mcgilmartin's 2013 Mentor Group~ let's get swimming! CLOSED FOR TRAINING (Page 7)

Max

  Thank you so much!   

  I did try a couple of other food logging sites.  Including BT's  they just did not have the database that Myfitnesspal has.  And that is sooo important.    I wanted to like the BT one I really did.  Just was not as good.

 The myfitnesspal app for Iphone works even better than their website does.   They should fix that.   But I use both,  they sync together  so you use both for convenience.   

I actually put together a group on Facebook of 20 of us that are all committed to food logging everything for 2013   we even have a nutritionist on there that answers questions and is food logging along with us.  let me know if you have interest in that. 

I nearly fell out of my chair laughing at this---thanks for sharing Dave!  I'm forwarding it to my husband who is entirely too serious about his Bikram yoga.  Enjoyed reading your intro---we both share a love for harassing Matt!

I have to confess to the group that my workout goals for the week were completely derailed by work and family this week.  Uggh.  Must do better next week!!!!  This group is keeping me inspired.......

Go Ravens!!!

I'm a big mfp fan as well, helped me keep track of things and shed about 80 lbs.  very comprehensive database and super easy to use.

Did my first run off the bike yesterday and while I'm still trying to get a handle on the concept of basing your exertion on your HR zones, I felt pretty good about it, tried to keep my HR at pretty close to the top of Zone 2 for the duration, but its hard not to bump up the speed/incline on the treadmill when I don't feel like I'm actually working hard  Guess that's a byproduct of running for weightloss/max calorie burn as opposed to endurance?  It doesn't help that its very hard for me to get more than a solid hour for any one workout session (yesterday was nice, my son was having a ball at the kid watch program at the Y so they had him for 90 minutes as opposed to the regular 60 minute max)

Any thoughts on this?  Should I be trying to run slower to keep to Zone 2, or pushing as hard as I can as long as I can?  From what I've been reading online about 80% says keep to Zone 2 if you want to run long, while some says to just push and your body will acclimate?

Hey All,

Sorry I have been MIA!  I've had the flu, then being a single Dad on weekends leaves me drained (literally no time for anything).  I'll be back in the game this week.  

I'm thrilled to see Oriolepwr join us.  He's not only a great athlete and Fantasy Football Guru, he's also hilarious.  I learned much from his FFB prowess, I'm sure I'll pick up some eating tips too.

PM me if you guys need anything, I send those to my personal e-mail and get right back to them!

Matt

Here is a link     https://www.facebook.com/groups/foodloggerbloggers/

Youhave to request to join before you can see any of the messages etc.   So if you are so inclined, go ahead and request, I'll approve it.    We can always use another dedicated  Food logger blogger!

Aww  thanks Matt!   :-)     Get better bro!   

Steve-  To me I think its perfect timing!   I like to do an oly even up to 2 weeks before.   I'm not a long taper guy.  (wait that sounds so wrong)    So go for it!! 

Robin!  what's your Maniac #?     I'm #3186!! 

Those 4:30 wake-ups should only be done 2-3 times a week or you're going to burn out.  What's your significant others thought on joining you in S/B/R after work hours?

I've been out of training on a family vacation to Singapore this past week.  Max, I don't know how anyone living in Singapore can stay in shape with all that good food going around!  Heading back to the pool this afternoon.

Going back to the discussion on kicking technique, I've been watching the Total Immersion swim videos and trying to mimic the technique taught on those.  They talk very highly of the two beat kick for triathletes and long distance swimmers as opposed to the flutter kick.  Does anyone have any thoughts/experience with this? 

Donald

Updated list... sorry, working off several different devices and the SS is at home.  If you have to update/add/modify/delete, feel free.

Smartine/MaxSingapore

Dave/OriolepwrChicago burbsSomewhat co-mentor, supply barbs about Matt, Fantasy FB advice

Donald,

I would agree in general that a simple 2-beat kick is probably going to serve you better in a tri, especially if you are a less experienced swimmer.  Logic being obvious- you save your legs for the bike and run.  However.... I have personally found that I have had much stronger races by using a full-on swimmers kick during my tri's.  I find that my circulation gets going, and the lack of impact (not to mention the horizontal position in the water) results in better blood flow.  

What's your experience swimming?  I think I recall you saying you're a stronger runner?

Agreed with Dave, Steve.  It's 3 weeks out, that's a perfect time for a dress rehearsal.  2 weeks taper will be plenty.  Get out there and kill it!

Matt, thanks for the advice.  I'll try to practice the flutter kick a little more.  Do you have any suggestions for freestyle breathing drills?  I occasionally need to push down in the water in order to get my head high enough to get a breath.  This disrupts my flow and slows me down because of the drag. 

My swim is my weakest sport.  I've done a few survival swimming classes, but never got instuction on proper freestyle technique.  That's why I went to the TI videos.  My thought process right now is that if I continue to swim several times a week, then eventually I'll get to the point where I can swim 500m non-stop and do it in a reasonable time.  My lack of percieved progress over the past few months is what drove me to join this mentor group.

Donald,

It's hard to describe in words how to swim, so I'll find you a video.  One thing I always mention to new swimmers regarding breath- you only need to turn your head enough to get your mouth out of the water.  This should be about a 30% head roll.  I see a lot of people go a full 90 degrees- that's a waste of energy.  Also, forget the whole bilateral breathing technique for now.  Is is easier for you to breathe left or right?  For starting out (and this is the only time I will recommend this) take a breath to your preferred side every stroke.  You will find that the repetition makes the movement easier to execute.

Let me find a good video to share with everyone.

Matt

Here's the site I love- worth a download for everyone for sure.  

http://www.swimsmooth.com/

My 2nd year members should have this already.  Right?

#6243---squeaked in by the skin of my teeth this past fall (bronze level). 

Do a search for "0 to One Mile" swim workouts.  There are a few of them around but they all work up to getting you to swim a continuous mile in six to eight weeks. 

One thing about "just swimming more" - some people say that you will naturally get a better technique others that swimming badly a lot will just make you a better bad swimmer.  When I was really ramping up my swimming a couple of years ago, I did not take lessons or do drills, but paid attention to the TI "form".  It wasn't perfect, but it also didn't make swimming feel like work.

Bilateral breathing:  Doesn't matter in the pool, but if you are in the ocean or a choppy lake, its nice to be able to comfortably breathe to the side that does not have waves hitting you in the face.

I am normally up at around 5 and out of bed at 5:30, so the early morning runs should not be that bad.  I really don't stay up much after 10 pm anyway so I am normally ok with sleep - except when insomnia hits.  Evening workouts are possible, but the real problem for me is that I am usually exhausted at the end of the day and will find any excuse not to workout and that's also usually the best time to relax, unwind and spend time with the wife.

That being said - tonight I'm going to force myself to go to the gym, get into the pool and swim at least 1000 yds.  My goal for this month is 10,000 yards - only 10,000 yards left to go!

I'm holding you to this, Bruce.

Hey All,

I'm thinking of posting a weekly beginner swim workout for you each Monday.  If you could let me know if that's something you want, or if you'd prefer something else weekly, let me know.  This group is here for your benefit (and my enjoyment), so it pays for you to tell me what you are looking for.

Matt that would work for me.   

Now that I am not heading to the superbowl I am going to start looking for a bike and an indoor trainer.