Experior and Slornow's Spring/Summer Mentor Group-CLOSED (Page 71)

Hats off to you Ironmen and Ironwomen.  I did an "easy" 10 mile run this afternoon and man my legs feel it now.  I think my coach throws one of these in about once a month just to torture me.  I just fall into my usual "easy" run pace and after about an hour my legs start wondering why we haven't stopped running. I've become used to shorter/faster runs and I have a hard time dialing in the right pace for these long slow runs. 

Randy 

Hey all,

Looks like everyone is training consistently and hard...I am definitely impressed!

Weird week for me, I have been getting my consistent training (minus cutting a run a little short due to some GI issues...minor case of food poisoning, YAY!), and feeling decent despite the intense heat and humidity that we have had (or the intense storms), but I am trying to push myself on the bike. I finally broke down, and I am trying to get on the schedule to get a Retul for next week. We have a solid fitter here, and I really think ANYTHING is better than where I am now. I hit the 4 hour mark, and I just can't possibly keep going. Maybe I need a dose of HTFU, but I know that if the fitter says this is the 'best' possible fit, then I know there isn't something better and will push through. I am sure there will be decent adjustments, as I am not too confident in the fit currently. Second, I broke down and purchased a new saddle (ISM Adamo) and really feeling good about the saddle once I break it in, or should I say, once it breaks me in. Going from a conventional saddle to the ISM saddle I am definitely hurting, and feel like I just started cycling again. I had a 2 hour bike, 50 minute run brick yesterday and ran great off the bike. It was insanely hot and humid when I started, and even worse when I started the run, but regardless I pushed through and ran the first 2 miles hard to acclimate my body. These quicker transition runs have really been helping me, mainly doing 1 to 2 miles a 2 times off the bike. I have found the first 5k of a run segement of a triathlon (minus the sprint distance ), to be the toughest aspect as I can't seem to find my legs.

Best of luck to everyone in training, and tapering this weekend. I can't believe this season is coming to a close.

Randy- best of luck to your son this weekend at his meet. I have a feeling you will probably have a 'Roll Tide' tattooed across your chest before you know it,

Nick -- the ISM will change your fit (because the conventional wisdom about where to locate the saddle often assumes it is a conventional saddle).  A couple of other things about it:

1.  Many find that the prongs are too far apart and they rub the inner thighs.  Take a zip tie and draw them closer together (using the metal bars below the prongs).

2.  This saddle is really meant to be ridden right out on the edge.  Your point of weight-bearing contact is out near the 'tip' of the saddle.  (This also has implications for fitting.)  You will probably have to experiment to find just the right point of contact.  Not to be too graphic about it, but follow your inner thighs up right until they end and you will encounter two bones.  (These are NOT your 'sit bones', which are further to the rear.  They weren't made for sitting, but that's what you're going to do with them!)   Those are your points of contact.  It is also possible to slide back and ride the saddle on the wider portion in a more relaxed position, on your actual sit bones.  For Oly and shorter races I never do that, but on longer rides I will sometimes slide back for a bit during the easier parts of the ride.

Nick-I agree with what Michael said about the Adamo.  Not bad when riding down on the aero bars but uncomfortable when sitting up.  I never found the "sweet spot" with it and went back to my Cobb.  It does take some time to get used to the Adamo as it is putting pressure on different spots.  Getting a good bike fit is a must...you are spending too much time on the bike to not have everything optimized!

Easy treadmill run for me.  Nothing was easy though as my legs were still complaining about yesterday's long run.  Hope to get a quick swim in later before getting on the road this afternoon.

Randy

Jamie-that's great!  Keep up the good work. June will be here before you know it.

Randy

Thanks for the insight Michael and Randy. I have seen the zip-tie trick a few times, and am going to tackle the modification later today.

I am rather frustrated as I had spoke with the local Retul guy, and he really didn't have any openings this past week so he gave me his card/e-mail. I e-mailed him shortly after while the memory was still fresh, and attempt to set something up for the following week. However, nothing. I ended up sending another e-mail yesterday to ensure my beloved e-mail client at work was working when I sent it. I just want to be comfy on the bike...like lazy boy comfy!

Jamie - That is the way to go ... sign up for it that way you will train for it. I am actually doing my first HIM next year but in October. I am going to sign up for the 70.3 Austin in 2013 as soon as registration is open. The other big race that would like to do is the Marine Corps Marathon in DC but that has to wait until 2014. :-)

The month started of well! I got a 24 mile bike ride in followed by a 2 mile walk. Decided to walk to give my knees some rest. I also went for a 2K swim. 

Here are my August stats which are low due to me being sick for 8 days. September will be better ... :-) Swimming is really low and the run numbers are not the best either. 

Jason - Pioneer class of '83.  Went to Lawton elementary, then Slauson middle school.  Excited for the game tonight!!

Here are my August numbers:

 Next month is going to be challenging as I am driving cross country to San Diego and back to take my son off to college at UCSD.  I will likely make that a run focus week as best I can.  I will be tired and don't plan on accomplishing too much on the trip.  Overall I'm pleased with my August numbers.  Met my goals in both bike and run.  Did lots more speedwork on running, and accomplished several brick sessions.  Maintained my volume even through a week of working nights. 

Home from an up and back to Tuscaloosa.  Gil had a good race as he and two other Alabama runners crossed the line together in first place. A good start to his college career. However, the competition level will increase dramatically in the coming weeks.

I'm going to do an easy hour on the bike then settle in for Bama/Michigan on TV. Tomorrow is a hard brick. Will check my August numbers tonight and post them.

Randy

Ones across the board for me:

and back in the 190s again on weight :-)  

M Go Blue!

Wow! Lots of great training folks. My August:

Randy......Roll Tide!

Unfortunately for the Meeechigan fans, it looks like the Tide is indeed rolling.  Not that I'm surprised (btw, your backup QB from last year, Phillip Sims, looked sharp in his debut as a Wahoo!)

Here's my August, definitely my biggest training month ever!

Rene/Jason-nice job on the morning runs. It was 82 with 90+ humidity when I got on the bike at 7:30.  Glad to get it done...always feels good to get the tough workouts done. I was 162lbs when I woke up and 155 after my brick!  I'm trying a new recovery drink today....rum and Diet Coke.  I've tried it before but man it tastes good right now.

Jamie-great work.  My August numbers from my first year doing tri's were very similar to yours.  I was working toward a Sept. olympic at that point.  Keep it up. You will continue to improve.

Randy 

Just finished another trainerroad.com workout. It was time for another 20 minute FTP test. Before I go any further I wanted to say thanks to the group for reminding me about consistency and I think it is paying off. 

Trainerroad.com History:

May 20 Minute FTP TestFTP 200

June 20 Minute FTP TestFTP 217

July 20 Minute FTP TestFTP 263

September 20 Minute FTP TestFTP 279

I pushed my FTP from 200 to 279 in a little less than 4 months! Bikers High right now if there is such a thing!