left.right.repeat group -closed - Full of a bunch of winners...YEAH! (Page 64)

Health update ...

I took a Benadryl tablet last night and had a MANLY (that's for you B-Man) bath in Aveeno oatmeal treatment. Not sure which it was that worked (or the combo) but I managed to get a full night's sleep. Yippee.

PM

Hi all! Back from Florida...didnt miss the cold

This week I have  completed the following

S:9100 meters

B: 68 miles

R: 9.3 miles

Biking in Fla was VERY windy. I was staying on a barrier island and spent time biking to one end. Thay had beautiful bike lanes, but several times the wind was so strong that I thought I would be blown over. I had rented a bike...sure made me miss Apollo...what a difference a good bike fit makes!!!!After about and hour my shoulders began to ache. I know the question was asked about going from moutain to road bike....there is a difference in the way you are positioned but if your bike is fitted proprley it makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE in the world.

Its supposed to warm here to 50 degrees over the weekend. I need to do one more long run before the 1/2 Mary so I am thankful I wont be running in frigid temps. Today I am taking a swim lesson. I worked hard on vacation on improving my stroke so I will be interested in hearing what the coach has to say.

That car pic was very scary...so glad you are all fine...amazing no one was seriously injured.

Pete and Bryan...so glad your itching is resolved by manly methods. LOL

Pete, I am a fan of Benadryl....and when I had chicken pox in my 30s...yes in my 30s...Aveeno saved me....so, just between you and me.....BATHE AWAY!!!!

Mav - you are rocking on the challenge....you may have to do 2 or 3 this month....go girl go

I gotta get back in the pool....

Bryan

Checking in with lots of updates:

Nice easy run/walk today. Trying to see how much I can do before my half. I'll do as much as I can then walk to the finish line. I'm really looking forward to this race. Not nervous about it at all because I have no expectations whatsoever. I wish I would approach all races like this. I stress myself too much.

Tomorrow is swimming. Of the three sports, I think swimming is my favorite. I feel like a little kid.  

Fundraising update. Only about $45 to go and I'll meet my goal. The MS ride is still seven months away. The coin drive has been an incredible success. People are very generous when giving is easy. They are happy to give and I am happy to be able to support this cause. The MS ride is definitely going to be a major highlight of my 2009.  

Yipeeeeeeeee!

Feb IM Update - Week 1

Swim - 2 times, 2k total

Bike - 2 times - 40k total

Run - 2 times - 9k total

I ordered coin collection containers online. Then created labels for each one with the name, date, etc of the event. Then started going door to door at gas stations, restaurants, mechanic shops and other small businesses. I prepared a letter explaining how the coin drive works and asked them if they'd be willing to participate. Some did it for a day, others for a week, one gas station manager asked for two containers and is going to let me keep them there for as long as I want. When I do my bake sale, he's offered to sell some of the goodies too. 

I go by once a week to empty the containers and check with the merchants. They are becoming my little fan club as I prepare for the ride. They check with me on how training is going. It's quite motivating. It's turned into a little community event. 

People from my gym go out of their way to support the businesses who have the containers out. When they go in, they tell the owner that they know me and appreciate the support. It makes the owners want to give more. Now some of the owners and employees have started contributing too. I'm trying to see if I can convince one of them to do the ride with me. They seem really interested and used to ride years ago. I'm really trying to talk them into it. How fun would that be?

I dropped off donations at the MS office on Friday and they were so delighted with the community's involvement that they sent letters directly to each business. One of the gas stations is also going to donate free gas cards which can be raffled as part of our fundraising efforts. My team is trying to come up with $150,000. At the rate we're going, we might make it.

Another element of the coin drive is now opening up. When people donate, I ask them if they'd like to start their own coin drive. If their company policy permits, then they take the containers to work and leave them on their desks or at reception or in the break room. Once a week we arrange a pick up. 

I have lots of ideas beyond the coin drive. One I'm really looking forward to is a yard sale which people at the gym and in my church are contributing towards. All funds will go to the ride. I've already started collecting stuff. It's very cool and lots of fun. My friends are going to chip in and help me staff the yard sale. Plus they are all baking for the bake sale. It's turn into quite the party. Too too cool.

Good job Pete. My body's not quite up to the challenge yet, but I like keeping track like this. You've inspired me to do the same. starting next week... seems like a good way to celebrate the week and all the work we're doing.

Swimming later. Not sure how many yards I can do, but I plan to splash around to my heart's content. My swim coach tells me keeping the fun in it will keep me motivated and keep me from getting frustrated with all the strenght I lost in the accident. My left shoulder isn't back to normal yet. But I plan to get in there and have a blast today. If the shoulder starts to hurt, then I'll back float or use the kickboard. Whatever. My legs need to be re-conditioned so I might work on them today with the kickboard. Either way, I'll have fun. That's the best part of all this. I feel like a little kid when I'm in the pool.  

Hey all!

I think I will try my best for the Feb challenge but doubt I will hit the biking numbers.  Swimming will be no problem, running might be a stretch.   So far 21 miles riding, 3.37 running and 2502 swimming.  I have a 2 mile race on Weds and Saturday is my 10k but my quadricep tendonitis is flaring up.  Took yesterday off and may take today off as well.  Dr and PT said biking and swimming would be good for it but that hasn't been the case.

So this week will be:

Sunday: Unknown

Monday: swim/run (or swim bike if I run Sunday)

Tuesday: off

Weds: Swim/2 mile fun run with one mile warm up

Thur/Fri: very light bike ride and probably a one mile run to keep stretched out

Sat: 10K

My PR for my 10k (only done one) is 1:08.  I want to break an hour but don't want to hurt the knees and wipe out any chance of a Tri.  Will decided around the 1 mile mark in the race.  Either way a PR is coming!

WAEF nice job on the fundraising!

Back from my swim. I met the greatest older lady. When I arrived she was slowly working her way down the lane. I waited until she reached the end and asked her if I could share. That was the beginning of a wonderful swim.

She's been swimming since she was a girl. Now she's 80. Told me bits and pieces of her story in between lengths. Just a sweet, wonderful person that I'm so glad I met. I'll be looking for her at the pool next time. 

Last week swim 2000 yds

Run 10 miles. (I'm soooo not ready for my half.) So not ready that it's actually funny. There's gonna be a whole lota walkin goin on. Good thing the course is open for four hours.  

Waef - walking is cool...it is about STARTING....and then FINISHING....I like to enjoy the course...not try to rush through it.....LOL

Thanks for the coin collection ideas....if you have a website for the coin boxes, can you send it?  They may be specifically for MS but I am interested in trying to find some. 

I think many of you know this but in case you don't -- I am raising money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation - to fight cancer - while training for IMAZ....my dad died of cancer, my mom is a cancer survivor, Debbie has had her share of scares, both my mother in law and father in law died of cancer and I have an employee who is currently in the fight of her life....chemo right now....I am being supported by PowerTri.com - I am part of their team....check out their website if you are looking to buy something...they are great people.  Also, the local tri shop has my LiveStrong wristbands available...the LAF gives you some to use to raise money.  I am planning to do some type of auction with gift cards to restaurants, maybe a hotel stay, gas card or two, car washes, maybe an old bike or two.  I really like the garage sale idea.  I am not much of a bake sale chef....LOL....

By the way, if you know anyone with cancer, google SurvivorCare...it is part of the Lance Armstrong Foundation and has tons of resources...including a workbook to manage your care.

sTRIve....see you at the finish line,

Bryan

Oh, my totals....bike - 27 miles, run - 4+ miles....gotta go get in the pool....dangit

Bryan - You can find them on ebay, but here's the site where I ordered mine:

this site had some helpful and practical suggestions

http://stepbystepfundraising.com/change-coins-into-fundraising-success/

Sorry I can't seem to figure out how to make those hyperlinks. Just copy and paste the URL and you'll be good to go. 

Hi all, I'm back after a week of skiing in Colorado.  Was hoping to get right back into training, but have been swamped with work and am coming down with a cold.  Planning to go home and go right to bed tonight.  Hopefully will feel better tomorrow and get back into the swing of things.

Sounds like you guys are all busy making plans for your tris.  I think I have officially picked the first Tri I want to do.  It's July 12 and a sprint.  That will give me 2 months after my 1/2 mary to take a week off and then go straight into actual tri training.  I plan to continue my swimming 1 or 2 days a week until after the 1/2 and then kick it up and add cycling.

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding WAEF

Scuba - Skiing in Colorado, how nice!  Good luck on your training for your July Tri!

Dan - I found that out yesterday.  Had a calf ache and stopped kicking and noticed no speed difference.  Coach did point out that I was letting legs get to far apart, worked on keeping them close together.  I am not noticing the sinking lower half but I am concentrating on the "Belly button thru the back" and that seems to help (or I am just missing that part but coach said my form looked fine past the split legs).

Took my MTB to a local bike mechanic.  Was going to do a tune-up but he checked it over and it needs an overhaul.  There was way too much movement in the rear hub and cranks and that needed to be fixed.  He had a cheap (on sale for $22) bike computer he is putting on for free along with a No-flat rear slick.  He looked over the derailer and said he could get it to shift much better.  He didn't like the angle of my seat and told me I must be having some hand numbness/pain.  We discussed why (numbness other place) and he made some recommendations to alleviate both.  Bike should be ready Friday.  When I am ready he will help me build a bike for my price range.   Nice guy, I like him and he part of the local Bike club.

Hi Turtles, pretty sure I'm going to be taking a break from training for a while. I'm getting overwhelmed. After we get settled it should be easier. In the meantime, I'm just winging it. Working out when I can but not "training" per say. No idea how I'm going to get through my half this weekend. Walking it I guess.

I'm exhausted and all I want to do right now is have a glass of wine and go to sleep. But I have to work late AGAIN.

Hopefully by May, after we get back and get settled, it'll be better. Until then, I'll do the best I can to work out when I can. Right now, it's feeling like a chore when I want it to feel like play. I need it to feel like play.

WAEF - Life gets hectic, especially around times like that.  Having the workouts not be fun is never good.  Hopefully things will calm down and you can look to your workouts as a way to release the stress and give you some "Me" time.   Good luck and I hope you don't stay away from us!

Well, son broke his wrist last night so  2 mile race tonight is probably out, bike in the shop,  and won't make the pool today.  A bit sore from my Monday's workout so will probably do a light 2 miler tonight to keep stretched.  Started looking for Tri's later in the year and found another mini-sprint and a couple of others.  At this point I am not too worried about the April 18th 800m swim but more about 800meters than 18 miles on the bike, etc.  But I will play it by ear, it is a little too soon to panic.  Worst case I will 1 or 2 of the events and call it a win.  Just keeping this fun. 

I am so going to rock my rookie Tri!

Gary, not to worry. I'm not going anywhere.

And yes, oh yes, you are sooooooo going to ROCK YOUR TRI!

Hey gang,

Had a good swim class last nite:

4 x 150m warm up, 6 x 100m + 4x75m main set, 200m cool down

Together with the 700m that I swam on Monday at noon that  gives me 2400m for the week so I have met the Feb IM swim component. Still a lot to do though in terms of the run and bike.

I've decided to do a little experiment ...

I'm going to suspend my swim training for a week or two to see whether it really is the pool that is causing me to be so congested or whether I have a lingering cold. Had swim class on Wednesday night and yesterday I was totally stuffed up. Maybe if I stay out of the pool for a while I will break the cycle and clear up my system once and for all! I'll still keep on with the biking and running though.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

FBP

Hey folks!  I am off to get my race packet today for my 10k tomorrow.  Main goal for tomorrow is just to finish and have fun.  Beating my 1:08 PR would be nice also.  This is the first race I did last year.  Hoping the bike will be ready today.

FBR - Good luck with getting rid of whatever you have.

WAEF - Very happy to hear your sticking around!

Dan - okay you jinxed me!  Swam yesterday, tried not to use my legs but they suddenly started sinking.  Had to kick some for balance but keeping my back flat did help.

I have been watching several bikes on ebay, older bikes but ones with decent frames that my mechanic can build up.  Also, a friend in WI knows a lot about bikes and has approved the two I am most likely going to go after.  Now I just have to clear it with Mrs. GaryRM.  For now it will be me and Rusty (MTB) in the Duathlon.  I named it after a horse I rode for awhile.  She wasn't pretty or fast but she did her best to do everything I asked her to do.  Can't ask much more than that from a horse.

Hey all!

Ran my 10k, clock time 1:00:13, Garmin time: 59:59.  Very good time for me.  Catch ya all later.

Gary - excellent job....new PR on the 10k....I have updated the finish lines on page one.

Hope everyone is having a nice weekend...I had a great long ride this morning....but it was WINDY....we will see what tomorrow brings too but there should be some good training.

Swimming with sinking legs....while I am not a proponent of kicking by any stretch of the imagination, a two beat kick (not much at all) keeps those feet and legs up toward the surface.  Additionally, your weight is not focused in your chest and armpits if your legs are sinking....concentrate on pressing that chest and armpit down and your legs will float....you can actually force your legs out of the water this way....float on your back, press down focusing weight in your shoulders and your legs will pop out of the water....do this SLOWLY and use nose plugs or hold your nose....remember swimming is a graceful dance of you trying to sneak through the water without it sensing you are there or it will attach to you and create drag....get that vessel LONG and SMOOTH....think of a Rainbow Trout or a Brown Trout in a stream, they are slim, graceful creatures who move swiftly with a minimum of action...that's what we need to be. 

By the way, when that Rainbow or Brown is attached to my flyrod by a fly in their mouth, they are incredibly fast, and angry....but they can HAUL butt....

sTRIve....ThRIve