Baowolf mentor group is [ Closed ] (Page 66)

Really didnt want to do that 3000 yard swim tonight, but it is done.  Anyway I have abused my Garmin and it has remained functional and intact, it is a good product so you will be fine with it.  Mine is likely more loved than yours 8) as it has clocked 4500+ miles runing and some bike as well.  Chiristmas is really easy for our loved ones isn't it 8). 

Samantha and Steve, I like the talk on HR monitors/watches as I am putting one on my Christmas list.  Maybe Santa will bring me one.

I've got my last long run before the HM in about 45 minutes.  It looks like the rain is going to hold off.  It will be nice to be well rested after football season trying to work out.  Yesterday was a typical day for me.  Woke up at 5, put some food in the crockpot, school till 3:30, football practice till 6, home for an hour to eat, scouting a football game (in the rain) till 10:30, home, bed, up at 4:45.  We have our game tonite, and I'll get home about 1, then from 4-10 we watch film for the next game, and then start all over next week. 

So on the HR monitor note. I just realized I can't swim with the Garmin. I was under the impression that I could. What a bummer. I'm thinking I may be able to turn around and sell it for a profit, so I think I'll try that. Then look at getting something like what you suggested Steve. I don't know though. What do you think? Would it be beneficial to get one I can swim with? Otherwise, I don't actually see a need for something different.

Larry - Yeah for almost taper time for you. Your schedule is absolutely exhausting to read about I don't know how you live it out. How was the last long run today?

I headed to the pool to swim today. I'm scheduled for 2000yrds, but I may take it down a bit since I did 1100 yesterday and I haven't really been swimming since my race. Even though I have my maintenance plan set I'm trying to ease my body back into training so it won't get upset with me. But I have to say I'm really feeling strong and that is awesome!

Joe - I don't think I congratulated you on your run. It sounds like it was a great race. Are you so glad you did it and are you happy with your performance looking back? What would you do different? Did you fill out a race report?

Mike - How's it going?

Happy weekend training.

Samantha, welcome back to the pool.  Good luck in your quest.

I got my 14 miles in today.  First 3 were really slow, around 10:45/mile, then the rest around 10:00, not super fast times, but I had my toughest week speed wise.  I was pretty pumped about getting it in, though!

Samantha - you have a real advantage training on the actual course. I always like the breeze on the bike and dread the.idea of indoor bike training. Maybe if you get a fan that will better simulate bike conditions. Although Steve's idea sounds neat for those days where you get completely snowed in. On the half marathon, I am totally thrilled to have completed it. Never before this year would have even considered doing it. The event is not listed and am not sure if I can enter a race report but the experience was priceless. There is now a feel for the distance, I know that I will need to build more base for a future race if I intend to maintain that 2 hr 1/2 Mary pace that I found the first half of this race.

Steve - be glad it took until he was 17 to beat you. I imagine most Dads get passed on this mark by the time the kid hits 12. My daughter took up x country this year and was all excited to run continuous on her race this week. Not sure if she just wants to try and keep up with me because she never showed any great interest in running before. She also refuses to try and learn to ride a bike. Will see... You still seem to have some good fitness for a HIM. You have to play the hand you are delt and save a little something for tomorrow. Maybe all the swim and bike focus you were working on will pay off....

I have refocused on the pool with 2000 yards thursday and Friday. Could still feel some tenderness in the hips but will work in some running this week. Daylight becomes the bigger issue and I do not have a bike trainer. Money is tight and am refi the mortgage to help make ends meet. This will be a small help. The weather has been wet and with all the leaves on the ground is not great bike conditions. In any event I know that next year I will be in much better shape that last year. And a bit faster too....

Hey all!

Samantha, I've had a Garmin 305 for 6ish years.  When the first one (received as a gift) died, I got another one and skipped out on the newer models to keep my cost down.  Haven't really regretted it, but I guess I don't fully know what I'm missing either.

Joe, like your attitude.  I think that is one thing that Steve has really helped with...keeping a longer term perspective on the running.

Larry, sounds like a good last long run.  Time to rest up for showtime!

Mike, hope training and life are continuing to settle into a groove for you.

Steve, glad you are getting confirmation re: your decision to not do the full.  Just sorry that also means you're continuing to deal with the injury issues. 

Palo Duro Trail 20K yesterday was one of the most awesome outdoor/running experiences of my life.  Driving down the windy road into the canyon at 0-dark-thirty, started off seeing a shooting star.  Run started at dawn, and sunrise in the canyon was absolutely breathtaking.  Temperatures were perfect.  This must be what it means by "in the cool of the day" in the garden of eden.  The trails were tough for this city slicker runner.  Garmin says almost 2,000 feet of elevation change.  But no headers and no sprained ankles, and came out with a respectable time.  Official results are not up yet.  Garmin said 2:23, but probably a bit longer since I had auto pause set and enjoyed a couple of the aid stations.  If you haven't ever been to Palo Duro Canyon, it is well worth the trip (took us 5.5 hours each way).  You won't believe you are in Texas!

Mike - how are things? Curious how your masters swimming is going...

Carol - That sounds like one special race and you made it out unscathed. The shooting star must have given you a great feeling.

Nice day today. Much drier and about 60 degrees. Considered running in the morning but had a few stumps to dig up around the house. Finished around lunch and had some left over chicken, pea, broccoli soup I whipped up yesterday. I did finally get out for the first run since the 1/2 mary and completed 3.2 in 29:06. So the legs seem pretty well recovered. 

Hey Joe, nice run to test the legs out.  And the soup sounds good!

Legs feel pretty good, but ankles and feet still pretty sore 2 days out from the trail race.  Taking another recovery/dog walking day. 

Carol, that sounds like an absolutely awesome day.  It's really cool when fitness is fun.  Good for you.

Joe, it's good to see you back at it.  I know after a race I have very little motivation to get going again

Hey Guys and Gals, sorry for my absence! My body just decided to do a full melt down and after several failed attempts to get back on a routine I just decided to shut it down and recover for a while!

I decided no more races for me this year. I spoke to HITS and they agreed to transfer my race to next year so I am happy about that.

Jim, sorry to hear you are not doing well with your training.  I was looking forward to meeting you in Palm Springs.  I'm doing a little better, but still day to day here. Snow this morning, time to dig out the winter training clothing.

Carol is out there gettin done as usual. 

Samantha getting her base training solid.

Our HM folks just finished or about to race. 

This is a really hard time of year for most folks.  Even if they have no races, there is a tendency to fall into an all or nothing mode.  Either I sit on the couch watch football and put on 20-30 pounds doing nothing or I try to work on a weekness 10 hours a week.  Anything inbetween is fine.  Just jogging 3 miles 3x a week, biking 20 miles once or twice a week and swimming 1500 yards once a week is huge as far as staying emotionally in a good place, physically maintaining a base to build from and keeping the winter weight gain to a minimum.  Ya putting on 10 pounds is almost guaranteed if you cut your workout hours from 15 to 5 per week.  But it is easier to work off 10 than 30.  Anyway however you do winter, have a plan even if it is to take a full month to 6 weeks with no workouts whatsoever, have a start date when you are going to pick things back up.  The gravity of the couch is just toooo strong.  Must ... resist...

Mike - So sorry to hear. Life does not make things easy. God bless and keep you and your family safe.

Jim - Our numbers have dwindled a bit but have a great group of hard working people here. How are you now, 100%?

Larry - With winter coming, I am a bit determined to take advantage as much as possible the time outdoors there is left. Right now it is maintaining and getting prepared for next year. I really like the way things look if this fitness can be carried through.

Nice swim last night. Focused more on distance than speed. 5x50 free kick, 5x50 breast, 10x50 free, 500M (alt 25free, 25breast), 3x(alt 50 back, 50 breast, 50 free). Something like that anyway, completed 2600yrds in 83 min. feels good.

^{Jim, it's great to hear from you again.} 

^{Joe, great swim.  I haven't been in the pool since July.}

^{Mike, life often gets in the way, it seems.  Sorry for your loss.}

^{I've got my last semi hard run tomorrow, a 4-5 mile tempo run at Steve's request.} 

Larry, you're up this week.  Can't wait to read your race report.  Are you aiming for just under 2:00, or more like 1:55ish or ???

Joe, nice swim, and sounds like your "off" season is off to a great start.

Samantha, how goes it for you?  Did I read correctly that you work with older folks?  My hat is off to you; that takes a tremendous amount of patience and compassion.

Jim, glad you have taken the time to hit the re-set button and get your race fees deferred.  And good to see you posting!

Mike, wow, life (and death) have been a real challenge for you lately.  Sometimes just have to lean into whatever is happening.  Enjoy your kiddo's this week!

Steve, I think there is a dividing line re: when the difficult time of the year is.  I LIVE for fall and winter athletically, and barely survive July/August without a total implosion.

Results are up for the race, and I was pleased to place 11/46 in my AG (40-49).  Not too bad for my first encounter with trail running.  I really enjoyed it, and hope to do more of these.  However, my body is not too pleased about the whole thing.  Did a 4 mile recovery run today and it basically showed me that I'm not recovered (left ankle touchy - scene of last year's sprain, right upper quad strained slightly, etc.).  Not plunging into marathon training until all systems are go.  Here are a couple of pics of the trail (taken by another runner):

Carol, those pictures are awesome.  Great job on the 11th in your age group.  I still have a week and a half before my race.  Goal one is under 2:00, and goal 2 is 1:55:34 because that is the best time my big shot running cousin has ever gotten.  I know it's petty, but it motivates me.

I did my last sem hard run.  4 miles of tempo work:  Mile splits of 9:13, 8:50, 8:47, and 9:00.  Felt pretty good, but I'm needing more sleep.

Larry that time is within reach for you.  Nail your pacing for the first half and hit the last 4 miles hard (Z4-z5). 

Nice picks.

A couple days off here letting the knee settle down from Sunday's run.  Sigh.  And shoulder from Sunday's swim.

Jim - so good to hear from you again! I appreciated hearing your choice to give your body a rest and not see the upcoming race and something needing to be accomplished. And glad you will make it out there to cheer on Steve for the HIM.

Joe - Doesn't the pool feel nice?

Mike - hard run for you lately. So sorry about the loss and I hope your family finds peace amidst the chaos. Glad you are still hanging with us so we can at least try to encourage you.

Carol - 11th?!? That is super, amazingly fantastic. The course looked beautiful but way more bumpy than the first pictures I looked at. NO wonder your ankles are yelling at you. I hope the rest you are getting is the rest your body needs to get back to 100%. And, yes, I do work with oldies. I currently help take care of nine residents in an assisted living home. I love it even though some days are really challenging. I pray so much - thanks!

Larry - Are you even gonna get rest over your taper weeks? With the schedule you've been keeping it seems a taper wouldn't be much different. But maybe you said football season is coming to an end now. I hope so, or that you at least sleep in lots when possible. And I think your goal to beat the runner guy is great. Just shows how far you've made it in 10 months and I hope he sees the accomplishment and not just the numbers. As a matter of fact, I hope the same for you. NO matter where you come in at your race you are an outstanding person and a winner in my book. It took you more mental, emotional and physical pain (or whatever you want to call it) than so many of the other racers who weren't fighting for there health. And that's not putting them down because they work hard too. But I just want to remind you of the amazing battle you are winning every day of your "SLIM & HEALTHY" life. Sure can't wait for your race report, but I have to. :P

Steve - Honestly I don't know what to say except this - YOU HAVE AN AWESOME NEW BIKE AND A MENTOR GROUP THAT THINKS YOU ARE TOTALLY AWESOME!

So things are moving forward for me. I ended up taking two days off this week. The weather is changing and I think it's affecting my motivation. Plus I'm trying to fit my training schedule and life around each other. I have made several changes to what day I will do what. I really hope I have it figured out now because changing it kinda stinks and doesn't help in the motivation department. ON a positive note, my 6 mile run today was sweet. I maintained a 11.29 pace and I LOVED running next to the lake in the crisp early winterish weather. I am oh so close to meeting my waistline goal and that is so exciting too.

YEAH FOR OUR CONSISTENT GROUP!

Samantha used to be our quiet one that kind of hung out on the sidelines and chipped in now and again about how she might get serious about training for something big some day, but was mostly just getting in some maintanance work here and there right?  Now she has completed HIM is going to rock an IM and is talking smack with the rest of the gang.  Very happy to see it.  Wouldn't it rock to have the whole gang do a HIM or HM together?  It would be like a family reunion football game.  Oh well have some work to get done.      

Oh and trail runs can be brutal.  I did a 30k with an 1800 foot climb 2 miles into the race and it was an out and back... nasty.  Then I did one with 3x2000 foot climbs over rocks and drop down/climb ups of 2 foot or more, a completely different run than a flat half mary on pavement.   

Thanks Steve! And I am totally game for a HIM or HM or whatever reunion/meeting for the first time get together. I think it would be so sweet meet all of you and complete something together. I will never forget any of the members of this group!

1500 yard swim at 41minutes. Not a smooth process at all but I enjoy the pool. Plus I switched gyms and my new one rarely has any other person swimming. Then I did 15miles on the trainer just under 15mph. Trainer riding is fairly brutal so winter will be long, but I'm ever so glad to have the option.

Larry, sorry, I'm always a week ahead on race dates.  Guess I'm anxious to read the race reports .

Samantha, you definitely have the gift of encouraging others.  Changes are hard...seasonal and otherwise.  Ha, I often feel like a DOS person in a Windows world (aka: have trouble shifting focus/tasks quickly).  I agree with Steve on the metamorphasis we have seen in you.  Like seeing you be the butterfly .

Steve, those trail races you did sound really intense!  Problem is, you get tired and still have to really focus on your footing, pick up your feet, etc. or else down you go.  I was very glad I only did the 20K!

Jim, glad you're back!

Mike, how goes the life/training balance?

Joe, how about you?

Anyone else lurking out there (Elena, Mitch, Ceril), never too late to participate.

OK, so I have a free entry into a couple of races tomorrow put on by the local running club -- a 5K at 8am, followed by a 10K at 8:45am -- aptly named "Double Trouble".  So thinking about turning those and maybe a bit of a jog before and between them into my long run.  Just have to not do the 5K like it's a 5K (or the 10K like a 10K for that matter), and stick to my slower long run pace.  I guess it would be good practice for not going out too fast .