kenj - motivated triathletes in training - CLOSED (Page 8)

I am really enjoying spin classes and yoga right now! I know some people say that spin classes are a poor subsitute for the bike but it kicks my butt and I think my legs and definately my cardiovascular system are stronger for it.

The link would be great,took this morning off,but gonna try and hit the pool in the morning,with a run at the Dam(close to home) on Sunday.Also trying to get a little deer hunting in before season goes out next weekend.Ready to get on a regular schedule,this is my down fall...consistancy,but I'm trying with help of ya'll I believe I can pull through.Have a special and rememberable Merry Christmas.

I don't belong to a Crossfit affiliate. I go through the web and my friend owns one near Lake Placid called Adirondack Crossfit or 518.  So I use him for advice. Most gyms frown on dropping heavy weights on the ground. I have been a lifter for a long time and I reallyu love it. The last time I did tri stuff I sort of stopped lifting and I will not do that this time. I will probably always be a clyde and I need a little strength at work   I usually scale the workouts so that I can do them in the company gym, my house, or at the Y around the S/B/R.

x2.

Yeah, not the same, but as hard as I work it's gotta be doing something for me, right? I have my bike up on a trainer at home, too, but those spin classes kick my butt - I figure the cardio boost is good in and of itself, and my favorite instructor directs a lot of focus to isolating specific muscle groups at various points, too, so I feel that I'm building strength in unique ways as well.

I went to Spin today *raises hand*

Hopefully tomorrow, as well, to get ready for Turkey Day

Who says spin classes are a "poor substitute."  Probably someone who hasn't tried them.  I do 75% of my riding on a Computrainer even when the weather is good to ride outdoors.  Better more efficient use of time.

I'm using the CT, running outdoors (unseasonably warm here in Central Illinois), using the treadmill, and will be getting back in the pool next week or the week after that.  I'm going to join the local cyclo cross folks a few times.  I do yoga and strength exercises and weights now during the winter.

What is the "burn-out" you speak of?     

Ken, I agree with you -- I'm all for strength training. I also try to avoid those debates on the forums... :-o

I think strength training is purely an individual thing. Either you like it and you'll do it, or you don't and you won't. I've always enjoyed it -- it's never been a chore or a hassle. I can't swear to the correlation, but I still have yet to sustain an injury while running or training for tri's. For me, that's good enough. The only constraint has been time. However, since I enjoy the gym, I can usually find some spare minutes. There are all sort of ways to make it fun, or at least tolerable,  -- music, sports on the radio, workout partners, reading tri magazines or books between sets...

This brought up another good advice, but I do have a question.

How do I fit that in with the Olympic plan that I will follow somewhat? Add a couple easy 1-2 mi runs (by adding one run extra a week every two weeks until I have 4 or 5 runs a week, including long runs).   I understand that there will be 2-a-days, and that's okay because it's only 1 to 2 mile, nothing more, except the last couple weeks I'll do a couple of 2 to 3 mile runs before the Oly/Sprint tris.  Will this work? Again, I'm not approaching the Oly/Sprint races as A races.

    I figure if I do that, it will at least help a little with endurance. This will only be for a couple months, then after I finish the Oly/Sprint tri's, I can get into the HIM plan, and scale back the frequency of the runs and in theory I should have much better running base/endurance than I have in the past.

Running is my weakest sport, and I think that's where I would like to see the biggest improvements by December 2012.

FWIW - I have never gotten injured. Sure, I've gotten muscle soreness, and cramping (hydration issue), but that's it. I should be really grateful for that. I know so many people that have gotten injured or some nagging issues that creep up. 

heck yeah - some kind of strength / endurance thing.That's an awful lot of white stuff. Good luck with that!

I have hear that snow shoveling burns a ton of calories. And, going along with what Marla said, I'm sure it's great strength training as well. Good job staying positive in the cold, dark weather.

I felt great after my run yesterday, but it caught up to me today. My upper legs are sore. From a 2.5 mile jog! Yikes, looks like I'm just as out of shape as I thought. But I plan to get out there tomorrow morning for another short easy run. One workout at a time at a time.

As for stregth training I'll be doing P90x in the mornings while my S/B/R training in the afternoon.I have found that the Yoga part does help with my flexability(especially my lower back).I need to sit down on this darn computer and print out the 90 days workout with my S/B/R workouts.Seems I'm a pretty good smooth talker..I can talk myself outta a workout in a minute or change it up.I was thinking about getting a nice mtn. bike from my lbs,but these holidays seem to have put a hole in my pocket that just doesn't seem be close...lol

If I got one from say Dick's sporting goods I could save around 300 bucks,I know the quality wouldn't be there,but incase I do get attacked by the "BUG"then I wouldn't have too much into it(more to be able to get a nice tri bike....just sayin'

This is where I can enter....I was injured most of last year!  It's easy to do, honest!  Easy to do & difficult to get back!

My Bio...

I was in the Spring/Summer group, but fell off the wagon & am back again.

Here is my story...

NAME: GoGoGo/ Richard 

STORY: Typical almost 46 year old male. Used to be athletic. School, work, kids, no activity for 20 years, yada yada, up to 250 lbs! 

 4 years starting going to gym, then running, then cycling, them du's. Swimming is my nemesis

FAMILY STATUS: Married, 2 kids, 9 & 11, 9 month old Great Dane

CURRENT TRAINING: Rehab!! I am a mess. Listing some my injuries to lower half.

 Previous Anterior cruciate ligament tear, Previous ankle fracture with steel plates, previous piriformis syndrome.  

My running mechanics are undoubtably altered from these encounters. Last year, I started with a very sore (R) knee, eventually settled this with NSAIDS, rest, etc.  

Then the other knee. Now nagging hamstring for 6 months & it continues. Have been doing spin class recently. Trying to SLOWLY build my run again.

THIS YEAR'S RACES: No plans, until See If I can emerge with healthy hamstring.  

Actually a manageable hamstring should be OK too

2011 RACES: Nothing! Have run numerous running races, from 5k-Half Mary & would typically run 6-10 per year.

 Usually do cycling TT's during summer, with Du's added in

WEIGHTLOSS: I could easily lose another 20 lbs to get to race weight. I was there 2 years ago, but let it inch up again. 

WHAT WILL MAKE ME A GOOD MENTEE: I have some running & cycling experience might have something to add.

Not so different from many of you. 

Look forward to a good Winter of Rehab & base building!

I WILL race again!!!!!

Hi Ann! You can join if you want! Post a bio when you get a chance.

I find that the easiest way to get more run frequency in and still maintain a balance with the bike and swim is to run short off the bike.  Many plans have a balanced 3 times a week for each discipline, run off the bike twice and now you have 5 runs in and you really only need to run 2 - 3 miles for an oly plan.  The other nice thing about this, since you are already dressed and sweaty is it eliminates a couple of work out outfits that need to be washed and a couple of showers a week.

The other way I get extra running, and I will admit that you need to be an early bird for this one.  I like to swim in the morning, both at the Y in the winter and the lake in the summer.  It is pretty easy to run in the dark from both locations since there are well lit side walks.  So I will just plan on swimming at 6 and get there at 5 and run some. 

Here is my story...

NAME: GoGoGo/ Richard 

STORY: Typical almost 46 year old male. Used to be athletic. School, work, kids, no activity for 20 years, yada yada, up to 250 lbs! 

 4 years starting going to gym, then running, then cycling, them du's. Swimming is my nemesis

FAMILY STATUS: Married, 2 kids, 9 & 11, 9 month old Great Dane

CURRENT TRAINING: Rehab!! I am a mess. Listing some my injuries to lower half.

 Previous Anterior cruciate ligament tear, Previous ankle fracture with steel plates, previous piriformis syndrome.  

My running mechanics are undoubtably altered from these encounters. Last year, I started with a very sore (R) knee, eventually settled this with NSAIDS, rest, etc.  

Then the other knee. Now nagging hamstring for 6 months & it continues. Have been doing spin class recently. Trying to SLOWLY build my run again.

THIS YEAR'S RACES: No plans, until See If I can emerge with healthy hamstring.  

Actually a manageable hamstring should be OK too

2011 RACES: Nothing! Have run numerous running races, from 5k-Half Mary & would typically run 6-10 per year.

 Usually do cycling TT's during summer, with Du's added in

WEIGHTLOSS: I could easily lose another 20 lbs to get to race weight. I was there 2 years ago, but let it inch up again. 

WHAT WILL MAKE ME A GOOD MENTEE: I have some running & cycling experience might have something to add.

Not so different from many of you. 

Look forward to a good Winter of Rehab & base building!

I WILL race again!!!!!

Thanks for posting Richard!  We will get past these injuries and get a race on your schedule in 2012!

Be sure to stretch out good after the run.  Gentle stretching or yoga helps with the achiness!

You may be right about the snow shoveling burning calories, but I would rather not find out!

How do you like the p90X?  I have the insanity program, but have heard good things about P90X.  My biggest challenge with these plans is following them to the letter and getting the full benefit and still fitting in S/B/R.  But, I spent last winter in Southern California on a work project and with the weather they have out there, going outside for a bike or a run was much more inviting than being inside.  I am going to try and add the insanity plan after the first of the year and just get up 30 minutes or so earlier.  We'll see.

As far a the bike idea, it may be the right way to go.   The quality of the bike may not be as good, but the difference will be minimal and you are saving yourself for later on. 

Yes, we got close to a foot of snow (or it sure feels that way!). It was nice to be able to work from home on Thursday and the trainer came in very handy that day!  I only wish I had a treadmill, then I would be all set and wouldn't have an excuse to miss a run workout.  My friend and I made it to the pool yesterday. It was the first time I have swam since IMAZ. The pool has a ton of windows and it was nice to have the sun shining down on me while seeing all the snow outside. Warms up the water.

Merry Christmas Eve everyone!

A great way to look at it. It can get overwhelming if you let it.

That was quite a run you had yesterday!  Very impressive! How are you feeling after that and the 4 hour ride?