kenj - motivated triathletes in training - CLOSED (Page 9)

kenj - 2011-12-20 4:07 PM

We are a long ways from filling up, but I wanted to mention a couple of things that make the group function a little better in my experience. 

First, use the training logs here.  Even if you have a coach and only post basic summaries, it helps the others comment on your training if we can see what you have been doing (or not doing ).

The other thing is to make sure we can get to your logs.  You can do it one of 2 ways, the first if you prefer to keep your logs private, you can set it so that friends only can see them and then you can add us all as friends.  The other way is to just have them open.  If you aren't sure how to do this, let me know and I can assist.

Finally, use the inspire feature.  I will start to inspire you guys from time to time to either congratulate you for good work or give you a nudge if you are getting behind.  But it is also nice to get an inspire from time to time from the other folks in the group.

Once the group is complete,  I will build a little chart that has links to everyone else that you can put on your logs for a quick way to get to each others workout logs.

And, we don't have to wait till the group is full to start the discussions, so if there is something particular that you want to talk about, let it fly!

MarlaS - 2011-12-22 4:59 PM

 

yes, come do columbia oly with me...! i figure that if i could make it through last year on a gimpy hip & running no more than 2 slooooow miles consecutively, anyone can.

 

marla

Viyoung - 2011-12-24 11:19 AM Ooh, me three. I'm also wanting to go for the Columbia oly, but am intimidated by the Oly distance.

kenj - 2011-12-23 10:06 AM

In my opinion, for those of you that struggle with the run, this is a very good approach to improving the run.  The off season is a great time of year to deal with the run weakness too.  Before building distance per workout, build frequency.  5 or 6 days a week is a good target for most of us.  A good way to do it if you can is to just hop of the bike and run a mile or 2 on the days you bike.  Then run your longer training runs on the stand alone run days.  If you are starting from scratch, start 3 short runs a week, then add another every other week.  Tim has worked to get up to the 5 and 7.5 mile distance, but start a lot shorter. 

The other important thing here is the effort.  If you can't carry on a conversation when you are running, you are running too fast.  Honestly, until you are consistantly running 25 - 30 mile weeks for months on end, 99% of the time you should be running at a conversational pace.  The pace will improve slowly as you build the endurance so be patient.  If you want to throw a little speed work in, do some short strides.  That is 100 yards at 10K pace or if you are on the treadmill, make it 10 or 15 seconds.  Do 5 or 6 of them towards the end of a run once a week, but don't go too fast.  The biggest problem with newer runners is too much too soon and bingo, injury.

The other advice I would give is to make sure you have good running shoes, preferbly fitted by a store that can video tape your stride and put you in the appropriate shoe. 

abake - 2011-12-24 6:27 AM Good morning! Is this training group still open? If so I would love to jump in. 

MarlaS - 2011-12-24 10:34 AM[, I'd had a bad ankle sprain last January, had run 3 times in March when I tore my hip muscle, and was ramping up to a painful 2-3 miles of running by the time Columbia rolled around. I was particularly nervous about making it thru the bike (not to mention I'd had SIPE the last time I'd swum in Centennial Lake & left in an ambulance), but did a brick the weekend before with another Team Fighter who nursed me thru the bike .. took it nice & slow, lots of breaks, and I knew that as long as I left the swim walking, I could finish the bike & walk the run and finish before the cut-off (and had my PT's blessing). I don't know if I've ever felt more victorious after any race - even one with a podium win - than that one. It was also my only official Team Fight race of last year, so for me it was all about "fighting" in the face of adversity, and focusing on the cause vs. my body or preconceived ideas about speed.

So, if you're up for it, I'd be happy to ride the course with you when the temps are warmer - can probably start riding in March, and that would give you a solid 2-2+ months on the course....

kenj - 2011-12-24 10:12 AM

Finished my 2 hour trainer ride in the pain cave this morning!  Nice to have that out of the way before the festivities start this afternoon!

I beleive we have 2 more joining us, abake and a friend of Kathleens, then we will absolutely be done!  It will be a big group, but with the mix of experience in both triathlons and participating in mentor groups, we can handle it! 

Merry Christmas Eve to everyone!  I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend and safe travels if your plans call for that!

CarlaLThompson - 2011-12-24 10:40 AM

NAME: CarlaLThompson/ Carla L. Thompson

FAMILY STATUS: Single, No Children, German Shorthaired Pointer named Lady (6yrs Old)

STORY:  I am a 45 Year Old “African/American” Woman.  I stand 6’0” so everyone mistakes me for a “Basketball Player”.  Contrary to popular belief I did not grow up participating in sports.  While I did swim in High School it certainly would not be considered “competitive”. 

I fell in love with the sport of “Triathlon” and have been training and racing since 1999.

While I have the passion and enthusiasm of a Professional Triathlete,  speed in any of the three sports seems elude me. 

Up until now I have been a “Back of the Packer”… 16:30+ Ironman… Final Finisher.  I am ready to believe that “Speed is Possible!”

The Ironman Moto is “Anything is Possible” and I’m here to prove just that!

Below are my most significant accomplishments with respect to Triathlon:

• Ironman Florida 2010 Finisher
• 70.3 Boulder 2010 Finisher
• 70.3 Texas 2011 Finisher
• 70.3 Vineman 2011 Finisher

THIS YEAR'S RACES:  

• April 2012 - Platte River Half Marathon

• June 2012 - Ironman Coeur d’Alene

I would like to add a late season 70.3 as well as end my season with Ironman Florida, however, finances, physical & emotional commitments are factors.

CURRENT TRAINING: Currently I am being individually coached.  My race goals this year are very significant and I want to give myself the “BEST POSSIBLE CHANCE” at being successful. 

I’m coming off of a recent DNF at Ironman Florida 2011.  I missed the bike cut off at mile marker 98 and I am still working through the feelings I have with respect my fate that day.

I am three weeks into an “Adaptation Phase” with my new coach.  She and I both were surprised that I did NOT have more “Base” to work with after training for the full year of 2011.  We are working together to rebuild that Base and hopefully see a success at Ironman Coeur d’Alene 2012.

 Swim:  I enjoy swimming and swim generally well.  My body positioning needs improvement and I have spoiled myself by using a pull buoy for many of my sets in the past.  I am removing the “crutch” this year and hoping to feel my natural speed in the water as time unfolds.  It is a tough habit to break but probably necessary to see an improvement in my speed.  I swim a 2:00/100yd Pace for a 2.4 Mile Pool Swim.

Bike:  Biking is a challenge for me at my current weight.  I weigh 212.6lbs and living in hilly Colorado it makes climbing a challenge.  If you saw the size of my thighs you might mistake them for having much more power than they do.  I grind a slow cadence when “the road points upward” so that will be my focus for this year.  I ride a 13 MPH Average Pace over moderately challenging terrain.

Run:  I actually enjoy running… however again, speed has been quite the challenge.  I am building my run now trying to keep my heart rate in “Zone 2”.  My current pace is 13:20 min/mile for 8 miles.  I hope to see some improvement as my weight comes down and my fitness rises to the occasion.

WEIGHTLOSS: I stand 6’0” and currently weigh 212.6lbs.  My Goal Weight is 165lbs. 

As I reflect of my DNF at Ironman Florida 2011 the most significant factor that stands out is that I was 20lbs heavier than I was the year prior.  My concern is that the extra weight, along with the extreme winds typical on race day in Florida, was not a winning combination.  

What makes sense is to get myself to a healthy weight which is now my primary focus.  I am puzzled and feel slightly disappointed in myself as I had hoped to be at a much different fitness level to build into Ironman Coeur d’Alene, instead, I am starting from where I am and taking off the weight that should have technically been lost last year. 

WHAT WILL MAKE ME A GOOD MENTEE:  One of my greatest passions is to connect with others from the heart.  I enjoy being a part of a community of  like minded people who share a similar goal. 

While I am not very fast, I have trained and raced quite a bit over the last twelve years.  I look forward to sharing my “Tips and Tricks” of how I faced the feelings and anxieties of my many “Pre-Race Nights and Race Mornings”. 

I look forward to reading all of the bio’s posted.  In the mean time please reach out to me and help me get to know you!

Until then…

Have Big Fun In the Sun… SWIM, BIKE, RUN!!!

Viyoung - 2011-12-24 11:35 AM Is it better to do the bike first? I tend to run first, since it is harder for me and I figure I'd get it out of the way.Also , if you're just starting off, 3 x week, every other day?When you get up to 5x week, when do you put in your rest days?I ran 3 miles on the treadmill yesterday, by run I mean 5 min. run, 2 min. walk, then 2 min. run and walk off and on. I felt good afterwards but the during was awful. Does it get any easier?Thanks,

CarlaLThompson - 2011-12-24 12:40 PM

NAME: CarlaLThompson/ Carla L. Thompson

FAMILY STATUS: Single, No Children, German Shorthaired Pointer named Lady (6yrs Old)

STORY:  I am a 45 Year Old “African/American” Woman.  I stand 6’0” so everyone mistakes me for a “Basketball Player”.  Contrary to popular belief I did not grow up participating in sports.  While I did swim in High School it certainly would not be considered “competitive”. 

I fell in love with the sport of “Triathlon” and have been training and racing since 1999.

While I have the passion and enthusiasm of a Professional Triathlete,  speed in any of the three sports seems elude me. 

Up until now I have been a “Back of the Packer”… 16:30+ Ironman… Final Finisher.  I am ready to believe that “Speed is Possible!”

The Ironman Moto is “Anything is Possible” and I’m here to prove just that!

Below are my most significant accomplishments with respect to Triathlon:

• Ironman Florida 2010 Finisher
• 70.3 Boulder 2010 Finisher
• 70.3 Texas 2011 Finisher
• 70.3 Vineman 2011 Finisher

THIS YEAR'S RACES:  

• April 2012 - Platte River Half Marathon

• June 2012 - Ironman Coeur d’Alene

I would like to add a late season 70.3 as well as end my season with Ironman Florida, however, finances, physical & emotional commitments are factors.

CURRENT TRAINING: Currently I am being individually coached.  My race goals this year are very significant and I want to give myself the “BEST POSSIBLE CHANCE” at being successful. 

I’m coming off of a recent DNF at Ironman Florida 2011.  I missed the bike cut off at mile marker 98 and I am still working through the feelings I have with respect my fate that day.

I am three weeks into an “Adaptation Phase” with my new coach.  She and I both were surprised that I did NOT have more “Base” to work with after training for the full year of 2011.  We are working together to rebuild that Base and hopefully see a success at Ironman Coeur d’Alene 2012.

 Swim:  I enjoy swimming and swim generally well.  My body positioning needs improvement and I have spoiled myself by using a pull buoy for many of my sets in the past.  I am removing the “crutch” this year and hoping to feel my natural speed in the water as time unfolds.  It is a tough habit to break but probably necessary to see an improvement in my speed.  I swim a 2:00/100yd Pace for a 2.4 Mile Pool Swim.

Bike:  Biking is a challenge for me at my current weight.  I weigh 212.6lbs and living in hilly Colorado it makes climbing a challenge.  If you saw the size of my thighs you might mistake them for having much more power than they do.  I grind a slow cadence when “the road points upward” so that will be my focus for this year.  I ride a 13 MPH Average Pace over moderately challenging terrain.

Run:  I actually enjoy running… however again, speed has been quite the challenge.  I am building my run now trying to keep my heart rate in “Zone 2”.  My current pace is 13:20 min/mile for 8 miles.  I hope to see some improvement as my weight comes down and my fitness rises to the occasion.

WEIGHTLOSS: I stand 6’0” and currently weigh 212.6lbs.  My Goal Weight is 165lbs. 

As I reflect of my DNF at Ironman Florida 2011 the most significant factor that stands out is that I was 20lbs heavier than I was the year prior.  My concern is that the extra weight, along with the extreme winds typical on race day in Florida, was not a winning combination.  

What makes sense is to get myself to a healthy weight which is now my primary focus.  I am puzzled and feel slightly disappointed in myself as I had hoped to be at a much different fitness level to build into Ironman Coeur d’Alene, instead, I am starting from where I am and taking off the weight that should have technically been lost last year. 

WHAT WILL MAKE ME A GOOD MENTEE:  One of my greatest passions is to connect with others from the heart.  I enjoy being a part of a community of  like minded people who share a similar goal. 

While I am not very fast, I have trained and raced quite a bit over the last twelve years.  I look forward to sharing my “Tips and Tricks” of how I faced the feelings and anxieties of my many “Pre-Race Nights and Race Mornings”. 

I look forward to reading all of the bio’s posted.  In the mean time please reach out to me and help me get to know you!

Until then…

Have Big Fun In the Sun… SWIM, BIKE, RUN!!!

CarlaLThompson - 2011-12-24 12:40 PM

NAME: CarlaLThompson/ Carla L. Thompson

FAMILY STATUS: Single, No Children, German Shorthaired Pointer named Lady (6yrs Old)

STORY:  I am a 45 Year Old “African/American” Woman.  I stand 6’0” so everyone mistakes me for a “Basketball Player”.  Contrary to popular belief I did not grow up participating in sports.  While I did swim in High School it certainly would not be considered “competitive”. 

I fell in love with the sport of “Triathlon” and have been training and racing since 1999.

While I have the passion and enthusiasm of a Professional Triathlete,  speed in any of the three sports seems elude me. 

Up until now I have been a “Back of the Packer”… 16:30+ Ironman… Final Finisher.  I am ready to believe that “Speed is Possible!”

The Ironman Moto is “Anything is Possible” and I’m here to prove just that!

Below are my most significant accomplishments with respect to Triathlon:

• Ironman Florida 2010 Finisher
• 70.3 Boulder 2010 Finisher
• 70.3 Texas 2011 Finisher
• 70.3 Vineman 2011 Finisher

THIS YEAR'S RACES:  

• April 2012 - Platte River Half Marathon

• June 2012 - Ironman Coeur d’Alene

I would like to add a late season 70.3 as well as end my season with Ironman Florida, however, finances, physical & emotional commitments are factors.

CURRENT TRAINING: Currently I am being individually coached.  My race goals this year are very significant and I want to give myself the “BEST POSSIBLE CHANCE” at being successful. 

I’m coming off of a recent DNF at Ironman Florida 2011.  I missed the bike cut off at mile marker 98 and I am still working through the feelings I have with respect my fate that day.

I am three weeks into an “Adaptation Phase” with my new coach.  She and I both were surprised that I did NOT have more “Base” to work with after training for the full year of 2011.  We are working together to rebuild that Base and hopefully see a success at Ironman Coeur d’Alene 2012.

 Swim:  I enjoy swimming and swim generally well.  My body positioning needs improvement and I have spoiled myself by using a pull buoy for many of my sets in the past.  I am removing the “crutch” this year and hoping to feel my natural speed in the water as time unfolds.  It is a tough habit to break but probably necessary to see an improvement in my speed.  I swim a 2:00/100yd Pace for a 2.4 Mile Pool Swim.

Bike:  Biking is a challenge for me at my current weight.  I weigh 212.6lbs and living in hilly Colorado it makes climbing a challenge.  If you saw the size of my thighs you might mistake them for having much more power than they do.  I grind a slow cadence when “the road points upward” so that will be my focus for this year.  I ride a 13 MPH Average Pace over moderately challenging terrain.

Run:  I actually enjoy running… however again, speed has been quite the challenge.  I am building my run now trying to keep my heart rate in “Zone 2”.  My current pace is 13:20 min/mile for 8 miles.  I hope to see some improvement as my weight comes down and my fitness rises to the occasion.

WEIGHTLOSS: I stand 6’0” and currently weigh 212.6lbs.  My Goal Weight is 165lbs. 

As I reflect of my DNF at Ironman Florida 2011 the most significant factor that stands out is that I was 20lbs heavier than I was the year prior.  My concern is that the extra weight, along with the extreme winds typical on race day in Florida, was not a winning combination.  

What makes sense is to get myself to a healthy weight which is now my primary focus.  I am puzzled and feel slightly disappointed in myself as I had hoped to be at a much different fitness level to build into Ironman Coeur d’Alene, instead, I am starting from where I am and taking off the weight that should have technically been lost last year. 

WHAT WILL MAKE ME A GOOD MENTEE:  One of my greatest passions is to connect with others from the heart.  I enjoy being a part of a community of  like minded people who share a similar goal. 

While I am not very fast, I have trained and raced quite a bit over the last twelve years.  I look forward to sharing my “Tips and Tricks” of how I faced the feelings and anxieties of my many “Pre-Race Nights and Race Mornings”. 

I look forward to reading all of the bio’s posted.  In the mean time please reach out to me and help me get to know you!

Until then…

Have Big Fun In the Sun… SWIM, BIKE, RUN!!!

MarlaS - 2011-12-24 10:35 AM

Would be lovely to have you in the group too - one of my favorite BT'ers...

Wesley12 - 2011-12-24 2:03 PM

I've never been much of a runner but I'm going to be running a half marathon on Jan 14.  As soon as I get off work I'm headed out for my longest run so far (12 miles).  So wish me luck and I'll report back later how it goes.  Hopefully not too bad because with Santa being so close, he might hear some the bad things I would be saying.  Merry Christmas to everyone!