New Year New You...reopened for late comers (Page 9)

Originally posted by Jen in Training

So far my training has gone as planned in terms of my schedule. I dont have any injuries and my family and friends are very supportive. Ive been reading "the big book of endurance training and racing". Its given me a lot of insight on the importance of using a heart monitor so I ordered one. Ive been able to use it twice. My first time using it in cycling class I found out that I wasnt pushing myself enough to be in my aerobic training zone. I used it again yesterday and I did much better and I sure felt it! Not in a bad way.. I got a really great workout in!
Tonight is my 3rd swim class. The instructor had said last week that id be moving up a level tonight, which is good. Although I feel like I could be learning more from the class..

Originally posted by pvfd304

I bought a HRM strap to pair up with my Edge 500 at the end of last season. I keep forget to bring it to my spin class to see where I'm at. I do know that according to the one on the treadmill, 180 is my max. I start to blow up quick when I get there. I did some speed work last week and I was running way faster than I normally do.

Going to pack it in my gym bag now so I wont forget it....I have a power meter on the spin bike so I can sort of calibrate my HR to wattage.

Originally posted by Jen in Training

So far my training has gone as planned in terms of my schedule. I dont have any injuries and my family and friends are very supportive. Ive been reading "the big book of endurance training and racing". Its given me a lot of insight on the importance of using a heart monitor so I ordered one. Ive been able to use it twice. My first time using it in cycling class I found out that I wasnt pushing myself enough to be in my aerobic training zone. I used it again yesterday and I did much better and I sure felt it! Not in a bad way.. I got a really great workout in!
Tonight is my 3rd swim class. The instructor had said last week that id be moving up a level tonight, which is good. Although I feel like I could be learning more from the class..

Originally posted by [email protected]



What HRM strap do you have? Is it straight from Garmin or a different one that is compatible with the Edge 500? What's the one thing that you like most about your HRM? What don't you like?

Originally posted by pvfd304



Using the Garmin "old style" strap. Just started used a HRM so I don't really have a lot of experience with it. Used it in tonight's spin class and we did intervals (15x 2min ON - 1min OFF @ 250-275 watts) topped out around 160 bpm. I used the Edge because the HRM on the Keiser spin bike uses a Polar Strap.

Google DCRainmaker on reviews of just about every HRM, GPS and bike computer ever made. Great reading.

Originally posted by RobR

Neil,
overall I would say I'm pretty happy. Swimming was the main focus this month and it remains a huge challenge for me. BUT there has definitely been progress and my shoulders are strengthening all the time. My stroke is ragged when I'm fatigued and I flop around like a salmon swimming upstream but I did manage 75m without stopping which is most of the way towards my goal of 100m for January. My fluid intake has increased this month but most of it appears to be pool water!! I know my stroke needs a lot of work because I get a stiff neck at the end of the swim and I suspect that is from incorrect rotation and lifting my head like a turtle!

I am only doing about 80% of the recommended distances for the Half Marathon I'm doing in April but then I'm supplementing with swimming 3 times a week so I figure that is ok. I can easily over train when it comes to running and I have to baby those knees and calves along.

I'm in the best shape I've been in for years and the focus on sport and diet has led to a significant reduction in my alcohol intake and my work stress levels. I'm happier and better balanced so its got to be worth it right!

Originally posted by Wumba41

So how's everyone doing, training going well? It's got pretty cold here but I have managed to get out and keep the running building slowly, left hamstring is a bit sore but the back feels ok. More physio on Saturday.....OUCH!

Originally posted by slowpokee



Finally feeling so much better from the flu however this polar vortex isnt helping.. NYC is a mess right now, all my outdoor training will have to wait since real feel is about -6 degrees F. What incline do you guys suggest when on the treadmill to have similar outdoor feel?

Originally posted by virginia_BT

Hey everyone, sorry I disappeared for a few days. The world of academia took over for a while, but I didn't forget about you guys!
My race is in the morning, like David said earlier this week. I just came back home from college tonight (the race is in my hometown) and am in my old room at my parents' house ... it feels weird to be back here. It's going to be freezing in the morning, real feel around 24*F i think? The 10K starts at 8:00. I've got my gloves and running layers all pulled out for tomorrow, and I'm not as nervous as I probably should be. I'm sure I'll be nervous in the morning though.

Thanks for all the tips, I'm just now reading the past few days of posts and it's good to know you are all pulling for me! I'll post about how I did as soon as I get back home afterwards. I should try and get to bed soon but I'm not tired at all :/ i just hope I don't freeze tomorrow!!!

Originally posted by kturnity

I'm a little late to the party here, but if you still have room, I'd love to join the group. I'm a complete newbie and really motivated, but will have to post my bio a little later. I have a swim lesson at 5!

Originally posted by [email protected]

A bit of a "safety" post...
For those of you who are running and/or bicycling without any form of ID, it is one of the worse things to do. Should an accident happen that prevents you from being able to communicate to emergency personnel and/or not able to contact loved ones about what is happening. It is very important to have some information on you.

At minimum:
- Some form of ID (government issued preferred)
- Paper containing emergency contact information and any known allergies or medical problems
- Extra cash in different denominations (I've used a dollar bill before to help with a tire problem, ask if interested in knowing)
- Credit / Debit card

There are also companies who provide excellent service in a form of a bracelet or other wearable identification.

Even though I carry everything listed above, I always were a bracelet that gives basic information and phone number to call. The service has all my information including medical insurance, allergies, and list of contacts.

One company and is recommended is below...
http://www.roadid.com/?referrer=25388

Everybody is trying to get out on the road and with crazy weather conditions. Be safe everybody :-)

Originally posted by Jen in Training

Im working on my stroke when I swim on my own time. I swim at least 2 days per week on my own. At the lessons they focus more on endurance and doing drills. This week we swam a total of 1300m which included warm up and cool down. He gave us a 30 second rest every 100m. Yes im trying to not get discouraged. When I am done at the pool I always have mixed feels about it. But in reality I know I am making improvements every time I go. Im just used to having things come quickly for me. I realize that swimming is different. I've always been confident in the water but I have never been taught proper techniques. There is a lot of good info on the internet that I find very helpful. The rest of my training is going as planned. I find using a heart rate monitor very helpful to track my improvements. I bought the Suunto Quest and I really like it for running and cycling class. I might buy the strap for tracking my swimming.

Originally posted by slowpokee



Finally feeling so much better from the flu however this polar vortex isnt helping.. NYC is a mess right now, all my outdoor training will have to wait since real feel is about -6 degrees F. What incline do you guys suggest when on the treadmill to have similar outdoor feel?

Originally posted by RobR

Neil,
overall I would say I'm pretty happy. Swimming was the main focus this month and it remains a huge challenge for me. BUT there has definitely been progress and my shoulders are strengthening all the time. My stroke is ragged when I'm fatigued and I flop around like a salmon swimming upstream but I did manage 75m without stopping which is most of the way towards my goal of 100m for January. My fluid intake has increased this month but most of it appears to be pool water!! I know my stroke needs a lot of work because I get a stiff neck at the end of the swim and I suspect that is from incorrect rotation and lifting my head like a turtle!

I am only doing about 80% of the recommended distances for the Half Marathon I'm doing in April but then I'm supplementing with swimming 3 times a week so I figure that is ok. I can easily over train when it comes to running and I have to baby those knees and calves along.

I'm in the best shape I've been in for years and the focus on sport and diet has led to a significant reduction in my alcohol intake and my work stress levels. I'm happier and better balanced so its got to be worth it right!