General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Wow, this training stuff works! Rss Feed  
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2008-05-07 1:50 PM

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Subject: Wow, this training stuff works!
I am training for my first tri in a couple of weeks (CapTex Tri). My training started 10 weeks ago. 10 weeks ago I never ran more than a mile in my life, never did any road biking (used to mountain bike a little) and haven't swam laps (on purpose) ever.

10 weeks ago is was doing 12:00 pace for about 2.5 miles. A couple of weeks ago I did a 5K with 9:45 pace.

My first brick 2 months ago was a disaster. I ran for about 3 minutes before giving up in pain and exhaustion. Last night I ran 10 minutes after a 30 min. bike and had to make myself stop to not overdo it. The transition was easy.

10 weeks ago one lap freestyle left me exhausted and gasping for air and I had to rest a couple of minutes before trying another lap. Today, I swam 350 yards freestyle (after a 250 yard warmup) and could have done more.

I never thought I could do this stuff. I suffer from asthma and, although it's not bad now, as a kid it prevented me from doing most sports and I only ran when the PE teachers made me. Hence, I was never athletic.

I'm 36 years old and in the best shape of my life right now. I am so ready for my tri!





2008-05-07 1:54 PM
in reply to: #1387553

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Wow, this training stuff works!

Somebody has the virus.  You should probably warn your relatives and friends.

Congrats on all the successes!

2008-05-07 2:03 PM
in reply to: #1387553

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Subject: RE: Wow, this training stuff works!

I totally understand!

I never attempted to swim a lap until late February of this year - had NO IDEA even how to side breathe for free style - my first several attempts were ridiculous and ended up with LOTS of water swallowed or up my nose!....it wasn't even until april 14th that I could swim 100m non-stop - within 2 weeks of that I was swam 1000m non-stop!

15 months ago I couldn't even run 1 minute at 5.6 mph on the treadmill!  Now my treadmill training runs are at least 6.5mph (and usually at least 30 min)....and my outside runs are about 1hour long.  2.5 weeks ago I ran a 10K (6 miles) at a pace of 5:16/km (8:30/mi).  who would've thunk!?!?

Congrats on your successes! I have my first tri coming up in just over 2 weeks myself!

2008-05-07 2:13 PM
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Subject: RE: Wow, this training stuff works!
When I first started swimming laps in October, it was ugly. I had everyone in the other lanes offering me advice on how to do my breathing. I did 3 laps and was done.

Now I can swim with the best of them at the pool, I am doing 40 laps in about 40 minutes consistentnly, and working to speed that up as well. All it takes is the desire to want to do better and then the dedication to make it to the pool/bike/run!
2008-05-07 2:17 PM
in reply to: #1387553

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Subject: RE: Wow, this training stuff works!
Ok, this is all just proof I need to run more.  Dang it.
2008-05-07 2:41 PM
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Subject: RE: Wow, this training stuff works!
I see a new bike in your future.





2008-05-07 3:15 PM
in reply to: #1387705

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Subject: RE: Wow, this training stuff works!

Congrats on your success!

Next stop?

www.ironman.com

2008-05-07 3:19 PM
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Master
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Subject: RE: Wow, this training stuff works!
Somebody's got the bug.
2008-05-07 3:32 PM
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Subject: RE: Wow, this training stuff works!

Ah. Just what I needed to read! I am still in that stage for the swim. Each time I go to the pool I say "your gonna do one 50 today" pathetic I know. I've been training for about 3 weeks so far for  my first tri in August and have seen little improvement in my swimming. I can do about 1000 25's with short rest, but cant seem to get a 50 done let alone 100. I keep reading everyone saying that one day the swim will just click. I was waiting patiently for that day to occur....still hasnt.

 After Tuesdays short swim, I took a look at my swim routine and decided that its sink or swim...(pun only partially intended) I noticed I wasnt pushing myself in the swims as hard as I was on my runs and bike workouts. So this Thursday I am going to push myself even if it means that i lose consciousness and have to be pulled out of the pool by the baywatchesque looking lifeguard (not all bad I guess). 

Sorry to hijack the thread, but I was relieved to hear stories of others that struggled as much as I am currently.

Congrats on your success in all three sports...someday I hope to write the same post!!!

From the bottom of the pool...Rookietriguy

 

2008-05-07 3:50 PM
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Subject: RE: Wow, this training stuff works!
For the swim, it did sort of just "click." I bought the Total Immersion book and split my swim times between just swimming and just doing drills from the book. It was very frustrating for a while as I seemed to be getting nowhere. No progress on my swims for weeks. The fact was that I had to unlearn a few things. More than once I thought about giving up triathlons and doing running/duathlon just because my swimming was terrible.

Today, it clicked. Last week, I could barely do 2 laps without stopping. Today, I could have kept going a few more laps. My TI technique still sucks but I have the basics down. It works but you have to be patient and do the drills and unlearn the old way of swimming.
2008-05-07 3:57 PM
in reply to: #1387553


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Subject: RE: Wow, this training stuff works!
What is this Total Immersion book you speak of? Is that the name of it, and where can I get it? Can I read it while swimming, maybe that will take my mind off of drowning during my tri in front of friends and family...only kidding of course...just trying to make light of my aquatic shortcomings. I KNOW I WILL BE ABLE TO SWIM 600M BY AUGUST 30TH...MARK MY WORDS!


2008-05-07 4:04 PM
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Subject: RE: Wow, this training stuff works!

Rookietriguy - 2008-05-07 1:57 PM What is this Total Immersion book you speak of? Is that the name of it, and where can I get it? Can I read it while swimming, maybe that will take my mind off of drowning during my tri in front of friends and family...only kidding of course...just trying to make light of my aquatic shortcomings. I KNOW I WILL BE ABLE TO SWIM 600M BY AUGUST 30TH...MARK MY WORDS!

www.totalimmersion.net

I took four private lessons to get me started - I actually need to take a couple of 'refresher' lessons....now that i have built up some distance to see what needs to be tweaked.

You WILL be ablt to swim 600m - I swear the improvement is really fast once it clicks - yes I said it too....I wouldn't have believed it if it wasn't true for me...

This is from my short term goals on my log page - look at the dates and how quickly it progressed for me:

  • swim 100m non stop(4/14/08)
  • swim 200m non stop(4/18/08)
  • swim 300m non stop(4/24/08)
  • swim 400m non stop(4/24/08) 
  • swim 500m non stop(4/25/08)
  • swim 600m non stop(4/28/08)
  • swim 700m non stop(4/28/08)
  • swim 800m non stop(4/28/08)
  • swim 900m non stop(4/28/08)
  • swim 1000m non stop(4/28/08)
  • 2008-05-07 4:09 PM
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    Master
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    Subject: RE: Wow, this training stuff works!

    I was the same way on the bike.  I started in September with a 9mph pace.  Now, I'm doing about 16mph on decent days with not a rediculous amount of wind to deal with. 

    Running hasn't happend for me yet.  I'm still a good 14 min/mile. 

     

    2008-05-07 5:19 PM
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    Subject: RE: Wow, this training stuff works!

    I love this thread! I'm so encouraged.  Thanks for sharing your training success with us!

    Good luck on your first tri  

    2008-05-07 5:59 PM
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    Master
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    Subject: RE: Wow, this training stuff works!

    congrats on all of your fitness gains!  keep up the great work.  it's addicting, isn't it? 

    I'm a fellow asthmatic and also had forgone athletics in my youth, but I'm healthier than most now!

    2008-05-07 6:54 PM
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    Subject: RE: Wow, this training stuff works!
    Congrats on your breakthrough.  I am entered in the CapTex First Tri as well and looking forward to it.  See you there.




    2008-05-07 6:59 PM
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    Subject: RE: Wow, this training stuff works!
    Good for you!

    I know my goals in this sport(s) are really just to see what I'm can do. I'm pretty sure a good deal of people who try this insanity and really get in to it are searching for the answer to that question: "What am I REALLY capable of?"

    Good luck in your journey.



    You should bookmark this post. Use it as fuel if you ever hit a plateau or rut and need to get your motivation back. Remember the feeling of accomplishment.
    2008-05-07 10:31 PM
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    Subject: RE: Wow, this training stuff works!

    Congrats, dude! Thanks for the inspiration. I count myself amongst the throng of "still waiting for it to click" swimmers (and I use the word loosely). It can be frustrating at times. It's a good thing training is so much effin' fun!

     Speaking of which, it's about time to go thrash around in the pool for a bit.

    2008-05-07 10:41 PM
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    Subject: RE: Wow, this training stuff works!

    CONGRATS!  Isn't it a great feeling when things click?

     

    I am still getting there... but improving a bit every day.  What a perfect thread!

    2008-05-08 7:31 AM
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    Great work, and congrats on your achievements!   For the posters who are still struggling with the swimming, keep at it, and you'll get there!  And to add to the inspirational side of this thread, I'll just add my training tale:  October 2007, out of shape, in physical therapy for hip and back problems,  can hardly walk, much less run, join a gym to make myself get better..........May  11, 2008 first tri, can run 5.5 mi, swim 1 mi, bike 15.5 mi...I'm ready. 

    2008-05-08 7:48 AM
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    Subject: RE: Wow, this training stuff works!
    Congratulations with all your achievements. You've definately been bitten by the tri bug, that darn thing got me too . For all of you waiting for the swimming to "click" just be patient, everybody has been there, even the pros. It just takes work and dedication and it will happen for you. Trust me, I know how you feel. Once again congratulations and good luck in your first tri, I've got mine coming up in June.


    2008-05-08 8:14 AM
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    Champion
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    Subject: RE: Wow, this training stuff works!
    Congratulations!  Progress is a great thing and will work to keep you motivated.  My swim was/is weak too, but everytime I improve a little bit it makes me that much more determined. So what's next? 
    2008-05-08 8:39 AM
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    Subject: RE: Wow, this training stuff works!
    Great job! Isn't progress fantastic?  Just when we think we can't quite do it...we do it.  Smile
    2008-05-08 9:02 AM
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    Master
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    Subject: RE: Wow, this training stuff works!

    Congratulations on your persistence and success.  You are going to love CapTex.  It's one of my favorite races.

    TJ

    2008-05-08 9:09 AM
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    Extreme Veteran
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    Subject: RE: Wow, this training stuff works!

    congratulations to both of you on your success.

    And thanks for the motivation

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