Holt's Mentor Group - CLOSED (Page 13)

Sounds like the secret to your success is doing two per weekend! 

That's a huge improvement.  Congratulations!  Do you know what the finishing times are for the rest of your AG?  1:22 ought to be getting pretty close to a podium, no?

Do I need to just suck it up or is my concern legit

Hey everyone, seeking just a bit of your opinions, there is a local race here in July that is an OLY distance and a Sprint distance.  I am a little nervous about the swim portion because it is in Lake Huron and I know that there is some current there.  Looks like most of the swim is cross current with a very short swim out and then another short return to shore and transition.  Not sure if I am stressing because the swim is the least fav of all 3 for me, or what is going on.  I have some people that I trust telling me that I will be fine and that the swim is not that bad (they have done it before) and part of me believes them but I am just still not sure.  Do I focus, get in some open water practice before then (which I have NOT done this year as the water temp has been mid 50s) and then go for it knowing that ultimately I will survive the swim....OR do I just register for the Sprint as this will be my first event of the year.  Thoughts and smarten ups are more than welcome...

I also need some help/advice ;-)  I want to do an event on July 9th, (sprint distance) and I have a kunundrum.  My bike training is not where it should be and the ride is 16m.  The max I have done so far is 10.5.  Now I think I might be able to suck it up for the race cause let's face it, if I don't do this one I will never get this party started (this would be my first tri ever).   I know the golden rule is 10% but I am wondering if I push this week and see if I can even do 16 or something closer to it than 10.  I am not talking a full out, just as easy ride to find out what my limits are? 

I will leave it at that and see what you guys have to say.

I would say that if your swim and run are o.k then you will be fine.  and extra 6mi on a bike is not going to be a problem unless after 10mi you are completely spent and don't feel that you could get off the bike and run.  I'm guessing that the run is likely a 3mi run?  Have you done any Brick workouts?  How did they go?  If you can pull off a 12mi bike, 2 mile run brick you should be more than ok for the event.  IMHO

Since you've done oly before, you're capable of the distances.  The swim will be a new challenge but not an impossible stretch.  As you said, get some OWS practice - do you have a wetsuit?

When do you have to decide?  Can you try a couple longer bike rides and see how you feel?  Bmeere had a great suggestion about doing a couple of brick workouts beforehand.  IMO, go ahead, get the party started, and if you're not that comfortable with the distance on race day, you can always take the bike very easy.

I'm finding my goal of running every day is not realistic.  I do strength training twice a week and the sessions leave me too tired to run.  So I've taken the Oly 20-week run focused plan and modified it so I run at least a little 5 days/week.  Scott and group, if anyone cared to look at my plan, I'd be interested in your comments.

Please ignore the first half of June since I really messed up that planning and didn't stick to it at all.

http://beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/training/index-monthly.asp?type=train&year=2011&month=6&day=20&memberid=232283&setstrength=0&setplanned=1&setnutrition=0

I'm finding my goal of running every day is not realistic.  I do strength training twice a week (usually M/F) and the sessions leave me too tired to run.  So I've taken the Oly 20-week run focused plan and modified it so I run at least a little 5 days/week.  Scott and group, if anyone cared to look at my plan, I'd be interested in your comments.

Please ignore the first half of June since I really messed up that planning and didn't stick to it at all.

http://beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/training/index-monthly.asp?type=train&year=2011&month=6&day=20&memberid=232283&setstrength=0&setplanned=1&setnutrition=0

It's a conflict, that's true, and at the moment it frustrates me.  My ultimate goal, though, is life fitness.  I am a 48 yo currently single female and need the strength and fitness to conduct life business, whether it be carrying 50-lb bags of garden sand, 40-lb bags of cat litter up stairs, etc.  It's not good to have to depend on others to do the "heavy lifting" chores of my life.  Triathlon is a HUGE part, even the primary part, of building and keeping that fitness.  But I do find the weight training very helpful in both building strength and managing weight.  Plus I'm stuck with it for the time being since I signed up for personal training.  And muscles look good.    I hear you though.  Once the PT is done in July I'll probably shift to shorter workouts that concentrate on upper body, since biking and running build enough of the legs.  Then running can become part of those workouts.

I most definitely value your input!

Grrr, I was frustrated in my workout last night - my darn hip/glute problem flared up and prevented running.  (And multiple freight trains combined with nightfall prevented biking.)  My goal is to hit my plan the rest of the week, including doubles Sat and Sun.  But I don't know if I'll be physically able to or not.    I will do another OWS in Lake Michigan.  I did one last night and it was so different from the pool - I only lasted 10 minutes, lol.  Currents and choppy waves are exhausting!  I have to get used to it though since my 7/30 race will be in the lake.

Goal for the the week is to get back to doing the 3 disciplines.  Swim is the best thing going for me since I signed up for the masters class.  I am planning on doing my first ows in a lake this saturday.  I think the course is 500 yds, the main goal is to do one lap.  If I can, i'll do more.

Bike is also improving.  finally got out for a 20+ ride.  this was a training ride for BikeMS that they'll have for the next weeks.  somehow, I missed the first rest stop out of fear of not getting dropped (we were riding in an area I did not know) and by the time I figured that one out, I had started to burn out.  The heat was on and since I still have problems riding and drinking at the same time, I did not fuel properly.  the second half of the ride was painful.  the bike fit certainly has helped me, leg is feeling fine, I continue to stretch religiously

Run, need to run a lot more.  But this heat is killing me!!!

Strength training - need to bring it down a notch.  Tried x-fit for the first time and plan on sticking with it, but at this stage, 2x/week just sucks the energy I need for S/B/R.  Anyone else tried this?  I read it was really good for triathletes, as it is high intensity.  true?

Need to find a structured program though.

cheers - G

This triathlon thing has really taken off for me.  My training seems to be getting better everyday.  That being said, I've always been a jump in with both feet kind of person.  I'm considering doing the Augusta 70.3 on Sept. 25.  Does anyone think this is realistic or am I biting off more than I can chew?