grandhavenbill's group - FULL (Page 7)

A quick question about working out when sick...

I have experienced the onset of flu symptoms recently (low grade temp, body aches, cough). I have held off my training because I don't want to wear myself out and risk increased symptoms. (As I will be travelling next week) 

At what point are workouts helpful vs. harmful?

With cold season around, how cautious should I be while at the same time not throwing out training at the first sign of a sniffle?

Any feedback welcome...

I'm in for Sunday. I think I am going to take advantage of this heat wave and finally run outside again.

I am having cramping issues in the pool. I did a 35 min. bike / 30 min run brink on wednsday, and felt pretty good afterwords. Minor soreness in my calves. Thursday was masters swim day, and around the 2000 meter mark there was a 3x50 kick set. both of my calves cramped up at the same time. That was the worst cramping I've ever had.

I'm trying to force myself to drink more water, but admitedly, I'm not drinking enough. I am also a horrible stretcher, both in my flexability, and my ability to make myself do the stretching that I know is important. Any advice on specific stretch routines for after each event?  Anything else that could help fight the cramping?

hi Chris, hope you feel better soon!

My family has been sick all week, and I've felt a hint (very minor) of coming down with something. I trained through this and think it's been positive. I've actually convinced myself that I beat the cold/flu back with the training. Not sure if there is any science to this.

That said, I will not train if I feel crappy. It is misserable, and I can't imagine it does a whole lot of good for your training, or for your sickness. Sleep it off and train when your healthy. That's my unsubstantiated advise. Looking forward to hear what others have to say.

Hey to all...sorry I haven't been on here in over a week.  Had a death in the family, been outta town, and then had pipes freeze and then burst.  Not been a good two weeks.  Never fear...I am training.  Will try and get caught up on my training logs this weekend.

Hope you are all well!

Drew

Other than being religious about warming up, the only other thing I can think to offer would be keeping things covered until you are warm and maybe try a bio-freeze type product.....

Ack!  Are we going to lose another one to the Cervelo mafia???  Don't let those ST guys persuade you!

Hey Chris,

Sorry to hear you are under the weather.  The GENERAL rule is it is OK to workout with symptoms above the neck (runny nose, etc.) but NOT OK if you have chest congestion, a cough, or a fever.  I will typically try to work out thru a garden variety cold and have found that, although it is tough to get moving, once I do I almost always feel better afterwards. 

Sage advice from Brad, just listen to your body.  Stressing a truly sick body with exercise will only prolong your recovery.  FWIW, I'm a believer in "sweating out" a virus.  Not by working out, but using a steamroom (with eucolyptus oil, NICE!), sauna, or whirlpool. 

Get well soon my friend!

Brad,

Are you having cramping anywhere other than your calves?  Is it only when you are swimming?  If so, I'd bet that you are unconciously "locking" your ankles/feet, and maybe your knees, into a fixed position vs. keeping them loose.  Per my swim coach, this is a VERY common malady amongst runners/cyclists trying to become swimmers.  Try focusing on keeping your entire legs loose/fluid during your kick and ask your masters coach for a critique.

Great job on the workouts, you are making awesome progress!

Hey Drew, welcome back.  Sorry to hear about your loss, what a rough stretch.......

Hey everyone,

Hope you are all doing well!  Just wondering if anyone has some good hypoxic breathing sets/plans for swimming?  I can swim 150 meters straight after that I am winded.  Any suggestions?  I've been in the pool for about 2 weeks now.  Thanks! - JeanMarie

Hi JeanMarie,

Here is the one we do in my masters group:

50m breathing every 7th stroke, 50 every 5th stroke, 50 every 3rd

this also forces you to breath on both sides. We may have started with every 9th stroke, but I can't remember for sure.

-Brad

Hi Bill,

there may be a little cramping in my feet as well, but mostly calves. I'm going to ask the coach to watch my kick this week. That seems like a pretty good possibility. Thanks!

Hey Bill:  Can you give me a slow, good, and great time goal for T1 and T2 for my first sprint. 

Thanks  John

edit.. wearing socks

Jan,

Sounds like a "fun" ride!  Getting soaked is no fun.  I got trapped in a downpour during one of my long rides last spring and then the temp dropped at least 20 degrees.  By the time I got to a gas station for cover, I was shivering so hard I was convulsing and my hands were too cold to operate the shifters or brakes......

Amazing how the testosterone starts flowing on a group ride.  Please be careful with this going forward into you training plan.  There are definitely times where a workout should be intense, but don't get sucked in during a session that isn't supposed to be.  As Joe Friel so eloquently puts it:  "Make the easy days easy and the hard days hard." 

JeanMarie,

Sorry, I've never really done any hypoxic swim training....I'm sure there are many that would argue otherwise, but I'm not really convinced there is much benefit to it for tri training.  Maybe a google search is in order?

hey all.  quick group bragging note.  i cracked 8 minute miles in a 5k this evening.  avg 7:48 miles.  splits were not negative but i'll take it!!!  THANKS EVERYONE  ESP YOU M'MAN BILL!!!!!!!

this is cause to crack a beer!   

Way to go John!!  With that kind of speed this early, you are going to be a true "force on the course".   I'd celebrate with you, but I have to study tonight for an upcoming exam.....sigh

Hey West Michigan peeps (and any of you who might be up for a road trip!),

Some of us local tri geeks will be meeting at Cross Country Cycle in Holland for a group ride (of the trainer sort....).  Starting time is 11:30-ish or whenever you can get there.  Some of us sadists will be riding for 2:45-ish, others will come and go.  Plenty of inspirational chatter, music, and your choice of TDF and Kona videos to keep your mind occupied.

Will be going out as a group to "re-fuel" afterwards (there is a shower in the shop).

Oops.....this Saturday.

John,

Transition times are very dependant on the course and transition layout (i.e. distance between the water and the bike racks, etc.).  For what I would consider an "average" race here in Michigan (with wetsuits):

The T1 times ranged from 1:03 to 6:07.  The average for the top 5 overall finishers was 1:22.

The T2 times ranged from 0:27 to 2:34.  The average for the top 5 was 0:32.

Most races keep past results on their websites, you should be able to check times for your race(s) and get a better handle on what is typical for that particular race.

Hope this helps!

Awfully quite, everybody OK out there???

So what's everyone up to this weekend?  A very much needed grown up-only night out tonight, looking forward to it!  Group trainer ride tomorrow and then a long-ish run on Sunday followed by lots of studying for a Monday night exam.

Did a new bike interval workout yesterday that you should all try, it's lots of "fun!"  5 minute ladder drill:  ride one minute hard followed by one minute easy, repeat for 2, 3, 4, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 minutes.  If you have the time and legs for it, spin easy for 5-10 minutes and then repeat.  Woof!

heading to the pool after work.  2000 yds  do you use fins in the pool during kick drills?

tomorrow is busy...30 mile ride.  coaches meeting. chili cook off at church. (episcopal is cool but growing up catholic i remember the church used to serve beer at these things, maybe i should switch back)

sunday.  ~7 miler then then hoping the game isn't a blow out.  thankfully no party at our house this year = no clean up!