Gary's Mentor Group - Re-OPENED for Training (Page 94)

Hey all!

Anyone need rain?  We have way too much of the stuff.  Managed to get to the pool for the first time this year.  Short set but hey, I was there!

Dorm - congrats on the PM!

SM - yep, love running outdoors.  I have given up TM running as I can only do it when I am on a business trip.

Robin - bummer about the marathon but its better to be prepared.  Lots of chances in the future to get one done in the future.

Made it to the pool this morning.  Short and slow but at least I got it done! 

Swim question for everyone.  I understand the concept of keeping a high elbow on the pull, but I can't seem to do it, especially on the strokes when I breathe.  I feel like I'm reaching down for the bottom of the pool instead of pulling straight back.  I'm assuming this has to do with my balance being off since it's not as bad when I use a pull buoy.  So how do I fix it?  Any ideas for me?

Janet

Janet ... you might check out this video on how the 'pull' should look.  It's hard to know how we look unless someone takes a vid for us to see.  One mental picture for me is the stroke sort-of midway morphs into a 'push' instead of a 'pull'.  I also try to 'flip' the water with my fingers at the end of the stroke, just as the hand exits the water.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF93rZpczaU

Sounds like you have some form issues to deal with.  If things get easier with the buoy (it still does for me a little) my guess is your legs are dropping throwing your balance off.  The pull buoy puts your body in a much better position.  Without the buoy you are effectively swiming up hill.  I am definitely not the resident fish here but two technics I was taught to help balance.  First, practice pushing your belly button thru your back.  Funny thought but it really helped me get my legs up.  I did this along with the concept of swimming downhill, meaning pushing your chest down to force your legs up. 

Lastly, when I was working on high elbow technic I used both the buoy (so I could concentrate on my form) and paddles to help me develop a better catch.  I am not fast but getting there.  Hope this helps and hopefully one of our resident fishes will chime in.

Shelly - Glad to see you back!  Hope things are better for you.

FYI, an online store called the Tri shop is having a sale on Huub wetsuits - $99 for short sleeve and $149 for long. Plus free shipping.  I don't know much about the Huub wetsuits but a good deal along with the usual Xterra wetsuit sales.

Rode 18 miles on Sunday with a lady friend; took two hours but that's the furthest I've ridden ever and we weren't trying to kill it, just ride.  Tonight did 6 in 31 minutes.  Pushed myself.  Want to get to the point where I'll finish my bike in May in under 60 minutes.

Rainy here the last two days so glad to get out this afternoon.  Forecast is for more rain this weekend.  Two weeks to getting shoes and start the run portion of the training.

Go! Go! Go!!!!!

Thanks Gary!!!!

Blue - nice job!

Brett - take care.

SM - there is an article in this months Triathlete mag about head position and swimming.  If you don't get that mag let me know and maybe I can scan the article or maybe its online.

Myself, got 35 mins on the trainer and about to head off for a one mile run with the pup.  Catch ya later!

Keep training!!!!

Yes you have it right.  Training with HR is more about keeping in a range and understanding effort level.  So for the intervals it will be 30 seconds at 100% then 30 sec recovery at an effort that would result in a HR around 113.  Its a great program and if you stick with it, it will really help your biking fitness.

Thanks for the swim tips - I'll give them a try next time I'm at the pool.

Gary - I don't subscribe to Triathlete mag but I've considered it.  I'm going to the LRS tomorrow to try out some trail shoes and I know they sell it there so I may pick up a copy. 

It's a beautiful day here - spring-like temps.  We may even hit a record high (current record is 74*).  Planning a run for tonight.  It'll be nice to not have to wear 3 layers although we'll be back to normal 30's by Sunday. 

So here are a few questions about preferences and rules:

Q1: When entering T1 do you put your number/belt on for the bike ride and turn it backwards or can you just use your body numbers?

Q2: Does your bike have a number that will be placed on it? 

Q3: What number belt do you prefer?

Thanks - Dave

See above.