smaller goals for the offseason, like dominating my friend in our weekly long runs and kicking at my cycling class . 

Hope this helps!

Just signed up - the conflict I have is no longer ergo I am in!!!

TriToy-
Welcome.  Rock on!
~TriSam

Thanks all for the motivation. I did get to the pool and did 2000 meters. Just got done with errands etc and it is almost 10:30 pm so I am planning to wake early to get on the trainer before another hectic day begins. Sunday I am planning to go for a run. Once I get back in a groove I should be OK, but things will get hectic again in Feb/March when we travel for our last 2 trips to Russia to complete our adoption of our baby boy.

Hello All

Hope the new year is healthy and prosperous.

I also purchased a bike trainer, just got it this weekend.  Cycle Ops Mag+.  Not quite the same as the open road but a good winter substitute.

I've decided to sign up for the Rev3 HIM in June as a big motivator, so I'm going to be starting a 20 week plan soon.  I've kept up w running over the winter, and plan to ease back into the pool this week for a few sessions.

I'm 90% certain I'll use the BT HIM beginner plan - the hourly totals for the other plans just dont seem like they will fit in my schedule.

Curious as to what plan the rest of you will be using ...

Thanks for the info.  I agree on doing the swim distance prior to the race; I did the same last year and it was a big mental boost.

One thought, though, sounds like your 1.2 OWS will be an ocean swim which will be different (more difficult IMO - current, swells, etc.) then the Timberman swim (lake water).  When you finish the Rumson swim you'll be really jacked lol.

I opted for a 1.2 practice lake swim in advance of the 1.2 race lake swim.  I've done a few OWS in the ocean and it really kicked my butt - very tiring.

on another note - if you are close to the NJ shore i highly recommend the Lavaman sprint - www.jsmultisport.com.  Lavallette, NJ in June - the swim is in the bay - so it's warmer and calmer then open ocean, fast 3 loop bike, and a nice run.  Very family/spectator friendly - i had my crew with me last year and it was a blast.  Decent hotel 4 blocks from race start so I walked there @ 5am and the family joined my with the car at 7am.

 

Hi All,

This will be my first 70.3. Nevous as hell. The swim and the bike don't scare me but that run is going to be a killer. I just started Tri's a year and half ago. I've gone nut with this. (at least thats what everyone tells me) I guess they just don't understand. Ive done mainly sprints. Randolph Tri, Lavaman, Born to Tri, All of the ones that Jersey Shore Multisport ran. Jersey shore Triathlon club. I also did the NJ State Olympic.  Well anyway Any pointers or advice would be very helpful.
I'm in the process of getting a new bike. I think im leaning  towards the P2C Just looking for the best price right now. Most likely i will get it from Brielle cyclery. Since i'm new to the distance and I still concider my self a beginner with only 11 or 12 races in I am just looking to finish. would like to be in the middle of the pack somewhere in my age group. 45-49. As well as Clydesdale.  Well enough talk. Im off to do my daily lunchtime run. Good luck to all and hope to see you out there.
Tony.

Welcome, Tony!  Another Garden State-r! Cool.

I think JS Multisport races are great, esp Lavaman. I may be interested in Randolph this year, it's close to home.  I live near the Great Swamp.

I've almost convinced myself to do the Rev3 Quassy CT HIM in June as a kick-start to the season and training motivator .... maybe a good warmup for Timberman.  I'm bringing the whole family up for a week in August to the race so I want to put on a good showing.

train safe

jk

Whew!  Rough week.  My 1.5 year old was in the hospital for two days with pnemonia.  My 10 year old was puking her guts the other night asking, "Is it possible to puke up my organs?" 
So...sleep deprived and several missed workouts.  It's good now though because both are healthy now (or moving in the right direction).  Cycled and lifted last night and looking forward to running this afternoon/evening. 

Just venting and celebrating.  Rock and roll on.

Peace,
~Sam

Oh! Tony, welcome...you will be great.

Hey Tony, welcome!  Good luck with training.

Sam, glad the kids are better. Sounds like a tough week. 

You all hear Chrissie Wellington fell off her bike and broke her hand, fingers requiring surgery to fix? Bummer.  There is a picture on her website of her riding her trainer with a cast, and of course, a big smile, so I guess she is doing better.

Just figured out the Ipod I got for Christmas. I wonder what it is like to run with music?  Trying it out for the first time for my lunch run (I know, I am way behind the times).

Cheers,

Mandy

Mandy-

I did see that about Ms. Wellington.  I'm sure the whole triathlon world is holding its collective breath.

With your ipod you might also like downloading podcasts.  Most of which are free.  My favorite is Competitor Radio, but there are others too.  Check out the Podcast section on itunes.

Peace,
~Sam