Prof40's group CLOSED (Page 7)

So, I tried to do the long distance/sprint workout today, and I really don't think I'm ready for that!  On top of it, today I felt like crap, so I stopped after about 10 minutes.  So far, the most I've swam without taking a break is about 200 yards.  I don't know why, but at that point, my form, my breathing, everything starts breaking down.  I definitely don't think I can do 750!  Does anyone have any advice for training to swim long distances?  You can see from my logs, I've been using the swimplan.com workouts, and they're mostly based around repeasts of shorter distances.  I was thinking of using those workouts, but just doing fewer sets of longer distances.  Would that work?  Any advice would be appreciated. 

Work and family commitments dominated my week, but today should allow some serious exercise time. So, I'm off to the pool to do our swim challenge, and then, depending on the weather, a ride and/or a run.

Anyone else find that they get a bit antsy when they haven't worked out in a few days?

I'm scheduled to run a 1/2 marathon on Sunday. Initially, I had planned on going all-out, just to see what I can do. Coming off a week of no activity, I'm reconsidering that plan. I'm thinking I'll do a nice pace until mile 10, and then open up the engine and see what's left.

After Sunday, I don't have another race until May 30th, which is an olympic tri. Who's up next with a race? Anyone have one before May 30?

So, how are you doing on your goals? We all set 3, then looked at our race calendars and contemplated some finishing times. And I see that some of you are doing practice tris on the weekends. How are you feeling? And don't say you're sore. You're an athlete in training, you're supposed to be sore! Just make sure it's a good sore, and not a "something is wrong" sore. If you're not sure which category you are in, go see a doctor. Seriously. A quick exam now could save you a summer of physical therapy.

Speaking of doctors, have you had a physical lately? If it's been a while -- and in my age group, that means if it's been more than a year -- go get one. People do die in these races, albeit rarely. But I don't want you to be that statistic. Besides, the total physical and blood work can be your base level, so when you go back next year, you can measure the improved change in your body.

The deal I made with my wife is that I'd go every year, at the start of every season, just to make sure all is well. And since my insurance coverage is less than desirable, I find one of those multiphasic blood tests that the local Rotary does, where they test everything through the hospital lab for about $50. If you haven't been in shape in a while, you'll be amazed at how your blood work will improve over the summer.

So, add a physical to your to-do list. It will reassure your family that you're not crazy for choosing this goal.

By the way, I saw in the posts that some of you are doing your own practice races on the weekend. It's a good idea, and I do that about once a month in the summer if I can't find the right event to fit my schedule. Doing all 3 back-to-back is the only way to test your body. But be mindful of the exertion. These are practices, not races, and if you go out all hard, you might be left drained for a week. So, do them, but not at top speed. Focus instead on feeling each discipline, noting how your body is adjusting and what is and is not clicking. Then, start working on that "missing link" in practice.

For the sprint I just did, I noticed that my running right after the bike was off-pace. I need to work on getting up to a quicker pace sooner, so my workouts will start to include more speed work and definitely more bike-run bricks. Use your training as a tool to improve your performance as well as a confidence builder.

Have a good weekend!

Thanks for the info guys.  Its definitely plantar fasciitis.  I'm doing everything I can--stretching, icing, massaging, taping up at night.  It already feels a little better and I can actually put my foot on the ground now when I wake up.  Its just a little frustrating because I was beginning to feel like I was making some real strides (pun intended) in my training.  Still doing my swimming and cycling workouts.  I'm thinking about adding an additional swim workout and possibly an extra cycle but I'm not sure if there is a better way to go about furthering/maintaining my conditioning.  Is there anything I can do to keep my running muscles in shape or am I better off just concentrating on the other disciplines until I can run again?  What do you guys think?

Swimming has been the toughest discipline for me to pick up too.  When I started in december, I felt like I was going to have a heart attack after six lengths--and I was resting after each 50 yds!  I'm still not where I need to be but I swam my first 300 this week without taking a breather.  It was a big milestone for me and gave me confidence to step up the distances.

I did my first ever open water swim today. Wow--what an experience. Water was in low 50's but it was no problem with the wetsuit. I did one hour. It was so much harder than the pool, but also very fun. I was more boyant and fast at times, but I had to stop and sight often. Also, the waves and wind took a long time to get used to. It can only get better from here.

Here's what I leared: 1). You have to sight often, even 30 to 40 strokes and you can be way off course. 2). The wind and current (yes, even in a lake) can be brutal. If I was to do it again I would swim against the wind on the way out and with it coming back.  3). Waves make breathing weird--not too difficult, but let's just say it's not the pool. I often would go to breath and get a mouthful of wave. 4). My feet and hands were freezing the first 5 minutes, but I was not cold at all after that. 5). Even though I had a great first experieince, I am soooooo glad that I did my first OW swim not in a race. 6). Just do it--It was windy and rainy and I almost didn't do it--but I did--and I'm glad I didn't wimp out.