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2011-07-15 7:46 AM
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Subject: RE: Mesteren's Group - CLOSED
HI gang.

I am still alive

I am still not sure what to make of my HIM, I finished in 2nd place which is where I expected to end up. The swim was no so good, I had nobody to draft so I ended up swimming a bit slower then I wanted to as I could not bring myself to push it, this resulted in me dragging 2 other alone whom I am normally a lot faster then :/ T1 went ok, just not fast, dont know why again I just did it. On the bike, normally my strong event, already on the first lap (of 6) I thought the run will be hard. yes the run ! And that was after 5k on the bike Well I settled in to what I thought was a good comfortable pace, only to be overtaking before the turn on the first lap by one of the guys I had dragged alone in the swim. I was really surprised as I am normally faster then him, but at this point he just went right by me He got maybe a 100m lead before I evened out the pace, and was slowly getting him back again. On the 2nd lap the later winner went by me, I had expected this as he is a very good biker and has been really strong this year. As he went by I tried to go a little faster and was just about keeping up until the turn around. Then he stretched his lead, during this I had overtaking the other guy again and left him behind. But I had gone a bit to fast in the attempt to keep up so next lap I hap to slow down, which made the guy go by me again..... From this point on we biked together the rest of the way, we had gotten a good lead over the next group so I just wanted to finish the bike as "easy" as possible.
In T2 I had some problems getting my socks on as I could not really feel my toes any more, so I lost 50m or so to the guy who just flew out of T2. I was very focused on not running to fast in the beginning and getting my breathing under control. I could see that I was catching the guy in front so I did not rush it, I found my pace and after 2k I went by him. He did not even try to hang on he just ran his pace. We did 4 out and back laps, on the 3rd lap all I thought was "I just need to run here 1 more time". The leader was 3-4 minutes ahead of me and running a little bit faster so this was just about finishing the race. On the last 1/2 lap I really had to force myself not to walk, I kept making small "goals", just run to this turn, then comes a small downhill and I can not walk that, then make the next turn, this was pretty much how my last lap went. Even with the goal in sight I had to force myself not to walk but I stock it out and did not walk, for the first time in a HIM so I guess that is something
I am glad that I finished, I am glad that my body did not take it to hard, just a few muscles are still a bit stiff else I am good.
What I am not so happy about thinking back is that I never really pushed myself, it was more of a just get through it race, I was by no mean slow, I just never "went for it" I was never in a state where I was really uncomfortable.

Well maybe my subconscious made me not go faster, as next Sunday the Icelandic Olympic distance championship is on, and I rather do well there.

Else I have been taking it easy this week, monday just a very easy bike, Tuesday off.


On another point, there was one girl taking part who had not prepare very well. She was very fit but she made the unforgivable mistake to only drink energy drink and eat gel's. At the end of the second lap she had finished 2 bottles (about 1 hour) and had 3 gel's.
Well she had to stop and everything came up again, as her tummy could not handle it.
However after sitting for 30 minutes and getting some water in she did finish the race, so respect for that.
Just wanted to point this out, in long competition always, ALWAYS drink water first before starting with energy drinks and gels. I always wait 30 minutes after the swim so the tummy has a chance to settle down. In sprint races up to Olympic distance I never use energy drinks or gel, the races are just to short.

OK I hope you have all been training well and will do it aging this weekend 

Have a great weekend everybody !





2011-07-18 4:28 AM
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Subject: RE: Mesteren's Group - CLOSED

That is a great report to read Mesteren!

Unless your goal was a PB or to win it you achieved all your goals which is great. Not sure how it is for the front of the pack. But I also had a feel that on a HIM or IM it is much about surviving the race and save your energy. Although you will get a short rush because you pushed somewhere I do not think it is the most efficient strategy. Ie winning that 1 minute on the push on the bike can cost you 2 minutes on the run.

Only in the final K's of the run can you try and push the final bits you have though if there is not target in moving up one spot or beating a PR I can see it is hard to go for the push instead of "cruising" it out.

And if it gets you in top shape for the next race you did perfect!! ;o)

2011-07-18 4:43 AM
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Subject: RE: Mesteren's Group - CLOSED

I had my third race this weekend: A 500m-28K-5K triathlon. My times:

  • Swim 11:50 (47/66)
  • T1 01:22 (27/66)
  • Bike 54:32 (52/66)
  • T2 01:11 (26/66)
  • Run 27:16 (64/66)
  • Total 1:36:08 (54/66)

The (xx/xx) refers to my position in the field of all male contenders. Overall I'm quite pleased with the results. I've been lacking in my training lately. And that didn't show up in my results as I expected. Though I did feel it during the race.

My lessons learned are:

  • Get back in training
  • Work on my swim. Though my times are improving I am still lacking enough form to maintain a smooth stroke.
  • Do bike to run bricks. I seem to have a hard time getting the kick in my legs on the run. During this race it only kicked in after 2 - 2.5K.
  • Get back on the losing weight program. The chubbyness is not helping me in the race and my girl is just gonna have to start to live without it ;o)

Oh and yesterday I finished a very nice bike ride of 100K poorly by crashing in the final K. So now I have a nice beefy hip and shaved knee . Luckily it was with my old bike as my new bike will take about 2 weeks before being ready.

Happy training all!

 

 



Edited by Niezels 2011-07-18 4:46 AM
2011-07-18 6:00 PM
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Subject: RE: Mesteren's Group - CLOSED

Congrats to Niezels on finishing your third race. Mesteren you seem a little hard on yourself there. This may have not been your best race ever and you may have not had your head in the right spot, but you still ended up second. Which is way better then most of us will ever achieve. Congratulations on completing another race. And the next race will go better, and please remember to enjoy it while your racing .

I signed up for my second race of the season. The Sunridge Sprint Triathlon. Yay excited and ready to go. Get back at training.

2011-07-18 8:52 PM
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Subject: RE: Mesteren's Group - CLOSED

Good racing there guys... Niezels, you rock the transitions... way to go!

 

Mesteren, it sounds like a pretty good race to me.  You made it all the way through, and had a very respectable (Awesome) finish!  Good luck with the Icelandic Championships!

 

Me, I'm just trying to decide on a race to sign up for.  Looking at a few, but nothing is jumping out as being really convenient to do.  They all seem to involve an over night trip, which is a little tough on our tight budget...  We'll see.

2011-07-19 3:05 PM
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Subject: RE: Mesteren's Group - CLOSED
How does everyone train in the heat. The hotter it get more I seem to suck, which just doesnt help me get me motivated. Were in a heat wave it feels like 40 C here currently so its mostly been late night training and well my speed running is now slower then walking. Any suggestions anyone?


2011-07-20 9:22 AM
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Subject: RE: Mesteren's Group - CLOSED

You asked for any suggestions, so here goes..

1) Run on the treadmill in an air conditioned gym... I've thought about it, but can't make myself do it!

2) Don't worry about your distances, just get the time in even if it is slower (This is mostly what I've been doing, but I've been real lazy recently... no race planned so I'm slacking!)

3) Focus on improving your swimming / biking while the weather sucks for running.

Just a couple off the top of my head.

2011-07-20 9:51 AM
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Subject: RE: Mesteren's Group - CLOSED

I AM NOW A TRIATHLETE.

I finished my first sprint this past Saturday and it was amazing! Lots of things to learn but did enjoy fully. A couple of quick thoughts but make sure to check my race report.

1.) i am a terrible swimmer. Especially under pressure with people all around.

2.) Maybe it was just my first time but was pretty nervous for the start.

3.) Make sure to check bike better. Chain came off twice during the race. The bike is my strongest leg and the time was ruined by two chain malfunctions.

4.) I could/should have pushed much harder on the run.

 

Thank you guys so much for all your support. I can now call myself a triathlete!!!!!!

2011-07-21 9:47 AM
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Subject: RE: Mesteren's Group - CLOSED

Way to go Joel. You are now a triathlete!! Any new races planned??

2011-07-23 6:01 PM
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Subject: RE: Mesteren's Group - CLOSED

Congrats to Mesteren, Niezels, and especially Joel! Noob no more!

Its been a while since I've posted. I've been super slacking on working out in general since coming back home. Its been really really hot and humid in Austin. We might break the record for most triple-digit days in one summer. We came close in 2009 with 68 days. Gross... 

But I'm trying not to let that stop me as much as I can. To mitigate the heat, I am thinking about joining a gym. I went to start a free preview week today, and actually had a decent workout. Has anyone incorporated using a gym to their training? Thoughts? 

2011-07-25 3:34 AM
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Subject: RE: Mesteren's Group - CLOSED

Way to go Joel!!! I think you did great. And like the sounds of it you found yourself your addiction. Not only did you enjoy it to the fullest, you are also analyzing it already to get your new goals. Just like a champ.

In regard to the swim. A lot will be experience. As you didn't have a regular wave type start tips on where to position yourself is not applicable. In cases of swims with individual start or swimmers divided to small lanes (like in a pool). I would advise to request a spot in the field close to your abillity. Where underestimating your ability would work better the getting a lane a bit to quick or a place in the field a bit to upfront.

On the bike. By the sound of it I'm not sure if you could really have avoided this issue. Unless you have a hobby on maintaining your own bike monthly where you check the tear on your cassette and chain and alike this is something that can happen in a race. Having said that. I would advise to have a very good check up on your bike once you get to your A race. It would be very harsch to have to get out of a race you paid big money for because of a worn part on the bike that gave up during the race.

Then the run. reflecting your comments to my abilities/experience. I know that a lot of the challenge is mentally. By this part of the race your body just want to finish. It is there where you have to push to gain speed. I do think brick training will help alot here. It will give you the experience that after a while your body will accept the fact that you want to go that bit faster.

But overall: Way to go!!!



2011-07-25 3:48 AM
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Subject: RE: Mesteren's Group - CLOSED

Last weekend was fun for me!

I finally got to pcik up my brand new bike!! Wooottt!!! I will make bike porn pictures soon . And I gave it a test during a trip over at my mom (hilly courses). There are now 5 days left to get custom to the bike before I enter the Luik-Bastenaken-Luik classic. A 235K bike ride through a hilly course (3000+ hm). Following the route raced by the bike pro's like: Phillip Gilbert and Lance Armstrong.

And on sunday I got to be an official during the 70.3 Ironman of Antwerp. It is a fun way to help the triathlon community and watch such a great match from close. I was there on three spots:

  • bike check on entry of T1
  • Monitor the athletes at the bike mounting line
  • Monitor the halfway mark of the penalty lap

And it convinced me again that all participants are true champs at their own abillity. While monitoring the penalty lap I had a good view on the final 2K of a 15K stretch of the bikeride where all athletes had to battle with heavy headwinds. It is a beauty to see the pro's speeding by at 35K/HR plus while the back of the back look like they got parked there with still the determination in their eyes to start and finish on the run as well.

Overall it was a beautifull race with sadly one black page. At the begining of the bike race a young athlete crashed on a downhill in a tunnel after hitting the sidewalk. On the way to the hospital the medics sadly weren't able to save his life. My thoughts go out to his family and friends.

2011-07-25 9:43 AM
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Subject: RE: Mesteren's Group - CLOSED

Thanks so much Neizels and rtakahashi.

Neizels thanks for the pointers. I need to put a lot more time in the water. That will help me too. Just having raced before will help me stay more calm and expect things. I do believe I can do much better next time. I am excited for you and your bike race. That is an intimidating race. When you finish something like that you feel nothing less than invincible. You are trained and ready.

rtakahashi: I spend like 4hrs a week in the gym. I do strength training. I think it helps prevent injury and keeps fitness and metabolic rate high for races. I think it compliments well a triathletes training. You do need to do it smart. If you lift like you mean it you will be sore the next day. Plan training accordingly.

 

Before March of this year I had never raced in my life. I was 218 pounds in january with a good sized belly. I couldn't run a mile. This triathlon was my fifth race this year. I finished all of them. I finished them through injury and doubt. I have more races plan for this year and BIG plans for next year. I learned quickly that the races are only the icing on the cake. The training is everything. I am now a fairly muscular 180 pounds and have confidence I haven't had in a long time. I have come a long way since the beginning of this year. I wouldn't trade the experience of this years training for anything.

Cheers to all of you!

2011-07-25 10:10 PM
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Subject: RE: Mesteren's Group - CLOSED

Joel,  nice motivational post.  It's fun how this kind of sport can suck you in and make you do healthy things for your body.  Thanks for sharing your race with us.  I'm always happy to try and learn from others experiences.  

My second race of the season is Saturday and I'm super jazzed about it because I've been running and swimming more than before my 1st race.  I can't wait to see how much of an impact it's made.  

I'm a little apprehensive about the race having an OWS, that will be a first for me.  The race is a "mini sprint", so swim distance is only 400 m or yds.  I haven't had any OW swim practice yet, but will get a session in on Wednesday and then Friday (hopefully) at the venue lake, in the wetsuit I will be using for the race.

I've been told to sight the buoy with a landmark prior to getting in the water, and to put my goggles on under my cap to keep them from getting knocked off.  Anyone  have any other tips/suggestions for the OWS and T1 for a first-timer?

Thanks,

Christi

Still STOKED from my run this evening!

2011-07-26 3:38 AM
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Subject: RE: Mesteren's Group - CLOSED

whoohoo Christi!! That sounds exciting: Counting down to the first race.

I cannot feed you with tips on switsuit related things as I swim without. My main tips on the swim that could be applicable for you are:

  • Try to get a spot at the startinline that matches you ability. If you are not confident and rather want space where you can find your rythm tend to go to the outside and the back.
  • Try and focus on staying relaxed. especially at the beginning of the lap. It will be very hectic and you will get arms of others slapping on your feet and or legs. Just as you will run in some feet and legs as well. Accept this as a part and do not let it take over you main thougths.
  • If you can choose where you put your bike in T1 I would choose a spot where you have a bar to hold on to while doing the transition. In my case I always park my bike at a piont where the main bar (to hold al saddles of the bikes) rest on a rack. In that case I can hold on to the rack whil putting on my shoes. Reason is that I tend to be quite dissy directly after the swim. The bar helps me on my balance. I can imagine putting of a swimsuit will also be a very good pro for having something to grab on in the direct area.
  • Finally by going slow you might go faster. Which means don't get rushed during T1. Taking an extra breath might mean you making less small mistakes during T1 like putting on the sock wrong or not able to click in the strap of your helmet and so on.

Last but not least Enjoy. Before you now it you will be crossing the finish line.

 

 

2011-07-28 7:56 AM
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So yesterday I had my final training before the big tour this saturday. I did a 135K bike ride at an average of 29K/hr including 4 small climbs (over here it is very flat. except for a small bump of 30m high).

It did give me a mixed feeling. At one point I know that I can make it as long as I can pace myself not to go fast. On the other hand I am still impressed by the distance and course. Especially as the final 80K contains the most difficult/popular hills of the course.

And I know it will be hard anyway but just hoping I won't be smoked by the time I have to start the final 80K.

Oh well 2 more nights and a sauna to go till D-day.

Happy training all!!



2011-07-28 8:45 AM
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Subject: RE: Mesteren's Group - CLOSED
HI everybody

I am sorry that it has taken me so long to check in with you guys, but things will get better now since I only have a few competitions left this year.
Last week I became a double Icelandic champion
On Wednesday I won the Open water swimming title 3k in wetsuit, water a summer high of 14C/57F Ok it was not to hard since we where only 5 people doing it, and a lot of good swimmers where still recovery from the HIM and others where getting ready for the Olympic a few days later.
I also won the Olympic race After a very average swim, I took control of the race on the bike under extremely windy conditions. 40km with mostly side wind on aero wheels is not something I would recommend, in the end my shoulders where hurting from trying to keep the bike straight. Somehow I still managed to get the fastest bike split by over 5 min
The run was more of an X-terra run as only a ery small part of it was on pavement, the rest was small paths going up and down, a really leg killer. I was very careful not to overdo it on the climbs and thereby managed not to kill my legs completely, I felt slow through out the run, even though I was running right on my limit, but as on the bike I could hold it together a lot better then anybody else, and got the best run split of the day too In the end it was an easy win as I was over 8 min in front of the next guy.
We did 4x2,5km loops so on the run I had no idea how far I was ahead, still not a bad race

Now I am almost recovered, legs are still a little sore so I will take it easy a bit longer before I start training again.
My next race will be an HIM in Germany and I would really like to do well there so i need to get in some good training over the next weeks.
2011-07-28 8:57 AM
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Subject: RE: Mesteren's Group - CLOSED
Joel - Congratulations on becoming a triathlete Nobody can ever take that away from you !!!!!! 

nickih - I only have very limit experience with warm weather running (funny enough) last time I tried it was in Florida, I ran a lot slower then normal with a high HR. I think it is very individual what people can do so I think the smartest way to do it is to run after you HR. If you dont have a heart rate monitor I would strongly recommend you get one. There is no reason t buy a fancy expensive one, simple cheap ones do the trick just as well.
I did the "big" mistake to try and keep a pace, and that was a very bad choice to make when it is warm.


Neizels - Congratulations on your new bike

Good luck on you race, try to stay in the pack and let somebody else do the work It is a long race so try and save as much energy as you can, you will need it towards the end  


 
2011-07-28 12:57 PM
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Subject: RE: Mesteren's Group - CLOSED

Well thank goodness we have waved the heat wave good bye for a little while anyways. Training can go back to normal a little bit. I should go for more swims, I gotta get better time management.

Went for a training ride with some hill repeats yesterday as i heard from one of the girls on here the next tri bike is a lot more hilly and challenging. Should make it a little longer next time though. but when you go for a ride with the family you can only go so far. The bike trailer for my little girl worked out great though if anyone is looking into those( This was out first try with it my bf wants to get in shape too so she was behind the mountain bike with him as i made a lot of circles up and down hills so they could keep up and get some hill repeats in) . Just dont go onto a gravel road if its behind a mountain bike she was a little dusted not that she cared she fell asleep  

Niezels youll do great in that race. Your an awesome cyclist I have no worries. You know when the hills will come so you just gotta remember not to go all out in the beginning keep some in the tank to climb. I know you can do it. Awesome job Mesteren you rock at this, hope recovery is going just as great. 

2011-07-28 5:29 PM
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Subject: RE: Mesteren's Group - CLOSED
It seam like swimming is the one thing where you all want to improve.
I saw this clip and though he brought up some very good point, listen to what he says and think about it the next time you swim.

And no, I have no idea what he is dressed like that

http://youtu.be/F2n_AceCr-c

2011-07-30 10:21 PM
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Subject: RE: Mesteren's Group - CLOSED

I finished my TRI-it race today, a "mini" sprint with OWS...  .25mi/12.5mi/3mi.  I'm not real pleased with how it went, I was hoping for more improvement over my last race.  All the components of it were theoretically easier, except the swim because it was OW.

The OWS kicked my butt.  I wasn't nervous going into it, but I never got to feeling comfortable and ended up swimming most of it sidestroke and backstroke.  That type of swimming drained the energy right out of me. I couldn't have gone much further, I was ready to be done with it and was close to panicking and wanting out of my wetsuit.  I don't know how I held it together.

The transition distances were long and I couldn't run them, so my transition times were very high.

The bike was a blast, I love riding my bike.  I felt comfortable and didn't push out of that because I wasn't sure what I'd have left for the run.  I did make up a lot of time on the bike and passed a lot of people, that was fun.

The run was mostly a walk.  I just didn't have the energy to run for very long.  Nothing hurt, and I wasn't short of breathe, I just couldn't run.   I had a really disappointing time.

The good news is that my hips didn't hurt at any point during the race and that was a positive change.  My transition area was set up fine and worked well.

I stayed with friends prior to the race and unfortunately didn't get breakfast before the race.  I always eat breakfast.  I'm not sure how much of an effect this had, but I won't forget to consider breakfast next time and have a plan.

Results:  

Overall time: 1:53:04,  5 of 8 in my division

Swim: 0:15:38  [7 of 8]

T1 6:39

Bike: 0:46:41   [3 of 8]

T2 3:33

Run: 0:40:32 [5 of 8]

My race report is up if you want more details.

Christi



2011-08-02 8:41 AM
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Subject: RE: Mesteren's Group - CLOSED
Congratulations again on finishing another Tri

Very nice bike speed
2011-08-02 9:43 AM
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2011-08-02 9:43 AM
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Subject: RE: Mesteren's Group - CLOSED

Christi,

Many probs for all the things you learned. I can understand the disappointment if the expectations where much higher. But I think what you are taking out of it is quite a bit.

Plus don't be to hard on yourself. I think a first tri is so special that it gives you the extra push you don't get in the second race.

Finally I think it is true that we can only lose the race in the swim. Using too much energy there kicks us in the big time.



Edited by Niezels 2011-08-02 9:46 AM
2011-08-02 9:55 AM
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Subject: RE: Mesteren's Group - CLOSED

I'm very proud of finishing my Luik-Bastenaken-Luik tour. As it was not a race against time but just a challenge of completing it I did take my time to finish it. Here some stats

  • Total distance: 253KM (including 6KM after getting lost)
  • Total meters climbed 4200m
  • Total known hills climbed 11
  • Duration on the bike: 11h52m

It is a lot of fun to experience how the legs get worn out over the day. While A climb with 20% was quite easy in the beginning I was struggling with a hill at 10% at the end of the day. Below is a picture during the climb of Cote de la Redoute at 220KM mark. This is a section of 17%

Near top of col de la Redoute

Overall a great experience. In fact it made me hungry for more. Surely I will plan challanges of completing the Marmotte (Tour where you climb 4 cols in the Alps) and alike.



Edited by Niezels 2011-08-02 9:56 AM
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