Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

[BoomGoestheDynamite]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

I just moved from an apartment complex with a gym to a row house and the price of a membership at Gold's or Washington Sports Club is more than I can afford right now. While cardio and core work is still manageable, I'm missing out on the weight lifting. Does anyone have any exercises or routines they lose that don't require weight but do a decent job of at least maintaining muscle tone? An alternative to pushups (can't do it without soreness in the wrists) would be great.

 

[winger]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

Anybody recommend a good running shoe for folks who seriously under pronate? I have really high arches and tend to wear out the outside edge and heels of my shoes faster than any other part. Plantar fasciitis is a beeyatch, too.

You know what is even better than getting a shoe suggestion going to a running store and get fitted properly. Because my shoes that are for over pronaters, is also a shoe for a more "girthy" runner. Some shoes have a wider toe box, more give in the heel, in the forfoot. It is isane how many different ways there are to make a shoe.

And while we have just been having a conversation about running barefoot, I will say this, since I started buying my shoes at a running store, with professionals (not a 16 year old at dick's) helping me select the right pair of shoes for me. I have not had a single blister or shin splint. And on the occasion they do get it wrong, they will take generally take them back after you have ran in them. (the one time I just bought the shoe that was sort of like the shoe i was running in that was discontinued).

You will not get that kind of service at a box store, alot of times (like Marathon Sports in Eastern MA) you can get discounts at local races.

I just wish I knew how important footware was when I was in HS battling shin splints from basically the start of the winter season till the end of spring. I am pretty sure I ran on the same sneakers all year and I am sure they were not right for me.

 

[BUT09]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

I know my shoes are not right for me, I just haven't bothered to do the research to find a nearby running store. I need to do it soon, though.

 

[winger]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

I know my shoes are not right for me, I just haven't bothered to do the research to find a nearby running store. I need to do it soon, though.

You are in the Boston Area right? I was say go to Marathon Sports. http://www.marathonsports.com/

I am sure there are other good stores around. I really liked the Norwood store that is the one that was closest to me when I was living in Mass, but the Cambridge store people are knowledgable, its just a small store so know that all of their stuff is not out.

Finding a running store in IL was infinatly easier than find a hockey team. I really need to find some place to push some people around!

 

[BUT09]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

Swam for about 25 minutes yesterday, and I'm convinced I'm going to drown in this tri in September. I have no stamina, and wind up swallowing a lot of water.

Why did I decide to do this, again?

 

[Sloe Gin]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

Swam for about 25 minutes yesterday, and I'm convinced I'm going to drown in this tri in September. I have no stamina, and wind up swallowing a lot of water.

Why did I decide to do this, again?

because persistence will get you through it.

Try this: swim in either 200 or 400 meter intervals. That way you'll get the endurance base under your belt + you'll really be able to master your stroke

 

[BUT09]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

because persistence will get you through it.

Try this: swim in either 200 or 400 meter intervals. That way you'll get the endurance base under your belt + you'll really be able to master your stroke

You're assuming I can swim 200 or 400 meters.

I can swim all day using the breaststroke, which is clearly too slow for a tri, but my freestyle is abysmal and I last about 2 lengths of the pool (50 yards), because I'm not very good at breathing. I probably need a coach, but I can't afford it.

 

[Patman]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

I just moved from an apartment complex with a gym to a row house and the price of a membership at Gold's or Washington Sports Club is more than I can afford right now. While cardio and core work is still manageable, I'm missing out on the weight lifting. Does anyone have any exercises or routines they lose that don't require weight but do a decent job of at least maintaining muscle tone? An alternative to pushups (can't do it without soreness in the wrists) would be great.

There is a book or two on this subject but I can't find any right now... it does exist though.

I'd look for variants of "gymless", "no gym", "gym free" etc... I may look more when i get home... I saw it on a strength training forum somewhere. I think I can track down a thread on this matter and a book in that thread but I'm at work.

 

[MattS]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

I probably need a coach, but I can't afford it.

A friend of mine found a guy at the local Y who coached him for free. Not a great coach but it was enough to teach him to get through the swimming portion of a Tri. Maybe you can find someone like that or one that will work cheap?

 

[BUT09]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

I just moved from an apartment complex with a gym to a row house and the price of a membership at Gold's or Washington Sports Club is more than I can afford right now. While cardio and core work is still manageable, I'm missing out on the weight lifting. Does anyone have any exercises or routines they lose that don't require weight but do a decent job of at least maintaining muscle tone? An alternative to pushups (can't do it without soreness in the wrists) would be great.

There is a book or two on this subject but I can't find any right now... it does exist though.

I'd look for variants of "gymless", "no gym", "gym free" etc... I may look more when i get home... I saw it on a strength training forum somewhere. I think I can track down a thread on this matter and a book in that thread but I'm at work.

You can also use everyday items as your "weights". Gallons of water, phone books, etc. They may be too light, but just do more reps.

I store a single set of dumbbells under my couch and use them while I am watching TV - Buying one size isn't that expensive, and they're easily stored.

 

[pardonme]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

You're assuming I can swim 200 or 400 meters.

I can swim all day using the breaststroke, which is clearly too slow for a tri, but my freestyle is abysmal and I last about 2 lengths of the pool (50 yards), because I'm not very good at breathing. I probably need a coach, but I can't afford it.

Theres not really such a thing as "too slow for a tri." Think of it more as a competition against yourself, first of all to complete, and then set a reasonable time goal for yourself. There are plenty of people out there doing breast stroke or backstroke or sidestroke for the whole thing. When you do your training work on doing one length freestyle and then come back breaststroke, and then when you can do that comfortably do a full lap freestyle and one length breaststroke. Then just keep building up the amount of freestyle. Don't be afraid to take breaks with breaststroke whenever you need it.

 

[bigblue_dl]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

There is a book or two on this subject but I can't find any right now... it does exist though.

I'd look for variants of "gymless", "no gym", "gym free" etc... I may look more when i get home... I saw it on a strength training forum somewhere. I think I can track down a thread on this matter and a book in that thread but I'm at work.

At home we'd just throw hay bales or sacks of feed, and it wasn't because we wanted to work out.

 

[BUT09]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

A friend of mine found a guy at the local Y who coached him for free. Not a great coach but it was enough to teach him to get through the swimming portion of a Tri. Maybe you can find someone like that or one that will work cheap?

That's an idea. I don't belong to a Y, though, and the pool I swim at is the local high school, which has adult lap hours. But they do have youth lessons, maybe I can look into that.

Theres not really such a thing as "too slow for a tri." Think of it more as a competition against yourself, first of all to complete, and then set a reasonable time goal for yourself. There are plenty of people out there doing breast stroke or backstroke or sidestroke for the whole thing. When you do your training work on doing one length freestyle and then come back breaststroke, and then when you can do that comfortably do a full lap freestyle and one length breaststroke. Then just keep building up the amount of freestyle. Don't be afraid to take breaks with breaststroke whenever you need it.

I know it's a competition against myself... I'm just an extremely competitive person and I don't want to finish dead last. I was actually doing that (alternating the two) yesterday, and it did help a little bit.

 

[pardonme]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

That's an idea. I don't belong to a Y, though, and the pool I swim at is the local high school, which has adult lap hours. But they do have youth lessons, maybe I can look into that.



I know it's a competition against myself... I'm just an extremely competitive person and I don't want to finish dead last. I was actually doing that (alternating the two) yesterday, and it did help a little bit.

Trust me, if you have any physical fitness you won't be dead last. When I was a kid no one ever told me you are supposed to breathe out underwater when swimming freestyle and I would try to breathe in and out in the little time my head was turned and swallow water and get scared and give up. So I just swim with my head sticking straight up out of the water and psychologically can't convince myself to do it the right way now that I know how. This means I'm a LOT slower than I could be on the swim, and I still finish middle of the pack for the overall race. I'm a pretty **** slow runner too. There are plenty of people in triathlons who are not in shape at all who are just doing it to say they accomplished it and are slower than you could imagine being.

 

[BUT09]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

I would try to breathe in and out in the little time my head was turned and swallow water and get scared and give up.

That's exactly what happens to me when I get tired. I start out the right way, but as soon as I get tired I stop breathing out and it becomes a downward spiral.

It's funny, when I was a kid, the ONLY stroke I could do was freestyle. I grew up with a pool in my backyard and I was in it every day from May - September.

Now, it's like I've completely forgotten everything about how to do it.

 

[winger]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

You're assuming I can swim 200 or 400 meters.

I can swim all day using the breaststroke, which is clearly too slow for a tri, but my freestyle is abysmal and I last about 2 lengths of the pool (50 yards), because I'm not very good at breathing. I probably need a coach, but I can't afford it.

That is how Quiz started with the swimming portions and she did fine on her first tri.

Trust me, if you have any physical fitness you won't be dead last. When I was a kid no one ever told me you are supposed to breathe out underwater when swimming freestyle and I would try to breathe in and out in the little time my head was turned and swallow water and get scared and give up. So I just swim with my head sticking straight up out of the water and psychologically can't convince myself to do it the right way now that I know how. This means I'm a LOT slower than I could be on the swim, and I still finish middle of the pack for the overall race. I'm a pretty **** slow runner too. There are plenty of people in triathlons who are not in shape at all who are just doing it to say they accomplished it and are slower than you could imagine being.

Now you got me thinking that maybe I should try the tri. I am still going to hold off till next season. I am going to do some Duals in the Fall, my shoulder is still just too sketchy.

 

[pardonme]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

I'd just like to say that cycling with drafting is a lot more fun than cycling alone. Happened to run into a guy while going around central park who was going a similar pace and we just nonverbally decided to work together and switch off at the front. Ended up averaging almost 2 mph faster over 12 miles than I usually do. Its a shame you can't draft in triathlons, but I understand their fear with so many inexperienced cyclists.

 

[jmh]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

Its a shame you can't draft in triathlons, but I understand their fear with so many inexperienced cyclists.

How inexperienced as cyclists do people in triathlons tend to be? I generally tend to assume that 99.5% of everyone in this country learned how to ride a bike growing up and know how to steer and stop and all that.

I agree with you about drafting, though. Gets breezy on the west side.

 

[pardonme]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

How inexperienced as cyclists do people in triathlons tend to be? I generally tend to assume that 99.5% of everyone in this country learned how to ride a bike growing up and know how to steer and stop and all that.

I agree with you about drafting, though. Gets breezy on the west side.

Most people know how to ride a bike, but that doesn't mean they know how to ride safely in a pack of cyclists riding very close together. Especially when you are moving at 20mph. Its something that comes with experience of doing it. So in triathlons where there are many very amateur cyclists they require you to stay a couple bike lengths apart for safety's sake. It would be fine for most of the faster/experienced people to draft, but you get enough people that don't know what they are doing and it becomes dangerous.

 

[brianvf]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

I'd just like to say that cycling with drafting is a lot more fun than cycling alone.

No doubt.
You use around 30% less energy if you sit in a draft rather than tackling the wind on your own.