Marvarnett's Group - Full (Page 9)

I had some of my group asking about it and I was wondering if you would take a look at what I posted and see if there is anything important that I left out.  Most of my group don't have them, so I didn't mention anything about the 220-age thing, LT threshold or any of that....

BODY GLIDE!!!!!!  Chamois Butter, Butt Paste, etc. will all help with the problem.  Don't leave home without it!

Another week of training down and my knee is feeling really good.  This week I'm going to up my long run a little bit further to see how the knee responds. 

My goal training volume for week 3 of the challenge is 6 hours.

That sir is a question that people debate on all the time.  The truth of the matter is that there are many things that you can do which will be cheaper and improve your performance.  You have Alex rims on that Trek right? (assuming stock).  That's a decent wheel.  You could get some Ksyrium's for about $300 and it would slightly improve your overall ride.  It's when you're talking about race wheels that it gets crazy.

When I upgraded from my Cosmos to my Ksyrium's I saw some improvement.  But here is a question:  What shoes and pedals are you using?

Last week was a pretty good week of training. Thanks to TriOK I got out at times I felt like saying to hell with it. I wish my leg would heal as I've got to get some running in besides water running but will have to wait a little longer.

My planned training for this week is 11 hours.

Good luck in reaching your goals everyone.  

I make it a point to research what my group needs.  :P

I can tell you right now that you will get 100% more power and output from your bike if you get actual road bike shoes and pedals.  A mountain bike shoe is made to flex and give because you may need it to walk on, save your butt with rocks, etc.  A road shoe is made to transfer the power to the pedal.  It has a carbon sole that does not flex and will transfer WAY more power.  So I would suggest getting a decent pair of road bike shoes.  I got my shoes AND pedals for under $150 and went from not hanging with the pack to being amonst them.

Forget about wheels and get some road shoes!!  I personally like specialized.  Sidi is ok, but you get more bang for your buck with specialized.

Thank You Cash, I am feeling better but am still contagious.  So no work for me.  I know...pity party for Dan.

In regards to the shoe.  I have the entry level specialized.  I just 'upgraded' to their tri shoe but haven't actually used it yet because I had to order it.  I use look pedals because I like them.  Also because they are pretty cheap.  I don't have the Keo or anything like that, I just have the PP357, but if you can afford it, get a KEO.  I say that because they is more play in it.  The lower modesl of Look don't have as much float (side to side motion) and I personally need that for when I get tired and need a bit of a change of angle.  But the shimano pedal at Performance is about the same thing too. 

My TP likes speedplay, but the key is getting a set of road pedals that will transfer power to the bike.  I see that perforance has the LG Tri shoe on sale.  The BIG thing you are worried about is having a stiff carbon sole.  That will allow the shoe NOT to flex and that is what you want.  A tri shoe should be easy to get your foot in while you're on your bike pedaling.  The specialized shoe I have currently was a bit difficult (that's why I upgraded this year).

Hope that helps!  But TRY them on...very important.

Cash - Dan's advice is very sound.  I spent all of last year training on a mountain bike for my first tri.  Regardless of the type of bike I had I went out and got some road clipless pedals and a carbon soled road shoe.  It made a huge difference in my training.  While I can't compare it to what you are presently using I think you will see an improvement.

I picked up a set of Look KEO Sprint pedals, which as Dan indicated have more play (side to side motion when clipped in).  I haven't used any other type of pedal but I like the ease of use and feel of the KEOs. 

Dan - glad to hear your feeling better.  

I have seen much debate on what "upgrades" you can make to a bike for more speed.  One common theme I keep coming across is that an investment in a power meter is better than investing in a set of race wheels. 

What is your take on this based on your experience? 

A set of race wheels have a comparable cost to a power meter (if you don't get a top of the line power meter package).  I have sort of bought into the argument that the power meter would be better because it can assist you in building your fitness (building a bigger engine). 

Just wondering what you have seen among your riding group. 

If you have the money....power meter hands down.  BUT, you have to train with it.  If you don't train with it, then it's just another expensive toy.  Unlike race wheels, you will always get a benefit from the power meter.  Not just on race day, but during training.

If I had the cash, I'd get one.  That's my next major purchase.

I am the drill sergeant screaming in your ear, "GET OUT OF BED!!!"

  Happy training everyone!

triOK's Group:

No Mercy:  88.5%

kbkav:  100%

firstriguy:  100%

poke4christ:  30.2%

erjellum:  100%

gator22:  90.7%

tyroneNYC:  100%

willie05:  100%

shultzboy:  60.0%

gc150:  100%

Marvarnett's Group:

starcorp:  100%

mcole158:  94.5%

Cashmason:  100%

Marvarnett:  73.2% <----I hope you are feeling better!

Ok...I'm going to try and salvage this week with 6 hrs.  I'll start with a swim tomorrow.

Cash,  just got the performance catalog and they have some road shoes on sale.  Might want to look at it.