kenj's group - closed with a great bunch of triathletes in training!!! (Page 9)

selonimes - 2010-01-15 12:50 AM I had a question regarding the US Masters Swimming. I was taking a look to try and find where I could get involved, but it seems down here that you have to belong to a club. Is that the norm? I think I can get access to a place to swim, but I was trying to also find something that would have a coach. Perhaps being a newbie I should just stick to the public pool and swim on my own? Additionally I was also thinking lots about biking recently. Yes I can ride a bike. This is a good thing! What I wanted to know was how to learn more about the newer bikes as far as the different gears and when to use them. Would a local cycle club be the best place to get that info? The only issue I see with that is that they routes I see them doing are pretty long rides at the moment. Another cycle question: should I look into a coach for that to learn form and the other ins and outs of the sport? Is it possible to learn much of this on your own? Any good website suggestions that would have good information regarding etiquette and things like how to shift with the new shifters when I get a new road bike.

All good questions, I'll take them one at a time!

Masters swimming: It is a good program and the place I "learned" to swim.  I say learn because I could get up and down the lane, just not efficiently or with any type of proper form.  However, our group is a good bunch that just shares advice as opposed to the structured, coach on the deck type groups that are also out there.  But I know a masters group in the next county, that is quite large, they meet several times a day in different pools and has a different, on the deck coach.  They have programs/work outs for beginners, intermediate and expert swimmers.  My point is, before committing you should contact the coach and see what is available and whether it fits your expectations and comfort level.

I would think you would have a YMCA nearby and they typically have an adult swim program or one on one lessons available.  I know the Y's around here have tri specific swim lessons available as a package.  

As far as swimming on your own, I guess that would be depend on your comfort level and experience.  Getting the masters swimming instruction/advice early on was a big help in preventing bad habits.  The one other option is self coaching by picking up a total immersion book and maybe some dvd's to learn from.  I think the biggest challenge with this is having the patience to work the drills without jumping ahead.

As far as biking, I can't speak much on cycling clubs as I have never been involved.  I think probably the best place to start would be to talk to the people at the local bike shops.  These conversations and the time they are willing to take to answer your questions will also give you a comfort level with the shop.  This is important as you decide to purchase a bike, you want to be comfortable taking it into the shop and knowing you are being treated appropriately.  They should know the rides that are going on in their community and whether they are newbie friendly.  

Quite honestly, how to shift will come pretty quickly, its when to shift that will take some time and experience.  Hiring a coach is always an option and in many cases a good option.  Whether it is a tri coach, a swimming coach or a cycling coach.  Usually this decision comes down to finances.  You typically get what you pay for and the more you pay the more individual attention you will get.  

Any of you other guys and gals have experience with any of these?  Feel free to offer your opinion or advice!  

One other thing I would like to discuss, since it is the off season for most of us!  The subject of strength training and its value to tri training comes up.  Any one have any opinions or questions on strength training?

Good information Scott! 

One of the things that helped me gain comfort on the bike was posting in the NY forum and the introduce yourself forum.  Through those channels I hooked up with some other BT members that either were still in the same boat or had been and were more than willing to work with a newbie and live nearby!  Most of the guys and gals are still good friends and regular training partners!

Scott might have betting information on carbon vs. aluminum for the bike.  I hadn't heard the size of the rider debate before for the frame.  I know it can be an issue for some wheels though.  Carbon should be lighter, usually a better ride from what I am told, and a bit more fragile.  I went aluminum with carbon forks and seat post because that is what I wanted to spend at the time.

Sounds like you may want to look for a different shop.  I am betting that where you live there are probably several.  You may even find one that specializes in tri sports.

Hiring a coach, that you are comfortable with is never a bad idea!

Good info on bike frames Iceman!!

Dan, as far as whether you can finish the try a tri, or mini sprint in April, the answer is probably!  You have 2 plus months to get the training in which is plenty of time for that distance.  That said, the biggest obstacle you face is with your swimming.  Until you have a few weeks of swimming a few days a week, you wont know your comfort level of swimming that distance non-stop.  My guess is with a coach helping you with the swimming you will be fine, but you never know.

Nothing wrong with putting it in as a goal, and putting a training plan together that will get you there and just don't register until it gets closer and you get a better feel for your abilities and the progress your making.  Send the race director an e-mail to find out if it has a history of selling out and when so you don't get shut out.  But typically the sprints around here don't sell out till a week or 2 prior to the race date.

Here is a list of our mentor group with links to their logs.  We only have a bit more than half participating.  Some haven't been logging into BT in several days.  If some of you could drop by and give them an inspire or a PM, maybe getting them from more than me would get them back involved.

Thanks!

kenj

ETA: The copy and paste I did with the list lost the links so for right now I have mine and the links for everyone else is on my page.

Dan, I am glad you are taking your time and asking all the questions!  When you decide to do something with the bike, you will be well prepared.  Doug, Lewis and Scott, thanks for the bike input!  I have learned a lot about bike material!

I will be out of touch during most of the day today.  Traveling to the other coast!

Hello....I know I don't say much on this forum, but I want you all to know I read what you're all talking about almost daily. My training is off to a slow start due to illness, myself and family, so I'm fitting in practices when I can right now. I've found the website to be very helpful with swim programs...month by month practices building week by week. I too have an issue breathing on the left side and have found the side kick extention drill has really helped with that. I have a question about bikes. You all seem to be very keen on road bikes. Do you think it will be possible for me to complete a sprint using my mountain bike? I'm not looking to break any speed records, I just want to cross the finish line alive. In the summer I was riding 20 to 25k with out any problem, mind you I wasn't racing or training, just riding around.