East Texas Triathletes Guest Book Archive August-December 2007

 

 

  Check out my new swim pics on myspace!

http://www.myspace.com/swimbikerungirl_forever
  Monday, December 31st 2007 - 08:51:52 PM


 

Duke Gill [e]
  Good luck at the marathon tomorrow Clifford!!!

I know you will do well!

Duke
  Monday, December 31st 2007 - 07:18:30 PM


 

Kami [e]
  Charity, I agree with you about William.
  Monday, December 31st 2007 - 05:57:33 PM


 

Charity
  I don't know about everyone else but I'm glad William has decided to move away from "pure running" and train for triathlons. It will be exciting to watch him kick butt!
  Monday, December 31st 2007 - 04:35:05 PM


 

Kami [e]
  Tim,

Your post is awesome! As I read it, I thought about the stories you've told me about some of your races, like the first open water swim race and the race in which one of your pedals fell off during the beginning of the bike portion. (Do I have that right? That still seems impossible to me.) I can't actually fathom the reality of 112 degrees in Lubbock, much less doing a half I.M. in that weather. The wind scares me on the bike--so do dogs, rain, traffic. What impresses me most, however, is not the racing obstacles that you've conquered, but your consistency in training and racing all these years. Thanks for all the help you've given me this past year. Thanks for your generosity with your equipment and time. Thanks also for the wealth of experience and knowledge of triathlons that you bring to our team, and for being willing to share it with us. I hope you have a great year of racing in 2008. When's your next race?
  Monday, December 31st 2007 - 03:28:03 PM


 

Tallred [e]
  Hey everyone I was the one that Bonnie met the other day on her ride. I am very interested in joining the club and helping out where I can. I look forward to meeting everyone!

tra
  Monday, December 31st 2007 - 03:13:31 PM


 

WR
  Whoa! Tim Myers posted and I was inspired.

Happy New Year to all...I am going to be building bigger pecs and lats today!

So my new goals for 2008 are to train for triathlons specifically the SMW (oly distance) Region Triathlon in Austin in May (Cap Tex) and the Ironstar Half Iron Man in November.
  Monday, December 31st 2007 - 10:44:21 AM


 

Clifford [e]
  Well said Tim this year has some big names Rutger Becke (spelling) and Deserie Ficker who fought just to finish I found that inspiring.
  Monday, December 31st 2007 - 08:04:55 AM


 

Duke Gill [e]
  Awesome, Tim.
  Sunday, December 30th 2007 - 11:07:28 PM


 

tim myers [e]
  2007-another year gone(reflections)
sometimes things go bye and then you think back, saying i wish. well i found myself saying just that at our 1st meeting at state park. it was just was of those comments said and things progressed on. i think the lady name was Genna? anyway the comment was about the clubs point system. and that how the points are derived. and at the end she made a comment to the effect that even finishing would count something.the subject was understandable, but the reality is another story. in my close to 20 years in triathlon, the thing that i'm most proud is that i've finished ever race i've started. sometimes under very though conditions. dreadfully hot Texas summer days, like the 1st Buffalo Springs half-iron in 112 degree temps. to swimming choppy waves or thru m-o-w jellyfish in several gulf coast tri-s.
not to mention recks,tech problems or gailforce winds....i could go on and on as i'm sure most of ya'll could too.
with a new year ahead and i will always hope for a great finish. but i will always never discount ....to finish. one of my favorite monments in hawaii ironman telecast and i can't remember what year it was and who it was. but i think it was around 1999 or 2000 and the guy was a German named wolfgang i think. but anyway he was in the lead for most of the race . then developed severe problems in the middle of the marathon.he was ended up having to walk and not only was he pasted by the other race contenders, then even being pasted agegroupers.in what looked like a moment of great despare. Scott Tinley(a former ironman champ) passed him and seeing his condition. pointed at Wolfgang said "finish". and painfully and slowly he did. i still get chills when i see the moment on tape.
not everyone will get anything beside a teeshirt and long trip home at the end of the day. but i think everyone who can say "i finished" can be proud.
  Sunday, December 30th 2007 - 09:36:21 PM


 

Bonny [e]
  Thank you Kami and William - I really appreciate your help! Today on my bike ride I met another triathlete! He just moved here (Longview) from the Ft. Worth area. I told him about our club, and he is very interested in learning more. His big event for next season is the 1/2 IM in Buffalo Springs, so he is looking for training partners.
  Saturday, December 29th 2007 - 04:28:16 PM


 

WR
  Thanks Matt..I'll check that site out soon.

In response to Bonny...it all depends on when this 5k is taking place.

Generally for most distant runners and maybe even triathletes (something I starting to study), usually start training with what is called "base" which most of the training is real slow but with strides thrown in at the end of runs to keep that turnover and maybe even a tempo run run here in there....this can last from anywhere from like 6-12 weeks maybe longer. The last 4-6 weeks of that though you can even do hill repeats roughly 3minutes long. Then from there for about anohter 6-10 weeks is when you often hear the word "Interval training" usually starts off with something as much as 2 mile intervals or repeats, or 1000 meter repeats around 10k pace, then you will get to 1600/1200 meter repeats about 5k pace. Throughout these weeks it is best to also keep up your tempo runs roughly maybe once every 8-10 days. Then the last 2-4 weeks is real intense from running 200/400 meter repeats, even 100's. This however should only make up 10-15% of your mileage. The last week of course is very easy but maybe on 4-5 days before the big 5k it would be good to get one last hard work out in. Also atleast keep your long run up atleast every other weekend. I hope that helps it was kinda scattered, but that is just a general overview. Obviously some people will respond better to more intense to less intense, some will respond more off of tempo runs. It takes trial and error.

The End.
  Friday, December 28th 2007 - 05:14:15 PM


 

Bonny [e]
  I think I was doing this all wrong - ugh. I was basing a lot of this on my very best 5K time, which is 8:08 mile pace. TODAY - I did the following:

.5 miles 9:13 pace (warm up)
.25 miles 7:30 pace
.5 miles 10 pace
.25 miles 7:30 pace
.5 miles 10 pace
.25 miles 7:30 pace
.5 miles 10 pace
.25 miles 7:30 pace
.5 miles 10 pace
.5 miles 7:30 pace - last 1/2 miles

Total of 4 miles - 35:57....of course this was treadmill, and included of course ramping up and down. I live near the high school track and maybe I'm better off doing it there??

I'd appreciate any help. I have a few running goals - my first one I'd like to hit is a 5K in under 8 minute miles.

Thanks everyone,
Bonny

 
  Friday, December 28th 2007 - 02:11:26 PM


 

Kami [e]
  Bonny,
Here are my thoughts about your question regarding appropriate paces & distances for tempo runs. I’m not nearly as experienced a runner as Steve, Tammy, Tim, Rick, William, Charity, etc., so I’m posting this here in case they want to correct/explain/elaborate/etc.

Tempo runs: I think that may be a broad term interpreted different ways. Jack Daniels’ Running Formula varies the threshold pace for different distances, and I’ve used those for tempo runs. I haven't set out to do a tempo run in over two years, probably. I start w/ Easy pace and build gradually to Threshold pace (I think), which I hold for a short time, probably 2-5 minutes, and then gradually slow back to E, just once–-that is, the entire run consists of building from E to T, holding a few minutes, and gradually returning to E. I don't do it well. I speed up too fast and then drop off to E too fast.

I think the most important questions are:
1) What system are you specifically trying to train with this particular speed workout? and
2) How did you determine the tempo run pace?

What you're doing sounds like VO2max intervals. 1/4 mile doesn't sound like long enough to do T work. I've never done T intervals shorter than 1 mile. The shortest VO2max intervals I've done are 1/4 miles.

I think that, unless you're training by heart rate, identifying the proper speed for the intended training effect is the most important thing. Is your goal for the tempo run to train to improve your lactate Threshold level? If so, then you want the fast portion to be ~15k race pace (which = T pace). I’ve often done 1-2 mile T intervals, with recovery at E. More often, I do a 1-2 mile warm up at E +20 min (or more if you can) T, and it's even best if you do it at the beginning of a long run, if you're training to run long. Jack Daniels Running Formula suggests T-L-T runs for training to race long (E+T+slow Long distance pace+T+E).
If you're running between VO2max & T pace, then I guess you're doing T training. If slower than T, then you're doing endurance training (or maybe even "junk miles," depending on how long/far you're running). If you're running at or faster than VO2max, then you're training to increase your VO2 capacity. If you're running fast enough, you're doing speedform training. I used to do T pace work once a week, and for a few weeks at a time, VO2 max runs once a week.

Other than building the endurance to cover the requisite distance, I think T work is the most valuable training for 10k to marathon racing. All that said, I think that if you feel challenged, but not defeated, by your speed work, then you’re improving your speed, VO2max, and threshold level. You just improve each system more efficiently by targeting each. That’s my completely amateur analysis.
  Friday, December 28th 2007 - 01:48:35 PM


 

Matthew Madison [e]
  I went to the Yankz website, and they had an online video and step-by-step tutorial on how to lace them. I had to fiddle with them quite a bit to find the right tension, and I only use them on my racing flats. I used them in the Longhorn Tri and loved the fast transition.
  Friday, December 28th 2007 - 09:46:21 AM


 

Clifford [e]
  I use a Garmin 305 and have only had 2 cases of errors one time while swimming at TSP and the second on a local run both glitches were less than 1 min in duration the one on the run was when I ran into the Hospital to use the restroom (blocked signal) and the one at TSP was on the back side of the lake under the trees and it was also very overcast that day. I am very happy with it you can read some reviews on beginnertriathlete.com http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/gear/review.asp?reviewid=431
Clifford
  Friday, December 28th 2007 - 09:07:20 AM


 

Kahne
  I have a Garmin 305.
  Thursday, December 27th 2007 - 03:43:15 PM


 

WR
  Hey Matt- did you ever figure those speed laces out? I got some but haven't figured them out. I'll trade my feet for your feet. Have you tried running on level surfaces or in the middle of the road to help your hip out?

I understand the Garmin can be off a bit if you run under trees or in the shade.
  Thursday, December 27th 2007 - 01:19:56 PM


 

Bonny Workman [e]
  Is anyone out there using a Garmin Forerunner 305?
  Thursday, December 27th 2007 - 09:15:19 AM


 

Matthew Madison [e]
  William (a/k/a The Bionic Man)

I would gladly trade my arms for your running ability...and cycling ability...and swimming...

All I asked for Christmas was a healthy hip. Apparently I was on the naughty list this year.
  Thursday, December 27th 2007 - 08:49:46 AM


 

Bonny
  Good luck with your choice because the Austin 1/2 IM looks nice as well...
  Thursday, December 27th 2007 - 08:20:07 AM


 

Bonny Workman [e]
  William,

It appears that same organization (Outloud) is doing that 1/2 IM on November 9th, 2008 - you can see it on the trifind calendar.
  Thursday, December 27th 2007 - 07:59:59 AM


 

WR
  Bonny- It's too early for me to decide right now. If I do it will be the OLY, but I havent found any info on that HALF IM in Conroe...if there not having it I would like to do the Longhorn 1/2 IM in Austin the week after Stonebridge which means I won't do Stonebridge.

This new stuff I discovered called heavy weight lifting almost made me puke in the gym today and my biceps are still growing...watch out Matt I'm gunnin' for ya. ;)
  Thursday, December 27th 2007 - 01:50:48 AM


 

Bonny Workman [e]
  Hey William,

I registered today for Stonebridge olympic tri - I'm just mentioning it because the first price point cut off is to register by December 31st. Also, are you contemplating the sprint or olympic for the Playtrifest in April? (or both - lol) I'm doing the sprint and my son is actually doing his first duathlon that same day as well.
  Wednesday, December 26th 2007 - 09:26:07 PM


 

Kahne
  Oh, I forgot to mention: I saw Matt's new bike on Dave G.'s stand today. Sweet! Serious bike envy! :)
  Wednesday, December 26th 2007 - 07:05:33 PM


 

Kahne
  Thanks for the "translations." :)
  Wednesday, December 26th 2007 - 06:44:42 PM


 

WR
  Are they still having that HALF IM in Conroe at the end of October for 2008...I think I'm actually gonna start training triathlon when I get over this thing so I dont have to run as much. I wanted to make a debut into the half IM around that time.

anyways here are the Tri's that I am looking into so far let me know what you think. I'll probably cut some stuff out to depending on the ones that are good for rankings and to save some $$$$.
2008 Tentative Schedule
Feb. 2 - Freeze your Fanny 54 mile Bike -
Longview, Tx
March 1 - Cheetah's Memorial 5k - Longview, Tx
March 8 - Athens Triathlon - Athens, Tx
March 30- Lonestar Triathlon - Galveston, Tx
April 12-13- PlayTRI Festival - Irving, Tx
May 18- Four States Triathlon (Sprint SMW USAT Region) - Texarkana, Tx
May 20 - Beauty & Beast 64 mile ride - Tyler, Tx
May 25- Cap Tex Triathlon (OLY SMW USAT Region) - Austin, Tx
July - Jefferson Heritage Tri- Jefferson, Tx
August 2 - River Cities Tri - Shreveport, LA
August 16- Tri Arkansas - Arkadelphia, AR (Lake Degray)
or
August 24- Rockwall Tri (sprint) - Rockwall, Tx
September 28- Stonebridge Ranch Triathlon - cKinney, Tx
October 12- Tri Andy's - Sugarland, Tx

 
  Wednesday, December 26th 2007 - 05:06:03 PM


 

WR
  It appears the YMCA schedule isn't any better than the ETMC lap pool times.

If your interested in that the lap swimming hours for MWF are 5:30am-7am, 12-1pm, 7-8pm, and T/R 5:30am-8:00am, 12-1pm, 6-8:00pm (T), I think 7-8pm on Thursday.

I will probably be up there swimming more in the mornings in a few weeks.

I was body building today and my biceps are almost as big as Matt's ;) but I can barely lift my arms right now it is a task to to type right now. ;)
  Wednesday, December 26th 2007 - 04:23:39 PM


 

Carlos Ruiz [e]
  Khane,monday to friday from 11am to 1pm and friday from 4pm to 6pm. Good luck and great trainnings. Merry Christmas to you all!!!!
  Wednesday, December 26th 2007 - 04:00:02 PM


 

Matthew Madison [e]
  Kahne,

Here is the direct link to their lap pool schedule:

http://www.tylerymca.org/Programs/Aquatics/Fall%20Pool%20Schedule.htm

It looks like they have lap swim from 6-7:30 AM, 11 AM-1 PM, 4-5 PM and 7-8:30 PM on Monday through Friday, and 12-3:45 PM. It look like some of those times you may have to share with a swim team?
  Wednesday, December 26th 2007 - 03:58:25 PM


 

Kahne
  Can someone with a high-speed connection please try and view the Tyler YMCA web site tylerymca.org and see what, if anything, it says about lap swim hours? I waited for 20 minutes for that page to load on my dial-up connection and it never did. (Note to future web site designers: it's a given that access to high-speed is increasing, but here in East Texas and many other places it is not available. If you want to gather in the widest possible audience, please make your web site--at least the index page--simple.)
  Wednesday, December 26th 2007 - 03:38:13 PM


 

Kami [e]
  Clifford,

I don't know much about knee problems but I'd just say that if you're still planning to run the marathon, you can take it super easy from now until the marathon and you'll be ready. I mean, you have the distance and endurance and now you can just taper, so don't feel like you have to go out and run much on it between now and then.
  Tuesday, December 25th 2007 - 06:26:06 PM


 

Clifford [e]
  Merry Christmas
  Tuesday, December 25th 2007 - 10:14:37 AM


 

Clifford [e]
  The pain is behind the knee not behind the knee cap but in the back of the knee. It gets stiffer and stifer and the pain works from the point of max bend to the point where just bending it in my slow pace hurts. After stopping and bending it to the poing of a bull bend (very painful) a few times I can then run for another mile or so. I have had MRI's done last year they show nothing
  Monday, December 24th 2007 - 09:19:14 PM


 

Clifford [e]
  Thanks for the comments the pain is behind the knee not on the sides the kne seems to slowly stiffen to the point that bending is very painful after I force it back and forth thru the pain it will be ok for a mile or so then stiffen up.
  Monday, December 24th 2007 - 01:22:54 PM


 

Matt Madison [e]
  Clifford, is the pain on the inside or outside of your knee? Pain on the outide tends to be IT band irritation, and is pretty common among distance runners. Pain on the inside below your kneecap is an injury called "runner's knee". You may need to start using a knee band, and I would recommend learning running specific stretches. I ignored my IT band and ended up favoring that leg, leading to a strained hip flexor on the opposite side. William also had a good suggestion...run on the opposite side of the road you have been using. The grading of the road can put more pressure on one leg (typically the leg nearest the edge of the road). Switching sides may help relieve pressure causing the injury. Hope that helps!
  Monday, December 24th 2007 - 11:19:39 AM


 

WR
  Yes tendency to grind is the same thing as "mashing" I suppose. It is better to spin faster though, because it improves endurance and is less straining on the joints.

 
  Sunday, December 23rd 2007 - 10:01:23 PM


 

Clifford [e]
  I did my longest run ever today 20 miles and man my knee hurts I had to stop and walk nearly every mile to bend it back and forth until I got it to move thru the full range of motion then it was good for another mile. any ideas what may cause this problum?
  Sunday, December 23rd 2007 - 09:22:27 PM


 

Kahne
  Does "tendency grind" equal "masher"--i.e., you tend to mash big gears rather than spinning smaller ones?
  Sunday, December 23rd 2007 - 07:09:12 PM


 

WR
  a tendency to grind....

I think I'm gonna body build (upper body) over the next 6 weeks maybe I can get arms as big as Matt Madison and his buddy Steve. I couldn't bike today bc my foot is swollen. It hurts to walk around especially without the boot. I got some crutches at my house I need to get when I go home. Not sure if I can swim either but will attempt that soon.
  Sunday, December 23rd 2007 - 05:54:32 PM


 

Charity
  Tendency grind?
  Sunday, December 23rd 2007 - 03:53:45 PM


 

William
  I'm learning to spin more, but my friend Chauncey says I have a tendency grind.
  Sunday, December 23rd 2007 - 02:07:54 PM


 

Charity
  Sorry about your foot William, I hope it gets better. That stinks that you can't do the Houston Half, but on the bright side, there are lots of others coming up.I think my feet are doing better since I haven't been running. Ran yesterday for about 20 minutes and it felt good and my feet are okay.

For those of you who are not aware...It was windy yesterday!!!! Kami, Steve, and I went for a bike ride and...It sucked!!!

Merry Christmas to everyone!!
  Sunday, December 23rd 2007 - 10:50:51 AM


 

Kahne
  William, I feel your pain! Though, since I am not as talented a runner as you, I'm sure it hurts you worse than it does me. :-/

As for the chain ring... Do you have a cadence read-out on our cycling computer? I just wondered whether you were a "spinner" or a "masher." Actually, I *switched* from a 52/39 on my TT bike to a 50/39. I always ride pretty flat courses, so without any long downhills, there was rarely a time when I could handle the largest gear, but many a time (think Dam Hill, Jefferson) when I needed the smallest). But you're a big strong guy! You can probably turn that big gear, no problem. (I just read today where Levi used a 54 at the Tour de France! Wow....)
  Saturday, December 22nd 2007 - 06:19:02 PM


 

William
  Charity we can discuss it with Steve and whoever else to see what they think. I think it has to align with the gears and such. I was going to talk to Gersh today but family came in.

Kahne my chain ring is like 50/39 or so I think.

SOOOOO.....I thought I had like tendonitis in my left foot (the other one now), for like 2 weeks and it really wasn't getting any worse..until today I was out an easy 6 mile run that I should have never done. The pain was shooting up my foot gah....then when I got out of the shower it was even worse. I dunno what the deal has been with me this past year. Anyway to cut this story down the plan now is to wear the boot again (on the other foot) for minimal of 6 weeks. Focus on swimming/cycling (if possible, lift weights and then build my runnign slowly up.., probably wont push it over 50 miles a week this summer.

Therefore in closing, no Houston Half, no Freeze your Fanny Duo(sorry Steve.) I am in too much pain today. It takes a lot to hurt me too. But it hurts really bad to walk now.
  Saturday, December 22nd 2007 - 05:58:39 PM


 

Kahne
  Wow! Sounds like some folks are working out, hamsters or not. (Strange about rain. It obviously rained here before dawn but it's been clear as a bell since.) I sure wish *I* could run. (Sigh.) I rode my bike on the trainer yesterday to see if the legs still functioned. (They do.)

William: how many teeth on your largest chain ring right now?
  Saturday, December 22nd 2007 - 11:50:05 AM


 

Bonny Workman
  Hey William, you are just hardcore compared to me.... :) The last time I ran in the rain, right at the end of mile 3 I was highly irritated...not sure if it was being soaking wet, or feeling like the rain was hitting me right in the face...probably accidentally stepping into a puddle and almost twisting my ankle didn't help my attitude that much either though. It does look like I will be able to get in a bike ride today though so that is good - I'll stick to doing the five mile loop close to my house a few times...if the rain busts through I can take cover pretty fast.
  Saturday, December 22nd 2007 - 11:45:11 AM


 

Charity
  Hmmm, if you're in need of a larger chain ring I might be in need of a smaller one. I'm not sure though, I guess this would be a good question for Steve. I'm not sure if I'm strong enough for the large one. Although, I did get fitted the other day and I'm about to go ride. Maybe it will make a difference...or maybe I just need to get stronger.
  Saturday, December 22nd 2007 - 10:01:35 AM


 

William
  Release your inner child. Remember the days when you were once a youngin' where rolling in the dirt and playing in the rain didn't stop you from enjoying the outdoors. No need for the "hamster" running training when the joy of mud feels fine as it goes up my shorts and uplifts my soul. Sure, people may think your insane but that only boost your ego and release extra endorhins as you water triffles up your legs.

On a serious note about about start looking for a bigger chain ring set, my bike has smaller chain rings compared to most bike, which mean my bike is made for climbing hills better because it is light as a small chain ring. If I can get a larger chain ring I can go faster on the flat road without maxing out on my last ring. Maybe I can get up to 25 mph. Oh yeah! So if you know any places that has good deals then let me know. I got this duathlon in Leander to get ready for. (Thanks to Steve F.!!!)

I am riding tomorrow after church from my apartment at 12:30PM and I will ride for 90 minutes then meet up with TBC at 2pm to ride 40 more miles or so. Last week we finished at 4:45 pm and got in just over 70 miles. If you can maintain a 16-18mph ride that would be great! Oh yeah it's important to carbo load before the ride such as bagels then also somewhere in between to keep from "bonking" near the end. Then also carry atleast 2 water/sports drink bottels to stay hydrated and maintain an electrolyte balance as much as possbile. Although you will probably still hurt like hell near the end but it won't be as bad.

William
  Saturday, December 22nd 2007 - 09:55:31 AM


 

Duke Gill [e]
  I'll be out of pocket for a few days but I wanted to tell everyone Merry Christmas! Hopefully the rain will stop so you all can get some outdoor training done. I'm thinking of doing an open water swim with my wetsuit--JUST KIDDING! Ho, ho, ho!

Have a good one!
  Saturday, December 22nd 2007 - 08:57:18 AM


 

Bonny Workman
  Hey Kahne - I'm here...I was going to contact you to see if you wanted to try to ride this week...but it's raining pretty hard here...I guess it's hamster running again for me today.
  Saturday, December 22nd 2007 - 07:58:54 AM


 

Kahne
  Ho-ho-ho! Anyone out there?
  Saturday, December 22nd 2007 - 07:14:58 AM


 

Kahne
  Oh, lord.... Is it *possible* for you to get faster????

:)
  Thursday, December 20th 2007 - 05:16:16 PM


 

Charity
  I'm sorry that stupid dog ran out in front of you. I'm glad you're okay though. I met with John Cobb today and got my bike fit situation all figured out, so hopefully I will be 'speedier' than ever. I hope things are going well for everyone and I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!
  Thursday, December 20th 2007 - 03:04:58 PM


 

Kahne
  I joined the "Kami Club": I finally crashed on pavement. It wasn't a car that cut in front of me but a dog (part of a pack). It was low speed, thankfully, but it still cracked the right brake