Ironman Louisville : Official Thread (Page 61)

Fesslern, sorry for your loss. 

Losses like this put things in perspective and I remind myself that it's only a hobby and my kids need me to come home from every ride.

BG- Funny stuff, but it stinks that, that happened. What has worked well for me this year has been to focus on 10s. Now that my long swim is longER, I divide my counting in half.

For example, tomorrow I intend to swim two sets of 70 lengths (no break, just a way of thinking). It also helps me to count backwards.

So, I start and 70 and after one length I tell myself I'm in the 60's set, until I hit 59, then I'm in the 50's set, and so forth. Then when I am heading back to the end, which is "1," I start at 70 again. Then, I get a total 140 lengths (aka 70 laps; aka 3,500 yds.).

Anyway, it works for me. I'm hoping to do an open water swim this afternoon. No counting there.

 Fesslern, so sorry to hear about your friend.  Having lived and ridden in the mountains of Colorado for twenty years, I loved to descend.  But one time descending off a mountain pass, the bike got a wicked shimmy, and when I looked at the computer which was reading 48, 49, 50 . . . I slowly tried to make myself as large as I could to catch air and slow down so I could make it home to my wife and three daughters in one piece.  The thrill is always great, but you're correct:  Be safe.

 Jeff:  Sounds like the tornado damage was overwhelming.  Glad you're helping out there, and you're right.  The real priorities of life trump training, hands down.  Comfort and blessings to both of you guys.

Tailwinds,

Todd

My first HIM is coming up in less than 2 weeks. Not sure what I was thinking when I picked such a hilly course for my first HIM. I'm doing the REV3 Quassy.

Big decision for this weekend... to play polo or not. I really can't wait to get back to it after a long winter... but its a risky move. I don't know how to play conservatively :-).  Maybe I'll have to insist on using the slower horses in the barn.

I'd say be a spectator and do polo after your HIM.  Thats my opinion though.  Whatever you decide, HAVE FUN.

rafikichampman- I would like to say, "Live your life to the fullest," because I don't wouldn't want to squelch anyone's opportunity to have a positive life experience. In that spirit, I will tell you to go for it, but the truth is...I am a cautious person and I probably would not do it. However, this doesn't mean you shouldn't.

Where does your passion lie? If playing polo is one of your passions don't ignore it, but weigh the consequences of a possible injury. It sounds like you have considered this and you are asking us, because you are looking for us to help you feel good about either saying yes or no to polo. Additionally, I saw you believe it is "risky," so I ask you, "Is it worth the risk that you are thinking about?" If it is...do it. If it is not...then don't.

To polo or not to polo...Good luck. Choose wisely, and be safe in whatever you choose.

I can certainly understand the dilemma. I coach my son's U14 travelling soccer team and love to play with them at practice. I've really cut that back just out of the fear of tweaking something or spraining a knee. Every now and then I do jump in just to remind them that the "old man" still has a bit speed and a blistering shot. (At least that's what I tell myself in regards to the blistering shot).

On another note tomorrow my race season kicks off with a pretty short sprint tri. 200m, 9 mile, 5K. Most of the club I race with will be there so it should be a good time.

Good luck to everyone racing or training this weekend.

Peter B

Don't bring a 25-mile race to a marathon.

GU Energy.

This was an add for GU once upon a time. Good stuff.

I'm torn on swim start strategy.

At IMWI last year, I was a 1:23 swimmer in the mass start so solid MOP. But my total race time was 16:06 - obviously I'm not fast at anything. My goal is to cut some time off the overall finish, but if I don't make huge gains this year or something goes wrong I really don't have a lot of time to play with.

I also don't want to camp out overnight in the swim start line.
 

Nope, staying in Jeffersonville so will be driving in.

got stung by a wasp last weekend the same way.  20mph and got stung on the knee and just about put the bike in the ditch.  fast lil' buggers 

I guess better than a dog bite.

Heading down to Georgetown, KY to ride the "Horsey Hundred" tomorrow.  Very similar terrain to IMLOU from what I have been told.  This will be my third time riding it; I'm really excited.

Hope everyone has a happy & safe holiday weekend, and can get some good training in, too!