The Road Less Traveled: IM 2012

handangeo · 11-09-2012 11:14am

Sweet, real sweet no stopping you now

Oryx · 11-09-2012 11:25am

Anyone who knows me will know it is going to take nothing short of a miracle to get me riding confidently on that machine. (I've only just stopped needing stabilisers on the giant) But that is my next hurdle. I want very much to be a good cyclist, and this is my incentive.

Brick Session · 11-09-2012 11:47am

Thats a beaut Oryx, have fun and best of luck on that machine. Well wear.

hf4z6sqo7vjngi · 11-09-2012 2:01pm

Oryx wrote: »

My new best friend.

A sexy bike for a sexy hoochie mama:) Well wear with it.

Dory Dory · 11-09-2012 2:02pm

Gorgeous!! You and the bike will compliment each other well!

Oryx · 11-09-2012 2:11pm

When Dory gets her Mad One were gonna take our bling bikes and go on a thelma and louise style bicycle road trip (hopefully with brad pitt and minus the grand canyon problem at the end). You on, Dory?

Dory Dory · 11-09-2012 2:16pm

Oryx wrote: »

When Dory gets her Mad One were gonna take our bling bikes and go on a thelma and louise style bicycle road trip (hopefully with brad pitt and minus the grand canyon problem at the end). You on, Dory?

You tell me where and when and i'll be there!!!!

hf4z6sqo7vjngi · 11-09-2012 2:24pm

Oryx wrote: »

When Dory gets her Mad One were gonna take our bling bikes and go on a thelma and louise style bicycle road trip (hopefully with brad pitt and minus the grand canyon problem at the end). You on, Dory?

I will be Brad Pitt so as we look similar.

Oryx · 11-09-2012 2:46pm

Wells Delicious Gazelle wrote: »

I will be Brad Pitt so as we look similar.

Thats what I heard, alright.

Dory Dory · 11-09-2012 2:48pm

Wells Delicious Gazelle wrote: »

I will be Brad Pitt so as we look similar.

Oryx and I will need to see how you handle a hair-dryer first.

RacoonQueen · 11-09-2012 3:22pm

Wells Delicious Gazelle wrote: »

I will be Brad Pitt so as we look similar.

Don't insult yourself, you're not that bad.

Oryx · 11-09-2012 8:22pm

Took the beast out for a short spin tonight. It felt different.

I couldn't manage the tri bars yet, but I knew that would be the case, I've never been a strong cyclist. Trying them was scary. In fact I think the only way I could be more unsafe on a bike is blindfold. This is gonna take work to master, but I'll get there.

Dory Dory · 11-09-2012 8:29pm

Speaking of unsafe - I felt slightly terrified at times this past weekend knowing that my feet were clipped into the bike - terrified when going downhill, so I basically rode the brake the whole way (must check break pads...) - and terrified when trucks would honk when behind me on a highway and then speed by me. I think I feel in less control being clipped in, but I know I'm more powerful - I assume this feeling passes as I rack up the mileage. Also, what do you do in races at intersections when you have to watch for traffic? Do you stay clipped in and hope you don't have to stop? Or can you clip out super fast without panicking?

Oryx · 11-09-2012 8:53pm

Clipping out becomes so natural you won't even have to think about it. But till then clip out as you come to intersections and leave your foot in position on the pedal and continue pedaling. During the summer I got what I thought was a wasp under my glasses, and in a panic I swerved off the road onto gravel. I was clipped out and standing before I even realised I had stopped.

Dory Dory · 12-09-2012 1:23am

Do you routinely clip out both feet or just one?

Oryx · 12-09-2012 6:22am

Dory Dory wrote: »

Do you routinely clip out both feet or just one?

Just one. (always the left foot)

Ryath · 12-09-2012 11:35am

Just wondering where you got the Argon 18. Been eyeing up the Argon 18 E80 frame there a few 2011 models online going at good prices. Lovely looking bikes.

About the night time running I run on country roads as well and actually find it much safer than the day time. Cars actually slow down more and give you more space passing. I use this headtorch.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silva-Trail-Runner-Running-Torch/dp/B00388PISK/ref=sr_1_1?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1347444384&sr=1-1

and for a rear light clipped on an arm strap

https://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/p/4542/smart-lunar-r1-1-watt-rear-light-batteries-included-sale

They're both excellent lights and very bright. Some cars I've met have actually come to a stop, probably wondering WTF is this coming towards me at 11 o'clock at night.

I regularly cycle at night as well and find it quite safe though you'll need a better front light I also carry the headtorch handy as backup or if I need to change a tube. Much better than being on the turbo trainer.

griffin100 · 12-09-2012 12:19pm

Oryx wrote: »

Just one. (always the left foot)

Starting off it might be better to unclip both feet when stopping, otherwise you might overbalance onto the unclipped side, especially if the surface is uneven - I'm speaking from experience here

. Once you are more confident and can balance better with one foot clipped in then you could switch to removing one foot only.

Dory Dory · 12-09-2012 12:22pm

griffin100 wrote: »

Starting off it might be better to unclip both feet when stopping, otherwise you might overbalance onto the unclipped side, especially if the surface is uneven - I'm speaking from experience here . Once you are more confident and can balance better with one foot clipped in then you could switch to removing one foot only.

Good advice. Thanks!!!

Oryx · 12-09-2012 1:16pm

griffin100 wrote: »

Starting off it might be better to unclip both feet when stopping, otherwise you might overbalance onto the unclipped side, especially if the surface is uneven - I'm speaking from experience here . Once you are more confident and can balance better with one foot clipped in then you could switch to removing one foot only.

The one time I fell off, that is what happened. In my haste I clipped out so violently on my left, that the bike keeled over to the right.

Oryx · 12-09-2012 1:27pm

Ryath wrote: »

Just wondering where you got the Argon 18. Been eyeing up the Argon 18 E80 frame there a few 2011 models online going at good prices. Lovely looking bikes.

Thanks for the advice on the torches. If I can get over my reluctance to run on very isolated roads I might try it (but it isnt safe for more reasons than traffic, unfortunately).

I had been idly looking at secondhand bikes online, just researching really. I need a small frame, and they are not that common. This one just happened to come up, it suited, so I went for it. Taking a chance really, I only know the basics in terms of checking for issues.
If only I could ride it now. I'm glad I have all winter to practice because its gonna be tough. If you have any advice for stability on a bike apart from training wheels I'll take that too!

Oryx · 12-09-2012 1:30pm

Ran today. Just under 11k. Pushed it and for once it felt good. I'm still not up to the pace I want to reach, but its better. I felt strong today.

Oryx · 12-09-2012 7:42pm

Swam 2k this evening. Again, a good session. I felt in control and relaxed, and that strong thing was still there. I love these kinds of days.

Oryx · 14-09-2012 10:35am

Nothing yesterday, life got in the way, and by the time the kids were asleep last night, I was pooped too and didnt bother with a planned turbo.

Did a short session this morning, and I hope to get something else done later in the day.

Oryx · 14-09-2012 6:33pm

Got a sneaky swim in while my kids had lessons this evening. Not very long, 1k then a few short sprints but it felt grand.

Oryx · 15-09-2012 10:49am

The planned xc session was cancelled so I just did a run on my own. It should have been speedwork, fartlek or something but yet again my body decided 'I'm gonna give you bellyache and make you throw up if you do that to me' so today wasn't the day. I hate my digestive system. 11+ Kms. Nothing special.

Oryx · 16-09-2012 12:13pm

20 miles in the bag. Finally. I needed to get one of those done. It took 3hr 10 and included a few short stops (including a work of mercy finding the owners of a lost pet rabbit and getting it taken off the road - Dory would be proud) I definitely feel it, and it doesn't bode well for my marathon time but hell, the legs are good and you just never know what race day will bring. I live in hope. I'm owed some good bunny saving karma now.

Kurt Godel · 16-09-2012 12:41pm

Oryx wrote: »

20 miles in the bag. Finally. I needed to get one of those done. It took 3hr 10 and included a few short stops (including a work of mercy finding the owners of a lost pet rabbit and getting it taken off the road - Dory would be proud) I definitely feel it, and it doesn't bode well for my marathon time but hell, the legs are good and you just never know what race day will bring. I live in hope. I'm owed some good bunny saving karma now.

I always ran LSR's at a pace such that 22miles would equal my marathon race time. I would think you're still looking good for your "shall not be mentioned" goal time, based on todays LSR time. Were you dying at the end, or was your pace dropping, or anything else giving you warning bells?

Oryx · 16-09-2012 12:46pm

Kurt Godel wrote: »

I always ran LSR's at a pace such that 22miles would equal my marathon race time. I would think you're still looking good for your "shall not be mentioned" goal time, based on todays LSR time. Were you dying at the end, or was your pace dropping, or anything else giving you warning bells?

I thought you dropped in to comment on my rampant rabbit episode.

I haven't looked at my splits and they won't tell me too much as there are some serious climbs in the second half. So I don't know if I slowed, but I felt ok at the end. Tired, but good for more miles. I seem to be able to run like that all day

Kurt Godel · 16-09-2012 12:53pm

Oryx wrote: »

I haven't looked at my splits and they won't tell me too much as there are some serious climbs in the second half. So I don't know if I slowed, but I felt ok at the end. Tired, but good for more miles. I seem to be able to run like that all day

Well all seems in working order then, I'd say you should take a lot of comfort from today's LSR.

Oryx wrote: »

I thought you dropped in to comment on my rampant rabbit episode.

Sorry to disappoint, normal service shall be resumed promptly, you insatiable cottontail courtesan

Dory Dory · 16-09-2012 5:30pm

The bunny gods are smiling upon you.

The time of 3 hours and 10 minutes INCLUDES the breaks? Or is the 3:10 all running time?

Oryx · 16-09-2012 5:44pm

Dory Dory wrote: »

The bunny gods are smiling upon you.

The time of 3 hours and 10 minutes INCLUDES the breaks? Or is the 3:10 all running time?

Includes the breaks. Which were short.

minute or two apiece I reckon.

Dory Dory · 16-09-2012 6:54pm

Oryx wrote: »

Includes the breaks. Which were short. minute or two apiece I reckon.

Ahhhhh....I see. **nods knowingly**

You're gonna nail the crap out of this marathon.

Oryx · 16-09-2012 7:00pm

Dory Dory wrote: »

Ahhhhh....I see. **nods knowingly** You're gonna nail the crap out of this marathon.

Thank you for the P.M.A. I will remember it at mile 21, as the pain kicks in and I hate the world. I will think: 'but Dory said it would be ok, dammit!'

Dory Dory · 16-09-2012 7:13pm

Oryx wrote: »

Thank you for the P.M.A. I will remember it at mile 21, as the pain kicks in and I hate the world. I will think: 'but Dory said it would be ok, dammit!'

You're totally gonna nail it, you IronWoman-Triathlete-Marathon Barbie you!

Oryx · 18-09-2012 12:06pm

Got some excellent swim coaching yesterday, very helpful. Showed me just how broken my stroke is, now lets see if I can fix it!

Kettlebells yesterday evening. Murderous set, I think the coach was releasing his frustrations or something.

. Have moved up to a 16kg for some moves, I want to improve my strength over the winter season.

Oryx · 18-09-2012 10:10pm

Rest day today. But I did venture to the pool just to remind my brain what I was taught yesterday, as advised. I also got a swim snorkel, as advised, so now I look even more of a useless dork in the pool than normal. But it does make kicking drills much more consistent. Is that worth looking idiotic? I really don't know.

Oryx · 19-09-2012 11:00am

A short sharp speed session this morning. 800s (well, half mile) with a one minute rest between each. I did 5. My speed was ok, but by the last one I felt like I was running through water, my legs were shot. It wasnt that my lungs couldnt cope, but my legs simply would not move any faster. It reminded me of my IM marathon. I didnt get to puke stage, but it did hurt. To the point that a guy walking his dogs stopped and asked me was I ok while I was doing my rest bit mid session.

The garmin is not 100% accurate on pace, but with a 1 mile warmup and a half mile cooldown, I did 4.3miles in 32.5 mins not including rests. Not fantastic at all, but at least I did it because I HATE intervals.

Dory Dory · 21-09-2012 6:25pm

So...how's the training coming along?? You got your shoes all sorted for the big race? I remember I started thinking I needed new runners a few weeks out from my last (and only) marathon and even purchased a new pair, but I did resist wearing them after (I think) Raycun reminded me how foolish that would be. Of course I am thinking I need new runners.....
I'm also thinking we need to answer the 17 year old boys' photos over on JB's thread with some of our own.

So....how's the training coming along?

Oryx · 23-09-2012 12:55pm

Training is not good, Dory. Not good at all.

Dory Dory · 23-09-2012 2:41pm

Oryx wrote: »

Training is not good, Dory. Not good at all.

Ah, I hate to hear that...but I will hope that your definition of "not good" is actually "not too bad". I'm sure your perspective is a bit skewed because of all that IM training - so perhaps it's just comparatively speaking (volume of training) that makes you feel it's not good, when in fact it's marathon-good.

Oryx · 23-09-2012 3:55pm

I've just had a bad few days and will be taking some time off.

Dory Dory · 23-09-2012 4:01pm

PM me if you need anything. Hopefully you just need to hit the re-set button, but I am pretty good with pep talks.

Brick Session · 24-09-2012 12:25pm

Oryx wrote: »

I've just had a bad few days and will be taking some time off.

Don't get downhearted, think of the what you have achieved in such a short time and the fun you have had along the way. Perhaps you are putting yourself under a bit too much pressure to perform and this may be having the opposite effect of what you want to achieve.

You are an ironwoman who has battled all of the elements to succeed, dont let a few bad days win. Take the few days out, enjoy your family etc and come back fighting.

RedB · 24-09-2012 12:57pm

Oryx wrote: »

I've just had a bad few days and will be taking some time off.

Sorry to read this but good call. Rest up, clear the head. Refresh in your own good time.

Oryx · 29-09-2012 4:10pm

Spike Milligan has 'I told you I was ill' carved on his tombstone.

Thats kinda how my body has felt all week, the fading feeling Ive had for weeks came to a head in a pretty spectacular meltdown last weekend. So, for the week, I've been resting and wondering if I will ever feel normal again. I'm not sick, just worn out. All the signs point to low iron levels, which I'm taking a supplement for, as I am too tight to pay out to my doctor who doesn't understand the requirements of sports fitness anyway.

I tried a gentle run, which I can complete, but slowly, with a chilly sweat up my back. Its not good.

I have a 10k tomorrow which I am doing as its a charity gig and I cant get out of it. But it wont be pretty. As for the marathon, all bets are off. And whats worse, I dont even care.

Bring on the I-told-you-so's. I'm ready.

Shell to Run · 29-09-2012 7:23pm

Oryx, you gave me some great advice on SBR thread:

‘You need an off season or you’ll burn out’

I took that advice on board (two weeks ago now). The result – need two more weeks off. Am so enjoying not being a slave to training, numbers, pace……

I have ruled out any medical issue and think a visit to G.P. maybe the best option for you. It may not be low iron levels. Hopefully something minor. You have had a remarkable season and your body needs an off season. Take care and please don’t be so hard on yourself. Go out and run free, smile and enjoy the 10km. Don’t beat yourself up for doing it or for not achieving the best result, that will come.

Oryx · 29-09-2012 7:52pm

I was planning my off season for November but my body has other ideas. And to be honest I'm doctor phobic. For good reasons tho I know, I know. Youre right. Sigh.

Dory Dory · 29-09-2012 7:57pm

Excellent advice by Shell to Run - and you defintely need and DESERVE some down time. I know I am teetering on the edge right now from not having a break in quite some time and I have promised myself to only run/swim/bike for fun in the 4 to 8 weeks after the marathon next weekend. I am not going to watch my pace...it will all be for enjoyment and adventure, and all at my leisure.

You mention the iron supplement. I, too, take an iron supplement....and have recently re-added a daily multi-vitamin and improved my diet because I was feeling like crap all the time. I figure garbage in, garbage out...so I have been off the M&Ms and junk, and eat more fruits and fresh vegetables plus added more carbs (potatoes) and protein (eggs and chicken) to my daily diet and I have to say I feel a thousand times better. Do not rule out seeing your doctor as that is the most sound advice, but evaluate a few things and make any changes you have in your control to make yourself healthier.

Oryx · 29-09-2012 8:00pm

Aye Aye Sir. Already doing those things. Too late, granted. But still I'm doin em. I never want to feel like last Sunday again.

The Road Less Traveled: IM 2012

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