Asphalt Junkies Winter Edition - CLOSED (Page 32)

Matt, the 910 is the dream watch, at least for now.  With all of the swim metrics it makes it a much better watch than the 305.  I really liked my 305 for the years I used it but the 910 is the way to go.  The functionality is a little different from the 305 but it's not at all hard to get used too.  Really there isn't a lot more to say about this watch than you've probably already heard from myself, Brenda and Warren.  If you can swing it and Sara isn't throwing her hands up in the air hawty derision go ahead and grab one, you'll love it.

Keep in mind that your body will (normally) store about 2000 calories of glycogen but that will likely only be good for about 90 minutes worth of heavy activity.  The key is keep your body from using those stores for as long as possible during a race.  To keep that from occurring you need to begin fueling on the bike as soon as you can get something down.  Also keep in mind that while racing your body does not have the ability to absorb calories at a normal rate so you need to be able to use easily digestible fuel.  Most people can only absorb about 300-350 calories an hour even if they are using the simple form carbs as fuel but some are capable of taking in as many as 500 calories an hour without suffering from GI issues.

Drinks are the best source of simple fuel and as we've discussed many times there are many different brands, you just have to figure out if there's one that works better than others for you personally.  You can use gels and chews for calories as well but they are a little harder to consume because chewing isn't as friendly when your heart rate is elevated.  I personally liked eating something with a little bit of substance to it for my HIM's.  I have found that I needed a little bit of solids in my stomach to keep from getting the hunger pangs that easily distract me.  By consuming Honey Stinger waffles during my HIM's it slowed the caloric absorption rate slightly but I think I was mentally stronger knowing there is something that will stay in my stomach for more than a few minutes.  With that said, it's not a good idea to put very much solid foods in your stomach because if you begin to suffer from calorie deprivation it will be harder to get back to a sustainable energy level if you've eaten to much solids.

Also, make sure you get a lot of trial and error in during training.  As Tony said, it's ok to crash during training rides!!!  As a matter of fact it's probably good for you to do so because it gives you a good idea of what your consumption rate should be.  Then as you get closer to race day dial the nutrition a little higher to make sure you can take a given number of calories to maintain the higher level of intensity.

I'm glad Joanne saw that we have been archived.  I don't usually check in through that page and use the link on my training log.  Now for the bad part.............

I'm not sure I will be able to keep up with a complete mentoring schedule with the group throughout my training cycle and the out of town work that I have coming up this summer.  I would like to keep something going within the group if someone would like to take charge of setting up the group and maintaining it through the rest of this year and then I could see what next year brings.  If someone would like to grab the reigns I would definitely NOT have any issues with keeping the Asphalt Junkie group/name rolling through other people.

I also know Warren is tied up with his activities right now.  The bulk of this group has been together for a number of years and seeing it fade away would be kind of hard, but I guess "all good things must come to an end" as they say.  Again, if someone would like to grab the reigns feel free to do so.

DIRK -  As sad as it makes me to read about you not being a mentor next session, I understand that you need to be freed up from the pressure so I won't beg and grovel, although I'd like to.      I think most of us that are active are also on FB so that would be a way we can still stay connected through the Junkie page Warren set up if no one steps up to the plate.   We'd just need to get Derek on board. 

How did your knee hold up on your run yesterday? 

I'm sorry to hear about Darrell's Dad and am praying for continued comfort and peace.

Just friend any of us on there and we can hook you up.  I'm Dirk Pauley from Ft Wayne, Indiana.