That's meant in a nice way of course.
Just curious when the next weigh in for the "biggest loser" is?
Back in January I filled in my goal weight for every Saturday from then until June 1st. I got way ahead of the schedule but now I'm catching back up. So I'm back to charting my eats on Fitday.com, I expect I will get results again. At least I'm hoping that will be the case.
At this point I've got 3 weeks of hard workouts ahead of me. Then the taper, for the 2 weekends of racing, with some recovery time following that. So about 3 more workout weeks following these events.
Oddly enough, one of my biggest concerns is my seasonal allergies. I am really hoping that the Generic Claritin gets me through. Looking at the blog, I really got crushed the 1st week of June last year. I can only do so much in this department, I just hope it works out.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Back on the Bike
I was at a conference all week, so I've been AWOL from the blog, but I got back today and jumped on the bike. I finally got a battery from the local jewelry store (last one they had) for the power meter I got with the trainer. Now I have to read the manual online, because I can't figure out what the heck the thing is telling me. It keeps changing, and I can't make sense of any of the numbers. It appears to be in some kind of scrolling average mode, and the speeds are metric, but I assume I'll have that fixed by next time. Really all I'm interested in is watts and speed, and the averages of those two things. It can't do cadence. I rode for 65 minutes while watching the award-winning film Scorpion King. Taking my mind off pedaling seemed to help, as I was able to maintain a pretty high cadence in my 3rd highest gear. Sweated profusely. Did lots of walking at the conference so it wasn't a total bust fitnesswise, but I didn't run or swim at all.
One thing I've discovered is that my biking shoes are going to be really dangerous to try to run in at the transition. They are hard plastic on the bottom, and are like wearing slippery reverse high heels. Any ideas on that? Craig, your shoes are like that too right? What are we supposed to do? I'd rather not eat concrete at T2. Might be safest to pull my feet out of the shoes and run barefoot, leaving the shoes attached to the pedals. Not sure yet.
Only a little over 2 months to go. I don't feel ready. In fact, I feel quite unready.
One thing I've discovered is that my biking shoes are going to be really dangerous to try to run in at the transition. They are hard plastic on the bottom, and are like wearing slippery reverse high heels. Any ideas on that? Craig, your shoes are like that too right? What are we supposed to do? I'd rather not eat concrete at T2. Might be safest to pull my feet out of the shoes and run barefoot, leaving the shoes attached to the pedals. Not sure yet.
Only a little over 2 months to go. I don't feel ready. In fact, I feel quite unready.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Swim Stuff
I watched the You Tube video's on the High Elbow Catch before I went tonight. I am definitely dropping my elbow on my right side. I realized the old Fist drill kept me from dropping as hard. So I did 5 sets of these 25 yd then stroke count back. It really makes you use your whole forearm, which then makes you hold your elbow up to keep head out of the water. Not nearly as hard as last year when I did them. My whole position felt better.
I also did 5 sets of 50 forcing my head chest down in the water more to lift my feet and get a better sense of the water. I actually kicked air the first set. It is also hard to get a good breath, but I think the drill had its desired result.
I started the whole workout by stepping on a piece of glass. I started to bleed pretty good and had to remove the glass. I used my pocket knife to remove a little skin. Kept felt like I was going to break the piece if I removed it with my hand. Stopped bleeding in about ten minutes so I did my workout. A little tender this morning, but shouldn't effect anything. I have no idea how the glass got on the pools deck. I told the manager as I was leaving, I didn't want them to make a big deal and slow down my workout.
The overall swim was good because my shoulder hurt last night but does not hurt tonight, so I think I have relieved a little stress on the right shoulder. I also rested pretty good between the 50 yd sets.
A friend of mine was at the pool, he is a good runner and he swims to take the stress off his legs. He was using a pull buoy and hand paddles pretty close to the size of the one's Shawn had in the Tango. He was flying. Still amazing how much they help especially without the kick.
I also did 5 sets of 50 forcing my head chest down in the water more to lift my feet and get a better sense of the water. I actually kicked air the first set. It is also hard to get a good breath, but I think the drill had its desired result.
I started the whole workout by stepping on a piece of glass. I started to bleed pretty good and had to remove the glass. I used my pocket knife to remove a little skin. Kept felt like I was going to break the piece if I removed it with my hand. Stopped bleeding in about ten minutes so I did my workout. A little tender this morning, but shouldn't effect anything. I have no idea how the glass got on the pools deck. I told the manager as I was leaving, I didn't want them to make a big deal and slow down my workout.
The overall swim was good because my shoulder hurt last night but does not hurt tonight, so I think I have relieved a little stress on the right shoulder. I also rested pretty good between the 50 yd sets.
A friend of mine was at the pool, he is a good runner and he swims to take the stress off his legs. He was using a pull buoy and hand paddles pretty close to the size of the one's Shawn had in the Tango. He was flying. Still amazing how much they help especially without the kick.
Swim Improvement
I've been feeling like I've been going nowhere fast with my swimming lately. I would just get exhausted and feel like I was dragging most of the time. Could have been the diet I suppose.
Well at last night's class we were racing 100's on 3:00. That is much more rest than we typically get. With these races what typically happens with me is I do well on the first one then lose 5-10 seconds on the following races.
So I was surprised last night when the coach challenged me on the 4th set. He wanted me to swim 1:37 or better. I had hit the 50 mark at :44 the previous sprint. I forget what my final time was 1:40+ probably. So I had to really dig to get faster at this point.
One thing I do on the shorter sprints to shave time is breathe every 4 as long as I can stand to do that. With the faster arm turnover it's probably not too far off from every 2 with the longer stroke. I'm not sure if I even make 50 going every 4 tho'. Then to try and push this one faster, once my arms felt like they were slowing somewhere in the 75, I pushed my legs and kicking as best I can (take what I can get). I finished 1:37.8 which matches my best time from back in January, but this was the 4th sprint so I'm calling it an improvement.
I had taken my electrolyte capsule before class and also decided to take my bike bottle full of gatorade 24oz (made from the endurance powder). Typically I take half as much gatorade. No cramping again this week so I'm 2 for 2 with that. The trouble was that I couldn't sleep when I got home. So I missed my swim class this AM. If I had decided to go, it would have been on about 3 hours of sleep, that can't be productive. Not a huge deal. I just think this AM would have been a technique day and I like to be reminded what I'm doing wrong.
Well at last night's class we were racing 100's on 3:00. That is much more rest than we typically get. With these races what typically happens with me is I do well on the first one then lose 5-10 seconds on the following races.
So I was surprised last night when the coach challenged me on the 4th set. He wanted me to swim 1:37 or better. I had hit the 50 mark at :44 the previous sprint. I forget what my final time was 1:40+ probably. So I had to really dig to get faster at this point.
One thing I do on the shorter sprints to shave time is breathe every 4 as long as I can stand to do that. With the faster arm turnover it's probably not too far off from every 2 with the longer stroke. I'm not sure if I even make 50 going every 4 tho'. Then to try and push this one faster, once my arms felt like they were slowing somewhere in the 75, I pushed my legs and kicking as best I can (take what I can get). I finished 1:37.8 which matches my best time from back in January, but this was the 4th sprint so I'm calling it an improvement.
I had taken my electrolyte capsule before class and also decided to take my bike bottle full of gatorade 24oz (made from the endurance powder). Typically I take half as much gatorade. No cramping again this week so I'm 2 for 2 with that. The trouble was that I couldn't sleep when I got home. So I missed my swim class this AM. If I had decided to go, it would have been on about 3 hours of sleep, that can't be productive. Not a huge deal. I just think this AM would have been a technique day and I like to be reminded what I'm doing wrong.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Interval Run
Here is the stuff I need to do more often. Gets the feet moving quicker, cranks up the HR, what's not to like? I probably should have done all 9 but I haven't built up to this so I wanted to make sure I didn't injure myself . I started the first couple too fast as you can see. Comments welcome, not sure what I should be seeing on these graphs? Should the interval be longer? These were 1:40.
TMI Update
I had a little rub on my thighs from Sunday Run, I didn't wear spandex under the running shorts. The friction of the faster run, I think you get the idea. Just remember this site is designed to Share . . . Not Scare!
Now that I got that out of my system. I am on board for the DeSoto suit, but I am not sure if Tamara is on board. She wasn't totally on board for the bike. "You have a bike that works, I have seen you ride it." Wet Suit conversation, "You have bathing suits, I have seen you swim in 60 degree water, what is the problem. All of a sudden you have become weak. If I knew this was going to happen I wouldn't have married you, I would never get in that water, your insane, but you have always been insane, why not anymore. I don't think I know you. You never loved me, you can't convince me otherwise, well, maybe if you freeze your kahhoonies (sp) off in a small lake in New Hampshire, you would prove your love to me and we could live happily ever after!" Whew, I can't wait to breech the subject again. Now that I have rehearsed her response in my head, I am not sure why my manhood freezing off is somehow proof of my undying love for her.
So, give me a deadline (same as Shawn's), hopefully not tomorrow, because ultimatums don't go over in the Cerra household. I explained to her one time about how in negotiations if someone gives you an ultimatum, you should take it because they will then back down. Some how that has come around to bite me. Also, let me know if I am the one making or breaking the deal.
Now that I got that out of my system. I am on board for the DeSoto suit, but I am not sure if Tamara is on board. She wasn't totally on board for the bike. "You have a bike that works, I have seen you ride it." Wet Suit conversation, "You have bathing suits, I have seen you swim in 60 degree water, what is the problem. All of a sudden you have become weak. If I knew this was going to happen I wouldn't have married you, I would never get in that water, your insane, but you have always been insane, why not anymore. I don't think I know you. You never loved me, you can't convince me otherwise, well, maybe if you freeze your kahhoonies (sp) off in a small lake in New Hampshire, you would prove your love to me and we could live happily ever after!" Whew, I can't wait to breech the subject again. Now that I have rehearsed her response in my head, I am not sure why my manhood freezing off is somehow proof of my undying love for her.
So, give me a deadline (same as Shawn's), hopefully not tomorrow, because ultimatums don't go over in the Cerra household. I explained to her one time about how in negotiations if someone gives you an ultimatum, you should take it because they will then back down. Some how that has come around to bite me. Also, let me know if I am the one making or breaking the deal.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Race Prep / Too much Information
It's getting close, basically a month before the Bassman. So I've got to start putting things in place, so I'm not making changes or trying something new on race day.
What Types of things you might ask, most are bike related.
1) Saddle, need to try others ASAP
2) Helmet, Can I lose the visor on mine? Is it as uncomfortable as I remember from last year?
3) AeroBars, Get them on and find out if they are better or worse for me.
4) Chafing, Chamois Butt'r Ah yes, the TMI begins, ha ha. On Sunday for the 10 mile run I remembered to use this, in hopes of preventing a repeat of last Sunday's issues. I'm happy to report product worked as advertised.
5) Wetsuit, I still need one. I'm going to run up to SBR here in NY at lunch to make sure they have new suits in stock. I've decided I'd like to try as many as possible, ASAP. Craig, Shawn where are you on this?
6) Lose the "Swimming Bear" look. (TMI part 2). I'm not as brave as Shawn and did not go the Nair route. This was more like a Sheep Shearing. One could joke that I should have donated to Locks of Love or at the very least a bad Toupee Shop..... Stuff a pillow? I digress.
I thought it wise to test the waters. I'm still a manly man from the front. If it turns out I'm itching to the point I want to crawl out of my skin, I'll have to consider other options. Genine thought it would be funny to post Before and After pictures. I think back to Craig's Original chafing post and Jason's reply about looking for an imaginary pencil to poke out his mind's eye.
Thank me for sparing you the visuals.
From this I've learned the people at swim class don't know me well enough yet. I was expecting some sort of comment this AM. Especially from the coach, who has often said I need to SHAVE time off of my 100 swim time. Perhaps it was just too early in the AM.
7) Because of the new trim, I get to introduce another product. Body Glide. Applied to my sides along the lower rib area to reduce Chafing during my swim. Also useful with wetsuits.
8) I've read baby shampoo works well as a goggle defogger. Need to try this out.
9) CO2 system rather than a bike pump. What are you guys thinking here?
10) Energy products.
I've liked the Black Cherry Shot Blocks the best of the 3 flavors I had. I cut them in half, I think they are too big otherwise. I don't think this is a useful product for me.
Cliff Mango Gel, Not bad. I've got a couple other flavor Gels to try before picking a favorite.
11) Hydration: I have to weigh myself pre/post run to find out how much fluid I'm losing. I have a feeling my run will suffer if I don't address this issue.
There you have it. Did I forget anything? Maybe. If you are lucky you've already forgotten the TMI portion of this post.
What Types of things you might ask, most are bike related.
1) Saddle, need to try others ASAP
2) Helmet, Can I lose the visor on mine? Is it as uncomfortable as I remember from last year?
3) AeroBars, Get them on and find out if they are better or worse for me.
4) Chafing, Chamois Butt'r Ah yes, the TMI begins, ha ha. On Sunday for the 10 mile run I remembered to use this, in hopes of preventing a repeat of last Sunday's issues. I'm happy to report product worked as advertised.
5) Wetsuit, I still need one. I'm going to run up to SBR here in NY at lunch to make sure they have new suits in stock. I've decided I'd like to try as many as possible, ASAP. Craig, Shawn where are you on this?
6) Lose the "Swimming Bear" look. (TMI part 2). I'm not as brave as Shawn and did not go the Nair route. This was more like a Sheep Shearing. One could joke that I should have donated to Locks of Love or at the very least a bad Toupee Shop..... Stuff a pillow? I digress.
I thought it wise to test the waters. I'm still a manly man from the front. If it turns out I'm itching to the point I want to crawl out of my skin, I'll have to consider other options. Genine thought it would be funny to post Before and After pictures. I think back to Craig's Original chafing post and Jason's reply about looking for an imaginary pencil to poke out his mind's eye.
Thank me for sparing you the visuals.
From this I've learned the people at swim class don't know me well enough yet. I was expecting some sort of comment this AM. Especially from the coach, who has often said I need to SHAVE time off of my 100 swim time. Perhaps it was just too early in the AM.
7) Because of the new trim, I get to introduce another product. Body Glide. Applied to my sides along the lower rib area to reduce Chafing during my swim. Also useful with wetsuits.
8) I've read baby shampoo works well as a goggle defogger. Need to try this out.
9) CO2 system rather than a bike pump. What are you guys thinking here?
10) Energy products.
I've liked the Black Cherry Shot Blocks the best of the 3 flavors I had. I cut them in half, I think they are too big otherwise. I don't think this is a useful product for me.
Cliff Mango Gel, Not bad. I've got a couple other flavor Gels to try before picking a favorite.
11) Hydration: I have to weigh myself pre/post run to find out how much fluid I'm losing. I have a feeling my run will suffer if I don't address this issue.
There you have it. Did I forget anything? Maybe. If you are lucky you've already forgotten the TMI portion of this post.
Finally tried the new stuff
I received my new pedals and aero bars in the mail on Friday and assembled them, but I didn't get a chance to try either until tonight. We just got home from Easter weekend and I had some caffeine on the road to keep myself awake, so I decided to try to burn it off on the trainer. I am quite happy with both products. The pedals seem pretty easy to engage and they hold well, even in a standing sprint, and the aero bars are super comfortable, better than expected. These were the cheapest aero bars I could find, so the fact that I like them this well is kind of surprising. I was hoping to find them better than my makeshift drop bars I had been using for the Spinervals rides, but I am quite impressed with the comfort and fit. I guess they are heavier than some others, and the shifters are still where they used to be, but I'll live. I did a variety of experiments with the "flat back" vs. the "cat back," which is a debate about aero positioning I found on Friel's blog that Matt posted recently, and I am leaning heavily toward the cat back, despite Joe's advice. I mentioned previously that my gut makes the flat back rather uncomfortable anyway, but when my hips are tilted forward, I don't feel like I can get the cranking power that I get with them tilted back. It's also much less painful on "the area." At any rate, I am excited to take these new toys out on the road and see how everything goes. I felt much smoother on the trainer pedaling in a circle. Giving all those new muscles a chance to participate seems like it's going to be brilliant. I think 33km/hr is within reach now. Fellow Clydesdales, beware.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
How's this for elevation?
I'll do this loop twice on Sunday for my long run. KILLER!!! Ha Ha.
Go out to the Map My Run Site and check out the elevation.
Can you see why I'll be sitting pretty if the oceans rise 20 feet or so?
Go out to the Map My Run Site and check out the elevation.
Can you see why I'll be sitting pretty if the oceans rise 20 feet or so?
Long run- Marathon Training
This may be the hardest training run I've done: 1200 ft of ascent in a 16 mile run with an equal amount of descent.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Strength Training
A little three page bulletin I found on Morgantown's multi sports page about why to do strength training as a triathlete, just click on each page to read. Faster cadence is one of the first things he addresses.
Should I do the Bassman?
Because they moved the Brooklyn Half to May 3rd. The weekend before has opened up for the Bassman.
I'm interested in this race because I don't see many other chances to race with my friends from swim class. I originally didn't want to do this because it's listed as an "Olympic distance", but it's really not. It's a half mile swim, a 29 mile bike, and a 4.2 mile run. So the Mooseman will still be the first "Real" Olympic/International.
This could be a good test run don't you think? Just don't go all out on it. Or is it truly too much to do this then a the Brooklyn Half Marathon the next weekend?
I've been going back and forth on this in my mind all week. So I figured I'd ask you guys.
I'm interested in this race because I don't see many other chances to race with my friends from swim class. I originally didn't want to do this because it's listed as an "Olympic distance", but it's really not. It's a half mile swim, a 29 mile bike, and a 4.2 mile run. So the Mooseman will still be the first "Real" Olympic/International.
This could be a good test run don't you think? Just don't go all out on it. Or is it truly too much to do this then a the Brooklyn Half Marathon the next weekend?
I've been going back and forth on this in my mind all week. So I figured I'd ask you guys.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Reverse Brick & Hanging Upside Down
I am planning a two workout day, after work today. I will get home from work and run, then go to the pool and swim. I would not usually do this, but my run workout schedule is requiring me to do a quality day. I am going to do five 1km, on 4:30mins per km (no slower than 4:45) with 60 - 90 secs rest between.
Also, today is the only day I am going near a pool, so off to the pool I will go. I hope to get an hour in and do around 2,000 yds (sometimes I think the pool is Meters, but maybe I should ask). I actually am planning the nutrition from last night until tonight pretty tight as not to falter on the sugar side, even though it is more than I think I should be eating for the weight loss.
I wore a pair of old cross trainers on the stepper for my AB workout last night and my right foot hurts a little, I may toss those shoes. I use to turn them into lawn mowing shoes, but they still end up hurting my feet.
Final note, we ordered an inversion table and it came Monday. I put it together last night and did a little inverting. I only did two 2 minute segments. I only tilted 20 degrees past horizontal. Very interesting feeling, felt very stretched out, I may be 6'4" the next time you see me. I figure three months or so, with my stepper, triathlon training, inversion time, & triathlon suit, I will be BAT MAN. I can fight crime in Morgantown, of course the only laws usually being broken is open container laws and burning couches in the street, so not much need for a guy in spandex, six pack abs and a grappling hook jumping form building to building.
Also, today is the only day I am going near a pool, so off to the pool I will go. I hope to get an hour in and do around 2,000 yds (sometimes I think the pool is Meters, but maybe I should ask). I actually am planning the nutrition from last night until tonight pretty tight as not to falter on the sugar side, even though it is more than I think I should be eating for the weight loss.
I wore a pair of old cross trainers on the stepper for my AB workout last night and my right foot hurts a little, I may toss those shoes. I use to turn them into lawn mowing shoes, but they still end up hurting my feet.
Final note, we ordered an inversion table and it came Monday. I put it together last night and did a little inverting. I only did two 2 minute segments. I only tilted 20 degrees past horizontal. Very interesting feeling, felt very stretched out, I may be 6'4" the next time you see me. I figure three months or so, with my stepper, triathlon training, inversion time, & triathlon suit, I will be BAT MAN. I can fight crime in Morgantown, of course the only laws usually being broken is open container laws and burning couches in the street, so not much need for a guy in spandex, six pack abs and a grappling hook jumping form building to building.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Prone Bike
Now this is what we are talking about. Built for speed. The only issue I have is there is no hand cranks on the front wheel. You could install a chain between the two and put in a clutch to keep the transfer of power consistent like a bike built for two. The bike also needs a cowing around the front to reduce the frontal (billboard).
Here is a You Tube guy showing you the benefits
Prone Bike
One benefit he left out is when you wreck you are much closer to the ground.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Pedals made of metals
Well fellers, I have finally made the leap to the 1890's and ordered myself some clipless pedals. (Yes, our good friend Charles Hanson was the first to patent the clipless pedal in April of that year. The 1890's were a big decade in the evolution of pedal design in general.)
Yes, I ordered the cheapest Shimano SPD-style pedals I could find that offered adjustable tension. Forte had a model with chromoly spindle (strong for my intense gravitational attraction!) and a machined aluminum body (light, to reduce aforementioned attraction). I had bought some Shimano shoes at the Prime Outlet shops in Hancock Maryland on the way home from DC the other day. There were 2 pair on sale in the L.L. Bean store, and one happened to be my size, so I snapped them up.
And since I was ordering from an online bike store for the pedals to fit these wonderful shoes and I was going to have to pay for shipping anyway, I decided to throw some cheap aerobars in the mix too, since that will complete my bike package for this race season at least, if not longer. Clip-ons, of course, so I can transfer them to a new bike if I ever get one, or win one.
I read on one of these sites "400 watts of power can't push a billboard to a win," and I thought "I am that billboard." I doubt these aero bars will totally change that, but at least I can give my triceps a break once in a while. I haven't been doing very well reducing the size of the billboard lately, so I'll take whatever advantage I can get. I'm feeling pretty low right now. Maybe the pedals will help cheer me up.
Yes, I ordered the cheapest Shimano SPD-style pedals I could find that offered adjustable tension. Forte had a model with chromoly spindle (strong for my intense gravitational attraction!) and a machined aluminum body (light, to reduce aforementioned attraction). I had bought some Shimano shoes at the Prime Outlet shops in Hancock Maryland on the way home from DC the other day. There were 2 pair on sale in the L.L. Bean store, and one happened to be my size, so I snapped them up.
And since I was ordering from an online bike store for the pedals to fit these wonderful shoes and I was going to have to pay for shipping anyway, I decided to throw some cheap aerobars in the mix too, since that will complete my bike package for this race season at least, if not longer. Clip-ons, of course, so I can transfer them to a new bike if I ever get one, or win one.
I read on one of these sites "400 watts of power can't push a billboard to a win," and I thought "I am that billboard." I doubt these aero bars will totally change that, but at least I can give my triceps a break once in a while. I haven't been doing very well reducing the size of the billboard lately, so I'll take whatever advantage I can get. I'm feeling pretty low right now. Maybe the pedals will help cheer me up.
Sunday Long Run
44 degrees and Raining. I felt I did a good job keeping my HR low. Yet I felt much the same as I do when I'm on the bike trainer. Somewhere in the 30-40 minute zone the power just starts to fade away. I'm guessing part of this is lack of recovery. Maybe it's all of it? So does this make for ineffective training? Or is this just the normal part of the build?
Guess this is why pro's have coaches. :-)
One thing is certain, I intend to taper well going into the races. I didn't do much the few days heading into that Florida Tri and I felt good during the race. It was good to experience that, I won't be afraid to ease off the gas when it gets close to race time.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Diane Kelly Results
Great day for a race! Weather was good, footing was perfect. I ran 19:27 and finished 5th of about 110. Ran with Thad from theY for quite a ways and he finished under 20 minutes too. First place was 17:34, then a whole bunch of people packed in from 19:20 ( second place) and probably 15 people (give or take a couple) were under 20 minutes.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Swimming suggestions
I didn't do very well with helpful advice for you the other day Craig. I worked technique tonight and was thinking about how I might describe some things.
Breathing: I guess one of the key things I notice when I'm doing a good job at not lifting my head up to breathe, is that I really lean on the other shoulder to keep it deep. Of course I'm trying not to let the hand drop while doing this. (it's never simply one thing is it?!). Leaning on that shoulder keeps the head low, which keeps the legs from dropping.
You also might want to think one goggle out of the water and breathing from the side of your mouth. Again, the more forward lean you can maintain, the less your legs drop and drag.
If you are a terrible kicker. Like I was/am. I would have to attribute all of my improvement to the use of zoomers/ fins. If you kick with these fins on and focus on rotation, it exaggerates what your feet are doing so much, you can try different things and actually feel whether what you are doing is effective or not.
Shoulder pain. How relaxed is your recovery stroke? Are you lifting your hand out of the water with a high elbow? Is your hand below your elbow until you pass your ear? Or is it in front of your elbow the whole time? You don't want it in front leading. That won't allow your shoulder any time to rest.
There are a few drills to help with high elbow recovery.
1) Fingertip drag. Lifting from the elbow, lightly drag your fingertips across the top of the water on the recovery stroke, all the way until you drop it back in, in front of you.
2) floppy hand. Lift from the elbow, shake the hand like it's got no muscles in it. until you drop it back in.
3) Armpit touch. none of these drills are easy unless you are getting enough rotation for the high elbow to work. The armpit touch is simply a quick tap at the pit during the recovery stroke. It really shouldn't be much of a challenge to do this, unless you are flat and have a low elbow. I leave this one as the "final test". When I am fatigued, this one is very tough for me.
The other part which might help is to take some of the load off the shoulder during the pull. It seems that if you can manage the "high elbow catch" more muscles are involved and shares the load better. I wish I could describe this but I'm not feeling confident in what I'm doing myself. Watch those videos, you will see that their hands drop down in front at the start of the catch, but their elbow doesn't drop with the hand. This creates a large paddle from your elbow down to your hand which you then pull through. I'd Imagine the Fist Drill Craig mentioned long ago would help your feel for the arm as a paddle action going on here.
Breathing: I guess one of the key things I notice when I'm doing a good job at not lifting my head up to breathe, is that I really lean on the other shoulder to keep it deep. Of course I'm trying not to let the hand drop while doing this. (it's never simply one thing is it?!). Leaning on that shoulder keeps the head low, which keeps the legs from dropping.
You also might want to think one goggle out of the water and breathing from the side of your mouth. Again, the more forward lean you can maintain, the less your legs drop and drag.
If you are a terrible kicker. Like I was/am. I would have to attribute all of my improvement to the use of zoomers/ fins. If you kick with these fins on and focus on rotation, it exaggerates what your feet are doing so much, you can try different things and actually feel whether what you are doing is effective or not.
Shoulder pain. How relaxed is your recovery stroke? Are you lifting your hand out of the water with a high elbow? Is your hand below your elbow until you pass your ear? Or is it in front of your elbow the whole time? You don't want it in front leading. That won't allow your shoulder any time to rest.
There are a few drills to help with high elbow recovery.
1) Fingertip drag. Lifting from the elbow, lightly drag your fingertips across the top of the water on the recovery stroke, all the way until you drop it back in, in front of you.
2) floppy hand. Lift from the elbow, shake the hand like it's got no muscles in it. until you drop it back in.
3) Armpit touch. none of these drills are easy unless you are getting enough rotation for the high elbow to work. The armpit touch is simply a quick tap at the pit during the recovery stroke. It really shouldn't be much of a challenge to do this, unless you are flat and have a low elbow. I leave this one as the "final test". When I am fatigued, this one is very tough for me.
The other part which might help is to take some of the load off the shoulder during the pull. It seems that if you can manage the "high elbow catch" more muscles are involved and shares the load better. I wish I could describe this but I'm not feeling confident in what I'm doing myself. Watch those videos, you will see that their hands drop down in front at the start of the catch, but their elbow doesn't drop with the hand. This creates a large paddle from your elbow down to your hand which you then pull through. I'd Imagine the Fist Drill Craig mentioned long ago would help your feel for the arm as a paddle action going on here.
Individual Time Trial
Just got this link. I need to check the schedule. The WVU Cycling Club has set up a ITT for the public, also as part of a race weekend for themselves. 14.5 miles. The start line is only 20 minutes from the house.
http://www.wvucycling.com/Flyers/Spring08_Flyer.pdf
Oh, by the way the Mountaineers have Georgetown at the Garden tonight in the Big East tournament semi final in basketball. The game is on 7pm on ESPN. The player Joe Alexander has been phenomenal the last two weeks. He lit UCONN up yesterday for 34 pts. Go EER's!
http://www.wvucycling.com/Flyers/Spring08_Flyer.pdf
Oh, by the way the Mountaineers have Georgetown at the Garden tonight in the Big East tournament semi final in basketball. The game is on 7pm on ESPN. The player Joe Alexander has been phenomenal the last two weeks. He lit UCONN up yesterday for 34 pts. Go EER's!
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