Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

[Sloe Gin]

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.

take it slow. I repeat. Take it slow. If need be, just work on your breathing technique. Blow bubbles, turn head, breathe, repeat. Back to basics.

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

and she's still doing it. She'll go to freestyle next year, but she's planning on completing this year breaststroke. It works fine for her.

Triathlon isn't about having the best swim stroke, the coolest bike, or being the best runner. It's a mental game with yourself. Triathlon, as far as I'm concerned, is 90% mental and 10% physical. You have to mentally be ready to compete. You have to be ready to be in the water for awhile, to be hunched over on your bike, and to run. As far as I'm concerned, training is all about making the starting line.

On that note, I'm writing a short story in my spare time about triathlon. Anyone who would like to read it when I'm done, just let me know.

 

[BoomGoestheDynamite]

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.

Yeah I may swing by Barnes and Noble and take a look around.

I think the other suggestion, buying a pair of or two of dumbells isn't a bad stopgap either.

 

[pardonme]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

Yeah I may swing by Barnes and Noble and take a look around.

I think the other suggestion, buying a pair of or two of dumbells isn't a bad stopgap either.

Shockingly, youtube isn't an awful resource for bodyweight workout plans. There is one with some ex-porn star that isn't too bad to look at also.

 

[Patman]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

Yeah I may swing by Barnes and Noble and take a look around.

I think the other suggestion, buying a pair of or two of dumbells isn't a bad stopgap either.

the book i was looking for was "Never Gymless" but it looks like it may be out of print.

I might be looking for a new gym once the guy at work who has been helping me out gets his own home gym set up. I'll need some sort of coaching element if I keep progessing... on the other hand, I'm not sure if i really want to pursue weightlifting per se... this is means to an end after all. I just want to be in shape one day.

 

[BadgerAlum@WMU]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

Finally got back into the gym today, if only to do the strength training and a few moderately-paced laps around the indoor track. I think I'm going to go to water aerobics in the morning, just to see how my lungs and body react after being laid up for three weeks.

Stupid evergreen pollen. Stupid bronchitis.

 

[nmupiccdiva]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

take it slow. I repeat. Take it slow. If need be, just work on your breathing technique. Blow bubbles, turn head, breathe, repeat. Back to basics.



and she's still doing it. She'll go to freestyle next year, but she's planning on completing this year breaststroke. It works fine for her.

Triathlon isn't about having the best swim stroke, the coolest bike, or being the best runner. It's a mental game with yourself. Triathlon, as far as I'm concerned, is 90% mental and 10% physical. You have to mentally be ready to compete. You have to be ready to be in the water for awhile, to be hunched over on your bike, and to run. As far as I'm concerned, training is all about making the starting line.

On that note, I'm writing a short story in my spare time about triathlon. Anyone who would like to read it when I'm done, just let me know.

Sure! Just be sure to warn me beforehand if you want your friend to read it, or if you want your friend the English teacher to read it, OK?

 

[Sloe Gin]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

Sure! Just be sure to warn me beforehand if you want your friend to read it, or if you want your friend the English teacher to read it, OK?

we're friends?

 

[nmupiccdiva]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

we're friends?

Well we aren't now, hoser. Pfft.

 

[Sloe Gin]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

Well we aren't now, hoser. Pfft.

sweet, one less person to send a Christmas card to.

 

[MissThundercat]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

take it slow. I repeat. Take it slow. If need be, just work on your breathing technique. Blow bubbles, turn head, breathe, repeat. Back to basics.



and she's still doing it. She'll go to freestyle next year, but she's planning on completing this year breaststroke. It works fine for her.

Triathlon isn't about having the best swim stroke, the coolest bike, or being the best runner. It's a mental game with yourself. Triathlon, as far as I'm concerned, is 90% mental and 10% physical. You have to mentally be ready to compete. You have to be ready to be in the water for awhile, to be hunched over on your bike, and to run. As far as I'm concerned, training is all about making the starting line.

On that note, I'm writing a short story in my spare time about triathlon. Anyone who would like to read it when I'm done, just let me know.

Running a marathon is the same way. When you get to the last 6-8 miles, and your legs don't want to move, it takes everything you've got just to finish. But when you cross the finish line and they hand you a mylar blanket and your finisher's medal, you realize it was worth it.

And I'd love to read your short story.

Yeah I may swing by Barnes and Noble and take a look around.

I think the other suggestion, buying a pair of or two of dumbells isn't a bad stopgap either.

It's not. I have a pair of dumb bells that I use at least twice a week. Not only that, daily activities such as emptying the trash, sweeping/mopping the floor, changing the kitty litter, and cooking all count as exercise.

 

[brianvf]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

Triathlon isn't about having the best swim stroke, the coolest bike, or being the best runner.

Liar.

 

[winger]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

sweet, one less person to send a Christmas card to.

I always love my Quiz/SG Xmas card.

Liar.

I always thought it was all about the shoes, and writing on yourself with permenant marker.



My first visit at crossfit was last night. AND I LOVE THAT PLACE!!! I want to start right up right now, soon as I get my wheelchair over to the place.

The Intro Workout was this
Run 200M
15-12-9
Squats
Body Row
Push Ups
Run 200M
Time 10:18.

At crossfit the workouts are always different minus a set of bench mark workouts that are either names after ladies (there is even one named Karen) or Heros (fallen militarty/law enforcement individuals). The benchmark workouts are a measurable way to see how one is progressing. At the end of 10 mins, I was absolutly spent, a sweaty mess and I am really shocked I didnt boot!

I want to start now!!! But they have a whole onramp program into the overall program. Makes sense. I guess tonight it is just back to running. But overall I think Crossfit is going to fit in very well with my other fitness goals.

 

[unh_hockey]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

My first visit at crossfit was last night. AND I LOVE THAT PLACE!!! I want to start right up right now, soon as I get my wheelchair over to the place.

The Intro Workout was this
Run 200M
15-12-9
Squats
Body Row
Push Ups
Run 200M
Time 10:18.

At crossfit the workouts are always different minus a set of bench mark workouts that are either names after ladies (there is even one named Karen) or Heros (fallen militarty/law enforcement individuals). The benchmark workouts are a measurable way to see how one is progressing. At the end of 10 mins, I was absolutly spent, a sweaty mess and I am really shocked I didnt boot!

I want to start now!!! But they have a whole onramp program into the overall program. Makes sense. I guess tonight it is just back to running. But overall I think Crossfit is going to fit in very well with my other fitness goals.

been doing crossfit workouts ( not the entire routine) for a year and change, and everything about my athletic ability is vastly improved. They are still challenging to boot. I am a pretty small guy, so seeing me put up on squat as much as guys who are 200+ is encouraging that this thing is working.

The worst workouts are the 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1-0 of deadlifts and bench at very high weights. Those make me want to hurl. Scaling is key. As you said , be sure to ramp up to a suitable baseline level of athleticism before you attempt full bore. Burnout/ injury are very real with some of these routines.

 

[Dirty Bottles]

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.

Hey, you can always do the breastroke in the race so no worries there. I've seen people doing the doggy paddle at races so you'll be faster then them!

My take on how to improve:

1) Go out to youtube and search for "freestyle" lots and lots video on what a proper stroke looks like. It's not the same as coaching but at least you'll get a feel for what you're trying to accomplish.

2) Read. Go to beginnertriathlete.com and slowtwitch.com and read the forums. Lots and lots of good advice from very accomplished triathletes. Go to your library and see if they have any Total Immersion books. Start to read up and understand the concepts of catch, pull, recovery, etc.

3) Use a pull buoy. It's a foam device you put between your legs - almost all pools have them onsite but if yours doesn't, you can buy them for ~ $10. They are helpful because they allow you to focus just on your stroke mechanics (you can't kick) and becuase you can't kick you'll likely find you can go further then without one so you can also build up your stamina.

4) Do a variety of sets. One day do shorter intervals to work on your stroke (i.e. 25 or 50 yard repeats), another day do longer sets (how long exactly depends on your fitness level).

Four years ago I was at your exact same point. Before starting triathlons I had never learned to swim. My first time in a pool I BARELY made it 25 yards and the thought of doing 600 yards in a race seemed extremely daunting.

But stick with it and you will see improvements.

 

[Sloe Gin]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

Liar.

ok fine, but since I have none of that stuff, I have to build myself up somehow.

BUT09, check out a book called Triathlon 101. It'll help you understand the proper swim stroke and how to keep yourself as buoyant as possible. You'll be just fine. I promise.

 

[BUT09]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

BUT09, check out a book called Triathlon 101. It'll help you understand the proper swim stroke and how to keep yourself as buoyant as possible. You'll be just fine. I promise.

Thanks for the help!

That goes for everyone, I'm just too lazy to quote every post.

 

[winger]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

been doing crossfit workouts ( not the entire routine) for a year and change, and everything about my athletic ability is vastly improved. They are still challenging to boot. I am a pretty small guy, so seeing me put up on squat as much as guys who are 200+ is encouraging that this thing is working.

The worst workouts are the 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1-0 of deadlifts and bench at very high weights. Those make me want to hurl. Scaling is key. As you said , be sure to ramp up to a suitable baseline level of athleticism before you attempt full bore. Burnout/ injury are very real with some of these routines.

Oh yeah I am defaintly at a scaled version right now, that is why I am going to go to a studio so I can work with people and they can save my from myself.

Im excited, im sore today. I havent really been sore since maybe my college hockey days. The other thing I like about crossfit is that is so generalized that I will so overall improvements pretty much any other sport I do. Which is good because I have never been the type to stick to only one sport, I get bored too easily.

Hey, you can always do the breastroke in the race so no worries there. I've seen people doing the doggy paddle at races so you'll be faster then them!

My take on how to improve:
3) Use a pull buoy. It's a foam device you put between your legs - almost all pools have them onsite but if yours doesn't, you can buy them for ~ $10. They are helpful because they allow you to focus just on your stroke mechanics (you can't kick) and becuase you can't kick you'll likely find you can go further then without one so you can also build up your stamina.

I never thought of the pull bouy before I will have to keep that in mind whenever I get back in the pool.

 

[winger]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

BUT09, check out a book called Triathlon 101. It'll help you understand the proper swim stroke and how to keep yourself as buoyant as possible. You'll be just fine. I promise.

I concur, great book packed with info, I am pretty sure I havent even looked at the whole thing yet.

 

[goldy_331]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

Our chiropractor does crossfit and has been trying to get my son to go do it. I'm going to try and make it happen. I fear I'm too old and broken down for it.

 

[BadgerAlum@WMU]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

Went for Power Splash (water aerobics) today for the first time in 3 weeks. I took it easy on myself, worked at moderate intensity rather than the high intensity that I usually do. Also did the strength circuit today. Increased the weight on two of the machines by a half-plate.

I still worked myself into a two-hour nap, when I could have used that time for housework, and I can feel that my lungs/bronchii are still not 100%, and may not be until tree pollen season has passed. Before it was cedars and junipers, now it's maples and box elders. Blah.