Manatee Mentors 2016 - Closed (Page 85)

Grats on the weight loss!  I think you just need to play with the tightness on it some.  I used Speedo Vanquishers exclusively during my entire time of tri training, and they worked fine for me.  

Hey guys, wanted to run something by you all regarding tune up races.

I am a big fan of tune up races as they give you a good idea of what is possible for a goal race. I also think that it is an opportunity to build confidence, work on pacing and fueling, work out the kinks in your equipment, and just gives your more experience in racing, in general.

I'm thinking of the races that appeal to me as well as work with my schedule for my marathon build. The race that does both of these things is  a trail race with a ton of loss and gain, and challenging terrain. The marathon I am doing is on a non-technical trail with a gradual net downhill. This goes without saying but it's not an apples to apples comparison.  I have, however, done the (potential tune-up trail race) before so, while the exact pacing type metrics wont translate I can potentially compare my times, depending on the similarity of other variables like weather. 

Even as I write this I wonder, even if I ran a faster time it doesn't mean I am in "good" marathon shape? Does it give me any feedback as to what to change or work on before the marathon? Probably not. Hmmmm maybe I just need to run a flat-ish road race of some sort to get a baseline. 

I realize I am more or less just thinking "aloud" but feel free to chime in if you have feedback. 

It may not be a great race to work on pacing but you could work on nutrition or, if there is a section of the half course that more closely mimics the marathon course, do a pacing interval there.  I mean, you are obviously drawn to this race.  ;-)

What is A race?  The marathon?  The ultra?  Both?  TBD?

Oh, man oh Manatees, I have missed you so much!!!  The above discussion about tires cracks me up!

So.  Proof of life post.  My HM in Zion is this Saturday.  I was thinking back and it was one of you Mad Manatees who got me hooked on the idea of doing this race back in 2014.  Here I am, 18 months later, 4 days out from my first HM and it's all your fault!  My training has been going well, even when I end up feeling like crud.  Those lousy days remind me of how important good--and consistent--nutrition/hydration are and that going out slow isn't always a bad thing (despite what my dog thinks).

I'm now officially signed up to do the run leg of the Boulder 70.3 in June and the long course Harvest Moon duathlon in September.  I'm also officially freaking out about the du now that I've done the math and figured out how long it's going to take me to finish the thing.  For some reason, I thought about the distances and figured, "I should be able to do that."  Then I woke up at 3 a.m. earlier this week and thought, "OMG, that's going to take me north of 7 hours to finish. That's a long time to keep moving!!!"  I don't know why I failed to consider that before.  Guess I'm going to have to figure out a good nutrition plan and get a heck of a lot better about drinking water while riding my bike. Or just get faster.

My eyes don't seem to be improving anymore, or if they are, I can't tell.  My eye doctor wants to refer me for vision therapy but is waiting until I get accepted into the state Vocational Rehab program.  I had an intake appointment with a voc rehab counselor in early February and still haven't heard whether I got in. I also had to drop out of choir again because seeing everybody swaying was making me nauseated and leaving rehearsal all the time was getting pretty demoralizing.  I've had some down days, but between the training structure/goals and the inspires I get from you wonderful people, I'm managing to keep moving forward.  Thank you, friends!!

I try to look at this with an eye towards who someone is.  For a while, you ran for speed, to push yourself and to grow as a racer.  Recently, that morphed into running for experience.  2 days on the trail, many mountain runs, Skimo, etc.  And you are one of the people who most helped me define "goals".  So, I look at the question with an eye towards your ever evolving growth.  It seems to me you are kind of heading into a time where both the experience and the speed will be important.  Janyne's questions resonate on that level.  It looks like you want to do the race, as you are drawn to it.  At the same time, you have another race in mind as the goal (A race).

All that said, I think Ben and she hit the nail on the head.  It may not be the best predictor or prep race for the marathon goal race, but it would help you get back to "the race".  That should not be taken lightly.  There are always things to work on in a race, especially for someone that approaches them the way you do.

OK Moab lovering adventurers, this contest may be for you:

http://lightenup.teva.com/pathfinder/

I have a shot that I may use, but I'm waiting until Yosemite to see what we come up with.

Ohhhh when are you going to Yosemite? What a special place. You should take a little time to read 'The Yosemite' or at least skim it.

Also, take a little time to learn about the Hetch Hetchy, too if you can. My environmentalist is showing but I think it is so important when experiencing the Yosemite Valley. 

We arrive in San Fran on Tuesday and pick up our home for the week/ campervan. First night on the beach, a bit of time in Napa/Sonoma, then a couple nights in Yosemite, then back for more time on the coast. Finish with a night or two in San Fran.

I don't imagine it's in the typical Floridians toolkit but do you happen to know how to cross country ski? 

I've not actually been to Yosemite in the winter but I have a whole slough of things on my to do list when I do go! I'll be the falls will be gorgeous. Vernal is my absolute favorite. 

Glad you are doing the camper van thing. That and/or tenting are such an amazing way to connect with a place.

OK Moab lovering adventurers, this contest may be for you:

http://lightenup.teva.com/pathfinder/

I have a shot that I may use, but I'm waiting until Yosemite to see what we come up with.

Ohhhh when are you going to Yosemite? What a special place. You should take a little time to read 'The Yosemite' or at least skim it.

Also, take a little time to learn about the Hetch Hetchy, too if you can. My environmentalist is showing but I think it is so important when experiencing the Yosemite Valley. 

Ohhhh when are you going to Yosemite? What a special place. You should take a little time to read 'The Yosemite' or at least skim it.

Also, take a little time to learn about the Hetch Hetchy, too if you can. My environmentalist is showing but I think it is so important when experiencing the Yosemite Valley.