I was supposed to swim this morning and then go to the Mermaid Run Clinic. Well, after a fun night out with JG in SF, I didn't get home until 1:30 am. I decided a 6am swim was unlikely. so, run clinic is was.
After a little trouble finding the right parking lot, I found the Mermaids and listened to a good talk from Coach H about pacing and goals. I'm going to do the 10K at the Mermaid Run on March 22nd. Just 4 weeks away. Eek! For the run clinic I decided to run the 5K route and see how I did running 2 minutes and walking 1 minute. Coach H had me give running a try again last Tuesday and it felt okay. Today felt okay, too. Just before I got to the turn around I was getting pretty tired and did a little extra walking. I slowed down on the way back but kept up the 2/1 pattern. I managed to push the last few hundred yards and finish in 1:00:30.
Three weeks of increasing my distance left. We will see . . .
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Oh right . . . swimming
That's right this blog is supposed to include swimming. I got all wrapped up the bike stuff. As if you hadn't noticed.
This mornings workout:
And, then I was done. 3,300 yards.
This mornings workout:
- Warm up
- 12 x 25 on the :30, :30, :20
- 6 x 100 IM kick on 2:00
- 5 x 300 on something like 5:00. (They were supposed to be pull: 100 back, 100 breast, 100 free. Instead we did swim: odds back, breast, free and evens free.)
- 8 x 100 on 1:50 (my goal was to finish them on the 1:40 and I did it!)
And, then I was done. 3,300 yards.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Bicycle Memories . . .
While I've been obsessed with bike shopping I've been reminded of my history with bikes.
I learned how to ride a bike when I was four. My grandpa was a John Deere tractor salesman and we had everything in green and yellow. Little model tractors. Trucker hats. (It was the '70s) Wind breakers. And, my lovely banana seat bicycle.
(This is not my bike but very similar.)
My dad likes to share the story about teaching me how to ride a bike. Like many parents, he taught me how to ride my bike by holding the back of the seat to help me balance and running along side me as I pedaled. I was very nervous about the whole balance thing and kept telling him, "don't let go Daddy. Hold on, Daddy. Don't let go!" Being the sneaky guy that he is, he would get me going and when I had my balance he would let go and run along side me telling me he was still holding on. Eventually, he told me he wasn't holding on and I was riding on my own. I freaked a little but didn't fall and I was off and riding. :-D What a great dad.
When I rode my bike to school in kindergarten they didn't know what to do with me. They didn't have a bike rack for the kindergarteners. Why I couldn't use the bigger kids bike rack I don't know, but that ended my biking to school until I was in first grade. But that didn't stop me from riding all over Morgan Hill.
A year or two after my brother was born Mom and Dad got some ten speeds so that we could go on some family bike rides. I have one clear memory of a ride in Paradise Valley. Dad was riding with C in a kid seat on the back of his bike. C was probably around 2 and was very excited about the bike ride. He got so excited that he started squealing and rocking side-to-side in his seat. Mom and I thought this was pretty funny. Dad not so much.
(Mom and Dad's bikes looked a lot like this.)
When I was about 8 or 9 I decided that I wanted to ride a ten speed. Mom and Dad weren't in a position to buy me a new bike. Somehow I talked Dad into lowering the seat on one of their bikes. I was always a tall kid, but keep in mind that Mom is 5' 10" and Dad is 6' 2". I learned some very creative ways to get on and off that bike and who knows how I reached the pedals. But didn't care I was riding a bike with gears!
I rode those bikes for many years. When we moved to Rio del Mar bike riding wasn't as easy as in Morgan Hill. We lived in a very hilly area, and being fairly lazy, I didn't really want to ride up hills. I do have a brag a bit. My friend A lived down the hill from us and I learned how to ride to her house with no hands the whole way. Oh yeah.
Recently, my BFF reminded me that when she met me she was very impressed at how much I rode a bike. My last big adventure on one of those 10 speeds was the summer of 1983. I was on the Santa Cruz Aquatics Team and we had morning and afternoon practice. Dad would drive me to afternoon practice, but I had to get myself to the morning workouts. I'd take off in my swimsuit and Dolphin shorts for a 5.5 mile ride to practice, work out for an hour or two and ride home. One day I remember I was flirting with Eddie, :-), and crashed my bike into a parked car. D'oh! The bike was fine but I had a nasty bruise on my shin. Anyway, sometime after the summer of ' 83 the trusty 10 speeds were stolen from our carport and that was the end of my riding for 24 years.
But, it seems like I am back. S, my SIL, says I always look so happy on a bike. (Clearly she hasn't seen my face when I'm riding up a hill.) I'm hoping to add to my happy memories of bike riding and make up for those 24 years.
I promise to write about swimming tomorrow.
I learned how to ride a bike when I was four. My grandpa was a John Deere tractor salesman and we had everything in green and yellow. Little model tractors. Trucker hats. (It was the '70s) Wind breakers. And, my lovely banana seat bicycle.
(This is not my bike but very similar.)
My dad likes to share the story about teaching me how to ride a bike. Like many parents, he taught me how to ride my bike by holding the back of the seat to help me balance and running along side me as I pedaled. I was very nervous about the whole balance thing and kept telling him, "don't let go Daddy. Hold on, Daddy. Don't let go!" Being the sneaky guy that he is, he would get me going and when I had my balance he would let go and run along side me telling me he was still holding on. Eventually, he told me he wasn't holding on and I was riding on my own. I freaked a little but didn't fall and I was off and riding. :-D What a great dad.
When I rode my bike to school in kindergarten they didn't know what to do with me. They didn't have a bike rack for the kindergarteners. Why I couldn't use the bigger kids bike rack I don't know, but that ended my biking to school until I was in first grade. But that didn't stop me from riding all over Morgan Hill.
A year or two after my brother was born Mom and Dad got some ten speeds so that we could go on some family bike rides. I have one clear memory of a ride in Paradise Valley. Dad was riding with C in a kid seat on the back of his bike. C was probably around 2 and was very excited about the bike ride. He got so excited that he started squealing and rocking side-to-side in his seat. Mom and I thought this was pretty funny. Dad not so much.
(Mom and Dad's bikes looked a lot like this.)
When I was about 8 or 9 I decided that I wanted to ride a ten speed. Mom and Dad weren't in a position to buy me a new bike. Somehow I talked Dad into lowering the seat on one of their bikes. I was always a tall kid, but keep in mind that Mom is 5' 10" and Dad is 6' 2". I learned some very creative ways to get on and off that bike and who knows how I reached the pedals. But didn't care I was riding a bike with gears!
I rode those bikes for many years. When we moved to Rio del Mar bike riding wasn't as easy as in Morgan Hill. We lived in a very hilly area, and being fairly lazy, I didn't really want to ride up hills. I do have a brag a bit. My friend A lived down the hill from us and I learned how to ride to her house with no hands the whole way. Oh yeah.
Recently, my BFF reminded me that when she met me she was very impressed at how much I rode a bike. My last big adventure on one of those 10 speeds was the summer of 1983. I was on the Santa Cruz Aquatics Team and we had morning and afternoon practice. Dad would drive me to afternoon practice, but I had to get myself to the morning workouts. I'd take off in my swimsuit and Dolphin shorts for a 5.5 mile ride to practice, work out for an hour or two and ride home. One day I remember I was flirting with Eddie, :-), and crashed my bike into a parked car. D'oh! The bike was fine but I had a nasty bruise on my shin. Anyway, sometime after the summer of ' 83 the trusty 10 speeds were stolen from our carport and that was the end of my riding for 24 years.
But, it seems like I am back. S, my SIL, says I always look so happy on a bike. (Clearly she hasn't seen my face when I'm riding up a hill.) I'm hoping to add to my happy memories of bike riding and make up for those 24 years.
I promise to write about swimming tomorrow.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Bike Shopping - Day 5
The Last Day.
But first, I began the day with a 6am swim. I'm working on pushing myself harder and did 6 x 100s on 1:45.
Okay, back to the shopping. Rain was predicted for late today so I was super motivated to get going on the shopping. Frankly, I couldn't take too much more thinking and test riding. My goal was to narrow down my top three and make a decision. The 2008 of my favorite (but out of my price range) from Day 4 was on sale in Santa Cruz, so the goal was to get over the hill to test two bikes before the rain started in the afternoon. My SIL and tri buddy, S, left Daly City at 8am on Saturday so I would have someone to bounce thoughts, doubts, and excitement off.
We made it to the first stop just after they opened the doors. We went for a long ride on the Giant Defy 1. As we headed out I realized that S hadn't used the integrated shifting before. Whoops! But she's a quick learner, so it was all good. We rode on old crumbling streets, new smooth street, in traffic, out of traffic, up a hill (without stopping) and down a hill. It was a nice ride until I dropped my chain off the chain ring in the middle of turning left in a busy intersection. I'm sure that was purely user error. I liked the Giant, but didn't love it.
Then it was on to stop two. There S and I tried out matching 2008 Specialized Roubaixs:
We went for a loooong test ride on the west side of Santa Cruz. Again, we did crappy roads, nice roads, up hill (woot!), down hill, in traffic, with dogs, surfers, and tourists. We just kept going and going and going. I took this a good sign. I was still a little worried. This is a big investment for me and I am going to have a very intimate relationship with this piece of equipment. I was a little freaked out about whether I was making a good decision. But I finally decided that this was the most comfortable bike in my price range and it was time to go for it. So, I ran to the bank to transfer some money and bought it.
Meanwhile, S, was tooling around on some fancier bikes. :-)
Then . . . they started the fitting. My flexibility was very impressive. (who knew?) As he fitted the bike, he noticed that I was preferred a position with a fairly long stem. He said, "I think you need a 58." (I was on a 56.) "We have a 58, but its a different color. Do you like the color?"
Me: "Yes!! I prefer that color." In real life it is a little darker blue than the image. The fit is better and I'm more comfy and have more position options when I ready to take advantage of my flexibility and get lower. I also got a lesson in proper stopping and starting. I will be doing some practicing in the school parking lot across the street from my place.
The decisions aren't over. Next up: shoes, pedals, computer, new color-coordinated helmet(?), and probably some other stuff. There seems to be a never ending list of accessories for the bike.
YAY!!!!
But first, I began the day with a 6am swim. I'm working on pushing myself harder and did 6 x 100s on 1:45.
Okay, back to the shopping. Rain was predicted for late today so I was super motivated to get going on the shopping. Frankly, I couldn't take too much more thinking and test riding. My goal was to narrow down my top three and make a decision. The 2008 of my favorite (but out of my price range) from Day 4 was on sale in Santa Cruz, so the goal was to get over the hill to test two bikes before the rain started in the afternoon. My SIL and tri buddy, S, left Daly City at 8am on Saturday so I would have someone to bounce thoughts, doubts, and excitement off.
We made it to the first stop just after they opened the doors. We went for a long ride on the Giant Defy 1. As we headed out I realized that S hadn't used the integrated shifting before. Whoops! But she's a quick learner, so it was all good. We rode on old crumbling streets, new smooth street, in traffic, out of traffic, up a hill (without stopping) and down a hill. It was a nice ride until I dropped my chain off the chain ring in the middle of turning left in a busy intersection. I'm sure that was purely user error. I liked the Giant, but didn't love it.
Then it was on to stop two. There S and I tried out matching 2008 Specialized Roubaixs:
We went for a loooong test ride on the west side of Santa Cruz. Again, we did crappy roads, nice roads, up hill (woot!), down hill, in traffic, with dogs, surfers, and tourists. We just kept going and going and going. I took this a good sign. I was still a little worried. This is a big investment for me and I am going to have a very intimate relationship with this piece of equipment. I was a little freaked out about whether I was making a good decision. But I finally decided that this was the most comfortable bike in my price range and it was time to go for it. So, I ran to the bank to transfer some money and bought it.
Meanwhile, S, was tooling around on some fancier bikes. :-)
Then . . . they started the fitting. My flexibility was very impressive. (who knew?) As he fitted the bike, he noticed that I was preferred a position with a fairly long stem. He said, "I think you need a 58." (I was on a 56.) "We have a 58, but its a different color. Do you like the color?"
Me: "Yes!! I prefer that color." In real life it is a little darker blue than the image. The fit is better and I'm more comfy and have more position options when I ready to take advantage of my flexibility and get lower. I also got a lesson in proper stopping and starting. I will be doing some practicing in the school parking lot across the street from my place.
The decisions aren't over. Next up: shoes, pedals, computer, new color-coordinated helmet(?), and probably some other stuff. There seems to be a never ending list of accessories for the bike.
YAY!!!!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Bike Shopping - Day 4
Don't worry I'm almost done with the shopping and will get back to writing about swimming.
Today I could feel the difference!!!! Finally. I tried 3 Cannondales and decided that I'm not a Cannondale person. I also tried some Fujis and they were fine.
I tried a Specialized Roubaix and for the first time thought, "I really like this bike."
Unfortunately, it is just out of my price range. :-( So, on to something in my price range.
The Top Three are:
Giant Defy 1
Felt F75
Jamis Quest
But wait! I found a 2008 Specialized Roubaix on sale and in my price range.
Now, if Mother Nature will give me a break I will take the Top Three and the Roubaix for longer rides and make a decision.
Today I could feel the difference!!!! Finally. I tried 3 Cannondales and decided that I'm not a Cannondale person. I also tried some Fujis and they were fine.
I tried a Specialized Roubaix and for the first time thought, "I really like this bike."
Unfortunately, it is just out of my price range. :-( So, on to something in my price range.The Top Three are:
Giant Defy 1
Felt F75
Jamis Quest
But wait! I found a 2008 Specialized Roubaix on sale and in my price range.
Now, if Mother Nature will give me a break I will take the Top Three and the Roubaix for longer rides and make a decision.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Bike Shopping - Day 3
Can someone just pick out the right bike for me? Please? No, really, I mean it. I swear choosing a bike is more difficult than picking out a car.
Today I visited a different bike shop. For the first time I was measured and it turns out I have pretty good proportions and I fit a 57/58 cm bike. I tried two bikes and couldn't feel a remarkable difference. I rode them around a nearby neighborhood for about 15 minutes each. I was hoping to narrow down to my top three and take those out for a longer ~5 mile ride. But maybe I need to ride every bike that far.
The Orbea:
Very smooth, made good clicking sounds. I really want to love this bike purely because they are made on a commune in Spain. However, I just realized that the shop gave me a carbon frame to try when I can only afford the alloy/carbon frame. Hmmmm . . . not sure what to think of that.
Here's the one in my price range:
Then I tried a Giant:
Again, nice smooth ride and super quiet. My first reaction was that I liked this one better. The one I tried had lower end gear and shifting components.
If I go with a Giant it would be this one:
Maybe my problem with feeling the difference between the bikes is that the position is a big change for me and the seats hurt!
Stay tuned . . . more shopping tomorrow.
Today I visited a different bike shop. For the first time I was measured and it turns out I have pretty good proportions and I fit a 57/58 cm bike. I tried two bikes and couldn't feel a remarkable difference. I rode them around a nearby neighborhood for about 15 minutes each. I was hoping to narrow down to my top three and take those out for a longer ~5 mile ride. But maybe I need to ride every bike that far.
The Orbea:
Very smooth, made good clicking sounds. I really want to love this bike purely because they are made on a commune in Spain. However, I just realized that the shop gave me a carbon frame to try when I can only afford the alloy/carbon frame. Hmmmm . . . not sure what to think of that.
Here's the one in my price range:
Then I tried a Giant:
Again, nice smooth ride and super quiet. My first reaction was that I liked this one better. The one I tried had lower end gear and shifting components.If I go with a Giant it would be this one:
Maybe my problem with feeling the difference between the bikes is that the position is a big change for me and the seats hurt!
Stay tuned . . . more shopping tomorrow.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Bike Shopping - Day 2
Today was birthday #2 with the family in Santa Cruz. My brother was sick, but my s-i-l, S, was able to come for my b-day brunch of Mexican egg scramble and homemade buttermilk pancakes. An odd combination but it was yummy! After brunch we hung out with my BFF and her daughter. Then Dad, S, and I went out for some bike shopping in the pouring rain. (Seriously, it's time to build an ark.)
We went to The Spokesman Bicycles in Santa Cruz. We knew we wouldn't be able to ride, although they said we could, but we could look and talk. It was another very informative visit. Not much more to report since we didn't ride. But I think Dad is inching closer and closer to getting a bike. S and I think we have enough information and need to start riding some bikes to make some decisions.
That's all folks!
We went to The Spokesman Bicycles in Santa Cruz. We knew we wouldn't be able to ride, although they said we could, but we could look and talk. It was another very informative visit. Not much more to report since we didn't ride. But I think Dad is inching closer and closer to getting a bike. S and I think we have enough information and need to start riding some bikes to make some decisions.
That's all folks!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Bike Shopping - Day 1
I had the day off and decided to start my quest for a new bike. Thanks to a generous benefactress cost is a little less of an issue. :-)
I started my journey at La Dolce Velo in San Jose. Coach Heidi suggested I start there and ask a lot of questions. I did and they were very helpful and answered all my first time bike shopper questions like, "what's the deal with carbon?" and "are wheels important? and "what is with the shifters and brakes together?" I tried three bikes made of the three major materials.
Steel:
Felt very smooth, gears were easy to change. It was a size to small for me. I couldn't tell on the trainer but once I was out on the road I did feel kinda of scrunched up. The pedals had toe clips and I almost got stuck and fell over, but wiggled my foot out just in time.
Aluminum with carbon front fork and rear:
Well, first there was the saddle. Oof, a little narrow and hard, but I know that can be changed. I tried not to focus on the seat and how far forward I was leaning and focus on the feel of the frame. I could feel the vibration in my hands that I have heard about. But it wasn't bad. I assume I would get used to the vibration.
Carbon:
Felt good, again very smooth. But I'm not sure what felt smooth the ride or the gears.
When they asked which I liked better I had trouble deciding. They all felt so different from my current hybrid bike. (which Coach Heidi recently named, The Thing) I did like the carbon, but I know I probably can't afford it. The aluminum/carbon was good, except for the saddle. Of the two I can afford, I think I'm leaning towards the steel. And, for some reason I kinda like the idea of steel. It sounds so strong and real.
Overall, a good experience. I didn't decide anything but I have some information. I know a little more about materials, components, and my size. And, depending on the bike, even though I'm tall, the women's version maybe better.
The biggest thing I learned today about bikes. It depends.
I started my journey at La Dolce Velo in San Jose. Coach Heidi suggested I start there and ask a lot of questions. I did and they were very helpful and answered all my first time bike shopper questions like, "what's the deal with carbon?" and "are wheels important? and "what is with the shifters and brakes together?" I tried three bikes made of the three major materials.
Steel:
Felt very smooth, gears were easy to change. It was a size to small for me. I couldn't tell on the trainer but once I was out on the road I did feel kinda of scrunched up. The pedals had toe clips and I almost got stuck and fell over, but wiggled my foot out just in time.
Aluminum with carbon front fork and rear:
Well, first there was the saddle. Oof, a little narrow and hard, but I know that can be changed. I tried not to focus on the seat and how far forward I was leaning and focus on the feel of the frame. I could feel the vibration in my hands that I have heard about. But it wasn't bad. I assume I would get used to the vibration.
Carbon:
Felt good, again very smooth. But I'm not sure what felt smooth the ride or the gears.
When they asked which I liked better I had trouble deciding. They all felt so different from my current hybrid bike. (which Coach Heidi recently named, The Thing) I did like the carbon, but I know I probably can't afford it. The aluminum/carbon was good, except for the saddle. Of the two I can afford, I think I'm leaning towards the steel. And, for some reason I kinda like the idea of steel. It sounds so strong and real.
Overall, a good experience. I didn't decide anything but I have some information. I know a little more about materials, components, and my size. And, depending on the bike, even though I'm tall, the women's version maybe better.
The biggest thing I learned today about bikes. It depends.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
I'd Rather be Sleeping.
What to do when you don't want to swim? Swim anyway.
When the alarm went off this morning at 5:14am, I didn't want to get up. I hit snooze and when the alarm went of again at 5:21am, I still didn't want to get up. My bag was packed and Jemma's kong was ready, but I was tired. I continued the alarm snooze game at 5:28, 5:35, and 5:42. Finally, at 5:49 I hauled my butt out of bed. Ugh. I went to bed at 9:30pm, why was I so tired?
Got up, put on my suits, grabbed a banana, leashed the dog, and took her out to "hurry." I still didn't want to swim, I wanted to s-l-e-e-p. Picked up my swim bag and headed to the pool. Luckily, I only live a mile from the pool and there isn't much traffic at 6am.
Here was the workout I attempted:
Today's lesson? Doing any workout when you don't feel like it is a successful workout. At least as far as I'm concerned.
When the alarm went off this morning at 5:14am, I didn't want to get up. I hit snooze and when the alarm went of again at 5:21am, I still didn't want to get up. My bag was packed and Jemma's kong was ready, but I was tired. I continued the alarm snooze game at 5:28, 5:35, and 5:42. Finally, at 5:49 I hauled my butt out of bed. Ugh. I went to bed at 9:30pm, why was I so tired?
Got up, put on my suits, grabbed a banana, leashed the dog, and took her out to "hurry." I still didn't want to swim, I wanted to s-l-e-e-p. Picked up my swim bag and headed to the pool. Luckily, I only live a mile from the pool and there isn't much traffic at 6am.
Here was the workout I attempted:
- 12 x 25 on the :30, :30, :20
- 10 x 50 kick on 1:00
- 10 x 100 swim, negative split on 1:50
- 6 x 200 pull on 3:00 (I did 4, but not on an interval)
- 6 x 100 kick (I did 1 and got out)
- 10 x 100 with snorkel (oh, darn. I didn't get to this)
Today's lesson? Doing any workout when you don't feel like it is a successful workout. At least as far as I'm concerned.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Training Without Team Mermaid
Today was the first day of training for Team Mermaid and I wasn't there. Effing economy. I gained so much from being part of TM last summer. I learned that I can push myself much harder than I usually do. Now I have to keep that up on my own. I'm not very good at that.
- Swimming is built into my schedule, but I need to push, push, push myself to swim faster.
- Walking is pretty much built because of my dear little Jemma. She needs her walks. But I do get distracted and forget to push myself to walk faster and do my planned mileage.
- Cycling, I'm doing pretty good, with what I have. When I get my new bike I'm going to have to work on mileage.
- Strength/Core . . . . . . . . . what? Did someone say strength? Core? Yeah, this is something I need to work on and dedicate myself to. I'll get back to you on that one. ;-)
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