kellc09's Mentor group - CLOSED (Page 7)

Thanks Heidi!

Kellie- I read what you said about the Olympic v the Sprint distance.  I am still thinking on it...

Merry Christmas everyone!  I gotta go hop on that trainer before my company gets here...

Merry Christmas all!

-Heidi

Computer question:

First, Hi and I hope every one had a great Holiday.

Second, My husband gave me a bike computer for Christmas! I was completely psyched and went to put it on the bike last night. Then, I realized that model he got me is for the front tire. I was sitting on the floor, in front of my bike, scratching my head. Because I'm soo mechanically inclined, it only took me 3 or 4 minutes to figure out what was wrong the system

 We talked last night and I'll take it back to the store to exchange for a rear tire mounted system. I can spend more $ if I need to, because I received $ as part of another gift.

 So, the question is: What does every one recommend for using on the trainer? I'd like wireless, and I want to spend under $100. I don't need expensive, fancy or a million buttons. What does every one else use?

I'm on my way to the LBS to see what they have in stock.

-Heidi

Don't know what to suggest, because right now I have 2 computers on my bike.  I have a Polar CS200CAD that stays on all the time, and a low cost Cateye Strada Cadence that I put on in winter for my trainer.  It is wired which is part of the reason that I don't just use that one all the time. 

There are a couple variations of the RPE scale.  The one I use is a scale of 0-10, which is what most trainers use.  A seven should be considered Very Strong.  If I am using HR, I would say that I am somewhere between 105% and over my LTHR.  My definition of decently comfortable would be RPE 3 or so with a corresponding HR of 69-84% of LTHR.  Of course I could be completely off my rocker, so if any pro's out there want to correct me, please do.  I am always trying to learn and I have always trained by HR, so RPE is new to me.

Don't worry about the test.  If you are good at setting a pace on the run, you can do it on the bike.  You will want to feel the same way on the bike as you do on a 30 minute run where you can "barely" hold pace.  Your legs will feel it much more in the quads, but for me it's the breathing that I need to monitor more so.  I just took it up til I was really panting and held it there!  It also helps that I had an idea of my sustainable max HR so I tried to stay at or over that.  I ended up a couple beats below.

Kyla-I feel like I'm guessing a lot on the RPE issue too. I came to the same conclusion as you at this point-atleast it's getting me on the bike with some sort of structure.

I'm also in the process of trying to figure out my strengths and limits on the bike. How fast I can go for varying distances...what gears to use.

Heidi - I have my Garmin mounted to my bike with the cadence sensor.  I like it so far...

I get to take it out for a run tomorrow at Stoney Creek.  I am hoping for no ice on the bike path!! 

Kyla - I am totally on target since xmas is over!

I weighed in at 157lbs.  I am 5'8" and weighed in the 130s before I hurt my achilles tendon (I completely went downhill after that).  I have a lot to lose before racing starts.  I am logging all my food on myfooddiary.com and trying to stay with whole grains, lean meats, fruits and veggies.   I already feel better after 1 1/2 days of eating well.  My training and mood should improve.

Speaking of heart rates...I need to redo a cycling and running HR test.  I think I have everything too low.  It is hard pushing yourself to get an accurate maxHR.  I forgot my dumb HR monitor when I ran a 5k...that would of been the perfect time to measure it.  I may do another race on New Years Eve just to push myself.

Bronwyn,

You just gave me an idea.  I haven't done my run HR test in awhile, but I just ran a 5k this morning and I would say I hit it pretty hard.  Not a PR, but close.  I hit a 177 average which should come out to a 172 LTHR.  That's 2 beats higher than what I have been using.

Thanks!

Hey guys!  Im in Chicago with the family, so besides the gym here, walking is my workouts for the weekend.   Toooo much ham and potatoes this week with all the christmas stuff,   Im up 1. 5 pounds     Next week stars a new year, holidays over, etc, and through Christmas and Thanksgiving, that 1.5 pounds is all Ive gained  (it may actually be gone now that all the salt is washed out!).   So that is good and I successfully didnt gain through the holidays!

I was amazed to read that about 8 pounds is the average for most people to gain.  I can see how since I have really watched it though last couple of years!

For you guys trying to establish your zones...   does everyone have, or willing to get, a HR monitor?   

Those of you doing Jorges program, he seems to explain it well, Greg seems to be doing a good job explaining it all   Thanks Greg!    Another note.... If you do not have a power meter, or a HR monitor, but do have a speedometer attached, I personally us speed(pace) as my zones.    I do know my HR zones also, it is on for my tests, but it is more a secondary measure to speed, pace, (and power on my trainer).  

HR can be a bit deceiving since there is a lag in reading, and is also dependant on a other factors (temperature, fatigue, the HR monitor itself, etc).   So it is a bit more real time, and knowing your pace (speed) for your zones can help you a bit more than paying straight attention to your RPE or HR.      Just suggestions for those looking for ways to monitor their workouts better, and following prescribed zones in their plans.  They do help, and they do have a purpose!

I hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas!

Kyla - I have the Forerunner 305 and it tracks distance on the trainer, but I don't know how accurate it would be.  I use it in a comparative way.  When I take the bike outside in the spring, I am sure everything will feel different with the road, wind, etc.

This tri stuff is very complicated.  If I keep training (despite my lack of knowledge), I am hoping to not embarrass myself come June 21st.  

Kellie - now...if you ate like that everyday for a month you would gain at least 8 lbs!   I am sure the 1.5 lbs already is gone.  

I take my average HR for the entire test and mulitpy by 97% to get my LTHR.  Remember I was redlining the entire test(race).

Haha.. last year I was about a month into starting to train for my Ironman and working out 10-14 hours a week at least, so I had some food FUN last year and didnt gain!  Sigghhh... not this year

After my trip to the LBS I picked up the Cateye strata cadence to use on the trainer. Today, I'm scheduled to do day 3 of week 1 for Jorges program. So I'm looking foreward to seeing how it works! I have no idea of what my cadence or MPH's might be, so it'll be fun!

I went to the pool yesterday, and for the first time, was able to maintain a good breathing pattern for the entire time! When I started swimming, I was completely a "head out of the water" swimmer. So this is a huge improvement for me. I think I'm going to have a bunch of swim technique questions soon!

Two more "get togethers" scheduled for today-Hoping to bike between them.

Happy belated Birthday Greg!

Nice!   Being able to hold a good breathing pattern the whole time will help out a lot when you got to work on straight form work.    There are quite a few different drills to help you out when you feel ready for them , I could share some, and I know a couple of the other group members said they were pretty good swimmers!!

I'm finally getting back into the groove after a horrible lapse Christmas week, not as much training combined with WAY too much eating has me feeling flabby and out of shape.  Got a run and swim in yesterday, and did some weight training this morning.  I'm planning to do what I can this week, but it's a busy one again with a trip to my Mom's this weekend.  The 2nd week of January I'm going to start my 1/2 marathon training, and continue to work hard on my swimming technique. 

 Also, just found out my wife and I are expecting our first child in August!!  It's still early, but I'm excited (and nervous) beyond belief.  This does mean no triathlon in Naperville in August though

Welcome Back Matt. And, WOW! Congratulations to you and your wife. This is your first, right?

-Heidi

Yep (YIKES!)

Oh wow congrats MATT!!!!!!