JeepFleeb's mentor group - FULL (Page 8)

What seems to work for me in this context right now... I alternate between breast stroke and freestyle. BS gives me the time to catch my breath and let me refocus on my technique, but it prevents me from cooling down fast. I have the issue that I start freezing even on short breaks in the pool, so I am moving all the time....

I need advice on planning my summer races.

I know about classifying them as "A" and "B" races, etc., but here's my question: is it possible to have 2, or even 3, half-IMs as "A" races, provided I space them about 8 weeks apart?

I'm registered for Rhode Island in July, and was going to run one in May as a sort of rehearsal, just to check nutrition, my body, etc. Over the last week, I've started contemplating running the May race all-out, just to see what I can do. And now, it looks like my travel plans will coincide with another race in mid-September, so I'm thinking, as long as I'm there, why not give that one a go, too?

Obviously, professionals race them like that. But can, and should, I?

I do, every morning, today it was -35F with the windchill. I must say it was probably my coldest run this winter.

 Went for a quick night ride, it was really cold, a frigid 45F.  Sorry, David couldn't resist.  I'm in Gainesville, Florida.   Can't imagine running in -10.  I would be on the treadmill. 

Not here, I will go inside.

Hey everybody,

Thanks for your thoughts on the IT bands. 

Aaron (JeepFleeb)- Regarding coasting, no I don't think I keep my legs stationary when I coast. Actually, I don't think I coast all that much at all. Would this make things worse?

All - Regarding foam rollers... BIG FAN! (although I still have problems) A friend gave me one that has a hollow PVC core with a foam/neoprene cover. It is much firmer than the solid foam ones. Since I've been using it, most of the length of my IT band has gotten much more flexible.

Right now my trouble spot is right where the band attaches to the knee. If it doesn't get better soon, I may go back to the PT for some more Graston massage. Anybody experience that before? It has left me with some big bruises, but did offer partial relief.

http://www.performbetter.com/detail.aspx_Q_ID_E_4592_A_rnd_E_19

Attempting to include pic of my favorite foam roller...

Oh mentor, my mentor...

I scarfed this from your post yesterday.

"Lift, lean, catch, repeat.  Running has very little to do with pushing yourself forward.  It's a controlled act of falling down."

Over the past 3-4 yrs, I've made a very concious effort to change my running form.  It took a lot of barefoot running in grass to finally break the heel strike.  I'm now up on my toes and balls of my feet and not heel striking unless very tired.  Problem is I can't get the 'forward lean/falling down' feeling down.  It still feels like I push off hard and am not "falling". 

Discussion / suggestions please!!

I attended a Good Form Running clinic this week taught by Grant Robison, former collegiate 1,500 meter champion and 2004 Olympian in Athens.  I'll try to find a link to some of the info he provided and send it to you.  It was a great experience and I learned a lot from him.  There were only two people in the class so I received quite a bit of personalized instruction.  The class was held at an indoor track on MSU's campus so it wasn't just lecturing, it was actual running, with videotape feedback, etc.

That sounds awesome.  I've never been taped but have had a gait analysis.  My current feedback is looking at myself in the mirror when on the dreadmill.  Any info provided would be great.

I have a Soldier here I work with that just accepted an offer to be assigned to the Army's World Class Athlete program at Fort Carson/Colorado Springs.  He's an 800m/1500m runner.  I'm gonna hit him up also for technique advice.  Look for him in the next Olympics!! Matt Petrocci.

PM sent to you...