Slornow and Wannabefaster's Winter Group version 3-CLOSED (Page 9)

Happy Holidays, everybody! Well, I'm finally catching up with life again after a busy week before/after Christmas....

Nathan - I've got really tight ankles, too. For ankle stretches, I use this 6-foot long Gold's Gym stretching strap:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Gold-s-Gym-Stretch-Assist-Strap/21666179

I put the top of my foot through the end loop, add some tension, and flex 15 or 20 times, then repeat with the other foot. I usually I sit on the floor and stretch while I'm watching TV. I also use the same strap for general stretching, along with a foam roller. I'm constantly dealing with muscle tightness and soreness...

Catwoman - I'm running a half-marathon in February. I'm doing it mostly because it's a fun, scenic, festive event (the route goes through Golden Gate Park and along Ocean Beach in San Francisco). It also fits in well with my training schedule for my first HIM in June. I usually prefer HMs that have a certain "pizazz" factor, like the scenery, or the music (Rock N Roll Half-Marathon), or the people (Las Vegas RnR HM).

I experienced quite a wake-up call during my run last night. Because of my schedule, I usually run in the evenings. I always try and wear reflective clothing, run in well-lit neighborhoods, and stay on sidewalk or on the side of the road. Well, last night I got distracted looking at my watch and wandered further into the street than I intended. Bad timing. I almost got run over by a car. Ugh. I really need to pay better attention to my surroundings or I'm not gonna make it to 2014...

-Steve

Originally posted by PhoenixM Looking forward to finally getting a bike tomorrow afternoon! The only thing I need to figure out is finding a roof rack that's less than $150 which can be used on an 05 Jeep Grand Cherokee as well as most Honda models between 2000-2005. I'm having to get a lift using my parent's car down to school and I hope to have a car of my own by the time I head back home for summer break. Why the dual compatibility? I don't want to drop a ton of money on something that'll be used 2-3 times tops and then thrown out the window for something more useful. If I can carry over a good quality roof rack to a car of my own, I will be VERY happy about it.

You may be able to get the bike in those vehicles without needing a rack. I am able to get my tri bike in a 2006 Honda Accord. I remove the front wheel, fold down the car's rear seat and then I am able to put the bike in through the trunk. (there is an opening between the rear seat and trunk with the seat folded down). I use a rack when traveling locally but like to have the bike protected when traveling out of town. 

You can also lower the seat post on most bikes to make then easier to fit in a car. Just put a mark where the post was so you can return it to the correct position.   

Hi All

I think I'm finally caught up with the last few pages I've missed!  

I am mainly a liquids only fueler as well.  For IM, I use an Infinit custom formula which has a teeny amount of protein.  For long runs, its Powerbar Gel blasts and water.  Very simple.  I am curious about this UCAN product.  Why use it? why is it better than whatever you were using before?  I know Seebohar is a big fan, but my diet is really nothing like his of late.

Congrats! New toys are always fun. Ride it lots and have fun!

I've never had any of the problems that other people have had with the consistency of UCAN. I also use the individual Blueberry Pomegranate? flavor. There were several reasons that I switched over to UCAN from Infinit. The main reason was that I had a "freak" incident with Infinit at IMTX11 and then again with the same custom formula at the Texas Time Trials later that year. I'd used Infinit Custom for 2 years prior to IMTX. I'd also never had any problems at all with the formula in extreme heat training or racing.  Right before the IMTX, I ordered what we thought was the same custom formula. Trusting that it would work and be the same as it had been for the last 2 years. Well it wasn't and I ended up vomiting at mile 4 of the marathon (IMTX) and walking the rest of the race. The formula tasted "off"on race day but I just chalked it off to it being race day. Also, during IMTX- my symptoms during the race were disorientation, didn't recognize friends, hearing loss, dizziness and vomiting. All of this began after getting off the bike. I didn't overextend myself during the bike. It is kind of funny as we have a video of me happy coming off the bike and dancing through transition.. I'll post of link of it in my blog for today. Yep- I ended up getting 2 IV's after the race. It was not a good day. 

Fast forward to September when I decided to use the same bag of Infinit again at the Texas Time Trials - 6 hour bike race. Yes, it was hot but I live in Texas and train 24/7 in the heat so it wasn't anything new. On the second loop of the bike (60 or so miles in) , I started to lose my hearing and balance, then my vision would go in and out. I had an overwhelming desire to lay down on the side of the road and nap. For some weird reason, I thought that maybe I would feel better if I started riding my bike. It still amazes me that this seemed like a good idea at the time. I was able somehow to coast in and remove myself from the race. I really believe that there was something really off on that bag of Infinit.

Michael from Infinit and I discussed what happened after I finally put two and two together. There had to be something of with that bad of custom formula and MY reaction to it in the heat. Michael is great to work with and has a good product. I used and really did well with Infinit for 2+years and that one bag was just a freak accident. At that point I decided it was time to start looking to see if there was a better option for my body. One lesson to be learned from my mistake is not to use a brand new bag of any nutrition before testing it out before an Ironman. 

My coach uses and suggested that I try UCAN. It really is an amazing product. I've never raced or felt as good racing from a nutritional standpoint as I do from UCAN. I also do not have an "ideal" diet. I'm not gluten intolerant and actually consume more carbs and beer than anyone probably should. I would highly recommend giving UCAN a try. 

Bryan, Congratulations on the new bike. Please post pics of your new baby! 

Hey, David!  Going well considering the holidays and having a chest cold. 

Hi, everyone...back from the holidays and a weekend trip to the beach for my wife's birthday.  I might have, um, had a beer or two.  We got a short run in on Saturday on the boardwalk...back it this week!

2013 totals: