Triathlon Thread 2009

[cdn_gal_eeyore]

I just bought my real first road bike.
I know its not fancy, and I don't think I'll need a fancy one until I start to do longer courses or want to get really fast. I just really want to finish the race and this will get me there

http://www.rei.com/outlet/product/780737

Nice ride Suzann! You don't need fancy, but I would recommend finding someone knowledgable at your local bike shop to do a proper fitting for you. It is amazing the difference a cm here or there can make to how comfortable your bike fits!

I got a new saddle on my road ride this weekend, plus some aerobars! My tri coach's husband did a bike fit for me on Saturday night and it feels so much better now!

 

[ironz]

Congrats on the new bike, Suzann! That is always so much fun, and makes you want to ride more!

I'm travelling this week, so haven't gotten much training done. (I travel for work a lot.) But will go to the gym tonight and at least get in a short run, and maybe some pool time. Or some time on the bike. I would much prefer riding my own bike (on the trainer or not) and running outside, but it's sub-freeezing, dark, and partly snowy where I am right now, so that's not going to happen.

Have been frustrated by non-working treadmills and cardio equipment at the hotels I stay at, but trying to overcome that.

train hard!

 

[perfectmatch300]

Thanks for the info on the Danskin, Lynnda. I was hoping to get into that last year and missed out because of the day early posting. I'll start looking into that and see if I make it in this year because I'd really like to do a tri, and I like the shorter distances on the Danskin because my knees just don't want me going very far on the run.

I haven't been doing any racing for a while, so if I do get in I will have to get busy training instead of just exercising for weight loss.

 

[crzy4pooh]

Thanks for the info on the Danskin, Lynnda. I was hoping to get into that last year and missed out because of the day early posting. I'll start looking into that and see if I make it in this year because I'd really like to do a tri, and I like the shorter distances on the Danskin because my knees just don't want me going very far on the run.

I haven't been doing any racing for a while, so if I do get in I will have to get busy training instead of just exercising for weight loss.

I'd love to see you there Nancy! I keep checking the Danskin site - just in case they open registration early.

 

[Suzann]

Less than a month before my triathlon and I'm freaking out
I know I can do the bike portion and the run portion, but the swimming is scary.... I still haven't made it all the way through the TI book or videos but am feeling an improvement.. just not sure if there's enough improvement for them not to kick me out of the pool when my time is up to swim. Ugh.. I need some encouragement

 

[laxdef69]

YOU CAN DO IT!

Adrenaline will carry you much further than you think.

If its an open water, or pool where you need to turn around bouys, be prepared for the swim to be very bubbly with the water churned up, and for there to be some contact while you swim.

Its not personal, and you will be swimming over people too.

Good luck, I'm really jealous!

Mike

 

[ironz]

Suzann...how far is the swim? Have you swum that far yet?
Is it a pool swim or open water?

Before my first tri, I could only swim across the pool...rest.....swim back. Within 6 weeks, I could swim 800 yds without stopping. So keep at it!!
If it's a pool swim, you could always take a break at the wall....just be aware of people who might want to pass you and let them go if that's what it takes.

let me know...
hugs!!

 

[laxdef69]

Still waiting for a race report....

 

[wtpclc]

Suzann - You can do it!!! If you have done even a little TI adn are feeling bette,r i bet you have improved mroe than you think.

Got a swim on tap tonight. I really should do more TI, but I feel liek that's a backwards step, even though I know it's fro the best. I am so bad about that kind of thing.

 

[Suzann]

Its a quarter mile swim, which I did last year... but really struggled with it. (at least I thought)

Last year it was in a lake with my wetsuit on... this one is in a pool (no wetsuit, obviously) I have 20 minutes to complete the swim, or else they kick me out of the pool.

March 1st is the date!

 

[Caseydilla]

Good luck Suzann! Have a great race day! The new bike looks cool, btw.

 

[Suzann]

Thanks... went for my first ride yesterday on it... handled great!!! Shifting took a little getting used to... but rode for 9 miles, so not too bad!!

Oh, and REI is GREAT!!!! They fit me on my bike and I get a free tune up after the first 100-200 miles!

 

[ironz]

Mike...I haven't forgotten. I got the floppy drive to try to see if it's on one of the discs...but haven't looked at them yet. Plenty of time!

Suzann....20 min for 400m is so do-able. First of all, you've done it before, and in open water. in the pool will be easier.
Second, you've been practicing.
Third. ...you can grab a wall at the end and rest if you need to. Just be sure and let others pass you if you do (depending on how the swim is set up).
Fourth...do you have a "bail out" stroke? Like side stroke or breast stroke? You can use that to fall back on.
Fifth....you've got time to get more practice in. Maybe do a time trial one day, where you swim either 200m or the whole 400, and time yourself. You'll see where you are and I bet it's less than 20 min!

Good luck!

 

[Suzann]

Thanks Betsy... I'll see if I can do a couple more TYI lessons under my belt and then try for at least 200m! I'm hoping we get more than just a couple of lanes to swim... I just don't want to get in anyone's way!
Tonight I'm running the 3 mile route for the run... that's the easy part

 

[Suzann]

Ok, update on swimming! I only have one swimming lesson left with the TI DVD's... its really starting to come together! I just have a hard time with when to breath... I tend to focus on what I'm doing so much that I forget to breath. HA!

 

[wtpclc]

Woo hoo Suzann!!! WIsh I had your problem. I am constantly gulping for air.

 

[ironz]

Suzann...don't forget to breathe! You should be rolling your body, keeping your head in line, and breathe in after your nose/mouth clear the water. Exhale underwater.

You've got 2.5 weeks....have you at least swum a solid 200 yet? May want to be trying that soon. It'll be good.

I can still only paddle around...sculling and kicking...in the pool. Will see the ortho next week and hopefully get cleared to do a little swimming? I've got 7 weeks til the season starts. I can sidestroke if I need to.

Mike....I know. I haven't dug through those disks yet.

And...I am back on the bike outside! Did my first 2 outdoors rides over the weekend since my surgery. The key was making sure I could reach the brake lever. I thought that would be important. It's all good.
Running tonight.

 

[wtpclc]

Great news Betsy!!!! Please be careful, though!

 

[Suzann]

Yes, definitely be careful Betsy!!!

Great on the rides though!! Must feel good!

 

[chimera]

hey guys! I'm looking at a sprint du in June, though I found an adult swim class the same night and time as DD5's gymnastics class at the Y. May be a tri in my future after all

Anyway...planning to check out this bike this weekend. Any of y'all familiar with the brand? TIA!