I took a look at my training log for all my training in April, and every year I've had a drastic drop off. I attribute it to two things. The first is that's when race season starts, so I cut back for a few key races to see how my fitness is. The second, I think I forget to log workouts.
This month has been hectic. My first race went ok, but outlined my weaknesses (mainly bike fit). But I'm enjoying working out more, building a base, and not killing myself (or getting injured). After next week, I'll be registered for all my races this season.
I'm excited for my first 5k race, that starts in front of my house. I'm hoping to go sub 18, but I've done no speedwork, so I'll take anything under 19 minutes. In June, I'm doing a sprint and a half, and finally racing in my Xterra Vortex 3 and my Kiwami Konami trisuit.
Blog about my triathlon excursions.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
First race under wraps
Finished my first tri of the year, the Hempfield sprint. My training compared to last year is drastically different. Last year I couldn't run much (or bike), so I did all power/speed training. This year has been all base building.
Swim went better. I had about the same time as last year, but much more relaxed. Bike started off well, but 5 miles in my hip flexor started cramping. I wish I could have pushed it harder, but didn't want to kill my run. Transitions went much better then last year.
The run was miserable. I got off the bike and couldn't breathe...same issue I had last year at the Keystone Memorial triathlon. My abs and chest were tight...even walking wasn't helping. I finished at a7:42 pace, which was casual (and good to know for the full).
Post race, I packed up and went to breakfast with Lauren and my dad. When I got home, I tried my inhaler, which seemed to help. I think both cases were an asthma attack. I did take my inhaler before other races (and will now).
Trying to schedule a bike fit to work on the hip issues, otherwise I was happy with it. There were FAST guys out there, and it was great to gauge my fitness. I took a nap, and feel great after the race. I should be back to training tomorrow, which is a first. Now I see how my buddy Chandler does back to back races.
Swim went better. I had about the same time as last year, but much more relaxed. Bike started off well, but 5 miles in my hip flexor started cramping. I wish I could have pushed it harder, but didn't want to kill my run. Transitions went much better then last year.
The run was miserable. I got off the bike and couldn't breathe...same issue I had last year at the Keystone Memorial triathlon. My abs and chest were tight...even walking wasn't helping. I finished at a7:42 pace, which was casual (and good to know for the full).
Post race, I packed up and went to breakfast with Lauren and my dad. When I got home, I tried my inhaler, which seemed to help. I think both cases were an asthma attack. I did take my inhaler before other races (and will now).
Trying to schedule a bike fit to work on the hip issues, otherwise I was happy with it. There were FAST guys out there, and it was great to gauge my fitness. I took a nap, and feel great after the race. I should be back to training tomorrow, which is a first. Now I see how my buddy Chandler does back to back races.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
over training
People have been asking me a lot lately how to tell if I've been over training. For me, there are a few big standouts.
I woke up Sunday and debated doing the run, but I figured it'd give me the best simulation I've had so far of being tired. I did my 9 miles at a 7:53 pace, but it was rough. My legs were tired, and felt worse when I stopped.
Tuesday, my right ankle started bothering me. I tweaked it last week on a ride and decided to take some time off. I'm going to focus on swimming and see how running/biking goes the next two days. With my goal of Chesapeakman, I'm really backing off at the first signs of an injury, something I've never done before.
- Overuse injury - any kind of tendonitis, etc
- I wake up and do not want to do the workout
- I have no motivation to do workouts PERIOD
I woke up Sunday and debated doing the run, but I figured it'd give me the best simulation I've had so far of being tired. I did my 9 miles at a 7:53 pace, but it was rough. My legs were tired, and felt worse when I stopped.
Tuesday, my right ankle started bothering me. I tweaked it last week on a ride and decided to take some time off. I'm going to focus on swimming and see how running/biking goes the next two days. With my goal of Chesapeakman, I'm really backing off at the first signs of an injury, something I've never done before.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Race Schedule
I've got my race schedule set for the year. With Chesapeakeman being my main race, I'm not doing too many races this year. Below is how my schedule looks. I'll do a few road races and tri's. In May and July, I'll do long training sessions on my own to simulate races (oly/half). I've got a house booked for Chesapeakeman, and training is going great!
April 10 - Hempfield sprint
April 30 - 5k
June 5 - Pinchot Sprint
June 26 - Morgantown 70.3
August - ?? road race
September 24 - Chesapeakeman
April 10 - Hempfield sprint
April 30 - 5k
June 5 - Pinchot Sprint
June 26 - Morgantown 70.3
August - ?? road race
September 24 - Chesapeakeman
Sunday, March 13, 2011
CP (FTP) test and first race of the season
Friday I did another CP (FTP) test, following the computrainer PIG program. I did 20 minutes, but went out too hard at the start. Finished 7.5% higher than my last test, but it was rough. Great to see progress though. The next 10 weeks are going to be brutal, but will lay a great foundation.
Lauren and I went to Scranton for the St. Patrick's day parade. We both did the 2 mile fun run before hand. The weather was cool, but nice. I didn't bring shorts, so I ran in baggy pants...almost a huge mistake. Lauren finished around 20:30 and felt great. I came in at 11:15, but my lungs were killing me. I have done 0 speedwork, so it was tough. My legs felt great though, hoping I have the foundation to break 18 at the race against racism.
I'm happy with how the first race went. I won my AG, and placed around 6th or 7th overall. The top guys were college students (and one high schooler) on the cross country team, so not too shabby for a triathlete.
On a side note, I broke and fixed my treadmill. Learning a lot about how they work, but so far I've replaced the deck ($30 fix), the power switch/breaker ($40 with shipping). This time, the belt on the motor got loose, so it was slipping. After reading up online, I found some instructions and made the adjustment late Thursday night.
Lauren and I went to Scranton for the St. Patrick's day parade. We both did the 2 mile fun run before hand. The weather was cool, but nice. I didn't bring shorts, so I ran in baggy pants...almost a huge mistake. Lauren finished around 20:30 and felt great. I came in at 11:15, but my lungs were killing me. I have done 0 speedwork, so it was tough. My legs felt great though, hoping I have the foundation to break 18 at the race against racism.
I'm happy with how the first race went. I won my AG, and placed around 6th or 7th overall. The top guys were college students (and one high schooler) on the cross country team, so not too shabby for a triathlete.
On a side note, I broke and fixed my treadmill. Learning a lot about how they work, but so far I've replaced the deck ($30 fix), the power switch/breaker ($40 with shipping). This time, the belt on the motor got loose, so it was slipping. After reading up online, I found some instructions and made the adjustment late Thursday night.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
▲,▲,▼,▼,◄,►,◄,►,(B),(A),[Start]
I still remember learning the Konami code for Contra...I was in first grade and loved my nintendo. I was told I was obessed with it, but hey, I'm a computer programmer now so it must have all worked out.
Well, what does Konami have to do with triathlon? Kiwami Konami is an amazing long distance triathlon suit. Kiwami's Amphibian suit was worn as a speedsuit during Kona last year, but this is their ITU style suit...it's not an official speedsuit.
I'm psyched to be racing in a Kiwami Konami for 2011...and most likely 2012 as gear lasts me a few seasons. The suit has two back pockets, perfect for long rides, and built in gel pockets. I may take a trick from Jordan Rapp and stash salt tabs in those pockets on the run.
Definitely check out Konami suits. I think the Amphibian is an amazing short course suit, with the Konami covering the rest. Some pro's even race the Amphibian for 70.3 and longer distances.
Well, what does Konami have to do with triathlon? Kiwami Konami is an amazing long distance triathlon suit. Kiwami's Amphibian suit was worn as a speedsuit during Kona last year, but this is their ITU style suit...it's not an official speedsuit.
I'm psyched to be racing in a Kiwami Konami for 2011...and most likely 2012 as gear lasts me a few seasons. The suit has two back pockets, perfect for long rides, and built in gel pockets. I may take a trick from Jordan Rapp and stash salt tabs in those pockets on the run.
Definitely check out Konami suits. I think the Amphibian is an amazing short course suit, with the Konami covering the rest. Some pro's even race the Amphibian for 70.3 and longer distances.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Training, gear, etc
I've hit a plateu in my bike training. I'm waiting for the weather to get better so I can get some rides outside. Looking to do a 3 hr bike ride Saturday on the computrainer. Not going for speed, just to get the distance in. I'm really happy with my running though.
I'm hoping my swimming takes off this year, with big help with my new Xterra Vortex 3 wetsuit. I'm proud to be a part of Xterra for 2011. There is a poll on slowtwitch.com now asking "what your next wetsuit will be". It's no surprise Xterra is #1 right now. Their suits are top notch, and priced more competitive than others.
There is a big debate on slowtwitch about sponsorship. The pro's want more money, some "c" level athletes ask for the whole world, and a lot of triathletes are saying "I don't care who/what a pro uses". I think too many companies waste money on pro's. I don't buy something b/c Chris Lieto or Andy Potts uses it. The reason I was interested in Xterra was my dad purchased a vortex 3 himself and loved it.
Xterra shows amazing grass roots support. They sponsor the average joe, along with Triathlon clubs. Too many companies are overlooking this demographic, which is MUCH larger then what they target now.
I'm hoping my swimming takes off this year, with big help with my new Xterra Vortex 3 wetsuit. I'm proud to be a part of Xterra for 2011. There is a poll on slowtwitch.com now asking "what your next wetsuit will be". It's no surprise Xterra is #1 right now. Their suits are top notch, and priced more competitive than others.
There is a big debate on slowtwitch about sponsorship. The pro's want more money, some "c" level athletes ask for the whole world, and a lot of triathletes are saying "I don't care who/what a pro uses". I think too many companies waste money on pro's. I don't buy something b/c Chris Lieto or Andy Potts uses it. The reason I was interested in Xterra was my dad purchased a vortex 3 himself and loved it.
Xterra shows amazing grass roots support. They sponsor the average joe, along with Triathlon clubs. Too many companies are overlooking this demographic, which is MUCH larger then what they target now.
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