Any cyclists or triathletes in here

[OldGuysRule]

All of that in one day? That's insane man. Someday I'll get there, but no this week.

I'm off the two weeks around Christmas so I tend to do a lot.

Typical week is 12-18 hours and peaks are 22-25 hours a week stair stepped. So it will look like 12,13,14,15,13,14,15,16,13,15,16,17... peaking at 22-25 hours.

Stress, recover, more stress, recover, more stress recover...

All part of a larger plan to do some epic races in my 50th year (I'm 47 now.)

[AnthonyS]

I'm off the two weeks around Christmas so I tend to do a lot.

Typical week is 12-18 hours and peaks are 22-25 hours a week stair stepped. So it will look like 12,13,14,15,13,14,15,16,13,15,16,17... peaking at 22-25 hours.

Stress, recover, more stress, recover, more stress recover...

All part of a larger plan to do some epic races in my 50th year (I'm 47 now.)

If you need some assistance holler. No way I can do that sort of training volume or any epic races.

My big races this year will be two Olympics, but it's my 2nd year . I'm shooting for 5 to 8 hours a week with work, kids, etc.

[Strychnine]

Figured I'd check back in here. My down time is over. I took a break from riding [involuntarily] almost all of September thru December b/c of work.

I'm starting my 2011 odometer today.




Eric, do you have Kona dreams or are these "epic races" more akin to Ultraman type stuff?

[OldGuysRule]

Eric, do you have Kona dreams or are these "epic races" more akin to Ultraman type stuff?

No real Kona dreams. If it happens it happens. I won't try to lottery into it but if I string together a good season, great. My issue right now is consistent training time. Between two club playing daughters and my company there always seems to be a 3 month stretch every year that just screws up training.

It's tough to build up wattage up on the bike required to compete at the national level when there are 10 volleyball tournaments between January and April (all weekend things) and you are on the road 2-3 days a week with the company. Same with swimming.

Running I can keep up with and at this juncture in my life I consider myself much more of a runner than when I was single.

(lol! Sounds like I'm making up a lot of excuses now! Maybe I need to re-evaluate!)

So I've been gearing the last few years more towards ultramarathoning and my long term goal is to run the http://www.texasindependencerelay.com/ solo. 2012 or 2013? Hopefully one of those years.

I will say if I can get my 40K road bike time trial back under 1 hour and more in the 55-56 minute range I might consider getting back to competitive triathlon and a possible run at Kona.

[ShawnQ]

Any recommendations for a 'iron pumper' who is trying to make the switch to a more cardio based lifestyle?

I've always been strong, and had no trouble putting on mass and keeping it. I've never been too lean though, and that's probably because I hated cardio.

In 2009, I enlisted and went through boot camp barely passing my 1.5mi run. I have since cut it down from 12:20 to under 8min. I still slow down a good bit after the first 2mi, but I keep running. Before, I would've died, lol

I have also started swimming. At boot camp, a 100m swim in 5min was required. I passed it, but struggled because I knew NOTHING about swimming, form, etc. I can now do a 500 in around 8min, which is slow in competitive swimming standards...but it's an improvement. I'm also a beast with fins on because I've still got monster legs from heavy lifting.

I ran a few 5K's last fall, and would like to try a Triathlon this spring, summer.

As for cycling, I've got a Lemond Tourmalet...I put a few hundred miles on it last year (took a few months to get it shipped here). I plan to start riding it again once it warms up a bit. Ice and road bike tires don't mix! (I'm located in KY right now...not the 80* temps you guys have). Will this road bike get me through a Tri? What's the difference, just the bars?

Any pointers on how to get started in training? I can run/bike/swim all day long when I'm not at work or on duty...but it is nice to have a regimen to follow, it keeps me on track.

I appreciate the help.

Shawn
(Hopefully going to USCG Rescue Swimmer school late 2011...trying to get a head start on the stamina required to complete the hardest school in the Coast Guard)

[OldGuysRule]

Shawnq I'm going to busy busy today but I'll try to get back at you in the next day or so. But basically, look at this: http://www.trifind.net and select Texas on the left hand side and pick a sprint triathlon sometime around April or May.

Far enough out you can turn in a decent performance and close enough you won't lose motivation.

You can do a sprint on 4 hours a week of training for it.

[ShawnQ]

Shawnq I'm going to busy busy today but I'll try to get back at you in the next day or so. But basically, look at this: http://www.trifind.net and select Texas on the left hand side and pick a sprint triathlon sometime around April or May.

Far enough out you can turn in a decent performance and close enough you won't lose motivation.

You can do a sprint on 4 hours a week of training for it.

OldGuysRule,

Thanks for the info. I'll look into that side and see what I can get into. Unfortunately I'm stationed up here in KY now (Owensboro). I know Louisville has IMKY, but there's no way I'll be ready for that kind of torture yet
I also wish I had the good ol' 70* winters in TX! These single digit temps are killer for someone who wants to run or ride. I can't stand treadmills or stationary bikes, so it will be tough.

Any advice as far as using my road-bike for a tri? I really don't want to make a huge monetary investment. I can give my time, but I'd like to keep the spending as low as possible. I've got a Lemond Tourmalet, nothing fancy but it works.

I'm not out to beat records or win these things...just want to increase my stamina for the job I'm training for.

Thanks for the info.

Shawn

[AnthonyS]

You can definitely do your first triathlons on a road bike. Most people do. I've even seen a few hybrids on race day.

I just got my first tri bike, and my next tri will be my 5th. Make sure you like it and are going to do it often before you buy a dedicated bike for it.

Hours in the saddle will help more than buying a new bike anyway. Just ride!

[chuckacosta]

I've been riding consistenly since May 2010. I started out with a used mountain bike that my BIL lent me. That basically kick started my cycling lifestyle. In September I bought my very own. I ride a mountain bike. Since I started, I am blown away by how much stronger I am. How I am able to stay on the saddle longer. How much weight I have lost. And just how much stamina I have. Last night I did a 15 mile ride mixing mountain trails and road as well. It was freaking cold and I wanted to quit a few times when the winds would whip up. But I refused!!

With all that said, in the new year I am going to look into entering into some amateur events. I want to test myself more and see how much I can take. I know that there are many events in this area. This is going to be the year I reach my weight loss goal and maintain the healthy lifestyle that I have been dreaming about for SO LONG!! Good luck to all you! May you all reach your goals as well!

One thing I always say is....KEEP RIDING!!

[OldGuysRule]

I've been riding consistenly since May 2010. I started out with a used mountain bike that my BIL lent me. That basically kick started my cycling lifestyle. In September I bought my very own. I ride a mountain bike. Since I started, I am blown away by how much stronger I am. How I am able to stay on the saddle longer. How much weight I have lost. And just how much stamina I have. Last night I did a 15 mile ride mixing mountain trails and road as well. It was freaking cold and I wanted to quit a few times when the winds would whip up. But I refused!!

With all that said, in the new year I am going to look into entering into some amateur events. I want to test myself more and see how much I can take. I know that there are many events in this area. This is going to be the year I reach my weight loss goal and maintain the healthy lifestyle that I have been dreaming about for SO LONG!! Good luck to all you! May you all reach your goals as well!

One thing I always say is....KEEP RIDING!!

Good stuff, Chuck. Yes, DORBA holds a lot of events as well as TMBRA. Good luck.

[chuckacosta]

Good stuff, Chuck. Yes, DORBA holds a lot of events as well as TMBRA. Good luck.

Mind you that I'm in El Paso. Not sure if it's the same sanctioning bodies here.

[motoman]

Anyone have recommendations on some of the "off" brands of road bikes out there? I've been looking at getting another road bike but I don't want to shell out the money just for a name like Specialized, Trek, LeMond, etc. Don't get me wrong, they make good stuff but I know that brands like Giant and Scatante have similar bikes built with practically the same components.

[OldGuysRule]

Mind you that I'm in El Paso. Not sure if it's the same sanctioning bodies here.

TMBRA is Texas. DORBA is local.

TMBRA is at: http://www.tmbra.org

I think Borderland Mountain Bike Association is local to you. I've rode Franklin Mountain State Park before. Fun stuff.

[chuckacosta]

TMBRA is Texas. DORBA is local.

TMBRA is at: http://www.tmbra.org

I think Borderland Mountain Bike Association is local to you. I've rode Franklin Mountain State Park before. Fun stuff.

Thanks man!!

I've been wanting to ride that park pretty badly. But my bike is in desperate need of a tune up. I will do that before I ride those trails!

[Beej]

Anyone have recommendations on some of the "off" brands of road bikes out there? I've been looking at getting another road bike but I don't want to shell out the money just for a name like Specialized, Trek, LeMond, etc. Don't get me wrong, they make good stuff but I know that brands like Giant and Scatante have similar bikes built with practically the same components.

Well it all just depends.

What is your Budget. That really wil help get it in what you can afford.

You will be surprised what you can get. There are still lots of 2010 models for sale at all the shops.

The good thing about name brand bikes that are supported by local shops is warranties. If you buy a bike from the internet, or from a place like bikesdirect.com you are stuck if you ever have problems with it.

That is just my advice.