Asphalt Junkies Spring 2013 - Closed (Page 6)

Jo63 - 2012-12-23 9:55 PM

strikyr - 2012-12-23 7:22 PM

Jo63 - 2012-12-23 6:50 PM

strikyr - 2012-12-23 4:55 PM

Jo63 - 2012-12-23 2:32 PM Welcome newbies! Thanks Karl. Tony, we used to live in Binghamton so we are thinking we could go visit my husbands family and I could race, win/win I will take a look at the course and then decide thanks for the heads up. I just have to say Jake Locker is giving me some good laughs today. Pretty sure they won't be beating the Packers today.

JoAnne sorry to see your Titans have a rough day against the Packers today. That is great that you have family so close to Syracuse so I can see why that would make sense to do that race especially if you can make it racing vacation. If you decide to do it let me know would love to get to see you there and it looks like we'll have a good group of BT'ers up there too. Should be a fun race except for all the hills on that run course.

Just to clear things up...Iam not a Titans fan, I live in Wisconsin and am definetly a cheesehead

JoAnne my apologies and of course you'd be a Packers fan I guess I just misunderstood, well you must be very happy with the Packers performance today.

No need to apologize and yes I am grinining from ear to ear!

Good for you. Ugh. Any other frustrated giants fans in here? If only we knew which team was going to show up on any given day 

Yes Will!  Congratulations!  Babies are the best blessing in life!  You made me laugh in your bio when your wife said you had the go ahead to train on the bike again! 

My biggest "mommy comment" would be to talk to your wife about the IM commitment.   Every baby is different.  Some need much more attention than others.  Your wife's moods, post-partum, will be different, too.  Expect some rough, sleepless days for the first 6 to 8 weeks.  After that, your body will adjust to the new schedule.

When is your baby due?  My baby is 3.5.  He's my world! 

Agreed!

bhargavs - 2012-12-23 7:12 PM

Jo63 - 2012-12-23 9:55 PM

strikyr - 2012-12-23 7:22 PM

Jo63 - 2012-12-23 6:50 PM

strikyr - 2012-12-23 4:55 PM

Jo63 - 2012-12-23 2:32 PM Welcome newbies! Thanks Karl. Tony, we used to live in Binghamton so we are thinking we could go visit my husbands family and I could race, win/win I will take a look at the course and then decide thanks for the heads up. I just have to say Jake Locker is giving me some good laughs today. Pretty sure they won't be beating the Packers today.

JoAnne sorry to see your Titans have a rough day against the Packers today. That is great that you have family so close to Syracuse so I can see why that would make sense to do that race especially if you can make it racing vacation. If you decide to do it let me know would love to get to see you there and it looks like we'll have a good group of BT'ers up there too. Should be a fun race except for all the hills on that run course.

Just to clear things up...Iam not a Titans fan, I live in Wisconsin and am definetly a cheesehead

JoAnne my apologies and of course you'd be a Packers fan I guess I just misunderstood, well you must be very happy with the Packers performance today.

No need to apologize and yes I am grinining from ear to ear!

Good for you. Ugh. Any other frustrated giants fans in here? If only we knew which team was going to show up on any given day 

Hahaha!!!!  My husband just called me from the in-laws house.  (Giants game channel is not working after the power came back.)  He asked for the score.  I told him to strap the boy in the car and leave because his dad wasn't going to be happy. 

I love all of you.....dissenting opinions and all! 

Seriously.....all of these guys rock!

I know.  That's kind of what I'm thinking, too.  I'm 5'5" with short legs.  She's 5'4" with long legs.  I ride a small Felt B2 with 650 wheels and it fits like a glove.  My Felt road bike with 700 wheels feels like it needs some help.  I really hate being on the edge of the fit spectrum.  If it's still here in a couple weeks when she visits, she can ride it.  If it's not, so be it.

OMG!!!!  This is AWESOME!!!  Thank you, Jonathan!

Ok, goals

1. Exercise consistently. Run 3x a week, bike once a week, swim once a week. It's a lot less than what I used to do, but it's tons more than what I've been doing the past year. I'm going to force myself not to care how slow/ out of shape I am and just focus on being consistent. Yeah, I'm 30 lbs heavier & haven't trained in a year, so I'm not gonna be able to do what I used to. I'm telling myself to get over it & get out there. Which leads me to my next goal...

2. Lose 30 lbs. Just like the last goal, this is all about being consistent & planning. I'm going to keep reminding myself that my health is a priority.

3. Be happy with doing fewer races and shorter distances. Someday, I would love to see if I could finish an ironman. But now is not that time for me. When I burned out in Aug of 2011, I was training for an HIM. I tried my best to balance things, but it definately put a strain on my marriage. At this point in my life, the training volume required for longer distances is not realistic for me. As much as I would like to pursue the goal of longer distance racing, I need to accept that now is not the time and be happy with fewer races & shorter distances.

First of all, I would say make sure you are not starting off too aggressive!  Before starting any of these plans, make sure you are able to complete week 1 with ease instead of jumping into them, as I would assume they all have a recommended base before starting their plans.  This might mean you can still follow the plan, but don't be afraid to modify them based on your current level.

That said, in regards to combining the plans, I think it is about priorities.  What sport(s) are you really wanting to focus on?  Also, realistically, how much time do you have to fit in the different aspects of the plans?  Of course you don't have to actually respond to these questions, just something more to think about...

I think spending the time now to come up with the plan may serve you well in the future... only because I think you've said in the past you work better with plans.

I hear you, Jen.  We need to be lit up like Christmas trees!  I'm a big fan of Road ID.  My husband and I are race directors for a 5K/10K that is sponsored by RoadID.  They're awesome.  In my opinion, if bad things happen to you, at least you can be identified.  It's tough to think about, but so very true.

In the last group, I mentioned that I bark back a dogs.  Seriously.....they tuck their tails and run.  It's pretty funny.  I guess my bark is worse than my bite!

Tracy to give you a little perspective for what it's worth I'm 6'0" with long legs I ride a 56 although it's a Cervelo and not a Felt. Sounds like a 54 might be a little big but like you said she can check out to know for sure.

Yeah.  That's what we're all thinking.  When she gets here, I'll put her on both of my bikes and let her rip.  That will give her a great baseline to work with.

Thanks everyone! 

Samantha I agree with you. I won't profess to be an expert but I think you can do some unstructured workouts until you decide on what you want to focus on. For example I have been focused on the building strength and power on the bike so I have been doing Jorge's winter cycling program that is my focus. I have been swimming 3x a week pretty much unstructured just trying to improve my technique. I have been in maintainence mode with the running doing that 2 to 3 times a week with runs of 6.5, 8.5 and 6 or less miles. Come Feb. I will switch the swim and run over to the IM training plan that I have chosen and will do the same for the bike in March. Until then I'll be doing what I have been for the last couple of months.

bhargavs - 2012-12-23 10:12 PM

Jo63 - 2012-12-23 9:55 PM

strikyr - 2012-12-23 7:22 PM

Jo63 - 2012-12-23 6:50 PM

strikyr - 2012-12-23 4:55 PM

Jo63 - 2012-12-23 2:32 PM Welcome newbies! Thanks Karl. Tony, we used to live in Binghamton so we are thinking we could go visit my husbands family and I could race, win/win I will take a look at the course and then decide thanks for the heads up. I just have to say Jake Locker is giving me some good laughs today. Pretty sure they won't be beating the Packers today.

JoAnne sorry to see your Titans have a rough day against the Packers today. That is great that you have family so close to Syracuse so I can see why that would make sense to do that race especially if you can make it racing vacation. If you decide to do it let me know would love to get to see you there and it looks like we'll have a good group of BT'ers up there too. Should be a fun race except for all the hills on that run course.

Just to clear things up...Iam not a Titans fan, I live in Wisconsin and am definetly a cheesehead

JoAnne my apologies and of course you'd be a Packers fan I guess I just misunderstood, well you must be very happy with the Packers performance today.

No need to apologize and yes I am grinining from ear to ear!

Good for you. Ugh. Any other frustrated giants fans in here? If only we knew which team was going to show up on any given day 

Bhargav I hate to disappoint but I am a life long Cowboys fan however I share your fustration and feel the way same every week I watch them. You never know which team is going to show up and they find more ways to disappoint me then I'd like to admit. At least both our teams still have a chance at the playoffs although I am keeping my expectations very low this way I won't be disappointed (again) if they don't make it.

I've been focusing on Sprints since my little boy was born.  It's fun to do the short stuff!  Long training commitments are not necessary.  My little guy even asks if I did my run or bike ride!  He's a big fan!  I love him! 

Jo - Just prayed for Margie.  Please keep us updated!

My goals - finish a full IM

Thanks for all the congrats!  Baby girl is due March 15 and we are super excited.  Not sure when I'll sign up, but I have option to drop down to HIM.  I know the baby will rock our world... but am hoping a few things offset it.  First, my wife will cease working and become a stay at home mom.  Second, this year I get 3 weeks of replenishment leave for my job (in addition to my 4 weeks vacation).  If I can schedule the height of my training during those 3 weeks and scatter some vacation here and there, then I'm thinking I will have plenty of time to spend w/ family.  Third, I just want to finish so I will be doing a beginner training plan (not as many training hours as ppl who want to "race" or finish "MOP").  

Plan right now is to sign up as soon as I feel good about it.  Not only do I want to be sure this will work w/ new baby... I also want to feel good about whatever training plan I end up with - I want to feel confident that I can finish.  I hope this group helps me make the decision, so feel free to shoot me straight.  If you think I'm crazy to do this b/c of lack of training or new baby (even considering above circumstances), please shoot me straight.  Thanks everyone!

I'm getting motivated just reading the goals in this group - pretty impressive!  At this point, mine are pretty simple - one goal, to finish a sprint tri.  I'll probably pick a local rage in May / June.  To get there:

1) Swim - Focus on becoming comfortable in the water.  Roughly, get some instruction on form and make it to the pool 2-3 times per week through January, then consider joining a masters' swim group.  I know there are a couple of beginner swim programs on this site - I would appreciate any suggestions / guidance on books, plans, etc.

2) Get my run mileage up a bit. Part of me wants to target a half-mary in the spring, but I would need to really crank up the mileage, and I don't want to risk injury/ compromise goal #1.  I'll probably try to run local 5k / 10k consistently through the cold months.

3) Bike - 2-3 times per week, maybe try to incorporate one interval workout per week.  

Thoughts? 

Love reading all the goals! I'm going to let the mentors comment on plans etc as I have a hard enough time not screwing up my own training . This is a very diverse group, good stuff. Everything ranging from first sprint to full Ironman to tearing up the podium. A little something for everyone.

I had a great workout yesterday. I actually pulled myself out from the basement and enjoyed a rare calm, sunny, 48 degree day here in IL. I went to the local state park and road some laps around (it is a short 6 mile loop) and then ran one lap around the trail (2.5 miles). Fun stuff, my legs are feeling it today!

My Garmin said low battery for this entire workout and I had just charged it the night before. So I talked to my husband last night. I bought this one used from BT a couple of years ago. Since I need a new HR monitor too he said just buy something else already. So I hit the BT classifieds and found a used Garmin 310XT with a premium HR strap and antenna + stick. Merry Christmas to me . The person I am buying this one from has mentioned he has another so if anyone is in the market just check out the classifieds!

I swear I wasn't fishing for compliments, it just struck me how specific everyone's goals are and I just kind of go day to day and see what happens. But thanks you two .

x2 Last year was all sprints for me and I can not tell how much fun I had. NO pressure with distance but I still did long rides and swims just because I like them. The summer of 2011 I raced a HIM. I was obsessive about the training plan, blabbered on about nutrition/workouts/weather etc to my poor husband all the time. I completed the race, did not puke was very proud of that accomplishment but it is not something I need to do again any time soon. I completely understand the burnout you experienced.

1. Your swim goals are pretty strong.  I don't think to complete a sprint you would need to spend that much time in the pool as you get later into your training.  I suggest you keep with a 4 swims per week for January and then you could drop to 3 if you like.  I also suggest using the this site to help you develop proper form.  And also study Mr Swimsmooth to get a good idea of what you should look like and feel like in the water.  I have seen and read about the program that you are looking at and I think the intervals would be very helpful.  However, I think it best to make sure you get s solid form going now rather than developing bad habits that you will desire to break later. 
2. The couch to 10k shouldn't be terribly challenging for you from a fitness perspective.  The challenge could be staying smart with your training.  Much of your training should be to develop the minor stabilizing muscles in your legs as well as the major muscles you need to develop.  Below are some exercises you can do to get the stability back that you had pre-op.  To strengthen your major muscles, glutes, quads, etc.  I suggest typical gym exercises such as leg presses, squats, and leg extensions.
   Stability exercises:
   a.)  The first part of this video is used to strengthen the lateral muscles while the second part for the primary muscles of the leg and knee.  It is likely you used these types of exercises already and they may not be required.  You'll have to be the judge
   b.)  This exercise was very demanding for me post op.  I remember thinking how easy this was going to be when the PT told me to do it for only 30 seconds.  I WAS WRONG!!  This exercise could be done with the assistance of others if you don't have a small trampoline to use to bounce the ball back and forth.  You can also use 2 small trampolines rather than a bosu ball.   For more difficulty you can balance on one foot (the weak one) and really get a great work out.  You can do this for varying lengths of time to make sure your leg is fatigued
   c.)  These final exercises will provide strength all around your knee.  They are advanced so proceed with caution.  The first exercise will be similar to the one above but this will provide strengthening for small and larger muscles but the larger focus on stabilizing muscles.  The second, will have a larger focus on the big muscles.  A word of caution here: Be sure to keep your the toes of your front foot in front of your knee during this exercise.  Your knee should NEVER pass beyond your toes.  (This applies for squats and leg presses too.)  This last exercise will get you ready for impacts of running and develop those shock absorption muscles a little further.
3. 2x a week on the bike will keep you from losing fitness provided you complete some hard interval work.  It may also provide a few fitness gains if well thought out.  You may consider some shorter intervals (3-5) of 5-6 minutes at threshold with short recovery periods around one minute for one of the rides and then some long intervals of 12-15 minutes just below threshold.  Plan 1 one hour ride and another 1.5-2 hour long ride.
4. You'll be ready to smoke the course come May 5!!!

Take your time with the running.  Since I don't know how strong your knee actually is, you'll need to proceed with caution.  If there are any kinds of painful tweaks when you are running you'll need to assess before going any farther.

In general, I think you have a decent plan in mind.  You have a long time to get ready for that first race, so fitness will not be a problem at all.

ok, do you people know it's Christmas time!  Phew, this group is busy.  Awesome stories for everyone,a nd a nice diverse group.

I'll add a few things to Dirk and Jonathan's comments:

1. This sport is fun, and none of us are pros. Revel in each others' accomplishments, and compare yourself only to what you could have done on that day.

2. Keep it in perspective, but give everything you have on race day.  Puke leading up to the finish line = too hard, puke after the finish line = too easy, puke at the finish line = perfect! 

Jonathan, I occasionally get these 25% off offers, and if one comes across I'll nab one for you if you don't already have it.  That's how I got mine.  Crazy discount.