Swim and Run Time Trials

After the tri camp, I am mentally entering a new stage of my training.  I aim to have a steady training plan, more defined goals and objectives, a better diet, and an overall commitment increase.  The plan starts on Monday and I will be trying out what is called a CRASH week.  I will talk more in depth about what that entails in a different post.  In order to prepare some short term goals, I performed a swim test of 1500yrds and a 10k run test.

The 1500yrd swim test was easily done in 27:30.  I hope to drastically improve upon this time by the end of March to 22:30 or 45seconds per 50.  Swimming will become a focus as it is definitely one of my limiters.

The 10k time trial was even a little better than expected.  I had set a mental goal for myself of 55mins and performed the test at 53:50.  I would like to drop this time to 50mins flat before drastically stepping up my distance on the run.  And, courtesy of the New Garmin Forerunner 305, here is my heart rate during the 10k:

The Shoes that won at Kona

It seems like I just keep buying new toys, I assure everyone I do train too.  This post is about running and the Newton shoes.  During the triathlon camp last weekend I reviewed my running form on video and with the coaches.  Everything looked pretty good, with one exception.  In slow motion you can see my heel strike first (and hard) and then my foot pronates inward (and hard).

The proper running form is to land each footstrike on the midfoot and use you hamstrings to pull back.  While the pronation is my biggest concern (as it can lead to both injury and inefficiency), changing to a midfoot footstrike is the first and a major step towards correcting the pronation.  I wish I had the video of my run to post.  Midfoot Strike vs Heel Strike

The shoes I just purchased were worn by Craig Alexander in hiss 2008 win at Kona and are specifically designed to help with making a midfoot strike.  Newton Distance S Shoes.  There is a lot of good information on the Newton site (even if it is geared towards selling their shoes).

The New Bike

I have recently purchased a brought home a new Trek Equinox TTX 9.9 for the coming season.  I have only had the pleasure of riding it on my indoor trainer, but am already in love with the bike.  The difference between a road position and a tri position is immense.  I can feel the relaxation in my upper body as my legs are allowed to pound away.  I was able to get my hands on a 2008 model meaning a major discount at this time of year.  The one and only difference between the 2008 and 2009 is the color.  While I originally didn't want silver, I am already in love with it after a few hours.  Anyway, I need to go back and ride the bike more!

Frame	OCLV Black Carbon
Fork	Bontrager Race XXX Lite TT, carbon
Wheels
Wheels	Bontrager Race Lite Aero
Tires	Bontrager Race X Lite TT, 700x23c, folding
Drivetrain
Shifters	SRAM TT Aluminum
Front Derailleur	SRAM Force
Rear Derailleur	SRAM Force
Crank	SRAM Force 53/39
Cassette	SRAM 1070 11-23, 10 speed
Pedals	n/a
Components
Saddle	Bontrager Race Lite TT
Seat Post	Bontrager Race XXX Lite TTX, carbon
Handlebars	Bontrager Race X Lite Aero Carbon Bullhorn w/Bontrager Race Lite clip-ons
Stem	Bontrager Race X Lite, 7 degree, 31.8mm
Headset	Cane Creek IS-2 Integrated w/cartridge bearings, sealed, alloy
Brakeset	Bontrager Speed Limit w/Bontrager Race XXX Lite Aero levers

Why do an IronMan?

I think that one consistent piece of every triathletes training and race day is that he or she knows why they are competing.  However, this motivating factor is not always easy to put into words.  Just as I believe it is important to have tangible written goals, I think it is important to examine one's reason for training for and competing in an IronMan event.

That being said, I can not seem to put my reason for competing into words.  I think I grew up on athletic competition, especially in Lacrosse, and miss the pure exhilaration I got from competing and also from winning.  Throughout college I tried every sport ranging from skiing to surfing to skydiving.  However, I have come back to the basic acts of swim, bike, and run, and found a way to push myself mentally and physically to be a more driven individual.

MSE Triathlon Camp Day 3

The camp is now over, and just in time to head back to work tomorrow :(.  The final day really pulled everything together for me.  Our schedule was simple:

7-8 Breakfast

8:30-9:45 Swim Drills (more doing today and less learning) + 5 50s on 1min15

9:45-10:30 Open Water swimming

11-12:15 Spinning with Nathan

Lunch, Q&A, Closing

So while it was a simple day, I was really able to get a lot out of the swim.  First, I go a half decent swim workout in.  Second, Dwight was able to work with me a little bit on getting mroe power out of my stroke.  By turning my hip more and stretching out my pull hand, I'll better be able to use my core to snap back and get a more effective pull.  I look forward to working on that in my next few pool workouts.

Spinning was great because it felt terrible.  I have been an All Star on the spin bikes at the gym, but there isn't any substitute for your bike on a trainer.  It was without a doubt more difficult if only because I think it forces you to use slightly different muscles.

That was that.  I dont think I will be enlisting any of the coaches for training plans.  I feel that I was able to get good enough high level advice on training plans that I can work out my own.  Monday and Tuesday will be rest days this coming week and I'm going to be using that time to build the year long plan.  So far three races on the horizon (Passionman Tri Bucknell, High Cliff 1/2 Iron WI, and FL Ironman 140.6).