Jnowash's Group - CLOSED! (Page 14)

On a lighter note, I just did my 2nd longest swim this year -- 2600 yds. My knuckles are dragging on the floor. I cut out some of the sprints toward the end, held back a bit, but overall felt like a strong swim. I've been struggling to train with the same intensity lately, thinking more about enjoying summer with my family instead of shuttling back and forth to the gym or my bike.

I had some insomnia last night. It's just not fair, got back from vacation, worked a relatively short day, not too stressful, but still popped awake at 1:30am. I tried 4 different "guided meditations" from Meditation Oasis (downloaded on my iPod) and I still couldn't sleep. Oh well, no holding me back from the pool. I think I need to stop drinking that second glass of wine that I got used to on vacation

What are folks' weekend plans? Lesley and I are in the Philly women's tri. I'm in wave 4 #608 and Lesley, you can look up your wave/# at http://www.lin-mark.com/pwentry08.txt/>

I was doing the beginner oly plan with HR zones. After Philly Oly, I changed to beginner sprint plan with HR zones. The reason I found BT was I was in search of a smarter way to train with specific plans. I love to go anaerobic and the plans make me work out more frequently and more endurance/aerobic activity. Plus they make you face into bricks as the norm, not the exception.

I completely relate to your relationship question. This Sunday (while we're at the Philly Women's Tri) is my 14th wedding anniversary. Besides my shoulder, the other reason I changed the NJ State Tri from oly to sprint was the oly training plan was consuming 3 hours/day . . . and that's on top of my 10-11 hour workday. My 8 year-old daughter told me, "you're tired all the time".  Before I register for the season's events, I do consult with my husband and make sure he's alright, but he's always surprised by the amount of dedication of put into training.

I'm fairly dedicated to morning, before work, before they've noticed I'm gone, workouts. I was doing some lunchtime runs when meetings weren't in the way. It's when I need to head back to the gym for that second workout after work that was a struggle -- because I wouldn't get home until 9pm.

I did 3 sprints last year and it will be 4 events for 2008. This past week I've been musing on investing in a wetsuit and doing more early season events before the kids get out of school and the days get warmer and longer. That way anything serious I want to partipate in would need to wrap in June. Anything after June would need to be maintenance mode type of events, not personal bests, with way scaled back training.

My husband's understanding does wear thin. I try not to take on anything else to add fuel to the fire. Work, Family, and Tri's pretty much tie me up. No book clubs, no movie rentals, no tv.

I'd love others' ideas.

Bike saddle question --

 My new bike came with a men's tri saddle, and all my rides have been very uncomfortable so far (especially the 50 miler I did) -- I'm basically sitting directly on the bone on the front of my crotch and it is painful. I can tell right at the beginning of the rides, it's not something that gradually happens. I have been wearing bike shorts also. People have told me that I just need to get used to the seat since I'm used to more of a cushy seat (on my hybrid bike). But I went to the LBS yesterday and had them measure my sit bones and they told me I'd need a 155m wide seat. I measured my current seat and it's more like 140mm across.

My question is this -- do I still give my current seat a chance and try to break it in (will have another 50 miler this weekend)? Or do I really need a womens saddle because my sit bones are wider?

 Thanks!!

Tania, I'd like to echo Jenny's comments, take a deep breath . . . 1 . . . 2. . . 3 . . . exhale. Most folks obsess about the swim, but look at the rough math:

Even if the swim sucks, it's probably only about 20% of your entire race, whereas the bike is about 45% and the run 35%.

From looking at your log, you've swum over 28 hours ytd -- plus lots more biking and running on top of that. It's obvious you will finish because you're prepared. I hate open water, but if you can swim, you will finish.

Hi all -- Back from vacation where I did several OWS in the lake.

Good luck on your open water swimming tomorrow, Shelley.

And, Tania, I'll add my support to your swim, too. I'm sure you'll do fine since you've been training. I swore I'd be dragged out of the water by the paramedics at my first tri swim, but thankfully it didn't happen. When I got a little freaked out, I just popped up and did some breast stroke. No harm, no foul. And, I finished fine. Every swim since has gotten better and I am gaining more confidence. It's probably like anything, the more you do the more comfortable you'll feel and better you'll perform.

Sorry to say, Leticia that I haven't really been following the Tour, but I have been watching the amazing 41 year old woman swimmer -- Torres. It's a nod to all of us over 40 warriors.  

Erin -- Re: bike saddle. I had one that made me really numb "down there" and I went to the LBS and test drove a couple of women specific and picked one out and haven't had any problems since. good luck with it though. Glad you got a bike, though. I hope you're happy with your choice.

Later, ladies --

Lynn 

http://www.phillyrivercast.org/ says it is a tepid 82 degrees.

I am a huge Dara Torres fan. The NY Times has featured her twice -- what struck me the most is that her ability to withstand pain allows her stretching coaches (she has 2 of them) really to work her over.

Reminds me how often I skip the stretch portion . . . 

Good job on the OWS. It is VERY scary at first, but I'm finding that it does get easier each time you go out. Glad you powered through the kept at it!

Good luck to all of you racing tomorrow. I'm going to watch a triathlon tomorrow and cheer on a friend.

Oh Jenny.....I am so, so sorry for your loss.  Before I read your post, I was talking to a friend of mine earlier today about Tony Snow.  I told her he seemed like such a terrific guy, even though I do not agree with his political opinions.  I did like his style!  Now I'm absolutely certain he must have been a wonderful person, since I know he has a wonderful sister.  I am glad you were able to be with him.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

take care of yourself

Linda

Great job. Congrats, you triathlete, you!  So, when's your next one?