| Author |
Topic: Newbie Question Amnesty |
purple hayes
Cool Runner |
 posted Apr-30-2007 12:08 PM
   
quote:
Originally posted by Kymber:
How often do you ache after you train? Are most days pain free or are you always in a state of discomfort trying to get up to the next level?
a) Frequently or very frequently b) I'm pretty uncomfortable most days Taking up ping-pong as a hobby sounds better every day.
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pichburg
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-30-2007 12:09 PM
Why does building up endurance in swimming take so much longer than running or biking? I'm finally forcing myself to use freestyle Vs breast stroke and I'm getting very discouraged. My breating svcks!
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LookiLoo
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-30-2007 12:20 PM
OK, I'll bite...I've never actually posted in this forum as there are so many great posts that already answer most of my newbie questions...Anyway, I am also toying with the idea of a tri - I have been a runner for several years, swim laps fairly regularly, but the bike thing... I used to ride very casually and only now have started a bit more seriously - mainly as I have suffered from some injuries over the last few years that have forced me into more crosstraining activities. For the most part, I really am enjoying the biking except for the fear of traffic! I stick to some very local routes (and it's getting boring!) as I live in a fairly high traffic area, although I see several other people/groups out braving the roads. Did you all just learn to suck it up and get out there, or did you actually go through the effort of some sort of bike safety course? I realize I could be 100% safe on my end and still have some idiot on the cellphone, putting on lipstick, etc. wipe me out instantly, but I'm just wondering how you all deal with this? I have incredible respect for the person on their bike during morning/afternoon commute - pretty brave in that traffic! Perhaps this wouldn't have bothered me as much 10 years ago, but I have a 4 year old that I would like to make it home to after each ride 
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jkv135
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-30-2007 12:30 PM
Let me re-phrase the question (thanks 4boys for helping me clarify)How do I train my kids for a 1k fun run? Sheldon? Anyone? They run A LOT. 2 boys. Run all day. Don't walk anywhere unless they are sick. I am hoping to get them hooked on the healthy fitness type stuff, vs. TV and couch potato lifestyle. They are at my races all the time, and they want to do it (it is at the zoo). I have almost a month. Do they make decent kids running shoes? I am guessing the spiderman tennies won't cut it.....
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TriBob
Moderator of Multisport Training |
posted Apr-30-2007 12:33 PM
quote:
Originally posted by LookiLoo:
OK, I'll bite...I've never actually posted in this forum as there are so many great posts that already answer most of my newbie questions...Anyway, I am also toying with the idea of a tri - I have been a runner for several years, swim laps fairly regularly, but the bike thing...... Perhaps this wouldn't have bothered me as much 10 years ago, but I have a 4 year old that I would like to make it home to after each ride
Look up local bike clubs. Group riding is safer and they will teach you all the nuances of road riding. For starters, read up here:
http://www.kenkifer.com/bikepages/traffic/index.htm
http://www.kenkifer.com/bikepages/skills/index.htm ------------------
Takes Q's, Kicks A's
CR Map
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hobey
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-30-2007 12:35 PM
Janine - No training needed for the kiddos. Just let them run. My DS (3) ran a 1K fun run in March and his "training" consisted of running around playing in the backyard and following DH on the track when DH was doing intervals in between playing on the bleachers and in the long jump pit. He finished his race in about 15-20 minutes but had a blast doing it. Wore velcro Adidas sneakers and somce C9 kid's gear from Target.
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TriBob
Moderator of Multisport Training |
posted Apr-30-2007 12:36 PM
quote:
Originally posted by jkv135:
Let me re-phrase the question (thanks 4boys for helping me clarify)How do I train my kids for a 1k fun run? Sheldon? Anyone? They run A LOT. 2 boys. Run all day. Don't walk anywhere unless they are sick. I am hoping to get them hooked on the healthy fitness type stuff, vs. TV and couch potato lifestyle. They are at my races all the time, and they want to do it (it is at the zoo). I have almost a month. Do they make decent kids running shoes? I am guessing the spiderman tennies won't cut it.....
Take them to a track so they know what the distance will be like (just over 2 laps). This will help them pace and not burn out half way through. ------------------
Takes Q's, Kicks A's
CR Map
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purple hayes
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-30-2007 12:37 PM
quote:
Originally posted by LookiLoo:
but I'm just wondering how you all deal with this? I have incredible respect for the person on their bike during morning/afternoon commute - pretty brave in that traffic!
http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/nrd-30/NCSA/TSF2004/809912.pdf Statistics show that cycling isn't any more dangerous than riding in a car as far as fatalities go. and... http://www.kenkifer.com/bikepages/health/risks.htm
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jkv135
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-30-2007 12:40 PM
Thanks Hobey, Thats what I hoped to hear. I don't care how long it takes to finish and figure DH or I will be with the younger guy for the race, even if it is from the side lines. I just want them to have fun, and maybe spark the 'athlete' in them at an earlier age than it hit me (37)!
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jkv135
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-30-2007 12:42 PM
Bob,They run the track in the fieldhouse here at school every rainy day (playground on sunny days). Forgot they did that, They should be fine!
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melonella
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-30-2007 12:44 PM
quote:
Originally posted by pichburg:
Why does building up endurance in swimming take so much longer than running or biking?
Water is highly resistive compared to air, so it's one of those things where you just get minimal benefit out of working harder. Focus on the technique required to reduce resistance and you'll make more progress. I liken it to those chinese finger traps....the harder you work, the less likely you are to actually get anywhere.
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4boysmom
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-30-2007 12:55 PM
jkv--training kids... In January my guys did a 2K. I took 'em to the track and had 'em do 5 laps. First it was walk/run, but gradually they got to all run. For the most recent 1miler (which turned out to be a .8), the kids decided that they prefered running around the lake, which has a 1.2m crushed limestone path. 14yo was training for a 4miler, so he would do 2-3 laps. The 12 and 10yo pretty much ran together. The 8yo and I would run together. Mostly it was walk/run. Run to such-and-such tree, then walk until the bench, etc. Frequently we would run holding hands. I was concerned how he would race solo... But, race day he did just fine!As far as shoes. The younger ones are still running in basic everyday tennis shoes. When they show a bit more interest, we'll invest in 'real' running shoes. 14yo is now wearing 'real' running shoes. He used his gift certificate from winning his last race towards shoes. Best part of that is the store always gives students a 10% discount AND they were giving away track shoes with the purchase of running shoes. Since he's not running track, they cut the price by another $20 or so!
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HarryLime
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-30-2007 12:58 PM
I've been waiting for a thread like this for a while. My first tri will likely be in August and my first duathlon will probably be in June so I have several questions regarding both. Thanks in advance. Tri Questions (my first tri will be the MidAugust Meltdown Sprint in Effingham, IL) (1) If I wear regular swim trunks during the swim, am I supposed to wear them on the bike ride and run in them? If not, where do I change into biking/running shorts? Also, these tri shorts everyone talks about - can you do all three sports wearing these? (2) Does anyone take in food (like Gu or powerbar) during a sprint or is it just to short to warrant eating? (3) If your a newbie who's quite mediocre at swimming, at the start, should you wait until everyone else goes in so as not to get kicked around and constantly be passed? (4) Assuming the water's not too choppy (i.e. swimming in a small lake), will my swimming time be faster or slower than swimming in the pool? (5) Hopefully I won't, but if I need to take a break during the swim do I just move off to the side and tread water or should I find a buoy and hold onto it? (6) Has anyone ever gotten their goggles knocked off and lost a contact, and if so, what'd you do? (Really nerdy question I know) (7) Do people do their own practice tri before a race by swimming at the pool, then hopping on your bike, then running or should I just do bricks to get me ready? Duathlon Questions (my first du will be the MetLife Duathlon in suburban IL w/ a 2-11-2 format) (1) What's a good strategy to use for a du, take the first run hard but not all-out? Take both runs hard and use the bike to recover in between? Or just try to take all three parts as hard as possible? (2) How much slower does your running pace get for the second run as compared to the first run? For example, if I can run the first two miles comfortably hard in 16:00 min, and I take the bike relatively hard but not all-out, what will the time for the second two miles look like? (3) Do you just wear biking shorts (spandex) for all three parts? (4) How many bricks should I do before the race and when should my last one be (e.g. a week before the race)? General Bike Questions (1) Should I be lubbing up my chain every time before I ride? (2) Should I be pumping up my tires every time before I ride? (3) Is there a different type of bike pump for road bikes w/ the thin metal valves? (I would assume so b/c the bike pump I use for my mountain bike didn't exactly work on my road bike.) Sorry for all the (potentially idiotic) questions. Thanks so much for any help. This website has been really awesome in both answering a lot of my questions regarding tris/dus/training and just getting me pumped up in general for the sport. My Profile
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Kymber
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-30-2007 01:08 PM
quote:
Originally posted by purple hayes:
a) Frequently or very frequentlyb) I'm pretty uncomfortable most days
.
That makes me feel a lot better. Good lord my body aches almost constantly. We newbies need you maschocists to complain more 
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TriBob
Moderator of Multisport Training |
posted Apr-30-2007 01:09 PM
quote:
Originally posted by HarryLime:
I've been waiting for a thread like this for a while. My first tri will likely be in August and my first duathlon will probably be in June so I have several questions regarding both. Thanks in advance. Tri Questions (my first tri will be the MidAugust Meltdown Sprint in Effingham, IL) (1) If I wear regular swim trunks during the swim, am I supposed to wear them on the bike ride and run in them? If not, where do I change into biking/running shorts? Also, these tri shorts everyone talks about - can you do all three sports wearing these? swim short not good for cycling. Trishorts are for the whole race. (2) Does anyone take in food (like Gu or powerbar) during a sprint or is it just to short to warrant eating? No solids. Water/sports drink on the bike if you like. (3) If your a newbie who's quite mediocre at swimming, at the start, should you wait until everyone else goes in so as not to get kicked around and constantly be passed? yes, start in the back (4) Assuming the water's not too choppy (i.e. swimming in a small lake), will my swimming time be faster or slower than swimming in the pool? about the same if you swim straight. (5) Hopefully I won't, but if I need to take a break during the swim do I just move off to the side and tread water or should I find a buoy and hold onto it? either is fine. You can us anything for forward movement. Treading is best. (6) Has anyone ever gotten their goggles knocked off and lost a contact, and if so, what'd you do? (Really nerdy question I know) No. keep going. I lost when during a karate test. That is a hard test with no depth perception. But, I passed. (7) Do people do their own practice tri before a race by swimming at the pool, then hopping on your bike, then running or should I just do bricks to get me ready? One tri on you own will give a big confidence boost. Bricks are the staple though. Duathlon Questions (my first du will be the MetLife Duathlon in suburban IL w/ a 2-11-2 format) (1) What's a good strategy to use for a du, take the first run hard but not all-out? Take both runs hard and use the bike to recover in between? Or just try to take all three parts as hard as possible? Pace yourself by the total time it will take you. Probably a half marathon pace. If you have anything left, leave it on the second run. (2) How much slower does your running pace get for the second run as compared to the first run? For example, if I can run the first two miles comfortably hard in 16:00 min, and I take the bike relatively hard but not all-out, what will the time for the second two miles look like? If you have good pacing, they will be pretty close. See #1. (3) Do you just wear biking shorts (spandex) for all three parts? Yes. (4) How many bricks should I do before the race and when should my last one be (e.g. a week before the race)? Once a week is fine. Start now, the more the better. They should be hard. Just 10-20 minute run to get used to switching sports. General Bike Questions (1) Should I be lubbing up my chain every time before I ride? No. Every 100 miles or once a month is good. If you get caught in the race or lots of dirt, clean and lube. (2) Should I be pumping up my tires every time before I ride? Yes. at least once a week. road tires loose pressure faster then MTB because of the higher pressure. (3) Is there a different type of bike pump for road bikes w/ the thin metal valves? (I would assume so b/c the bike pump I use for my mountain bike didn't exactly work on my road bike.) Yes, most pumps now have a dual valve and will work on both. Sorry for all the (potentially idiotic) questions. Thanks so much for any help. This website has been really awesome in both answering a lot of my questions regarding tris/dus/training and just getting me pumped up in general for the sport. My Profile
------------------
Takes Q's, Kicks A's
CR Map
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LookiLoo
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-30-2007 01:19 PM
quote:
Originally posted by TriBob:
Look up local bike clubs. Group riding is safer and they will teach you all the nuances of road riding. For starters, read up here:
http://www.kenkifer.com/bikepages/traffic/index.htm
http://www.kenkifer.com/bikepages/skills/index.htm
Thanks - these are great links. I think I am going to try for a local group to bike with - this is the only way I'm likely to get longer rides in until my fear subsides to a more manageable level
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pcsronbo
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-30-2007 01:20 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Kymber:
That makes me feel a lot better. Good lord my body aches almost constantly. We newbies need you maschocists to complain more
Some famous Tri Pro (Mark Allen?) said (in regards to racing) "It never hurts less, you just care less" But in training it should be proportional to the effort put forth in recent training. Weight lifting - 2 day delay sometimes.
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LeftRightRepeat
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-30-2007 01:26 PM
quote:
Originally posted by HarryLime:
If I wear regular swim trunks during the swim, am I supposed to wear them on the bike ride and run in them? If not, where do I change into biking/running shorts? Also, these tri shorts everyone talks about - can you do all three sports wearing these?
I survived my first (and only) sprint tri wearing swim shorts - actually, jammers - for the whole race. They look a lot like bike shorts - but don't have a pad. Not an issue on a short bike ride. If you're swimming in something like those and don't want to invest yet, you'd be fine.
------------------
->>> John <<<-
Go write something in the Newbie Wiki!!
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imfl03
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-30-2007 01:35 PM
quote:
Originally posted by jkv135:
Let me re-phrase the question (thanks 4boys for helping me clarify)How do I train my kids for a 1k fun run? Sheldon? Anyone? They run A LOT. 2 boys. Run all day. Don't walk anywhere unless they are sick. I am hoping to get them hooked on the healthy fitness type stuff, vs. TV and couch potato lifestyle. They are at my races all the time, and they want to do it (it is at the zoo). I have almost a month. Do they make decent kids running shoes? I am guessing the spiderman tennies won't cut it.....
The one thing they pounded into our heads at school was kids are different than adults. Don't train them for running, they are way to fragile. Bob had a good idea, let them run around the track so they have an idea how far they have to go, but serious training is not a great idea. IMO! It takes a coach with special education and certifications to train children. S
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nepbug
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-30-2007 01:38 PM
quote:
Originally posted by LookiLoo:
OK, I'll bite...I've never actually posted in this forum as there are so many great posts that already answer most of my newbie questions...Anyway, I am also toying with the idea of a tri - I have been a runner for several years, swim laps fairly regularly, but the bike thing... I used to ride very casually and only now have started a bit more seriously - mainly as I have suffered from some injuries over the last few years that have forced me into more crosstraining activities. For the most part, I really am enjoying the biking except for the fear of traffic! I stick to some very local routes (and it's getting boring!) as I live in a fairly high traffic area, although I see several other people/groups out braving the roads. Did you all just learn to suck it up and get out there, or did you actually go through the effort of some sort of bike safety course? I realize I could be 100% safe on my end and still have some idiot on the cellphone, putting on lipstick, etc. wipe me out instantly, but I'm just wondering how you all deal with this? I have incredible respect for the person on their bike during morning/afternoon commute - pretty brave in that traffic! Perhaps this wouldn't have bothered me as much 10 years ago, but I have a 4 year old that I would like to make it home to after each ride
Ok, the suggestion for group rides is good, but it's very unlikely that you'll find them the 3-5 (assumption) times a week you're cycling; they'll probably just be a weekend thing. Being a regular commuter I do my best to stay off roads and stay on trails. It sounds like you don't have the kind of trail system that I do though so I just suggest alternate routes. Take less car-ideal roads and anything with a generous shoulder. Make yourself visible, if you're riding in the dawn/dusk hours blinky lights are good, at least 2 if not more. Lastly, when you approach intersections with turn lanes get out into the turn lane and "ride large" so that cars won't pass you on the left and then cut in front of you.
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Diesel88
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-30-2007 01:44 PM
Besides the review of the course, is there any advantages to arriving 2-3 days before your event?
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jkv135
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-30-2007 01:47 PM
Thanks CS,I didn't want to 'train' them, I think they will be fine. We will go to the track a couple of times and get 'em used to the distance. I just wanted to make sure I was not setting them up for a miserable experience. Heck, for $8 a kid, if they DNF I don't care. It is a start.
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Dougie Fresh
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-30-2007 01:51 PM
1) Why am I so slow?2) What kind of chainring/cassette combo should I look for so that I can go downhill faster (not "pedal out" at 25mph) but still be able to climb hills well? NH is hilly. Do I want a compact setup? 3) I have two babies. Where did they come from? 4) Why is the sky never blue but kinda white/gray and rainy?
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mbannon
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-30-2007 01:51 PM
quote:
Lastly, when you approach intersections with turn lanes get out into the turn lane and "ride large" so that cars won't pass you on the left and then cut in front of you.
That's a big part of bike safety, and one that many new cyclists mess up. There are times when it is safer to ride right down the center of the lane than to be off to the side.- If you need to turn left, get out in the road (or the turn lane if there is one) so no one can zip to the left of you just as you start your turn. And SIGNAL!! - If there are parked cars along the right side of the road, ride far enough away to avoid a door suddenly swinging open. - If you're going straight and passing cars on the right (slow traffic or a stop ahead, for example), watch out for drivers suddenly turning right and cutting you off. Not much you can do here other than to stay on your brakes and be ready to use them. - Be assertive. I don't mean stupid or reckless, just remember that your safety is Priority #1 and you have just as much right to use the road as the drivers. If you need use the car lane for safety, use it. ------------------
Running To My Future
Me and My Log
The Newbie Wiki [This message has been edited by mbannon (edited Apr-30-2007).]
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cocarrie
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-30-2007 01:59 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Dougie Fresh:
Why is the sky never blue but kinda white/gray and rainy?
Cause you don't live in Colorado. (Sorry, couldn't resist... we have some amazing blue skies here!)
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