Matchman's Group - FULL! (Page 2)

Aaron's turn! 

Amen, brother.  Regardless of how you set them, the goals will be a huge factor in keeping yourself on track.  Congratulations for choosing to make a change.  That'll probably be another theme here: you always have a choice.  I'm a huge believer in that.

I think you'll have no problem doing your OLY by the end of the year if you're committed to your training.  If you can get a few weeks of steady training in, you'll have created a habit and you won't need to worry about quitting in a few months.  So, consider this one of many virtual motivational butt slaps, which are big in American sports. 

Cheers to you, Aaron.  Enjoy the Aussie Open.  Not that we're jealous or anything...

Tom

PS - I'm assuming that's your little nipper in your avatar?  Cute kid! 

Hello from the States!  Glad to hear that you're finally going to jump into the tri game.     

Another fast runner!  Your running history is definitely going to serve you well in Triathlon.  Now get to work on the swimming and biking so that you can feel good going into the run!  Have you set up or chosen a training plan?

You also might consider stepping up to an Olympic distance tri this year to take advantage of your running and to challenge yourself on the swim front.  I've found that the longer swims are almost better in the sense that you have to settle into an efficient stroke.  Anybody can get through a 500m swim.  Plus, you'll pass people like mad with your fast running.  Seriously, anyone running 7 minute miles is going to be in the top tier of the age group pack at most triathlons.  

Again, welcome and happy training.

Cheers!

Tom 

And last but not least, we get to Jon.  Welcome to the group!

Dude, all work and no play makes Jon a very dull boy.  Glad to hear that you've seen the light and realized the same at some level.  If you can put that kind of energy behind an hour or two of training a day, LOOK OUT!  

How about your goals?  Have you set up your 2007 season?  What race distance(s) are you considering?  

Cheers!

Tom 

sandert - 2007-01-22 4:04 PM 

I've gotten at least 1 tip that I can feel makes my stroke more productive. Keeping my face down really helps my hydrodynamics. We are doing a lot of pull distance (feels like a lot to me anyway) which I think is good since you really want your arms to do most of the work in the swim portion (right?).

When I went to the pool for the first time to swim, I could see the lifeguard watching me crouched slightly, with a puzzled look on her face, ready to whip her shoes off at any second and dive in.  I'm sure she was trying to figure out whether I was swimming or waving for help!

I too could feel the hips sinking, so I kicked harder to keep the back end up, but I just tired quicker.  I knew it was bad when I came up to the shallow end once and my toe touched the bottom...that's 1.2metres.....absolutley ridiculous.

I searched for info on swimming technique and came across the following article  http://www.usms.org/articles/articledisplay.php?a=81 .  It made a massive improvement to my balance in the water, swimming quicker and with less effort than before.  I've also found another site http://www.xtri.com/swim_tech.aspx helpful for technical articles on swimming technique.

I'll be starting some swimming classes too shortly.  Let me know how you go with the DVD, if you think it's good I might have to invest in a copy.....

Cheers,

Aaron

I, too, have heard the 300 mile rule but I think its easier to go by a more conventional approach: if you're hurting in places you don't normally hurt (and you haven't suddenly ramped up your mileage) then its probably time for new shoes.  Yes, shoes wear out faster if you're a big guy due to more impact and the slower you run, the more steps you're taking in a mile. 

I'd definitely take it easy for a day or two and see how your feet feel.  Did you ice them?  I know its kind of a catch-all but it certainly helps with inflammation.  Ibuprofen helps with inflammation, too.

This is more general but how about ice baths?  Do you do those after your long runs?  They take some serious testicular fortitude but they're amazing for recovering more quickly after those long runs.  I do them after every run over 90 minutes.  Cold water in the tub plus a couple of bags of ice.  Sit in the tub as long as you can.  I've never lasted more than about 15 minutes but I've heard that's about all you need.  I definitely keep my running shorts on and will often put on a sweatshirt and hat (yes, even in the summer) but I still end up shivering uncontrollably.  Boy does the hot shower sure feel good after that!

So, do you live in the Phoenix area since you're doing Lost Dutchman?  My brother lives in the valley along with a zillion cousins.  A bunch more in Tucson, too.  All are MN natives that decided they'd rather sweat than freeze.   

Cheers!

Tom 

Addiction to this is definitely healthier than many other things (especially work).  Good on you for working toward making it a habit.

Here's something to think about: 

I'd suggest choosing and registering for a race - even if its 6 months out - and telling everyone you know of your plans.  You'll stick to your goal when you know everyone's going to be asking you how your preparations are coming and how the race went.    Plus, you'll be more likely to create a plan for yourself and execute that plan which will naturally keep you on track.  

Awesome!  This stuff is a lot like what Total Immersion teaches.  The jist of it all is balance in the water and the fundamental is the "skate" position described as "racing boat" in the article.  The more time you're able to spend in that position during your stroke, the better.  I'm definitely not anything resembling fast yet but I'm a million percent more efficient because of the instruction I've gotten on this. 

Again, if you really want to start yourselves off well in the pool, hook up with a good coach.  You don't need to spend a ton but it'll be worth every penny.  Yada, yada, yada. 

Have a great week and happy training to everyone!

Tom 

A question: your log says you swam an hour and over a mile. Are you used to that kind of swim distance?  As in, have you been working up to that in the pool or did you just decide to swim for an hour after not having done so in a while?

As for your ankle, I certainly am no MD and couldn't diagnose anything over the net even if I was. However, I've had soreness in my ankles, feet, and calves after swimming. There's a totally different flexibility required of the lower leg in swimming and most of us runners will have a really crappy kick as a result. Its the same reason we get calf and foot cramps. Sometime, when you're at the pool, look underwater at the really good swimmers. Their kick is a straight leg with a pointed toe (but still relaxed) and the generated from the hip. Then look at a not-so-good swimmer and see that they look like they're trying to run through the water. Our legs are just not used to that sort of work and it'll take some time to get there.

So, take it easy for a day or two and see how it feels. If it feels like routine muscle soreness, giddy up. If it feels more like a strain/sprain, take some more time off. Regardless, ice it to try to get some of the inflammation out.

Cheers!

Tom

Well, if you're looking for people who aren't into somewhat compulsive behavior, you might want to look elsewhere!  I'm just as likely to do something similar.  What's the saying about walking the talk? 

Sweet to have the trainer hookup at work.  I would definitely take advantage of that one. 

Cheers!

Tom

Happy Friday!  It's a beautiful blue sky day here in Melbourne - too good to be at work....

 Does anybody know what the go is with shin splints (I think that's what it's called) - soreness of the front of the chins.  I haven't got it but the better half has.  She's about 3 weeks into the couch to 5K program.

 How to you get them? Is it because of hard ground and being not used to it or is it to do with running style i.e. striking the ground too hard with the heel or something?  What can be done to help - stretches, rest, ice, all of the above?

 Any knowledge would help.

 Have a good one!

Aaron.

 Call me immature, but geez this made me laugh....

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=65260&posts=19&start=1

Calling out to Neil and Jon..... come in fella's.......we don't what to have to put your photo's on the back of milk cartons.

As Neil would say, have a crazy weekend!

Aaron.