Cadreamer's Group - FULL (Page 2)

Please let us in on the secret of loving running.  I have to admit there are times that I like it - but I sure don't love it.  What is it about running that makes it so great for you?  (Shamelessly trying to steal other people's ideas here...)

General comments on racing and a question for each of you.  For any shorter distance race (generally distances at Olympic level - 1500m/40k/10k or shorter, which is where most of you are aiming right now) it's important to build your distance to at least the race distance (and I would suggest at least a bit farther.)  There's nothing that gives you confidence on race day more than knowing that you have already swam/biked/run that distance in training and so you can DEFINITELY do it.  So - based on where you are at now - is this something that you feel is doable within your race timeframe?  And, do you have a plan to get there? 

And, a note on running - A run is anything you call a run.  Period.  For me, I always walk at least part of my runs - running is hard for me, stressful on my body and short walk breaks let my legs rest just a bit.  Generally, when I've built up distances/time I end up walking a lot towards the end.  However, the next time I run that long it seems to get a little easier.  If you have a goal to run the entire way, go for it, but do not let the fact that you might need to walk a bit bring you down or stop you from doing a race that you want to do.  Trust me - you will NOT be the only one out there who has to walk at least part of the time.  (Same goes for swimming/biking by the way.  I'm just using running as my example, cause that's definitely my hardest event.)

Hey Nate - great minds think alike (cause of course I have a great mind) cause I was going to refer you to Hal Higdon.  I used his plans for my half-marathon (well kinda modified) in May.  I think as long as you can be close to the levels of running that this plan calls for at the beginning that would be a great way to go.  FWIW I wouldn't worry about the speed AT ALL and just work on getting up to the distances at an easy comfortable pace.  There should be enough speed work in the plan once you start it at 8 weeks out. 

To be honest, at first I hated running because it was something I had to do to train for field hockey hell week. 6 AM runs with coach who had a 8:30 min/mile was tough. Then hockey ended, and I needed something to do and that is all I had the money for. So, I took the dog and went for a run, but I told myself I'm going at my pace (right now, average 10:30 min/mile) and if I want to walk I'm going to, and even now I still walk sometimes.

To stop thinking about the pain of shin splints, breathing, am I landing right, and so on and so on, I focus on anything but running. Meditation sometime works, so does working through problems, planning events/parties, what I'm going to do tomorrow, and so on.

Not every run is perfect, but that is what motivates me to go and do it again. 

I have a plan for biking and running, still working on the swim part, hope to have that finished today.

In my plans I will be at race distance for running week 9 and bike week 10 out of the 13 weeks I have until my triathlon. (week one started 5/21) Is that going to give me enough endurance? Do I need to change my plans, especially for biking?

Question...can anyone tell me where I can purchase tri specific shorts. I'm looking for the types that you can wear to swim, bike and run in. The triathlon that I'm doing, we can't wear wetsuits because the water gets to warm. So I was going to wear the shorts and find a top that I can be comfortable in to swim.

Any suggestions would be most helpful.

runningshorts

My first tri is 4 1/2 weeks away...OMG...I can't believe it's only 4 1/2 weeks away. 

440 yd swim/13.5 mi bike/3 mi run. 

I can swim 1000 yds straight, so I'm not worried about the swim.  I have biked 13 mi, so I can do a couple longer bikes (15ish mi) within the next 2 weeks and be confident in the bike.  The run is what I am worried about.  The most I have run is 2 mi.  I plan on doing a longer run on Saturday...hopefully 3 mi...and I won't let it bother me if I have to walk a bit.  ;o)

Is there still room, or are you now full?  Thread is growing fast!!

There is room - you are IN! Hmmm... probably one more and then I'll close it.

Yep - Just cause I like your avatar.

EVERYONE who has not yet filled out the basic information form - please do so. 

We are officially off and running. (or walking as the case may be.)

Go to google and type in "Tri Shorts"  Also, BT has a store here that sells them.  I don't have any specific brand recommendations, they are all good.  Make sure you check out the sizing chart before ordering, cause they run different sizes (just like all other clothing, go figure) Also, make sure you are buying a triathlon specific short and not a cycling short.  Trishorts have less padding and are built so you can swim/cycle/run in them.

If the $$ is too much, do the research on the regular sites and then start lurking on Ebay.  Serious deals can be found there if you are willing to take the time and wait.

Ok, sounds like everyone has at least some sort of plan of how they are training for their races.  Very Good.

Everyone who asked if their mileage would be enough the answer is YES.  Everyone who posted that question (or form thereof) is going to be at the race distance (or a little longer) by race day.  For your first one - that is plenty to get you through while feeling great the whole way. 

If possible - build up your long sessions to just a bit longer than the race distance.  This will help with both endurance and confidence.  Example:

800 yd race swim - 1000 yd long training swim
12 mile bike - 15 mile long training ride
5k run - 3 mile run (uh, I mean, 4 mile run, yeah)

MOST of you look like you should be fine to get to this.  IF NOT do NOT worry, you will still have enough to finish strong, trust me race day adrenaline can carry you through a lot.

to halfdome - 40 miles long ride is NOT overkill for an Olympic distance tri.  In fact, the better bike shape you are in, the easier it's going to be to run off the bike.  So far this year I've ramped up to 65 miles (been taking a break the last couple of weeks cause of the half-marathon) and I'll be doing a few 40+ mile rides prior to my first Oly this year on June 10.

Where do I find the basic information form?

Woo Hoo - Here we go!! 

Basic Info - Please respond to the following.

NAME/Location/Job:

STORY:

STORY: This is my 3rd year of training, 2nd year of races

FAMILY STATUS: 1 wife and 2 kids (1yr old, & 3yr old)

CURRENT TRAINING: A goal of 3-5 hours leading up to race day

2007 RACES: a couple of 5Ks, a super sprint, and a 1/2 mary (hopefully)

WEIGHTLOSS: 2005=from 307-240/2006=240-280/2007=280-?

GOALS: loose weight, gain speed