Triathlon - January

[ab1ht]

So how is everyone's training going as we enter the coldest part of the year?

I had my first swim lesson at lunch at the Y. She showed me how to kick properly, which I picked up pretty quickly. But boy does it take me a long time to swim 25 yards just kicking!

She corrected my arms and also worked on the correct timing for breathing. We only worked for about half an hour, but I've got a few things to unlearn and re-learn.

Haven't done much running; just a little treadmill. The biking is also less now that I'm back at work.

I think I'm really going to focus on swimming for a while. I need the practice.

[maria40nc]

Could you please describe what she taught about kicking?

I've had a rough week comign off a 2 week vacation right into the busiest time of year at work. I've had to go in early, work through lunch, and stay late. My training has suffered this week, but things should slow down some next week.

I've not not been swimming or biking, but will add two swims back in next week. I do go to spin class, but I really need to get back out on the road some too.

I'm up a few pounds from the holidays and REALLY need to re-commit to proper eating, which for me means keeping a written log.

My son left yesterday to go back to his College, so I threw out all of the leftover holiday foods & snacks and did my own grocery shopping last night.

I need to vow right now the I will log everything for the rest of the month!

[ab1ht]

Sorry things are so busy. It sounds like the food thing is getting under control.

Nothing earth shattering on the kicking. My biggest mistake was that my feet were coming to far apart (kicks too big). For proper kicking, the feet actually stay pretty close together.

One interesting observation that I made was that it is actually easier to practice kicking without the kickboard. I think the kickboard lifts the front part of the body and puts the legs too low in the water. Without the board, my feet break the water a little (correct). With the board, they don't.

[batlou]

I completely blew my training last month upgrading our ERP system then getting sick. Planning a 3 hour run tomorrow morning and will decide after that if I am up to doing the 50K in 5 weeks. Pretty dissappointed since I was on track and training was going great building to a 17 mile run then the wheels came off and I am not even sure I could run 10 now.

Discussing my future plans with the wife this week and next regarding training and how to fit it all in. I am moving my workouts to AM but I also have to drop my Son off at the bus stop on certain days (we rotate). The days I drop him off does not leave enough time to squeeze in much more than 40-45 minutes. Going to need to negotiate how to work the rotation out.

Also need to discuss planned races for this year in addition to the 50K. So far I am thinking...

Loving the Hills 50K (Feb) - In doubt right now.
Louisville Trail Series (5 Races spread out through the year no dates yet)
Triple Crown of Running
Anthem 5K (March)
Rhodes City 10K (April)
Papa Johns 10 Miler (April)
KY Derby Marathon (April) - "A" Running Race
Taylorsville Half Iron (May) - Alt "A" Race if IM is nixed.
IronMan Louisville (August) - A Race
Pure Screaming Hell (Oct)
Louisville Half Marathon (Nov)

Might sprinkle in some other here and there but these are the ones I have my eye on.

[ab1ht]

Originally Posted by batlou

The days I drop him off does not leave enough time to squeeze in much more than 40-45 minutes. Going to need to negotiate how to work the rotation out.

That's what 3 A.M. is for

But seriously, dude, that's a lot of races. Are you really thinking of IM this year? I'm not saying you can't train for it, but it's going to be an aggressive schedule. Might be biting off more than you can chew here. Not criticizing, just concerned.

If you want to do an IM next year, you might be able to twist my arm into doing it with you.

[batlou]

@Paul: It looks like a bunch on paper but really not to bad. The trail series races are all small, short and relaxed. Mostly about just getting outside and having fun so I am not really to worried about those. The Triple Crown that builds to the Marathon is a common path for locals. They are spread out enough that they make sense and fit nicely into a training plan.

Regarding IM, it's has a HUGE "?" on it right now. Not really sure I am committed enough right now and I have been following a plan of Year 1 = Sprint, Year 2 = Olympic, Year 3 = Half and then finally Year 4 = IM. I would not be upset if my main Tri this year is the Half at Taylorsville. The only concern is that it comes right on the heels of a Marathon and fitting my swim and bike time in could be difficult. May search for another that is more in late summer or early fall. I think Georgia, Kansas and Missouri, will do a little homework on that because it will have to tie into Kids in school, Wife back at work (Teacher), etc.

Honestly the only one that I am not sure is reasonable at this point is the first one, Lovin the Hill’s. They have a 25K and 50K so I have the option of still running it but doing the shorter distance instead.

@Paul and @Maria: I have a friend who is doing Rim to Rim to Rim soon and it looks like a serious destination run. 47 miles through the Grand Canyon. I have never been there before and I think it might be the perfect way to see the entire thing in one day? Perhaps this could be something to shoot for in 2012-2013, any takers?

[batlou]

@Paul: Thanks for the update on the Kicking. I have had little success kicking with a board and it always seem to put a strain on my back so I really just don't do it. Perhaps I can try again with smaller kicks and no board. I am assuming that since your kicks are smaller, does that mean the turnover is quicker as well?

I really need to just stop being a cheapo and go get some lessons.

@Maria: Glad to hear work is slowing down. One day I hope I don't have to work but I am afraid that day won't come until I have become bug food. Regarding the food it's difficult through the holidays to not over indulge. I certainly did not say no to much that was presented to me. Good call on chucking the junk and going to the store.

[batlou]

I did it...I finally broke down and bought a treadmill. My recent crazy work schedule coupled with the crap weather we have been having and I decided it was time to just get something that I could use anytime.



For 377 at Walmart it's not great but based on my first two runs it will do.

So how is everyone else's training coming for 2011?

[ab1ht]

Nice treadmill. So long as you use it, it will be worth the money.

I feel like my swimming is getting more efficient, but it takes a lot of concentration right now. I can barely do 50 yards!

[batlou]

So are you finding the swimming lessons worth the money then?

Updated for now list...

Loving the Hills 50K (Feb) - Cancelled.
Louisville Trail Series (5 Races spread out through the year no dates yet)
Triple Crown of Running
Anthem 5K (March)
Rhodes City 10K (April)
Papa Johns 10 Miler (April)
KY Derby Half Marathon (April) - Backed down from full
Looking for a HIM race in the summer...
--Muncie 70.3 - Supposed to be one of the best in my area.
--Taylorsville - Local race but is in May and I hear not very well organized.
--Cardinal Harbor - Volunteered at this one last year and seemed like a good local Race
IronMan Louisville (August) - Nope, not this year
Tri-Indy Olymipic - Did this one the last 2 years and it's a great venue and lots of fun for the family.
Pure Screaming Hell (Oct)
Louisville Half Marathon (Nov)

[ab1ht]

Originally Posted by batlou

So are you finding the swimming lessons worth the money then?

I've only had one so far and I made a lot of progress. So, yes.

[gingerfurball]

Hi guys - hopefully this will get to you all and someone can answer a question for me...some of you probably know I'm training for the London marathon - 3 runs a week - longest so far 10 miles (I've done two of those and they've gone fine)

I'm currently working VLC and have lost 9 pounds (a bunch to go!!) and yesterday went to go a 12 miler - I decided to have a high fat breakfast - LC - and see how that went - turns out not so good! I knew that it was not a good idea to continue on so just did 6 miles and felt quite sick all afternoon.

I'd be really interested to hear what you guys would suggest fuelling wise - I'm loth to up the carbs too much as I'm dropping weight nicely - but I do recognise the fact that I'm going to have to fuel my longer runs for sure.....any and all advice welcomed!

Thoughts on what to eat during the week - thoughts on what to eat on long run days and for the runs....

[ab1ht]

Hey there Gina,

Sorry the 12 miler didn't go so well. We all have runs like that. Don't fret.

As for fueling, yes you will need to bump up the carbs a little. I think the key here is that the sugars get used to fuel the muscles and don't sit around to be stored as fat.

As for what to eat, everyone is different. This is why we train; to see what works and what doesn't. Personally, I've used Gu, but I'm thinking about getting away from that. If you have support on the course, you might consider bananas (bikers are really into those). The tough part is how to carry things. If you use a biking jersey when you run (as I do), you have those nice little pockets in the back. Maybe a cliff bar or similar might work for you?

Hope this helps.

And thanks for checking in; we haven't talked in ages.

Hugs,
Paul