ASPHALT JUNKIES Summer Bronzing Crew - CLOSED (Page 65)

Originally posted by Jo63 And on this one please no laughing I could probably look it up but......explain a negative split You guys keep posting on this and I just think I have no clue what they are talking about.

It's easy!  A negative split simply means that you did the second half faster than the first half. 

Originally posted by KWDreamun Tracy, you are just MEAN That is cruel talking about and actually making the pies and not sending some our way... enjoy some for all of us! lol

Heeheehee!!!  I added some huckleberries to it, too, from our wild huckleberry bush at the edge of the forest.  Yum!!!! 

Jeff, those pics are great.  It looks like a really great place to swim and maybe just wash your mind of all the things going on and admire creation.  I could get used to seeing that on a regular basis and the trip to get to the falls would be as enjoyable as being there too.

Derek, I cannot really provide much for your problem either.  I have had similar pains before but I've never had anything done about it, it always seemed to work itself out without any special treatment.

Will,  The article you posted was pretty interesting.  Call me a lazy runner I guess.  I feel like I made plenty of gains as described in the article.  Sadly, I think all of those easy gains are gone and I have to turn to hard work, not very normal for a "lazy runner."

Tracy, cut me off a slice of that pie too.  I'll have mine a-la-mode.

Joanne, sometimes it takes a while to find that happy place.  It'll come back just stay the course.  Do you need any recovery from workouts recently?  It could be that you've driven yourself into a recovery.  Of course there could be stress related issues too, that have robbed you of your gidde up and go.

Karl stick with the swimming lessons. It will get better. You have to retrain your muscle memory and develop a whole new feel for the water. I've gone through several changes in my swim stroke over the years and it is not easy. My first adult swim instructor was old school and he taught me the S stroke. I worked and worked to pull through the water that way then the next instructor told me that was all wrong so I had to start over!

Jeff those pics are beautiful! I want to go there!

Dirk that run had to feel great! Maybe you should start posting your crappy workouts so the rest of us can feel human .

Jo hang in there. I go through phases like you are in where I just don't have the motivation. Sometimes just telling myself a half hour is better than nothing helps me get out the door then I wind up doing more.

Things are heating up around here with temps expected to reach 98 degrees today and continuing to be in the 90's through the weekend. Water temp at the lake for the race is already 84 degrees so no wetsuit for me this time either!

I just heard from Tiff that another local lady in my age group has decided to do this race. She is a bit of a yo-yo personality, one minute triathlon is the best thing ever, the next she is all about running, then weight training but she always wants fast results and does not stick with things to see the progression that dedicated training can provide. So Tiff says "you have to beat her". I hate that, and yo-yo lady has all the bells and whistles on her tri bike with fast wheels and an aero helmet so even though I have been busting my rump over this last month she will probably still be faster than me on the bike. So I guess I need some Junkie focus to fight the negative messages getting in my head.

The good news is I finally broke the 20 mph barrier with my last 40 mile ride. 20.1 mph average for 41 miles. Now I just need to keep my head on straight for race day.

Hey Gang! Excuse my lack of a good segue from today's discussions to this post. Also, excuse my ignorance on all things related to bike mechanics but after reading the discussion on the IMWI forum I have a question on cassettes.  I know you have talked about it before but I didn't pay attention because I wasn't at a place where I cared.  I'm sorry for this duplication but now all my decisions on what to get for my bike are predicated on the IMWI event next year.  With that in mind I took my bike about a month ago to the shop in Dirk's town and asked them to put on the best cassette for that course.  Stupid me hadn't done any research or talked to you all first - I trusted them to know.   Because I don't know what they put on I just went and counted the teeth.  the smallest is a 12 and the largest is a 27.  So is that a 12/27 cassette?   They told me that was the best and it came in a 105 but not Ultegra.  I remember them telling me the Durace was too expensive and I'd never tell the difference.  The original cassette is Ultegra and is a 12/25 (if I've counted the teeth correctly).   I have a 53/39 chain wheel (is that what it's called?).   Most folks on the IMWI forum (Tony included) say they have a 11/28.    So, short story made long.... I don't have confidence in what I was told and sold and am looking for some guidance.   Any help you can give would be appreciated. 

Side note - ever since they put on the 105 my bike has shifted really clunky.  It could be something else unrelated but I've equated the two since it happened when they put it on.  

First off, I am not sure how I posted my run from yesterday morning on the post today.  Obviously I did it, but I don't remember doing it at all.  I guess it could be the Vicodin from the tooth pain I've been having that caused my delirium induced post.

Brenda,  There are others who can answer for the size of your cassette in better terminology than I but I'll give it a shot.  You are looking for gearing on the front and back that will provide you with the ability to climb at IMWI without having to get out of the saddle and waste energy.  It is really hard to determine what cassette is best because your specific abilities are a large part of the equation.  (I'll allow Jeff or Warrn to provide more specific terminology.)

As far as shifting more clunky, that would be expected if they didn't adjust the rear derailleur after putting the new cassette on.  You may be able to make the adjustments yourself by turning the adjustment barrel on the rear of the derailleur.  Turn it 1 or 2 clicks and see if that makes it better.  I honestly don't know if it is normal for a bike shop to install a new cassette without adjusting the derailleur, if you took your bike in with and not just the rear wheel.  The adjustments really aren't hard to do.  You can find a good youtube video as a guide.  I can hunt for one later.  Right now I'm about to pass out.

A couple of nights with restless sleep because of my tooth pain, or lack of a tooth pain, and I'm kind of wiped out.

We've had plenty of heat here too.  The heat indexes have been in the mid 90's all week.  I have taken a couple of days off to get ready for Florida and the oral surgeon but they have been very reluctantly taken.

About your upcoming race: Don't let the yo-yo lady get into your head would be the biggest advice I would give.  Sometimes when we allow ourselves to become distracted by something like this it can have race ruining effects.  The distraction can seem to cause minor errors that eventually add up to time lost that may not have occurred had your focus been pointed in the right direction.  Race your race and enjoy the day, but race hard!  Racing hard and letting something get into your head are two different animals.......

.......And a 20 MPH ride (which is absolutely amazing!!) will leave you with a great set up to heave a great race AND beat the yo-yo!

Originally posted by Jo63  As for me it's all work stress, long story....back in 2007 when we got our first business loan when all of the banking world was doing well, we were mislead by the banker we had, and there were some things that were not fully disclosed to us, the loan was written to make it seem like we qualified, when in fact we didnt, unaware of this, things were rolling and so we get location and loan 2. Had we known what we know now that we shouldn't have qualified for loan 1 and now we have loan 2 oh what a mess. So a few years back when everything crashed, our loan guy gets fired, the entire board of directors are let go because i believe it was the fcc that stepped in and the bank had to clean house etc etc, so we met with them last week and they are going back over all our board meeting notes, and we have to get all this informatiion to them and we were told by the new bankers " lets be honest here what went on in the bank back then wasnt exactly on the up and up" I am thinking no fooling..... Anyway at this point Iam done, I mentally can not keep this up making sure evrything and everyone gets paid by juggling from this account to that account, luckily iam a great budgeter and along with this our building had some big issues that need fixing and the landlord tells me he doesn't have the money to fix them. I am beyond frustrated, and honestly training and having this group to vent to is the only thing that keeps me sane. And thank god my husband and I have a strong marriage cuz man this is a lot of crap right now! Other than that life is good my sister had her last radiation treatment and she is doing good so I have to keep reminding myself to look at the bright side and the things that matter!

This certainly sounds like it would be stress inducing!!!  I am inclined to fall in line with Karl's statement.  If hey have issued you a contract, it would seem to me that they are bound by that contract.  And, since you've been up and running for about 6 years they should have to count that as something.  The trouble is that the government is involved and, quite frankly, I don't trust the government at all.  It would appear to me that they try, and get away with, almost anything they want anymore, legal or illegal.  Be patient, says the guy who's sitting 2 states away, and let things roll out.

It's really great news that your sister's had her treatment.  I'll continue to pray that she's found to be in remission.

And, continue to lean on your husband.  That's what he's supposed to be there for.  And don't be afraid of leaning on him.  When Lis was going through her breast cancer scare last year she wouldn't talk to me about it to me because she was afraid she would worry me.  I am not afraid to admit that when I found out that she had been hiding her fears from me, I was greatly hurt by that.  I told her to never do that again!  If I am her husband and I am a real man, I should always want, and need, to hear about her struggles.  If you husband is worth his salt, he is the same way.  And by your admission I would say he does want to hear what's going on with you.

x2 on Dirk's advice to you DINA.   The one race that I had a certain competitor in my sights still leaves a bad taste in my mouth and although I did beat her, I didn't enjoy the feeling.  I hated racing that way mentally and vowed never to do it again.   Congrats on your bike pace - that's super!   Go into the race with confidence and give it all you got. 

x2 also on Dirk's words to you, JOANNE.   I'm sorry that you're going through the bank and building stress but thankful you have a loving family support.  Be firm in your dealings with the bank and your landlord and make sure you document everything. 

Glad you're at least lucid enough to type out some coherent sentences while being on Vicodin, DIRK.      It's also nice to know you took a couple days off physical activity.   Praying you have a safe trip south.  Hope it works out that you're able to meet up with JEFF for a ride.  Have a wonderful vacation!

Checking on-line I see that Ultegra makes a 11/28 cassette that I can pick up new for less than what I paid at Summit for the 105 12/27.  I'm kicking myself for not doing any research before taking it to them and I'm mad at them for not talking me through all options.  Really, though, I'm the one to blame so I'll just keep yelling at myself.     DIRK - I assume you highly recommend Human Motor Works instead of Summit, right?   I think I'll call them today.

TONY -  I wondered if you'd share what items you plan on putting in your various gear and special needs bags?   I found it interesting and helpful in the IMWI forum when the one guy shared what he planned to do.   I'm just soaking in all this information and storing it for next year.  Also, since you plan to live off the course aid stations, have you been training with Perform, Bonk Breakers, GU, Roctane?   I read through the athlete guide and there's just so much information.   Hopefully you're remaining calm and collected.   I'm a nervous wreck and I'm just volunteering. 

Originally posted by DirkP

Originally posted by Jo63  As for me it's all work stress, long story....back in 2007 when we got our first business loan when all of the banking world was doing well, we were mislead by the banker we had, and there were some things that were not fully disclosed to us, the loan was written to make it seem like we qualified, when in fact we didnt, unaware of this, things were rolling and so we get location and loan 2. Had we known what we know now that we shouldn't have qualified for loan 1 and now we have loan 2 oh what a mess. So a few years back when everything crashed, our loan guy gets fired, the entire board of directors are let go because i believe it was the fcc that stepped in and the bank had to clean house etc etc, so we met with them last week and they are going back over all our board meeting notes, and we have to get all this informatiion to them and we were told by the new bankers " lets be honest here what went on in the bank back then wasnt exactly on the up and up" I am thinking no fooling..... Anyway at this point Iam done, I mentally can not keep this up making sure evrything and everyone gets paid by juggling from this account to that account, luckily iam a great budgeter and along with this our building had some big issues that need fixing and the landlord tells me he doesn't have the money to fix them. I am beyond frustrated, and honestly training and having this group to vent to is the only thing that keeps me sane. And thank god my husband and I have a strong marriage cuz man this is a lot of crap right now! Other than that life is good my sister had her last radiation treatment and she is doing good so I have to keep reminding myself to look at the bright side and the things that matter!

This certainly sounds like it would be stress inducing!!!  I am inclined to fall in line with Karl's statement.  If hey have issued you a contract, it would seem to me that they are bound by that contract.  And, since you've been up and running for about 6 years they should have to count that as something.  The trouble is that the government is involved and, quite frankly, I don't trust the government at all.  It would appear to me that they try, and get away with, almost anything they want anymore, legal or illegal.  Be patient, says the guy who's sitting 2 states away, and let things roll out.

It's really great news that your sister's had her treatment.  I'll continue to pray that she's found to be in remission.

And, continue to lean on your husband.  That's what he's supposed to be there for.  And don't be afraid of leaning on him.  When Lis was going through her breast cancer scare last year she wouldn't talk to me about it to me because she was afraid she would worry me.  I am not afraid to admit that when I found out that she had been hiding her fears from me, I was greatly hurt by that.  I told her to never do that again!  If I am her husband and I am a real man, I should always want, and need, to hear about her struggles.  If you husband is worth his salt, he is the same way.  And by your admission I would say he does want to hear what's going on with you.

That is excellent news about your sister!

I hope this all gets worked out for you and I agree with Dirk.

My husband has started the school year with the weight of every decision towards cutting the budget on his shoulders. He is really stressed out and unloads on me every night. It is fine, but an additional factor of why I am not actively looking for work. I am putting my efforts into home stuff which, let's face it, is not my thing but I am trying. Cooking dinner, meal planning, making sure the kids are on top of their homework and all that so when he gets home he can relax, play with the kids and not deal with more hassles. Sometime, hopefully soon, this problem with the loans will go away but you will still have each other and that is what matters.

Oh, my goodness, TONY (and JOANNE) thanks for sharing that link.   I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes.   So motivational!

Thanks for sharing about your bike set-up and where you are mentally.  I so appreciate you letting me know about your bags - the idea of a note to yourself is a great one!  I'm praying for you to remain calm and confident as you pack.