Experior's Mentor Group - CLOSED (Page 19)

Jan,

Bumping happens quite a lot in road races and especially in criterium races, and I've experienced it in some of the more aggressive group rides I've been in.  It should never happen in a triathlon (though no doubt it does sometimes).  Still, if you can bring yourself to give it a try with a willing partner, it will make you that much more comfortable on the bike.

I just arrived in the mountains today for a weekend with the family (but also a few mountain rides!).  I should be able to check in each day.  Have a great weekend everyone!

That's right -- Appalachian Mountains (in south-western NC).

Great that you were able to get some practice on handling skills.  It should definitely increase your confidence on the bike.

Way to go Bill!  That's a huge confidence-builder!

Great job on the brick Bill, very good practice.

Michael, hope you got to do some riding in the mountains.

I have a question. I have injured my neck and shoulder, I think while racking and unracking my bike in the duathlon. That was more than a week ago now and it still hurts. I have continued with my swimming lessons and practice because my race is coming up and if I delay them I will lose what I have gained I think. I have not said anything to the swimming coach because he really has a plan worked out to get me going better by my race and I hate to interrupt it.  I think it is a muscle strain or pull. I can move my neck and head and it is getting better. Only hurts in certain positions now. I have decided I won't run for a few days since it really hurts when I run. Biking does not bother it. What is the right thing to do this close to a race, especially when just learning to swim better with lessons? I feel like I should rest it but it is getting better. I have taken so many pain meds in the past for my back that none of them help anymore so I have been using either heating pad or biofreeze. Any suggestions?

Thanks -- yes, I had a great ride up Mt. Pisgah involving an hour of non-stop climbing!  The descent is incredible -- you can easily hit 50 mph coming down!

First thing to say about necks is: be careful!  I'm no doctor, so bear that in mind...

It sounds like you pinched a nerve.  This has occasionally happened to me.  Usually it happens if I wake up having slept funny, then stretch and somehow my neck gets a pinched nerve.  It normally takes a few days for it to go away for me.

I would say that if it is getting better and you can swim without too much pain, then you are fine.

I can say with more confidence that you are unlikely to lose much fitness in a week, though maybe a little.

Hey everyone,

You might have noticed that the next round of mentor groups has started.  That means that this round is over.

I hope you were able to glean some useful advice and help from the group.  I certainly learned some things, and enjoyed it.  I admire all of your dedication, especially, I have to say, those who are just starting out.  It is a very difficult thing to get started in endurance sport as an adult.

Stick with it.  You know, consistency and all that. 

All of you should feel free to PM me any time you wish to ask a question that you think I might be able to answer, but I also encourage you to use the Triathlon Talk forum, where you'll get the wisdom of the many people who read it (though you also have to sift through some, ahem, crap, at the same time...).

Best of luck to you all!

Thanks Michael,

I don't really know what to say.  I am sad to have this group end but I also know that another group full of information awaits.  I learned an awful lot from you and this group during the past few months.  It has been a great experience that I will not forget.  I will take this experience with me as I move on in my training and my triathlon experience.   Maybe one day I can share some of what I have learned through this group with someone who is beginning.

Michael - Augusta 70.3 in 2012.

Good luck to all of you in the upcoming years.

Bill

Michael,

Thanks for sharing your wisdom about triathlon.  I hope to bump into in Columbia at a race one day soon. I was going to say not literally, but if I was bumping you, I would be doing really well in the race.

Take care,

Rusty

Michael,

First of all, thanks for the advice on my shoulder. It is already better and just had a really good run.

And I can't tell you how much I really appreciate all I have learned from you and the others. I really enjoyed being a part of this group. You are very generous with your wisdom and knowledge and you have touched a lot of people's lives and will continue to do so, no doubt.

Take care and the best to you in all your training and races!

Jan