Beer Drinker Appreciation Society - Open For Business (Page 71)

See, I knew y'all would have good tips! I'll definitely plan on getting there early. Thanks!

So I did my first ever brick today. Was short, but it was definitely difficult to transition.

Bike was an 8 mile loop, back half of the route was pretty bumpy, tried to stay in aero as much as I could. Final 2 miles or so back home was nice and flat and smooth, held 20mph+ down the stretch, traffic was moderate, although I did have a semi not move over very far and scared the hell out of me.

Got off the bike, and changed into my running gear, held an ok mile pace around my neighborhood(9:45), was a tad wobbly at first, then my legs went kinda numb, not sure if this is normal...

I really need to find a structured plan that meets my current abilities..anybody have experience with the custom plans on here?

I echo all of the folks saying don't be terrified! I started spin classes this year and they are great. I don't know if they are great for tri specific bike training, but they get me up and out of my house at least two times a week and my legs moving in a biking type movement. Just remember that you are in control of your bike and body--don't like what they are doing--don't. Don't like the resistance the instructor calls for, lower/raise it. I wear tri shorts to class. Those seats are small and hard for my butt, which is neither of those things. Have fun!

The way I see it, the spin bikes are the closest to the real thing without having the real thing. Until I can afford a bike, I'm hoping spin classes will at least build up my muscles and help my butt adjust. I just bought my first pair of bike shorts, so I should be able to try them next week in class. Whoo hoo.

Feeling less freaked, thanks for the wisdom.

+1 to all this. The spin classes I've had they've been really good about having you gear up or down from your working load. Working load takes a bit to figure out (and will potentially change as you fatigue during class - I'm way more ambitious at 10 minutes in than 50 minutes in). So maybe the instructor's working load is 15, and yours is 5. Then she says 'gear up' and goes to 16 and you're going up to 6. Or maybe hers is 15 and yours is 20

The instructor will be able to give you tips before class, but what I've been told for working load is to find a gear you can comfortably with effort spin at 90rpm. You'll need to be able to spin it faster for sprints, and gear up a bunch for climbs. You'll know the gear is too easy if you start bouncing in your seat when spinning faster (assuming the seat height is properly adjusted).

Nothing can replace actual riding of an actual bike on the actual road, but spin is great for getting the HR up and getting those biking muscles working. I'm sore the day after Spin, usually in the calves.

As everyone has said - don't be terrified - it's another tool in your box of workouts available. Your fit on these bikes will be different than a road bike!! Also, be wary if your instructor has you do "jumps" - they aren't great for the knees - particularly if you are in sneakers!! (take it from me - and my now wrecked knee). It's not a thing you would normally do on your bike though it does feel like a heck of a workout. If you are riding in sneakers - be mindful that your foot will be flexing on the down-stroke which is different than if you are clipped in cycling shoes which have a stiff bottom! I will no longer spin in sneakers unless I keep the tension easy. I wish I had known this before.
All that being said - enjoy it!! Get some buddies to join you and have fun! You will burn some serious calories. One guy would shout out how many calories he burned after each class and sometimes it was around 800, sometimes 1,000!

Almost forgot to post up a photo of the bike..

Nothing too special, but I possibly have some bigger plans for her

Mel- spin is fun! Bring a hand towel with you! I always need mine. It's a great workout.

Nice bike!!!

Geaux - heck yeah nice bike!!! Thanks or the pic.

Dave - same goes for you! I'm partial to Treks because, well, for no other reason than because I own one.

Here's mine, lest I be a hypocrite:






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I'm officially back to full duty today, cant wait to get back in the groove. Got in my 45 min run today which was a little over 5 miles. Long bike ride coming tomorrow. Thanks to y'all holding me accountable I'm down at least 6 lbs. I was weighing in the morning at 136 now I'm 130 or less even at night.

Do I need to order the tri top myself or are we putting in a big order later?

Jersey - YES.

I think I'll get a tri-top...

AWESOME news on back to full time!!! And congrats on the weight loss too! Down 6 pounds is fantastic for anyone!

Though I gotta echo Thor - if you're 6' and weighing 20 lbs less than pro cyclists I have to think you couldn't afford to give up 6 lbs!

Just caught up finally. I am definitely in for a tri top! They look so good. I will have to take my measurements tonight! Couple Questions:

Do we order ourselves or as a group?
Will they come directly to us, or will someone have to get them all and mail them out?
I think someone already asked this, but is it 6-24 per top or total between bike and tri tops?

Thanks so much to everyone who put in the work to make this top!

Quick check in - my logs don't show it but I have been training. However, whilst at Disneyland I pulled my calf muscle on Saturday. My leg is swollen to down through my foot. At first I could only walk on my toe and couldn't place my foot down. Mid way through the day I could put my heel down but I couldn't take a full stride. Now I can walk as long as I am taking short strides.

It has got to heal because I have an OLY on the 12th!

Yeah!! I NEED one!

Juan

Shoulder update...I woke up yesterday in an insane amount of pain. I assume it's going to get worse before it gets better with this PT. I did some stretches the last 2 nights and it actually feels better today.
Luckily, it doesn't both me at all when I'm running, so I'm focusing on that right now, trying to get at least 3-4 runs in/week (did one yesterday morning, 3/15 miles at 10:26 pace, which was pretty relaxed for me).

I started this My Asics running program (not even sure how I heard of it). I put in my current abilities for a 5K and it gives me runs to do each week, so I think I will do this for now and then slowly add in swimming and biking again. The times they want me to run are pretty slow (they wanted me to run the 3 miles yesterday at 11:32 pace), so I'm ignoring the paces and just taking the actual workouts to see where this gets me for now. Hopefully it helps my motivation, which has been lacking since the pain started. I see a light at the end of the tunnel, though!

Noooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!! Hope it's just a strain. Take care of it!

Keep on being kind to that shoulder, those stretches can only help.

The running program sounds interesting, does the pace get quicker throughout the program? Keep us updated on how it goes!