Gary's Mentor Group - Re-OPENED for Training (Page 87)

Thank you!

Gary nice job on the Oly ... love your time with the bike.

I swam this evening and got a slap-in-the-face reminder of what happens when you slack off with the training.  My endurance was low and technique was just not there.  I started to get some semblance of form back towards the end of the session, but overall just bummed out or PO'd when I left the gym.

First, thanks!!!  Second, don't beat yourself up too much.  Remember we do this for fun and fitness.  Life gets in the way and it will happen.  The key is what do you with it.  Some people end up with a break from training and never return.  Remember you did come back and you need to give yourself some credit and time.  Train for a few weeks then beat yourself up!   Just kidding!

Congrats Mike, read back through your September blog, loved the "full contact" line . I may have to try a 1/2 next year, 3 years ago I only aspired to a 5k, then worked in a 10k this year ... actually thinking about a 1/2 makes me wonder if I am going nuts. Keep on keepin on.

But is looks soo eeeasssyyy on TV!!

Same here for me Mike.  Whenever I start thinking about doing a full IM - I go out and ride ~40 miles on the bike.  And I think - not even halfway thru on the bike and I STILL have to run 26 miles

Hey all!

On the road, was in ATL on Friday and now in Austin.  Couldn't make the 70.3 so it was good I cancelled.  Had hoped to get here early enough to see Tracy race but didn't get here until 5pm.  I have my last race, HIM, on the 11th, and its more of just finish type of race.  I suspect once I get there it will be a "have to beat 6 hrs" type of race.  My running, at least at the shorter distances up to 7 miles, is coming along great.  I may consider a december running race.  I need to get a long ride in but should be okay there.

FYI, I am the chair person for the Louisiana Skeeter run on March 2nd, 2013.  Nine (hopefully 10) 5k's on the same day all throughout Louisiana.  My second jaunt into the other side of races and it is interesting and actually fun.

Tracy - how was Austin?

Is everyone enjoying their off season time? 

FYI, we will open the group up again when the next round comes.

We have a class at my local gym called "swim fit".  I did the class last night and WOW - what a workout.  It consists of a little swimming and lots of core work, burpees, crunches, push-ups, etc ... all these intermingled with the swim.  All in all I was only able to do about half the routine within the allotted hour.  I was tired at the end - not totally wasted - but again what a workout.  Some of the routine was to:

• Swim 300m ... at each 25m, out of the pool for 8 burpees and 10 pushups
• Core work - see below
• Swim 300m ... at each 50m,  out of the pool for 10 burpees, 10 prayer squats and 15 pushups
• Core work - see below
• Swim 300m ... at each 100m,  out of the pool for 10 burpees, 20 crunches, 10 prayer squats and 10 pushups
• Core ... 20 crunches, 20 side to side crunches, 20 knee to nose crunches, 20 side-side planks, 1 minute plank, etc.

Hi all ... I got in a ~32m ride this morning with the Cycle Club from the gym and I suffered.  I brought up the rear for sure but still - all in all ... I did it.  It still amazes me how quickly I slow when the training slows.  You'd think that after all the miles, the laps in the pool, et al that you could retain some semblance of skill and power, but it just does not work that way.  I do think that once you start back, you do recover your form faster as  there's a base there - but it's still hard. 

Hope all have a good weekend ... Gary hope you do well with the race today as well. 

Hey all,

Very tough day at the race.  Will never, ever go into a HIM unprepared like that.  New race and probably more hills than any other race I have done.  Finished but thats about the best I can say.  But my goal was just to finish and I did.  Currently walking like an old man.  Back tomorrow.

Hey all!

Still walking funny but doing okay.  As stated I hit my goal which was to finish.  I pushed too hard on the bike to make up for a tough swim and paid for it on the run.  At this point its 1-2 weeks off then will probably start Jorges winter cycling program.

Starting to think about 2013 and I think its going to be the year of the short course for me.  Target one Sprint A race and one Oly A race with some training races inter mixed.  Works well as I can do my run training with my kids as they get ready for next years cross country and track.

Hope everyone is doing well and starting to think about 2013!

Hey all!

Got a couple of runs in but just whenever I feel like it.  Does anyone need a training rear?  Selling it for $25 plus shipping with no cassette.  May be able to throw a tire in with it.  I have my wired PT (old but still functioning) and my race wheel so no need and need to clear some space.

Hey Gary, Any idea when enrollment for group starts again? Would love to be a part of a mentor group, with the mentor living so close by :P

Vivacity - should be open soon but if you want to join our group you can start now.  Its a little quiet as off season has started but it will fire up soon.

I am not a great expert on the different models but the wired unit has basically three parts.  The wheel, which except for a larger hub with either a black or yellow dome, is pretty much like any other wheel.  There is a battery(ies) in it which do have to be replace.  There is wiring harness with a "fin" that sits near the hub to pick up the signal.  Then there is the computer (head) which displays the info.  You take the computer off, put it in the dock that connects to your PC, and you upload the info to their software.

The true "power" (sorry for the pun) is what you do with it.  Since power is power its not affected by lack of sleep, caffiene, etc.  Its much easier to determine your range and then work to improve. 

One item, the wired units are cheaper but be a bit careful.  Mine is old enough I was told that if it dies there may be no fixing it.  Also, it does require a wiring harness from your back wheel all the way to your handle bars.  If you are not good a running this stuff (like myself) it can be a bit ugly.  I would love a wireless version to make things simple and to utilize my garmin.

Nice to hear there is a spot for me! 

Name: Vivasity - Devon Stewart

Story: I have a background in competitive swimming, had opportunities to swim at the collegiate level, however Junior year I hurt my shoulder. I moved from Florida a little over a year ago, and I love living here in Baton Rouge, I have a great job as a dealer at a new casino, which is great pay and also opens up the day time to train. I love competition, and testing my limits. I have wanted to get involved with Triathlons for a while now, just never had the funding to get started. I really can't wait to get back to racing.

Family Status: Single, with a girlfriend and french bulldog.

Current Training: I am slowly working into running, and I am going tomorrow to pick up my bike. Swim training will start at Crawfish Aquatics soon.

This year's races: Not registered for any yet, will be getting in as many Sprints and Olympic's as possible, hopefully will have enough training under my belt to do River Roux HIM next fall.

Weightloss: Current weight is at 195, not my largest, but nowhere near where I want to be. If only I could get down to the body I had back in high school :P

 Can't wait to get to know all of you!

Vivacity- welcome!!!

Happy thanksgiving all!!!!

Got on the bike yesterday for quick 30 min trainer ride and getting ready for a 3 mile run to warm up for the thanksgiving feast.

Hope everyone has a great day!