kenj triathletes in training - IM and HIM focused - Closed (Page 9)

Thanks Ken.  That thing isn't just flat, it runs downhill the whole way!  I'm not sure I want to take this obsession THAT far.  I registered for Bucks County, PA.  Its an out and back on a packed dirt tow path along the Delaware.  I like that they only field up to 500 runners.  Also, I wanted to go into November so I have a little time after my "A" tri in early September to get in some extra run miles.

Glad your feeling a bit better!

Interesting change to the swim starts announced for some races!  Here is the link.

I am not sure I follow completely how they are handling Florida.  I will have to read it again.  Lake Placid is a huge change for those that have done it before.  Both the rolling start and the direction.  I am not sure I have ever done a swim that went clockwise!

What do you guys think?

I like it.  Anything you can do to make the swim safer and more pleasant, without changing the overall physical challenge, is a good thing, to me.  I don't look at the main boards on BT anymore for the sake of time management (you can get sucked in) but I remember this being a hot topic that I stayed out of.  I think a ~25 minute rolling start is very reasonable and the only thing I can imagine it messing up is the famous IM clock as you finish, but thats what chips are for... As for the anchored docks, great; added safety and it may even clear the way for faster people to get clear of weaker swimmers who maybe seed themselves too far forward (while they take a breath, you can motor on past).

As a slow but steady swimmer, I found the swim to be the least pleasant part of the one IM race that I did, mostly for the pack effect, but for full disclosure, I had equipment problems that had nothing to do with the IM mass start.

Mine starts at 6:50.  Starting feel really anxious and somewhat sick.  I know this is completely irrational as I am ready, but still...

Need to focus on the vacation after the race (hubby is an angel - he is taking the kids to Disney World for a day solo, so I can relax by the pool and he scheduled a massage for me for the day after!) Then off to Key West sans kids! 

Seems sensible. 

Becky - love the bobble head, congrats on 1st!

Thanks Muelen and Ken.  I am following the free BTHIM program.  I just want to make sure I get enough bike miles in, but not too much where I overtrain.  I have a tendancy to grind and ride hard (for me) for too many rides.  I have to ride smarter.  I got bike fitted yesterday, minor seat, cleat and aero bar adjustments, but I was told I had a "Sissy La La" pedaling stroke.  Guess I have lots of work to do.  I am going to start doing one legged pedaling drills to improve my pedal.  I hope that my efficiency and skill improve for my HIM.

Love the Bobble Head.  Congrats on your win!

How do you get your reply to show with the message you are responding to?

Sweet Robin!

Race report from my Half:

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=487573

Oh and 2 funny signs I saw:

"Your not gonna let that guy finish in front of you - Are you?"

and

"Half Marathoners only finish half way" - I really chuckled at that one.

Use the "Quote" icon instead of the reply.

I'm not at all happy about the change to the swim starts.  I was really looking forward to the mass start. I'm doing IMMT ..so waves start at 6:35 - does that mean some people have until 11:35 and others past midnight (you know they're not going to get everyone started by 7am!)

I think Placid is going to be a nightmare with self-seeding.  You're going to have slower swimmers starting at the front figuring they'll get more time and then getting swum over by all the faster swimmers.  

And rest buoys?  I think that's a little much - you're going to have people who are not equipped to swim 2.4 miles thinking - oh, ok I'll just swim buoy to buoy.  

Yes, they had to address the recent increase in swim related deaths, but I don't think this is the best solution.  

I am using the Beginner HIM BT program (along with a Fitzgerald plan from training peaks) - though not sure if it is the free one.  I think the BT plan is a little low on the bike hours and tried to add a few additional miles here and there.  Also - I am a slow biker (especially on the trainer).  Which means I did LOTS of 3-4 hour rides but none were more than 50 miles. I will let you know in 10 days if it was enough

Congrats Becky!!  That is an awesome trophy! 

I should go with you!  Instead of Key West, I have to head north and back to work by Wednesday!

You will do fine, enjoy yourself!!

Unlike running, as long as you aren't hammering an all out effort you can safely add in additional bike time.

I have to ask though, what is a "Sissy La La" pedal stroke?

According to the website, all waves will start before 7 am so everyone will have the same time allowed as in the past.  Which isn't exactly true since the cut off is still midnight.  So if you are in an earlier wave, you can now finish with a time over 17 hours if you start in one of the earlier waves. 

Thanks Robin.  Good Luck!  I am looking forward to your feedback.

Apparently I pedal like a girl, just kidding.  Sissy La La, is when your pedaling isn't in a smooth circle and your focus is on the down pedal rather than lifting up part.  I knew I needed to work on it, but I didn't know I was as that bad... 

Had a good run this morning, now off to work on eliminating "Sissy La La".

Thanks Adam!  Good luck on your plans.

First brick in quite some time this afternoon. I'd almost forgot how much I enjoyed  them

I loved my brick today!

Lots of "discussion" today on FB about the different IM swim starts that are being tried out this year.  I don't understand the sentiment of some people who seem to think that by changing up the swim start that this somehow makes it easier for everyone and that having a raft or whatever as an place to hold on to if you need to take a moment or regroup is to much.  There are kayaks and surfboards out there on the course for people to hold on to  for that exact reason. The assumption that having these changes means people are going to be attempting this event that can't swim, doesn't make sense.   Stuff happens out there in the H20 just as it does on the bike and run. The swim is the one leg of this journey where you don't have aid stations, a place to sit down, people available to help and see you are in trouble immediately.  It is the most dangerous of the three events for this exact reason. Anyone at any level of this sport can find themselves it trouble.  I was extremely seasick during IMFL. I needed to hold on to two surfboards and two Kayaks while trying to finish the swim. I did this because I was sick. Not because I couldn't swim the distance. Does that not make me an Ironman because I held on to support crafts?  I fought and fought to get through that swim when I really didn't think I would make it.  Many people would have quit. I earned the Ironman title on that swim alone  This is what I posted in a thread on FB earlier today. 

If people want to throw themselves into the mix then I don't see where that will be an issue. You can always find a way to mix it up with others if you want. Not wanting contact or needing a moment to hang onto a canoe or kayak for some reason does not mean a person can't swim.  For me, I always stay in the back because I don't want the contact. Does that mean, I couldn't handle it?. No, it means I don't want it.  Does that mean I am not an Ironman? No. I have battled the conditions with everyone else. Heck, for those of us who get seasick , I would say we faced challenges that others don't.   In many ways I am glad for a mass start as I don't have to have anyone behind me. A wave start would cause me more anxiety, so for me, that doesn't make it "easier".  We are all going to do what works best for each of us and no matter how the swim is handled, it is still a stressful, anxious experience. Anyone who is at the start line, and crosses the finish line in the allotted time, is an Ironman in my book.