Uh OH, I am really feeling stupid now...I have Zipp "rims" not the full wheel just the rims, not an all carbon bike in fact it is a Specialist and everyone kind of looks down on it_ I have extra water because I drink 3-4 of them during a long ride (I seriously do). No heavy gear and no extra weight on my body, BUT sometimes I have to stand up to get up a hill, ughhhhhh Now what , well I used to have no trouble going on my aero bars but if I fall right now (meaning going back to my aero bars after 18 years) I will not only bleed to death (on coumidin) but probably break something (being treated for pretty severe osteoporosis) last scan said "high risk for fracture". Man I sound like a mess, BUT, it isn't always going to be like this, going off coumidin in two weeks (keeping fingers crossed that blood clot has disolved) and getting infusions for bone growth starting in two weeks.
SOOOO Just in case we all do meet someday soon (EN Cowgirl 2010) i don't want to feel like a TOTAL DORK, which now I sound like. But Marianne, I swear I love to read your posts and seriously LOL most everytime.!!!! You are a kick and there needs to be more people in the world like you and with your attitude. I SWEAR, I got in the pool today (lap pool) and was just kind of hating it and then said to myself "Marriane says to just tell yourself you love it and you are gliding like a swan and you are going to get better" or ST a long those lines, and finished the swim (about 50 mins) with satisfaction (did 40 miles on my indoor trainer yesterday) so getting the MOJO back....can I juse that acronym iif I am only training for a 70.3??? Again, don't want to be a poser Oh, and when can I add the EN Cowgirls 2010 to my sig?? It is so cute!!! Got my room booked and workin on my airfare, but don't want to be too eager of a beaverHave had a triple cappacino! my niece had a baby and we are going to the hospital and want to remain awake
I am the little train that goes "I think I can..I think I can...I think I can".
Donna, it takes me about 30 minutes to go from bed to run (and let's not talk about how long it takes me to from alarm clock going off to actually getting out of bed...). I don't eat before I run, I just cart calories with me on long runs. I am lucky to have a job that allows flex time, so during long distance training I arrange to shift my work day back by 30 or so minutes one day a week. Long run days are just one workout a day so I know that if I get home later than usual it's okay because there's not another workout waiting for me. My boss and I grew to referring to that day as "Long Run Thursdays". (Boss: "See you tomorrow!" Me: "Don't forget it's Long Run Thursday!") It was a useful and efficient way of meeting my needs and also managing my colleagues' expectations.
I also accept that on Long Run Thursdays I'm not doing my hair - it becomes a bun or a ponytail, so that shaves off about ten minutes. Can you cart makeup on your commute? Can you eat breakfast on your commute? Can you afford to buy a Starbucks one day a week to shave off a few at-home minutes?
I hear you on how hard it is to get up early day after day but it does get easier. Last year I had to switch to morning workouts in order to absorb the volume of training and pretty much thought I was going to die at first - it's one thing to pat yourself on the back for getting up at 4:30 a.m. on Tuesday but it's quite another to realize that you have to do it all over again on Wednesday. Give it a week or three - it will become habit in no time (it might not be easier to wake up, but 4:30 will eventually become the new normal).
Beth S. generously loaned me her Adamo to try. I set it up this evening and realized that my sit bones were not where I thought they were! I used the TTBikefit video as a guide and I think I've got it set up right. I find myself sinking into the groove in the middle of the saddle and the saddle feels like it is pressing on the bones by my inner thigh. Yeah? (I've basically spent the entire evening feeling myself up - where are those sit bones? So glad to live alone...so glad.) I'm tilting the saddle down quite a bit - Todd said too far was when I feel like I'm sliding off the saddle but I don't think I've hit that yet. Tomorrow morning's ride should be interesting!
Thanks for the tips, I think I have my long run Thursday figured out. Instead of trying to wake up, then go run, I'm going to get straight into my car, drive and drink my coffee, run at a park near my office, shower at the local Y, then go to work.
Easy peasy. DId I mention its going to be 80 today? I'm running in a singlet.
Wish I'd been able to get long run in this am! It's been high 50's and 60's here so I've been running in shorts since the weekend! Think I may have scared a few children and small forest animals with the stark whiteness of my legs :-) I need to take a pic of my car to answer what I do to get and keep ready to workout. I have a everything in there including a case of gatorade. Does take much planning and organization but once you figure it all out, you marvel at how simple it really is. I did on occasion last year, break my long runs into two (an am and a pm run) due to time constraints. With the economy and stress at work I didn't have the flexibility last year (or this year) with late arrivals or early departure stuff. I am always a bit envious of the guys having more freedom to work out at lunch. I simply can't get the work face/hair etc all put back together that quick! I do remember many a Thursday ponytail or updo!!! Some things that help me:
- I make a week's worth of eggs on the weekend- scrambled, omlet, fried, boiled etc and have bagels/muffins on hand at work so I can grab a quick bite when I get to office - Keep case of gatorade or G2 in car - Keep Horizon milks around at work/home etc for post workout recovery - organic and don't need to be refrigerated (not still sure how that works but...) - Smoothies!!! A whole meal in a glass and yummy!
Always open to more tricks! I've learn lots of great shortcuts from the chickas!!
Linda!!! oh you aren't a dork, "just heavily medicated"!!! you are a nut!! okay so when you got off C meds, you will hve to tell yourself" I can now fall off my bike now!!!"" ha ha. oh my goodness. okay now on races they will give you water so yeah on training rides you look like a pack mule with hydration stuffed everywhere, but on race day find out where those aid stations are normally about every 20 miles or so and you can plan accordngly cuz you woulda trained! Kitima is now good and can now ditch her extra weight as she climbs hills!! clever huh? okay on the standing up the hills, sure you can but in longer races it will cost you for the high effort, so spin up those babies! make sure you have enough gears to do it. sunny here and wamr and I am still outta it, so now moving "back into trng" next week!!! ha. grocery shopping and other reality here though so scooting off the computer, blog still not done so much to share! okay so they served hot dogs in the scrambled eggs!! and hot dogs on the pizza and ketchup with it! yep. the salt had me pruned up and oh spam for bfast too. but the meat is $$ so.. hey... and milk came in little cardboard boxes, like our $$ soups over here... and milk is $$, yep. and lots seemed to be eating chips for junk food, little bags with hardly any chips in them sold in the stores with sodas. just sayin'... but the lemon? pulled from a tree was as big as a huge orange!! and the carrot looked like Jack and the Beanstalk size!! and I felt tall over there too. big feet I felt like I had.
okay on cutting time on workouts, well I gotta get with it, but all good ideas!! I also eat on the fly too either in the car getting there or on the run. I can drink choc milk on the run outta those cardboard boxes just gotta throw it away somewhere,, esp in the WU stage low HR. not sure what you do for a living but can you cut down your lunch break?? to accomodate going into work later, or maybe not due to long commute, ouch. sounds rough that long in a car after long run. yep all you do is get to some hot water for shower and not fix your hair or have it dry in the long commute. now don't put on makeup in the car, I know tempting but wreck?? okay girls, y'all know I wear waterproof mascara and it makes it through a long run and a shower... so now if it were me? I would put on makeup at the best possible time and I can do it pretty fast too! then I would get dressed and pronto get on out there eating on the run.... and then stretch in the shower, put some clothes on and hop in the car to drive and eat in the car and have tennis ball in car to stretch out stuff. then if i needed to fix my hair, why I would carry in blow dryer or other.. into work bathroom and "fix" my hair if I had to. having had the long commute to let it air dry.. mine is long and takes forever with a blow dryer. now of course I don't work away from home, so take all of this with a grain of salt!!! lol but have had many run to next item workouts! keep the shampoo out of your eyes and you are good!!! smile.
Donna- let me get this strait, your too out of it to just go strait to running in the morning, but you can hope right in the car and drive!? Hmmmmm, that seems to explain a lot of what I see on the roads! HA HA HA! Kidding- sounds like you found a good work-a-round.
I must admit, I've gotten really lazy about all those time saving tips. Having the ability to come in from a run and power up the PC to get a little work done before hitting the shower has really gotten to be a bad habbit! I need to get better about waking up earlier and having some recovery time in my schedule before I go from workout to work.
Donna: Like Kris, I keep alot of training related things in my car. For nutrition: water, gatorade, trail mix, powerbars, gels, dried fruit. It's mostly for the drive home from a long ride/run so I don't bonk and/or come home and eat an entire jar of Nutella. For run stuff: extra hat, socks, trail shoes, headlamp. For the bike stuff: extra tubes, C02 cartridges...basically a bike repair kit (nothing sucks more of our precious time than having a bike mechanical problem and WAITING for someone to come fix it), chamois cream, an extra helmet, water bottles, toe covers, sunscreen, bug repellant. I keep all my training stuff in the car so that if I need to drive somewhere for a ride or run, all I have to do is put the bike and/or myself in the car. If I'm riding/running from home, I just get the stuff out of the car. Also, for time savers: I eat breakfast (a bagel) in the car on the way to work. If you're commuting 1 hour each way, consider getting an iPod and listening to all those EN podcasts while in the car. Also, I get CD's and podcasts of CME (continuing medical education) to listen to on my commute. As for home stuff: if you can afford it, hire a maid or cleaning service during Race Prep for an IM. The last thing I want to do after the Thurs long run, Sat and Sun long ride combo is scrub toilets. For me, the hardest part was just accepting that my house would not be immaculate, my yard = jungle, my desk full of papers during Race Prep. Once that mental piece was taken care of...AHHH! it was liberating!
Michele: How's your back? Mine got tweaky after the first few aero bike rides when I got back from vacation. Hope you're feeling better.
Marianne: You have indeed inspired me to get my vacation report done! Love your Guatemala pics and stories!!
Suzanne: I have an Adamo too...and yes, it was a bit shocking to put all of my weight (while in aero) on the bony parts of my inner thigh. Those are also part of the Sits bones (the Ischia), just not the part of the Sits bones that we typically sit on (the Ischial tuberosities) which are very well cushioned (especially in my case!) by our glutes. Hope your search for your Sits bones was productive!
Gals, I too have an aerohelmet. It is a hand-me-down from my DH. When I got it 3 years ago, I wanted to distinguish myself from other triathletes that wore aero-helmets because I felt that they seemed to take themselves too seriously. So I decorated my aerohelmet with stickers of tropical fish and Finding Nemo characters (I really like fish and wanted to be an ichthyologist, but that's another story). During my first race with that helmet, I unknowingly put it on backwards and rode with it that way for about 10 minutes before looking up and seeing the pointy end of it. Since then, I cannot take myself seriously at all with it on. I'm not recommending you all do the same, but if you ever feel self-conscious about it, picture me with my fish sticker aerohelmet on backwards.
OH KITMA - Do you have a pic of you riding out of T1 with the helmet on backwards??? Holy crap that would by hysterical! What a great way to keep from taking yourself too serious.
Kitima! LMAO. Oh my gosh, so funny. I must have missed the first message that started the whole aero helmet discussion - wear that thing with pride! I bought one last summer because I was getting really good and knew that this was a great way to increase my advantage a notch. I had a minor struggle over whether or not the helmet would "out" me as someone who can compete for the age group podium. In many ways I feel like a "sleeper" competitor. I've gradually upgraded to the fancy equipment over the years, but let's face it - I'm short, I'm not cut to the nines (stupid swimmer shoulders), and I don't engage in any of the posturing and posing that goes on before the race. I'm sure some people see me trotting with it beforehand and dismiss me as a gear head (especially because it matches my bike to a tee, which was by accident not design). But then I race a smart race, so :-b...
Basically, the people with aero helmets who are doofuses are the ones who got one because everyone else did and who feared that they weren't "real" triathletes because they didn't have one. The people who own them because they understand how they make you faster and who are generally really thoughtful and smart about their training (and EN membership automatically places you in the latter category) are just plain shrewd competitors. More power to them.
Okay, tried Adamo for this a.m.'s ride. Not bad! I have one pair of shorts that have a prominent seam along the bikini line and I think those need to be retired if I'm to use this saddle. Looking forward to breaking it in and seeing if we're meant to be...
Suzanne- I have 2 Adamos & been riding them for over 3 yrs. I am only able to wear tri shorts with the Adamo saddle. Shorts with thicker pads just aren't friendly. It does take a bit to get "used to" the saddle since it's so different from most. I love my "ugly" saddle!
OH GIRLS, YOU ARE HYSTERICAL, OK, WELL I AM GOING "OUTSIDE" IN MY AERO HELMET, IT IS JUST TO GORGEOUS TO SIT IN MY PAIN CAVE TODAY. WILL RIDE CAREFUL, GOING ON "SANTA ANA RIVER TRAIL", IT IS SAFE, OFF THE ROAD AND GOES ALL THE WAY PAST ANGEL STADIUM. HAVE MY ONE BOTTLE WITH STRAW THAT I LEAN OVER (NOT SURE WHAT IT IS CALLED BUT IT HAS A YELLOW SPONGE IN IT". THIS WAS AFTER MY GIRLFRIEND CAME AND BABYSAT MY LITTLE PUP AND USED IT TO SCRUB THE SINK (IN THE KITCHEN) AT LEAST NOT THE TOILET!! I LOVE ALL THE AERO STORIES. BETH, I USED TO HAVE A HORSE BUT IT SCARED ME, WAS ALWAYS DOING IT'S OWN THING (BIT ME A FEW TIMES TO!) , THANKS FOR THE "QUOTE" MARRIANE, THANKS FOR LETTING ME OFF THE HOOK SOME ON MY DORKISH STUFF! NEMO- THANKS FOR GETTING ME BACK ON THE MEDICAL PAGE, I GOT SOME AWESOME UPDATES AND LOVE SOME OF THOSE GUYS, WENT WAY OUT OF THERE WAY TO HELP, ONE OF THEM IS A ORTHO DOC!!!!! DON'T HAVE THEIR NAMES IN FRONT OF ME OR I WOULD PUT THEM IN RIGHT HERE. IMAGINE, GETTING "FREE" ADVICE FROM AN ORTHO SURGEON RIGHT HERE AT EN WHEN I CAN'T EVER GET A CLEAR ANSWER FROM MY OWN. BOUGHT THE "STICK" FROM THE UTUBE VIDEO TO START WORKING ON MY CALF (AM SURE YOU ARE DOING THE SAME THING) I HAVE NEVER RAN WITH NAKED ANYTHING (LOL) THAT I CAN REMEMBER ANYWAYS!! OK WILL LET YOU KNOW HOW THE "REAL RIDE" GOES WITH MY SNAZZY AERO HELMET AND ONE LESS WATER BOTTLE+)
Girls, gotta tell you that you all CRACKED ME UP today when I caught up on my forum reading! And, fyi, I am the proud owner of an Aero helmet, although I have yet to wear it! I'm afraid I will look like the ultimate poser, until I get out and do some rides on the roads so I know I can be legit! I do often wonder what the lurkers think when they read our thread...tell ya what though, it is WAY more fun than some of the guys' posts! Kitma, love all the supplies you keep in your car! If I went out to my car now and did an inventory, it would read like this: empty granola packets, empty water bottles, golf clubs, winter boots, extra running shoes, workout bag (Chicago Triathlon) complete with swim suits, extra socks, running tights, singlet, bike shorts, goggles, swim caps, deodorant, etc., XC ski poles, and I think a pair of bike shoes! Time to clean the car out and restock on food items...
I've been 'slacking' this week, due to piriformis/hip issues, and the siren song of my bed in the morning.. Did about 85% of the bike workout Tuesday (due to limited time), nothing Wed., and nothing today. I plan to swim Master's in the morning, and hit the workouts this weekend. I've been doing the 4:30 a.m. thing all winter and am burned out with it! Stick a fork in me, I'm DONE! I'm hoping I'm not compromising my fitness with these layoffs, but something has had to give, and getting up early and hitting it was it. Am waiting to hear from my bike mechanic as to when he has my new stem for Queen B. Aero isn't working for me just yet, so he had to order a higher stem, so I can be a little more upright. (in my Aero helmet! )
Marianne, haven't had time to read much on here lately, so I haven't checked out your trip blog, but can't wait!
DId I mention its going to be 80 today? I'm running in a singlet.
Oh, that's just so unfair! Dreary and rainy here all week, but at least it has warmed UP to the 40's. Hope you enjoyed the gorgeous weather!
Kit - thanks for asking about my back. It's doing really quite well. Been doing more biking than running, but both are going well. I'm doing about 50-75% of the workouts each week. it's also been nice to get back in the pool finally, which makes my back really happy. I just worked my friend who does bike fitting, and he altered my aero position and it's now SO much more comfortable. Looking forward to trying it out on the next ride. Should have been tonight, but now I have a really sore throat and just want to get some rest this evening. Take it easy in the aero position...and I hope your back AND knee get to 100% ASAP!
Barbara, I am right there with you. I hit the skids three weeks ago and have not recovered. My biking is slowly getting back up there but I backed way off on the running due to my ankle. Ran outdoors for 5 miles on Sunday at a moderate (8:55) pace (and oh man do I miss sun on my face - felt sooooo good) with absolutely no pain but the next morning my achilles was sore to the touch (ever so mildly sore, but sore nonetheless). So I'm off running completely for the time being. I thought I would be bummed to leave the OS but I can't wait to leave. I'm in denial that I'm still in - haven't checked in with the November group in over a week. Hee. Anyway, thanks for posting, it makes me feel better to know I'm not the only one petering out.
@ Linda H. I love that trail! I spent a few months living in Huntington Beach recently. I was so grateful to find that trail, could ride there from my place. Always felt good to see other 'tri geeks' out there too!
Still not looking forward to the drive across the country and now it may be in 2 cars again. The company I lined up 2 weeks ago to ship my car is giving me the run around. Dog had an impacted anal gland yesterday (man those vets are expensive!) he is back to his goofy self today. Trying to get in as many workouts as possible around work, packing as it will be at least 4 days of zero exercise for me. On a positive note I did get in a run at the dish and it was just awesome.
I missed Carly moving and to where? I heaer you on the piriformis I am still tired but got good sleep last night. funny on backwards aero helmet with fish stickers!!! very funny yes it has been warm and I have been working on my tan!! not sure if my swimsuit has shrunk or me gotten bigger !!!!!!! ha ha and all of you can groan with me on the swimsuit yearly annual dilemma!! anyways, it has been so nice here! not sure about today. so I haven't napped but laid outside and Rudy, my dog, lays underneath my lawn chair, all spread out or sometimes in the sun himself. I love it cuz when on my tummy I can reach down and pet him at the same time!! my daffs are in bloom or the ones he didn't dig up! and this is their first year so a bit sparse! but still pretty and our storm the other night washed away the mulch, I guess I could mulch today!! with my youngest two! that is a workout. TTFN
I'm with you Marianne, I missed the Carly is moving accross the country memo too! What's the scoop?
Suzanne & Barbara- you are not alone! I've been watching lots of folks hit a brick wall on this new 20 week OS dealio. The OS is freakin hard- it's sooooo easy to underestimate when you just look at the hours/week- and I think many folks are finding 20 strait weeks is just too much. I'm a little thankful that this injury derailed me and forced me to wait until Jan (really Feb) to start or I'd be in exactly the same place as you all.
My calf conntinues to behave on these little run/walk workouts. I'm crossing my fingers and starting to feel pretty hopeful that I'll at least be able to complete Eagleman- even if I'm run/walking the whole run in 8 min run/ 1 min walk intervals and averaging a 15:00 pace. Not pretty- but progress.
I had a wonderful evening last night "Ladies night out" with the local tri club gals. Only down side was that we found out upon arriving that one of the girls was in the hospital getting her appendix out! I'm hoping to sneak out of the office later today to visit her- what a bummer, surgery at this time of year when spring is finally here!!
Marianne, did you officially "steal" Rudy from your son? I see you called him "my" dog in your post!
So, I did my first outdoor ride of the season yesterday, which was also my first outdoor ride ever with the powermeter. What an eye-opener! It was also the first ride over 90 minutes since, oh, September, and the legs felt great for all 3 hours. Thank you, EN Outseason! The back and crotch were a different story....
We are supposed to have a gorgeous weekend - highs near 70, and sunny. We're going to the livestock show and rodeo tomorrow - bring on some fair food!
Well I wore the AERO helmet for the first time and finally after all these years WENT DOWN ON MY AERO BARS.yesterday!!! I have been so afraid of them, so afraid I would fall, so at first I just put my right arm down and then steered the other (left) arm kind of resting on the bars, then a few hundred yards later I scooted my left arm over and BAM I was down on my aero bars. So I had my new helmet and there I was in a true TRI position. It was really really windy, ended up doing about 32 miles but due to the wind my time was just ordinary. Mostly I feel that I have overcome the whole fear thing and feel it was a big accomplishment. I forgot to mention that the hat on backwards was the funniest thing I have heard in a long time and is TOTALLY something I could see myself doing! Carly, so great that you lived in my neck of the woods and know that trail, it is really a nice one, lots of friendly folks too!. I had to stop for a fuel intake and sure enough there were two tri guys that came by at separate times and both asked me if I was "OK". Still have to work on changing a flat as carrying $5.00 and my AAA card is all I have in my tool box right now (with a tube and CO2 cartridge I would have no idea how to use). So that is my next accomplishment! Michele, reading your air temp put me in place, that sounds really really cold to me! Nemo, really glad you are coming a long with your calf! Hope it continues to improve! Marianne, enjoy the sunshine and I too have yet to look at your pics. Are they on FB or in your "photo album" on EN? OK girls have a great weekend, DH and I are going to the desert again this weekend, thinking of putting an offer on a 2nd home out there, although it is 115 degrees in Mayish - Septish, there are lots of great months and an awesome place to ride. Kristen, I have a new power meter on my indoor training cycle (due to all the reasons I am not supposed to ride outside) and It IS has been a major wake-up, I thought I was a LOT stronger than I really am- I tell you this EN support is incredible, I posted on the medical forum and received a very detailed and thorough diagnostic "exam" and lots of great 'to do" advice.
What do girls "put down there" when after a few long ride "it" is so sore you can only tap it and dab it with toilet paper after pottying (not as bad as after child birth) but OMG? Super raw and sore.................. Well that is a mouthful!
Hey Linda! Two responses to your post: 1. I taught myself how to change a flat in front of my TV. Meaning, every once in a while I'd take off a wheel, sit on the couch in front of Must-See TV, and take the tire off and put it back on...take it off, put it back on...take it off, put it back on. There are a million little things that you forget about (e.g., not taking the tire all the way off, pumping up the tube a little when putting it back on, massaging the tube so you don't pinch it, etc.) until you practice ten times in a row. It's SO much better to practice in a no-stress environment than to have your first experience be on the side of the road by yourself. 2. I'm a big fan of Aquaphor before the ride - other people use a non-petroleum lube but I find that this absorbs too quickly (for me - this is as personal a preference as you get, right?). Applying a bit of lube pre-ride really cuts down on the rawness (as does a saddle adjustment sometimes). After the ride I often finish up with more Aquaphor or A&D ointment or even neosporin if I don't have the first two.!
Wow... I've been a member 3 months now and never noticed this thread... so glad I finally did!
I echo Suzanne's sentiments re: practicing changing a tire. When I got my first bike my then-beau made me do that... off and on, off and on while I sat on the living room floor. I felt ridiculous, but glad for it in retrospect. In fact, I should do it again - as I got 2 flats in my last race ... I was so pumped up on adrenaline, my hands were shaking and I had a hell of a time getting the tire back on. Then I did (with the help of a friend who stopped to give me a hand) and got a pinch flat. Oh... what a long race (but I did finish, eventually - with vultures spotted on the run and all - I think they were circling for me).
Knock on wood, I've not had long ride issues down south - except on a particularly bumpy ride (I think Suzanne and I both did it last year and became sterile as a result). But thanks for the tip, Suzuki... I'll check that stuff out.
@Suzanne - sorry to hear about your ankle... yikes! I knew you took off some time for your trip to Boston, I didn't know you were injured, Can't wait to catch up with you tonight... sending healing thoughts your way! (hmm... and I noticed you didn't share the color of your super-fast aero helmet...)
@ ;Linda - congrats for getting into aero! awesome, I know how you feel. The first time I took one hand off my bar to eat or get my water bottle I was celebrating! I'm still not comfortable riding either my road bike or my TT without hands... but that's a goal for this year - as is being able to get a bottle in and out of the dual holder that sits behind my seat (for now I use a dual chamber aqua cell or the cages on my frame)... baby steps!
Bag Balm - it comes in a green can, you can get it at Wal-mart, Walgreens. Its a super heavy duty vaseline - type product - stays on all day, makes 'things' slide. I never ride without it.
My other latest find is Zensah sports bras - unbelievable comfort!
Linda- congrats on getting into those aerobars. It is a little scary at first, but after some practice you'll be so comfy you'll forget all about it (well, until a big hill comes, I'm still a little squeemish about doing major descents in the aerobars).
I've never been a big luber- but I did have some back chaffing last year and found applying bodyglide to the chamois of my shorts helped quite a bit. I do shave the girlie bits however and have found that a cleanly shaved girl tends to be a happier girl.
Oh- and FWIW- I never wear my aerohelmet until my first race rehearsal! I remember in '08 I wore it and had the wheel cover on my bike for the big 112 mile ride and got swarmed by a pack of roadies. I felt like such a dork and was so relieved when they finally got out of site!
@ Linda H. so funny from HB I moved to Palm Desert, got there in Sept and it was 115 everyday for the first 2 weeks. I was melting!! I did ride my bike to work everyday though.
@ Nemo, Marianne and the rest Without giving my entire life story I am driving with my wife from San Jose, CA to Rochester, NY beginning tomorrow around 6AM. We have been in CA since August only problem is wife can't find a job and we are done living on one salary. So returning to the east coast. Where ironically so far she has a job and I don't... I did find someone to take one car for us for big $$$ but better than driving 2 cars. Will be glad to be safely on the east coast.
Wow- that's a huge move! Rochester vs San Jose weather is night and day!!! Will you guys be closer to family back on the east coast? Any chance you can make that trip across the country a little tour as well? So many places in the middle of the country I haven't seen!!
Comments
Uh OH, I am really feeling stupid now...I have Zipp "rims" not the full wheel just the rims, not an all carbon bike in fact it is a Specialist and everyone kind of looks down on it_
I have extra water because I drink 3-4 of them during a long ride (I seriously do). No heavy gear and no extra weight on my body, BUT sometimes I have to stand up to get up a hill, ughhhhhh Now what 
, well I used to have no trouble going on my aero bars but if I fall right now (meaning going back to my aero bars after 18 years) I will not only bleed to death (on coumidin) but probably break something (being treated for pretty severe osteoporosis) last scan said "high risk for fracture". Man I sound like a mess, BUT, it isn't always going to be like this, going off coumidin in two weeks (keeping fingers crossed that blood clot has disolved) and getting infusions for bone growth starting in two weeks.
SOOOO Just in case we all do meet someday soon (EN Cowgirl 2010) i don't want to feel like a TOTAL DORK, which now I sound like
. But Marianne, I swear I love to read your posts and seriously LOL most everytime.!!!! You are a kick and there needs to be more people in the world like you and with your attitude. I SWEAR, I got in the pool today (lap pool) and was just kind of hating it and then said to myself "Marriane says to just tell yourself you love it and you are gliding like a swan and you are going to get better" or ST a long those lines, and finished the swim (about 50 mins) with satisfaction (did 40 miles on my indoor trainer yesterday) so getting the MOJO back....can I juse that acronym iif I am only training for a 70.3??? Again, don't want to be a poser Oh
, and when can I add the EN Cowgirls 2010 to my sig?? It is so cute!!! Got my room booked and workin on my airfare, but don't want to be too eager of a beaver
Have had a triple cappacino! my niece had a baby and we are going to the hospital and want to remain awake
I am the little train that goes "I think I can..I think I can...I think I can".
I also accept that on Long Run Thursdays I'm not doing my hair - it becomes a bun or a ponytail, so that shaves off about ten minutes. Can you cart makeup on your commute? Can you eat breakfast on your commute? Can you afford to buy a Starbucks one day a week to shave off a few at-home minutes?
I hear you on how hard it is to get up early day after day but it does get easier. Last year I had to switch to morning workouts in order to absorb the volume of training and pretty much thought I was going to die at first - it's one thing to pat yourself on the back for getting up at 4:30 a.m. on Tuesday but it's quite another to realize that you have to do it all over again on Wednesday. Give it a week or three - it will become habit in no time (it might not be easier to wake up, but 4:30 will eventually become the new normal).
Beth S. generously loaned me her Adamo to try. I set it up this evening and realized that my sit bones were not where I thought they were! I used the TTBikefit video as a guide and I think I've got it set up right. I find myself sinking into the groove in the middle of the saddle and the saddle feels like it is pressing on the bones by my inner thigh. Yeah? (I've basically spent the entire evening feeling myself up - where are those sit bones? So glad to live alone...so glad.) I'm tilting the saddle down quite a bit - Todd said too far was when I feel like I'm sliding off the saddle but I don't think I've hit that yet. Tomorrow morning's ride should be interesting!
LMAO at the thought of what the look on all the Lurkers faces must look like right now!!!
@ Suzanne- Waaaayyyy too funny!!!
I can only imagine how finding your sits bones went for ya! I hope after all that digging you found them!
Thanks for the laugh anyway, needed it.
Suzanne - That's the best story I've heard all week!
Nemo - I will send you Robin's saddles.
Robin - I will send you Gina's saddles.
Should I start I gear spreadsheet so we know where things are?
Soon, soon we will be running with naked knees!
Thanks for the tips, I think I have my long run Thursday figured out. Instead of trying to wake up, then go run, I'm going to get straight into my car, drive and drink my coffee, run at a park near my office, shower at the local Y, then go to work.
Easy peasy. DId I mention its going to be 80 today? I'm running in a singlet.
- I make a week's worth of eggs on the weekend- scrambled, omlet, fried, boiled etc and have bagels/muffins on hand at work so I can grab a quick bite when I get to office
- Keep case of gatorade or G2 in car
- Keep Horizon milks around at work/home etc for post workout recovery - organic and don't need to be refrigerated (not still sure how that works but...)
- Smoothies!!! A whole meal in a glass and yummy!
Always open to more tricks! I've learn lots of great shortcuts from the chickas!!
sunny here and wamr and I am still outta it, so now moving "back into trng" next week!!! ha. grocery shopping and other reality here though so scooting off the computer, blog still not done so much to share! okay so they served hot dogs in the scrambled eggs!! and hot dogs on the pizza and ketchup with it! yep. the salt had me pruned up and oh spam for bfast too. but the meat is $$ so.. hey... and milk came in little cardboard boxes, like our $$ soups over here... and milk is $$, yep. and lots seemed to be eating chips for junk food, little bags with hardly any chips in them sold in the stores with sodas. just sayin'... but the lemon? pulled from a tree was as big as a huge orange!! and the carrot looked like Jack and the Beanstalk size!! and I felt tall over there too. big feet I felt like I had.
okay on cutting time on workouts, well I gotta get with it, but all good ideas!! I also eat on the fly too either in the car getting there or on the run. I can drink choc milk on the run outta those cardboard boxes just gotta throw it away somewhere,, esp in the WU stage low HR. not sure what you do for a living but can you cut down your lunch break?? to accomodate going into work later, or maybe not due to long commute, ouch. sounds rough that long in a car after long run. yep all you do is get to some hot water for shower and not fix your hair or have it dry in the long commute. now don't put on makeup in the car, I know tempting but wreck?? okay girls, y'all know I wear waterproof mascara and it makes it through a long run and a shower... so now if it were me? I would put on makeup at the best possible time and I can do it pretty fast too! then I would get dressed and pronto get on out there eating on the run.... and then stretch in the shower, put some clothes on and hop in the car to drive and eat in the car and have tennis ball in car to stretch out stuff. then if i needed to fix my hair, why I would carry in blow dryer or other.. into work bathroom and "fix" my hair if I had to. having had the long commute to let it air dry.. mine is long and takes forever with a blow dryer. now of course I don't work away from home, so take all of this with a grain of salt!!! lol but have had many run to next item workouts! keep the shampoo out of your eyes and you are good!!! smile.
Donna- let me get this strait, your too out of it to just go strait to running in the morning, but you can hope right in the car and drive!? Hmmmmm, that seems to explain a lot of what I see on the roads! HA HA HA! Kidding- sounds like you found a good work-a-round.
I must admit, I've gotten really lazy about all those time saving tips. Having the ability to come in from a run and power up the PC to get a little work done before hitting the shower has really gotten to be a bad habbit! I need to get better about waking up earlier and having some recovery time in my schedule before I go from workout to work.
Also, for time savers: I eat breakfast (a bagel) in the car on the way to work. If you're commuting 1 hour each way, consider getting an iPod and listening to all those EN podcasts while in the car. Also, I get CD's and podcasts of CME (continuing medical education) to listen to on my commute.
As for home stuff: if you can afford it, hire a maid or cleaning service during Race Prep for an IM. The last thing I want to do after the Thurs long run, Sat and Sun long ride combo is scrub toilets. For me, the hardest part was just accepting that my house would not be immaculate, my yard = jungle, my desk full of papers during Race Prep. Once that mental piece was taken care of...AHHH! it was liberating!
Michele: How's your back? Mine got tweaky after the first few aero bike rides when I got back from vacation. Hope you're feeling better.
Marianne: You have indeed inspired me to get my vacation report done! Love your Guatemala pics and stories!!
Suzanne: I have an Adamo too...and yes, it was a bit shocking to put all of my weight (while in aero) on the bony parts of my inner thigh. Those are also part of the Sits bones (the Ischia), just not the part of the Sits bones that we typically sit on (the Ischial tuberosities) which are very well cushioned (especially in my case!) by our glutes. Hope your search for your Sits bones was productive!
Gals, I too have an aerohelmet. It is a hand-me-down from my DH. When I got it 3 years ago, I wanted to distinguish myself from other triathletes that wore aero-helmets because I felt that they seemed to take themselves too seriously. So I decorated my aerohelmet with stickers of tropical fish and Finding Nemo characters (I really like fish and wanted to be an ichthyologist, but that's another story). During my first race with that helmet, I unknowingly put it on backwards and rode with it that way for about 10 minutes before looking up and seeing the pointy end of it. Since then, I cannot take myself seriously at all with it on. I'm not recommending you all do the same, but if you ever feel self-conscious about it, picture me with my fish sticker aerohelmet on backwards.
Basically, the people with aero helmets who are doofuses are the ones who got one because everyone else did and who feared that they weren't "real" triathletes because they didn't have one. The people who own them because they understand how they make you faster and who are generally really thoughtful and smart about their training (and EN membership automatically places you in the latter category) are just plain shrewd competitors. More power to them.
Okay, tried Adamo for this a.m.'s ride. Not bad! I have one pair of shorts that have a prominent seam along the bikini line and I think those need to be retired if I'm to use this saddle. Looking forward to breaking it in and seeing if we're meant to be...
I LOVE ALL THE AERO STORIES.
BETH, I USED TO HAVE A HORSE BUT IT SCARED ME, WAS ALWAYS DOING IT'S OWN THING (BIT ME A FEW TIMES TO!) , THANKS FOR THE "QUOTE"
MARRIANE, THANKS FOR LETTING ME OFF THE HOOK SOME ON MY DORKISH STUFF!
NEMO- THANKS FOR GETTING ME BACK ON THE MEDICAL PAGE, I GOT SOME AWESOME UPDATES AND LOVE SOME OF THOSE GUYS, WENT WAY OUT OF THERE WAY TO HELP, ONE OF THEM IS A ORTHO DOC!!!!! DON'T HAVE THEIR NAMES IN FRONT OF ME OR I WOULD PUT THEM IN RIGHT HERE. IMAGINE, GETTING "FREE" ADVICE FROM AN ORTHO SURGEON RIGHT HERE AT EN WHEN I CAN'T EVER GET A CLEAR ANSWER FROM MY OWN.
BOUGHT THE "STICK" FROM THE UTUBE VIDEO TO START WORKING ON MY CALF (AM SURE YOU ARE DOING THE SAME THING)
I HAVE NEVER RAN WITH NAKED ANYTHING (LOL) THAT I CAN REMEMBER ANYWAYS!! OK WILL LET YOU KNOW HOW THE "REAL RIDE" GOES WITH MY SNAZZY AERO HELMET AND ONE LESS WATER BOTTLE+
Girls, gotta tell you that you all CRACKED ME UP today when I caught up on my forum reading! And, fyi, I am the proud owner of an Aero helmet, although I have yet to wear it! I'm afraid I will look like the ultimate poser, until I get out and do some rides on the roads so I know I can be legit! I do often wonder what the lurkers think when they read our thread...tell ya what though, it is WAY more fun than some of the guys' posts!
Kitma, love all the supplies you keep in your car! If I went out to my car now and did an inventory, it would read like this: empty granola packets, empty water bottles, golf clubs, winter boots, extra running shoes, workout bag (Chicago Triathlon) complete with swim suits, extra socks, running tights, singlet, bike shorts, goggles, swim caps, deodorant, etc., XC ski poles, and I think a pair of bike shoes! Time to clean the car out and restock on food items...
I've been 'slacking' this week, due to piriformis/hip issues, and the siren song of my bed in the morning..
Did about 85% of the bike workout Tuesday (due to limited time), nothing Wed., and nothing today. I plan to swim Master's in the morning, and hit the workouts this weekend. I've been doing the 4:30 a.m. thing all winter and am burned out with it! Stick a fork in me, I'm DONE! 
I'm hoping I'm not compromising my fitness with these layoffs, but something has had to give, and getting up early and hitting it was it. Am waiting to hear from my bike mechanic as to when he has my new stem for Queen B. Aero isn't working for me just yet, so he had to order a higher stem, so I can be a little more upright. (in my Aero helmet! 
)
Marianne, haven't had time to read much on here lately, so I haven't checked out your trip blog, but can't wait!
Well, as Tigger says, TTFN! Back on here later!
Oh, that's just so unfair! Dreary and rainy here all week, but at least it has warmed UP to the 40's. Hope you enjoyed the gorgeous weather!
Kit - thanks for asking about my back. It's doing really quite well. Been doing more biking than running, but both are going well. I'm doing about 50-75% of the workouts each week. it's also been nice to get back in the pool finally, which makes my back really happy. I just worked my friend who does bike fitting, and he altered my aero position and it's now SO much more comfortable. Looking forward to trying it out on the next ride. Should have been tonight, but now I have a really sore throat and just want to get some rest this evening. Take it easy in the aero position...and I hope your back AND knee get to 100% ASAP!
@ Linda H. I love that trail! I spent a few months living in Huntington Beach recently. I was so grateful to find that trail, could ride there from my place. Always felt good to see other 'tri geeks' out there too!
Still not looking forward to the drive across the country and now it may be in 2 cars again. The company I lined up 2 weeks ago to ship my car is giving me the run around. Dog had an impacted anal gland yesterday (man those vets are expensive!) he is back to his goofy self today. Trying to get in as many workouts as possible around work, packing as it will be at least 4 days of zero exercise for me. On a positive note I did get in a run at the dish and it was just awesome.
I heaer you on the piriformis
I am still tired but got good sleep last night.
funny on backwards aero helmet with fish stickers!!! very funny
yes it has been warm and I have been working on my tan!! not sure if my swimsuit has shrunk or me gotten bigger !!!!!!! ha ha and all of you can groan with me on the swimsuit yearly annual dilemma!! anyways, it has been so nice here! not sure about today. so I haven't napped but laid outside and Rudy, my dog, lays underneath my lawn chair, all spread out or sometimes in the sun himself. I love it cuz when on my tummy I can reach down and pet him at the same time!! my daffs are in bloom or the ones he didn't dig up! and this is their first year so a bit sparse! but still pretty and our storm the other night washed away the mulch, I guess I could mulch today!! with my youngest two! that is a workout. TTFN
Suzanne & Barbara- you are not alone! I've been watching lots of folks hit a brick wall on this new 20 week OS dealio. The OS is freakin hard- it's sooooo easy to underestimate when you just look at the hours/week- and I think many folks are finding 20 strait weeks is just too much. I'm a little thankful that this injury derailed me and forced me to wait until Jan (really Feb) to start or I'd be in exactly the same place as you all.
My calf conntinues to behave on these little run/walk workouts. I'm crossing my fingers and starting to feel pretty hopeful that I'll at least be able to complete Eagleman- even if I'm run/walking the whole run in 8 min run/ 1 min walk intervals and averaging a 15:00 pace. Not pretty- but progress.
I had a wonderful evening last night "Ladies night out" with the local tri club gals. Only down side was that we found out upon arriving that one of the girls was in the hospital getting her appendix out! I'm hoping to sneak out of the office later today to visit her- what a bummer, surgery at this time of year when spring is finally here!!
TTFN! ('cause Tiggers are wonderful things!!!)
So, I did my first outdoor ride of the season yesterday, which was also my first outdoor ride ever with the powermeter. What an eye-opener! It was also the first ride over 90 minutes since, oh, September, and the legs felt great for all 3 hours. Thank you, EN Outseason! The back and crotch were a different story....
We are supposed to have a gorgeous weekend - highs near 70, and sunny. We're going to the livestock show and rodeo tomorrow - bring on some fair food!
Have a great weekend, ladies!
I forgot to mention that the hat on backwards was the funniest thing I have heard in a long time and is TOTALLY something I could see myself doing!
Carly, so great that you lived in my neck of the woods and know that trail, it is really a nice one, lots of friendly folks too!. I had to stop for a fuel intake and sure enough there were two tri guys that came by at separate times and both asked me if I was "OK". Still have to work on changing a flat as carrying $5.00 and my AAA card is all I have in my tool box right now (with a tube and CO2 cartridge I would have no idea how to use). So that is my next accomplishment!
Michele, reading your air temp put me in place, that sounds really really cold to me!
Nemo, really glad you are coming a long with your calf! Hope it continues to improve!
Marianne, enjoy the sunshine and I too have yet to look at your pics. Are they on FB or in your "photo album" on EN?
OK girls have a great weekend, DH and I are going to the desert again this weekend, thinking of putting an offer on a 2nd home out there, although it is 115 degrees in Mayish - Septish, there are lots of great months and an awesome place to ride.
Kristen, I have a new power meter on my indoor training cycle (due to all the reasons I am not supposed to ride outside) and It IS has been a major wake-up, I thought I was a LOT stronger than I really am-
I tell you this EN support is incredible, I posted on the medical forum and received a very detailed and thorough diagnostic "exam" and lots of great 'to do" advice.
What do girls "put down there" when after a few long ride "it" is so sore you can only tap it and dab it with toilet paper after pottying (not as bad as after child birth) but OMG? Super raw and sore..................
Well that is a mouthful!
1. I taught myself how to change a flat in front of my TV. Meaning, every once in a while I'd take off a wheel, sit on the couch in front of Must-See TV, and take the tire off and put it back on...take it off, put it back on...take it off, put it back on. There are a million little things that you forget about (e.g., not taking the tire all the way off, pumping up the tube a little when putting it back on, massaging the tube so you don't pinch it, etc.) until you practice ten times in a row. It's SO much better to practice in a no-stress environment than to have your first experience be on the side of the road by yourself.
2. I'm a big fan of Aquaphor before the ride - other people use a non-petroleum lube but I find that this absorbs too quickly (for me - this is as personal a preference as you get, right?). Applying a bit of lube pre-ride really cuts down on the rawness (as does a saddle adjustment sometimes). After the ride I often finish up with more Aquaphor or A&D ointment or even neosporin if I don't have the first two.!
Wow... I've been a member 3 months now and never noticed this thread... so glad I finally did!
I echo Suzanne's sentiments re: practicing changing a tire. When I got my first bike my then-beau made me do that... off and on, off and on while I sat on the living room floor. I felt ridiculous, but glad for it in retrospect. In fact, I should do it again - as I got 2 flats in my last race ... I was so pumped up on adrenaline, my hands were shaking and I had a hell of a time getting the tire back on. Then I did (with the help of a friend who stopped to give me a hand) and got a pinch flat. Oh... what a long race (but I did finish, eventually - with vultures spotted on the run and all - I think they were circling for me).
Knock on wood, I've not had long ride issues down south - except on a particularly bumpy ride (I think Suzanne and I both did it last year and became sterile as a result). But thanks for the tip, Suzuki... I'll check that stuff out.
@Suzanne - sorry to hear about your ankle... yikes! I knew you took off some time for your trip to Boston, I didn't know you were injured, Can't wait to catch up with you tonight... sending healing thoughts your way! (hmm... and I noticed you didn't share the color of your super-fast aero helmet...)
@ ;Linda - congrats for getting into aero! awesome, I know how you feel. The first time I took one hand off my bar to eat or get my water bottle I was celebrating! I'm still not comfortable riding either my road bike or my TT without hands... but that's a goal for this year - as is being able to get a bottle in and out of the dual holder that sits behind my seat (for now I use a dual chamber aqua cell or the cages on my frame)... baby steps!
My other latest find is Zensah sports bras - unbelievable comfort!
I've never been a big luber- but I did have some back chaffing last year and found applying bodyglide to the chamois of my shorts helped quite a bit. I do shave the girlie bits however and have found that a cleanly shaved girl tends to be a happier girl.
Oh- and FWIW- I never wear my aerohelmet until my first race rehearsal! I remember in '08 I wore it and had the wheel cover on my bike for the big 112 mile ride and got swarmed by a pack of roadies. I felt like such a dork and was so relieved when they finally got out of site!
@ Linda H. so funny from HB I moved to Palm Desert, got there in Sept and it was 115 everyday for the first 2 weeks. I was melting!! I did ride my bike to work everyday though.
@ Nemo, Marianne and the rest Without giving my entire life story I am driving with my wife from San Jose, CA to Rochester, NY beginning tomorrow around 6AM. We have been in CA since August only problem is wife can't find a job and we are done living on one salary. So returning to the east coast. Where ironically so far she has a job and I don't... I did find someone to take one car for us for big $$$ but better than driving 2 cars. Will be glad to be safely on the east coast.