Re: Any triathletes here?
 

I just ran about 3 miles and I thought I was going to die.

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

I sprained my ankle playing tennis earlier this week so I've been limited to just pulls during our swim practices =(

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

no triathlons this year unfortunately - schedule conflicts for all the ones I try to do... so for this year, just mtb races... two more to go for sure, may loop in one or two more

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

Excuses, excuses. :p

Just get in the pool and wprk on your timing and breathing, Kevin. I use mostly upper body when I swim to conserve my legs for everything else. Maybe next year, I'll get some coaching and see where it can take me. :)

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

I'm good on timing and breathing, but I need my legs to have a better idea since your legs use up more oxygen then your upper body. Yes it is true when swimming freestyle your stroke is where most of your momentum comes from. If you grab a kickboard and just kick vs grabbing a pull buoy and just stroke, you will notice a significant increase in speed in the latter vs the former. I swam in high school =D

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

Triathalons mystify me. I ran a marathon (a long time ago), and finished in under 3 hours, but had no interest in swimming or biking afterwards. ;)

Good luck next weekend! I hope it's not as hot as it is today. :tu

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

Excellent, because you get to run last....:r





Just finished a nice bike ride in the Park City area.... Couple good climbs....getting ready for the Tour de Park City (ride, not race)...

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

Thanks, Warren. Even if it is as hot as it's been the last few days, I've been training in it, so I should be ready for it. :D

No more cigars for me until Sat. night. That first one will taste SO good! but what will it be?

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

Race day tomorrow...I go off between 7: 25 and 7:30 Central. :) :tu

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

HHEEEEeellll, no. I saw it on NBC last weekend and I almost died in my house.
They were all, "well, once they turn around at this bouy, it will be another 7 miles
to go, then they'll put on their bike pants...." I thought, I wonder how many of em
drowned before the first bouy and no one ever say them cause of all the splashing?
I'd be like "WHAT, you mean the bouy's not the END??? Where's my brochure?

Originally Posted by Adriftpanda
I just ran about 3 miles and I thought I was going to die.

I have been walking 5-7 miles a day, because I am old and that's what we do. But every now
and again, I have to 'trot' to get out of a car's way or beat someone to something to get the
right of way. It's like pulling a dead body up the stairs. I never liked running in the service, but now it's a non-possibility.
__________________

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

Well...I finished.

Swim went pretty well, but I went a bit off course, and ended up adding a bit more distance to it, though as I was getting to shore, my legs started to cramp. The bike felt good, and my time was about what I expected.

Then the "fun" began. Off on the run. I'd been trying to stay hydrated and taking my goos and blocks. I was feeling ok, trying to get my legs under me and loosen up...then, just before the 1 mile mark (of 6.2 miles) my quads started to cramp. I started to walk to let them loosen up. Didn't help. :( Then, it got real fun when my right quad AND hamstring locked up at the same time. Holy hell, that was painful! It was bad enough that even someone heading the other direction (I was at a turnaround point) asked if they should get medical for me. LOL I said "No, I just need a minute." I wanted to see if it would let go on its own. It did, but I was in pain for the rest of the 5.2 miles, running and walking intermittently. I was able to run the last 3/4 mile or so, and finished with some strength. All the blocks and powerade and water they had on the course didn't help, but I finished. My time was not close to what I wanted it to be, but given what I went through on the run, I'm just happy I finished.

Next race is another sprint in 2 weeks (July 25th). :D

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

Way to power through!

I have a bike ride(Tour de Park City)... Riding with my wife & about 5 other friends(including the ex), it should be VERY fun.... The "recovery drinks" in Park City are going to make for an eventful evening....

Michelle and I rode the hard portion of the route yesterday, apparently I missed the hurricane warning on the weather forecast.... Worst weather ride I have ever had....

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

Wanger, I'm no help on the tri front (congrats on being physically ready to do it though) I did notice you were from Minnesota. I'm trying to put together a Herf up here and you were recommended as someone who might be interested. Here's the thread I've started.http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=33880

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

Last planned race of the year was yesterday. It went AWESOME!!! 1/4 mile swim was under 10 min, the bike was an average of 20.0 MPH over 22 miles. Finish time was 1:44:45. I finished in 22nd place in my age group (out of 53 finishers). My best placing, by far. :D

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

New year, new races...

On Feb 18th, I signed up for the Chisago Lakes Half Ironman tri. July will be a combination of pure bliss and hell for me. :D Going to do the Manitou Sprint Tri again this year, and possibly another race in August. :)

What have you got on the docket for this year?

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

Mike you are a crazy man. :)

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

Thinking about starting these. Looking for an easy sprint. The swim is what is going to be tough for me. The plan would be to take it very slowly and make up the time on the run.

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

First spring break...now being ill...I barely could run the past couple days without coughin' up a lung...I haven't been biking at all, not having a bike and taking so much time to adjust the stationary bike for a perfect fit makes me lazy for the bike....I'll do one of the sprints sooner or later

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

I am training for one.
The Beer leg isn't a problem, but I think I need work on the Bourbon and Scotch legs.
Practice, Practice, Practice.
Train, Train, Train.

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

First race of the season coming up for me on Sunday. Manitou Sprint in White Bear Lake. Since I've been training for a half ironman, this one should be a piece of cake. I did a brick workout on Wed. that felt great. Felt good about my speed on the bike, and my run pace was faster than expected at the effort I felt I was putting out. :D

Looking forward to this race! I'll post results and maybe pics on Monday. :)

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

Finally registered for a sprint this summer. 500m/14mi/3.1mi. This will b e a litmus test to see where I am and what I need to train for. A huge plus is that they have a fat tire division so I can ride my MTB with some Conti Gatorskins.

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

tis the season

good luck mike

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

A fat tire division? Cool. There are plenty of races that have a fat guy (Clydesdale...200+ lbs) division, which I actually fit into, but never seen a fat tire one. :p When and where is it?

Thanks James. :)

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

Race day! Get some!!!

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

Finish time: 1:32:01. Better than last year, so I'll take it. Felt stronger than last year, as well. First race of the season, with the BIG on up next, on July 24th. :D

Here's my transition area before the race. :)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3591/...bd8a4156_b.jpg

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

NICE Mike!!!!

I have been SOOOO lazy this year.... I need to get a few races scheduled to get me off my a$$.....

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

Nice bike Mike, What kind of peddles and clips do you have?

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

They look like Shimanos :confused:

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

They're actually Nashbar Ventoux 2s. :D A fraction of the cost. SPD-SL style. :)

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

Yep..it is in July in San Marcos, TX. The swim is what I am struggling with. It is only 500m too. I am just a very slow swimmer. Hopefully I can get the stamina to make it through the swim and make it up on the bike&run.

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

Don't be afraid to rest at the buoys if you have to, or with a cute lifeguard. :p Survive the swim, and beat down the beyotches on the rest. :D

I'm gonna guess it will be too warm to allow wetsuits. If not, use one. It helps for confidence at the minimum. :)

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

yep. Definitely too warm for wetsuits.

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

You will. Pace your self and don't fret if you are getting passed in the water. 500M is not that long. How long do you think it will take to complete that leg?

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

I have no idea. I am staying out of the way and allowing 10-12 mins. I am a weak swimmer. I just simply do not do it much. I am swimming everyday other day now to try and get ready. It is a 25m pool I am swimming in, so 20 laps just seems sooooo far.

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

My guess is that you'll be somewhere in the neighborhood of 12-15 min, honestly. My last race last year was a 1/4 mile swim, and I did it in 9:36. In the race I did Sunday, it was a 1/2 mile swim, and my time was 19:01. I'm a middle of the pack swimmer.

As was said, don't worry about the others around you. The main thing I can say is what was told to me before I did my first...trust your training. Focus on yourself, as well, and pay no attention to those around you in the water, unless you're using them for sighting purposes (rather than trying to locate the buoys on your own). You will get hit, kicked, and bumped. Know that going in, and do your best to not let it completely throw you off. Simply try to just bounce off and keep going. Obviously, the swim is the most difficult part of a tri for most people (I'm no exception). Do what you can to block out the people around you and focus on your stroke and breathing. If you can do that, you'll be just fine.

I'm definitely no expert, but I've learned a few things in the races that I've done, and if I can pass that knowledge on to help others, it makes me feel good.

I love doing these races, and the physical and mental challenge of them is simply awesome.






...and yes, I know I'm completely insane. That's why I fit in so well here. :D

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

Just under 2 weeks to my next race. Starting my taper this week. I have to admit that I'm getting a bit nervous about this race. I will be able to handle the swim and cruise through the bike, but I'm hoping to be able to stave off cramping and push through the 13.1 mile run. THAT'S going to be the painful part for me...the last half of that run.

Anyone done any others through the summer?

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

Mine is July 24th.

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

Hah...same date here. I'll virtual smoke in celebration with you that night. :D

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

OH YEAH! Mine is just a srpint Tri though to get my feet wet in the sport.

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

I did win a gold member on a beer olympic team, but I guess that doesn't much apply here.

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

I'll give you the advice I got here before I did my first...trust your training. You've put in all the time, and done all the drills. You CAN do it. Just relax and go at your own pace. Focus on what you're doing and need to do, and everything will be OK. Don't panic in the water. There are buoys and lifeguards if you need to rest/reset. Set your transition area up in order, and everything set and ready so that you don't have to think much there. Have a drink and gel there, as well. KEEP HYDRATED! NOT with only water, though! But the most important thing I can say is ENJOY THE DAY! Race with a smile on your face and have FUN! Having that kind of attitude helps it go MUCH better. I try to and it makes it all feel so much easier and better.

If you have any questions, I'd be happy to try to help from my experiences. :)

LOL!

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

About 48 hours from now, I will be nearing the finish on the run for my next event, the Chisago Lakes Triathlon, long course. :D Nerves are kicking up a bit, and I keep telling myself, I've made it through each portion in my training. Compartmentalize each portion that way, and I will be able to do it. Keep my own pace on the swim, push it on the bike, and push through the pain on the run. Jeebus, I'm realizing how insane I am. http://www.smileystar.com/smileys/ms...ow%20crazy.gif

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

Is it Olympic length? Good luck.

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

Good luck Mike.

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

I am doing one tomorrow. I have been training for years and I am finally ready.





Breakfast... Lunch, AND Dinner...


I hope I can pace myself so I don't cramp. Everyone thinks I am out of my mind for tackling such a daunting task, but I just tell them that they can think I am crazy, and I can handle anything!!!!

Now, where is that corned beef jerky!

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

LOL Pete. Hope you didn't pull a hammy. :-P

Nope...half iron. :)

Race results: 6:23:51

Going in, I just wanted to finish. I'd have pleased with 7:00, and ecstatic with 6:30. Well, I'm ecstatic. :D Swim went awesome...44 and change. Bike went smoothly and as expected. Run was the tough part. Started salting out at about 8 miles, and doubled up from there on out at the water stops. The best part of the whole thing for me was my boys running the last ~100 yards to the finish line with me. Can't wait to see that on the race pictures!

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

Damn fine job. Half Iron is a helluva accomplishment.

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BIG congrats, Mike.... That is awesome!

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Thanks guys. I'll add a couple pics once we get moved and can get them off the camera onto the computer.

Re: Any triathletes here?
 

Did a dry run of the Sprint Tri on Saturday. I should come in under 2hrs.