Mav's Massachusetts Mentor Group/Full for the Season (Page 6)

Morning everyone-

I finally did it, got to the gym, and did a 2 mile run, and my first weight training. Got in about 32oz of water yesterday, starting good today though. I have not weighed myself in a while, kinda scared, since I left the old job I've gotten a little soft (everywhere!)

Lauren Hickey is a colegue of mine and she is going to be getting into Tri's this year. We should expect to hear from here shortly. I have invited her to join our group.

Have a good day.

JP

I agree with mav, its' a fun event.   Don't be scared off of the Webster course; we had a group of total beginners training together under mav's direction last summer on the Danskin/SheROX course, and we all made it up that hill (OK not the first time out, but definitely before race day).  You can do it!  We can ride it together a couple of times in June and you'll be fine.

I've seen Marlboro; it's short, and you have 5 months to train. I bet you can do it!

Hey triathletes,

My name is Lauren and for the past few months I've had the pleasure of hearing from Joel, who sits right next to me, about how much fun triathlons are. So I've decided to start training for one myself! I live in Cranston and work in Lincoln currently, and I'm a semester into the MBA program at Providence College. I went to Eastern Connecticut State University where I played soccer and basketball, graduated last May, and now I try to go to the gym daily to keep in shape and stay healthy. I mostly run, but I occasionally bike. This past summer/fall I did 3 obstacle races- the Warrior Dash, Bold r' Dash, and Rugged Maniac. Really muddy, but really fun! They were only 5k's, but I also did a 1/2 marathon in November and I want to continue challenging myself from there.

I'm looking forward to being a part of this mentor group, I think it can be very helpful for me!

Lauren

Erin-

I did buzzards bay last year, and it was the most difficult swim I have ever done. I feel the swim is my strongest part, and thank goodness the water was shallow, because 80% of the field walked that swim. Just wanted to share my experience.

I am going to try and write a little about each sport this week. Basic info Today's feature: the swim

I have found that triathletes either really like swimming or really dont. There tends to be no middle of the road!!!! I love to swim.

Lets first talk necessay gear...a bathing suit, goggles and a swim cap. Even guys should wear a swim cap. You will need to wear one in races as this is how they determine the waves  during a race, colored caps Caps also decrease drag/resistance in the water. I like silicone caps, but the latex ones are cheaper and just as good. I find the silicone ones dont pull on my hair as much. Pools usually have kick boards and pull buoys for training. When you buy goggles take them out of the box and put them on your eye sockets without the strap around your head. If they stay on and dont fall off your eye sockets...they fit. I personally like Aquasphere vistas. They are a mask type goggle and they dont leave me with "goggle eyes"/marks around my eye sockets. Most bathing suits are make of nylon/spandex. They will wear out in a chlorine pool within 6 months. The chlorine eats at them and they become a bit transparent. If you can find a suit that is made mostly of polyester it will be worth the investment. You cant kill a polyester suit. This time of year is a great time to get TYR, Speedo and Nike suits at TJ Max or Marshalls. I picked up a really nice TYR suit for $19.99 last week. These generally go for $70. Guys...you can find discounted jammers at swim outlet.com, but I have also seen a limited supply at TJ Max/ Marshalls.

The key to swimming is form. There are a ton of video's on swim form on You tube. Watch them and try and incorporate them into your swim workouts. I like Total Immersions swim videos. I have them, and if you would like them, private message me your snail mail address and I will send them to you.There are also plenty of swim workouts on BT. Without good form you cant develop speed.

Flip turns: There is much debate as to whether triathletes need to do flip turns as we generally dont race in pools. Flip turns IMO are not necessary but a good skill to learn. Plus you look like one of the cool kids in the pool! There are GREAT videos on you tube...watch them and practice.

Masters swimming: This is a group of adult swimmers who workout usually 2-3 times/week. Its a great idea to join Masters. A coach will work with the group and give weekly workouts. The coach will generally critique each persons form during the workout. Each workout usually lasts about an hour. Generally there are people at all different swim levels but I would advise that you be able to swim 1000 yards before you consider joining. Its a fun time and swimming with the fast guys will help you improve your speed.The costs of masters varies. can be as little as $30...or as much as $120/month

Swim Etiqutte: This is a big one for me!!! Each pool generally has the rules of the pool posted. Please read them and ask the guard if you have questions.Never enter a lane with another swimmer without letting them know you are getting in. Generally this can be done by sitting at the end of the lane. Usually the swimmer will stop and allow you to enter. Often I will say "can we share the lane" . Then I ask "do you want to split or circle swim". Splitting-I stay on my side, they stay on theirs. Circle swim-you both swim clockwise. If you are faster and come behind the other swimmer, tap their feet to let them know you are passing. When you arrive at the pool and all lanes are full, pick a lane with a swimmer that is about your speed.

Open Water Swimming: DO NOT THINK THAT BECAUSE YOU CAN SWIM THE DISTANCE IN THE POOL THAT THIS WILL TRANSLATE IN OPEN WATER!!! YOU MUST PRACTICE IN OPEN WATER BEFORE THE RACE!!!!! I cant say this enough! The temp of the water, the chop/waves, the clarity/murkiness and the depth will all evoke different responses in people. Plan your season accordingly. For those of you in Mass we can get together and do group swims and starts. For others, try to find a local group of triathletes that swim in your area. You can go to your state forum here on BT to check and see when these are happening...or you can post and request to meet people for a swim. Triathletes are VERY nice people and usually willing to help others. If you must swim alone ( which I do not advise) Swim parallel to the shore so that you can get to shore easily if you need to. If I swim alone or in a lake with boats I wear a bright swim cap and I carry a "swim noodle" Those lone brightly colored swim noodles. I have a rope that goes through the noodle with a knot at one end and a loop that I can slip over my shoulder at the other end. Its so light that it has little to no drag but it provides safety in case I cramp and identifies me as a swimmer in the water to boats/jet skiis.

Wet suits: These are not necessary if you are going to swim in warm water. If you want to feel like you have your own life jacket on...these are great. The bouancy that wetsuits give you is great. The cost of a wetsuit can be as little as $99 to as much as $700. I have found that triathletes that have a hard time with swimming find the wetsuit a very valuable tool. According to USAT rules if the water temp is above 78* you will not be allowed to wear a wetsuit, this is because it will cause over heating of the athlete. There are cheap wetsuits that you can get in department store...dont buy them. They do not fit well and will drag you down. Stick with wetsuits made for swimming. Most retail stores that sell gear for triathletes have wetsuits. You can also buy online. They have measurements that you can match to your own. Trisports.com will let you try it on and go in the water once. If you dont like it, you can return it. There is also the debate of sleeveless wetsuits or full sleeve...its a matter of personal preference. I own 4 wetsuits. My favorite brand is Blueseventy. I swim alot!

The one piece of advice I will give you that pertains to all 3 disciplines is...NOTHING NEW ON RACE DAY!!!! Nothing worse than going to do your first race and buying new goggles the day before that leak...then you cant see ....NOTHING NEW ON RACE DAY.

Welcome Lauren!!!! Looks like you will transition to doing tris very well. Time to try the pool!!! Joel is a pretty good swimmer and I am sure he can help you!

I can't speak to that race in particular, as I've never been down there.  What made it difficult? Waves? I should've said that IMO a sprint race isn't so long/difficult/intense that someone with Kristen's experience couldn't feel just fine doing two in a row, that's all--

Edited by Erincsg 2012-01-17 9:34 AM

Yes, curious about your comment about the swim??  Why did so many walk?  Do you mean they walked out of the water and DQ'd or were allowed to literally "walk" the swim distance (thought that was illegal)?  Rough conditions?  Thanks for your input!!

thanks for all that great info on swimming, marianne!  i've grown to love the swim, too...    i grew up knowing how to swim and feeling comfortable in the water, but i had not done freestyle in about 20 years before last year! 

i signed up for a couple of private lessons last winter so i could work on my form and then would just practice on my own for a couple of months before i felt confident enough to join our gym's masters sessions 1-2 times/week.  now the swim leg is my strongest!   

i focused a lot on improving my swim last year.  this year, i need to focus on improving on the bike!!

Hi Natalie,

Welcome to the group!!! We can always use another nurse!!!! So Sorry for your loss.

The answer to your question "can I do a tri by may" is YES!!!!! If you can raise 9 kids you can do ANYTHING!!!!!!

I highly suggest picking the race...sign up and then pick a training plan from this site ( they are free) and get started. Follow the plan and you WILL be ready. we are here to support you answer your questions and be your cheerleaders!!!!

I have Officially closed our group to others. Sorry.

hi natalie!  glad you joined our group...  you sound like one busy mama!  that's awesome that you want to train for a triathlon!  i enjoy the training b/c it forces me to put aside time for myself, doing something that is good for my mind and body. 

i'm sorry to hear about the passing of your children's father, i'm sure that has been very difficult...

??Waves would have been an understatement. The chop was so big and was irregularly timed that you could not get a breath without getting smacked in the face.

When I mean walked, I really mean walked. I'm in the under 30 age group, and I looked back and saw at least 80 percent people swim/wading the .5 swim. Even the elites were having a tough time.

The bike was beautiful but because the swim was such a pain, I will not be doing that race again.

oh, man!  thanks for the clarification, sounds AWFUL!!

Hi all, and welcome to Lauren and Natalie and anybody else I might have missed.

Thanks to all who weighed in on the races I am considering. After I post this, I'm going to sign up for sure.

Natalie, I haven't exercised in awhile, either, and am going to sign up for two races; and might try to do more, so I know you can do it, too. All we can do is try. Wow, 9 kids, that is amazing!

This morning was great at the Y. because the snow kept a lot of people away. Got in walking/running then a short swim. Building slowly, slowly. My shoulders still are feeling really tight.

Some bad news at work today means I will most likely have an extra day off each week (and less pay), but the silver lining is that I can work on swim/bike/run, straightening up my house, and getting my resume together.

 I got ya!  My only experience is with MaxPerformance but always impressed.

YAY Peppah   It will be great!  I've also heard that folks love the MaxP races -

BTW, I race 'Athena'

Just want to say, I'm glad to be a part of this group. Thank you for the encouragement and the inspires!  They mean a lot and help me get moving on a "down" day, since I train by myself.

Have a great Wednesday everyone

Hi All,

I didn't disappear - I'm not good about getting on-line on the weekend and then I had 2 crazy days at work.  Thanks to all of you who are so good with the inspires!  And welcome to our new folks!  I think an added benefit of this group is that I am learning way more about how the site works.  (For example, I now have Kristen's table and links in my blog - except how to we add the new people?).

I was in the pool again yesterday.  I'll comment separately on Mav's great swimming post.  Today I'm hoping to get outside at lunchtime for 5-6 mile run.  We'll see...  I'm hoping the wind will die down a little by then, but I have all my cold weather gear with me AND I see some blue sky/sun out there...

Have a good day everybody.

Courtney

To add our new friends, you need to use the "edit" function in your training blog and then hyperlink their usernames to their pages.  I'm happy to update our table with the new members and then post it in our forum so you can just copy and paste again.  I'll probably have some time later today or tomorrow to do that...