Is it Now?

griffin100 · 14-02-2012 1:33pm

Dory Dory wrote: »

@griffin100......weren't you going to send me some crisps?

Oh...and most importantly.....HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!!

I'll gladly send you some Tayto. PM me an address if you want

Note to my wife: if you are reading this thread this is not a valentine gift for Dory :pac:

Oryx · 14-02-2012 2:22pm

I'd wish you happy valentines in return but a) I hate that sh1t, and b) Its just not special when you do it as a menage a cinq.....

donothoponpop · 14-02-2012 2:29pm

Oryx wrote: »

I'd wish you happy valentines in return but a) I hate that sh1t, and b) Its just not special when you do it as a menage a cinq.....

Don't be such a cynic Oryx. The fact you have a b) above, shows you do care, so I don't believe a).

Special winky

just for you then, coz you were fishing for it you are special:D

Happy Love Day!

Oryx · 14-02-2012 2:34pm

*swoon* You complete me.

donothoponpop · 14-02-2012 2:38pm

Oryx wrote: »

*swoon* You complete me.

Still got it, hehehe <pats self on back>

brownian · 14-02-2012 10:32pm

*swoon* You complete me.

donothoponpop wrote: »

Still got it, hehehe <pats self on back>

uuu-uuurgh :eek:

The correct spelling of "chancer" is not "me":pac:

donothoponpop · 15-02-2012 7:32pm

Ok, I was acting the fool, but nothing wrong with being a fool for love, thats what I say...;)

Wed 15th 31k bike ride

Still feeling the effects of this cold, lethargic at the best of times. I had a seared bloody steak last night, first red meat in ages, and got an immediate boost from it. Unfortunately all that energy was used up by today, but I got out for a steady bike ride, Carnew-Shillelagh-Tinahely loop. The bike is a real novelty still, I'm amazed at the speed it allows travel.

brownian · 15-02-2012 8:37pm

Yes, I'd have to agree. Even if not being seduced by the sirens of tri, getting off a mountain bike, or even a hybrid, and onto a proper drop-bar skinnywheeler is quite an eye opener. Finally, a way to cover car-type distances (well, up to 100 or 150 km, anyway), under your own steam. Your part of Wicklow is great biking country - the brown mountain road from Ballinaclash to Aughavannagh, then down to Aughrim and back to 'Clash' is a pleasant spin; options via Glenmalure and Slieve Maan are also excellent (tho watch for potholes coming down Maan - took a nasty tumble there last year). Much less cars than the Dublin end of the Garden County.

Makes for a pretty interesting holiday option too; in a week you can get some serious riding done, and not spend a great load of money. Though you do need an understanding other half

Enjoy:D

Slogger Jogger · 15-02-2012 11:43pm

Imagine how fast you'll go when you get the bike gear, all lycra and all

@ brownian.. you've described some of our local running routes there too. All remote and gorgeous.

donothoponpop · 15-02-2012 11:47pm

Thats one of the benefits of the bike- I covered about 5 of my running loops today, in a fraction of the time. There's a whole new world opened up. I was biking from Carnew, saw Mt Leinster in the distance, and realised I could bike to it fairly sharpish. Soon.

Bally8 · 16-02-2012 11:21am

Are you using clip in bike shoes dnhop? I'm wondering as you havent posted up any falling off stories to make me feel better about my constant fear. You seem to have taken to the cycling like a duck to water.

donothoponpop · 16-02-2012 11:50am

Bally8 wrote: »

Are you using clip in bike shoes dnhop? I'm wondering as you havent posted up any falling off stories to make me feel better about my constant fear. You seem to have taken to the cycling like a duck to water.

As with the swimming, I used to cycle a lot more up to a few years ago, when higher running milage took over. Have never used clips or spd's; in fact running shoes and running gear are my cycling attire (I really need to get some padded shorts for my sore fanny bum). Would you recommend the clips? I presume they increase your upstoke (?) on the pedal cycle, and are thus more efficient?

Oryx · 16-02-2012 12:31pm

It took me a year to work up the confidence to use cleats, but I'd never go back to flat pedals. You do get more power from them, your stroke is the full circle rather than just the push down bit.

catweazle · 16-02-2012 12:48pm

The triathlon wallet needs to be loosened again Dpop, pedals, cleats and shoes will make a big difference to your cycling ability especially around those hills. To save you a few extra bob get some triathlon shoes rather than normal cycling shoes otherwise you will be hankering after them in a month when you realize how slow your transitions were in comparison to others in Valentia. There are usually good value pedals on offer in the cycling forum if you keep your eyes peeled

nerraw1111 · 16-02-2012 1:02pm

I’ve been using cleats for almost a year and wouldn’t go back. Very comfortable and you feel like you’re getting more power to the pedals. Plus other cyclists nod at you. No cleats? no nods.

More of a slog/grinding fest using runners.

I think the chances of falling over are a bit over played. Some people also panic trying to clip back in at traffic lights.

griffin100 · 16-02-2012 1:38pm

donothoponpop wrote: »

As with the swimming, I used to cycle a lot more up to a few years ago, when higher running milage took over. Have never used clips or spd's; in fact running shoes and running gear are my cycling attire (I really need to get some padded shorts for my sore fanny bum). Would you recommend the clips? I presume they increase your upstoke (?) on the pedal cycle, and are thus more efficient?

There's a huge difference between wearing runners and clipping in on a bike - your feet wont slip off the pedals in the wet and you get a lot more power down. One or two 20km rides and you'll get used to them. Don't worry about falling off at traffic lights, there's feck all traffic lights in your neck of the woods anyway..... ...but you will fall off at some stage which will result in a bruised ego, arse and bike. I've done in twice, once outside my gate when nobody seen.....and once at the start of a club TT in front of dozens of people:o

donothoponpop · 16-02-2012 2:05pm

Aargh! My head is wrecked!:D

Whats a clip/cleat/sbd?

For instance, if I go with this shoe, will it match with this pedal?

catweazle · 16-02-2012 2:10pm

Looks fine to me, the shoe will hold a three hole spd cleat

So buy an spd-sl set of cleats as well as the shoes

And those pedals are fine with the above

Oryx · 16-02-2012 2:34pm

Afaik, spd are mountain bike type. They are flush with the shoe so easy to walk on and you can click into either side of the pedal.

Spd-sl and Look cleats and pedals have a three corner plastic cleat on the shoe which sticks out and is hard to walk on. It can also clog easily, and only fits into the pedal on one side.

Spd-sl and look I believe have better power transfer. (According to a bike fitter).

Get a one strap shoe for tri, btw.

Bally8 · 16-02-2012 3:49pm

donothoponpop wrote: »

Would you recommend the clips? I presume they increase your upstoke (?) on the pedal cycle, and are thus more efficient?

I found an immediate improvement once I started using them. Especially when I'm tired it's great to be able to pull up in them. I would definitely recommend them. I have look cleats, the guys on the cycling forum seem to like that kind too. It's taken me a while to get used to clipping out. I've had 2 falls, once when I hesitated at a roundabout on a group cycle, where everyone laughed their asses of at me:o and once outside my front wall when I forgot I was clipped to the bike. Still I think they are the bees knees.

BTH · 16-02-2012 6:19pm

catweazle wrote: »

So buy an spd-sl set of cleats as well as the shoes

If you buy the pedals then cleats should come with them (well they have for all the shimano pedals I've bought)

donothoponpop · 16-02-2012 6:33pm

Thanks lads and lassies, this is what makes the forum such a brilliant resource. I'm getting great advice I know I can trust. I bought those shoes above, and a set of Look KEO Easy, all for €100, which is an end to spending. There's always a better piece of equipment when it comes to Tri, isn't there? Gotta start somewhere (gotta stop somewhere too:D).

donothoponpop · 16-02-2012 6:37pm

Thurs 1.1k swim, 22k bike

When I got to the pool, there were a group training lifeguards, so I figured I'd better get as much done before they took over the whole pool. Didn't have much energy, so I got 250m free warm-up, then 10x50m alternating slow breast, and sprint free. Times for the free were all between 16-18 secs. Doing these sprints makes me realize just how much work I have to put into my kick- I've been going easy because of the knees.

When I got back, there was just enough daylight for a spin around the Tinahely Tri bike route, steady pace, circa 52 mins. Really like the bike!

donothoponpop · 17-02-2012 5:12pm

Fri 53k bike

Carnew-Bunclody-Clonegal-Shillelagh-Tinahely. Circa two hours. My ass is very saddle sore now!

donothoponpop · 17-02-2012 10:10pm

Fri evening 3k swim

Had a lane to myself for most of this, and I did a nice 1.5k steady pace. Took a little break in the steam room (still trying to figure out why I'm doing this, can't see the benefit), before heading back for another 1.5k made up of various bits and bobs. Tested my stroke towards the end, and there was still plenty of power there. This mixing up sports sure helps work out some muscle groups, while others recuperate.

Dory Dory · 17-02-2012 10:23pm

donothoponpop wrote: »

Fri evening 3k swim

Had a lane to myself for most of this, and I did a nice 1.5k steady pace. Took a little break in the steam room (still trying to figure out why I'm doing this, can't see the benefit), before heading back for another 1.5k made up of various bits and bobs. Tested my stroke towards the end, and there was still plenty of power there. This mixing up sports sure helps work out some muscle groups, while others recuperate.

Well done there, sir. Seriously impressed at your commitment and enthusiasm!

donothoponpop · 17-02-2012 10:28pm

Dory Dory wrote: »

Well done there, sir. Seriously impressed at your commitment and enthusiasm!

Thanks! Must admit, I was thinking of your monster 6k swim while swimming tonight, about how you get into a Zen state and just churn out the lengths. It'll be a while before I reach that stage! For the moment drinking too much water and gasping for air will have to do.

hf4z6sqo7vjngi · 18-02-2012 12:31am

You should see a relatively cheap 5% to 10% improvement on the bike with the cleats, pedals and decent shoes. Will make such a difference on that hilly terrain of yours:)

donothoponpop · 20-02-2012 3:30pm

Mon 20th Feb 23k bike

Oryx, shotgun, and anyone else who has this blasted cold, you have my sympathies. It just won't go away, seems to abate, then come back with a vengence. Sat and Sun I had a very sore throat, bunged up, etc. Felt a little better today, so I did a local loop at lunch to practice snotrockets.

Since my cleats had arrived, I could practice them too. Very easy to get in and out of, and there was a definite performance boost. On the hills, I could use different sets of muscles to pull, or push, for a while. On the flat, the bike/human hybrid operated as a smoother machine, less wobble from the bike, and a lot more energy transfer.

Now to dig out my Kraftwerk albums...

donothoponpop · 21-02-2012 6:44pm

Tue 43k bike

Still not feeling great, but I'd say its on its way out. I haven't run in almost two weeks, and my knee feels all the better for it. I'm tempted to continue with the bike/swim for another week, to see if a decent break from pounding will heal it. My fitness has come on a lot, although its hard to gauge not running. Certainly I'm toned up from the swimming, and have lost weight.

Today I did a circuit of Croughan Kinsella, around one of SJ's running routes for his LSR. It's got a good few climbs, but you're rewarded by some magnificent views across the Irish Sea. This was a good spin, although the return was difficult, into a headwind all the way back. About 1:50 for the 43k.

Dory Dory · 22-02-2012 3:04am

A couple of quick questions, if I may.

I believe your triathlon is sometime in May, which makes that 10 to 14 weeks out, so I'm wondering if you will follow a training plan in preparation for this event?

Did you follow training programs in preparation for marathons past?

Besides the triathlon you're nailing in 10 to 14 weeks from now (so excited!), do you have your sights set on any other events?

donothoponpop · 22-02-2012 2:19pm

Dory Dory wrote: »

A couple of quick questions, if I may.

I believe your triathlon is sometime in May, which makes that 10 to 14 weeks out, so I'm wondering if you will follow a training plan in preparation for this event?

Did you follow training programs in preparation for marathons past?

Besides the triathlon you're nailing in 10 to 14 weeks from now (so excited!), do you have your sights set on any other events?

Entering the Sprint Tri was a side-effect of the non-impact training I've been doing, and really down to location (I spend a lot of time in Valentia). Ditto the Duathlon I've entered at the beginning of May, its very local to me, I run the route often. But I'm not following any plan- once I get back running I'll drop into a 10k plan, run the key sessions, and use the bike/swim on the other days. Although we'll how this pans out, as you know, and I'm becoming aware, Tri training allows greater intensity, as different muscle groups are targeted/rested.

Previous marathons, I've followed a plan. The first few were Runners World beginner/intermediate, which brought me to 3:10. The next couple of times I've followed P&D <55mile, and <70 mile, which got me fit for interim hill races, but I blew up each time in the marathon. So for the moment I'm happy to enjoy the training I'm doing now, and see where it takes me.

I want to run a few hill races over the summer, get down my 10k, 5k, mile times, and run the Dingle marathon in Sept (its a hilly one which will suit me).

donothoponpop · 22-02-2012 2:26pm

Wed 4.1k swim

This felt great. I did the 4k without stopping (except for a quick muscle stretch and goggle adjust towards the end). When I reached 1k, I targeted 1.5, then 2k. I felt good at this stage, was just coasting along at circa 20mins/k pace. Made it to 2.5k, and kept it up for the 3k, just under an hour. Figured I'd try and get to Ironman distance, which I thought was either 3.2k or 3.8k (its 3.86k, just checked), and plugged away to make 4k, in just over 80 mins all told. I had some issues with leg cramps towards the end, but my upper body felt good and strong, and could have gone on a bit more but for the cramps.

I'm happy to have got this distance without issue- a couple of weeks ago I thought 1k was a long swim- but I'd be lying if I said I didn't have Dory's 6k swim on my mind;)

Dory Dory · 22-02-2012 4:20pm

donothoponpop wrote: »

Wed 4.1k swim

This felt great. I did the 4k without stopping (except for a quick muscle stretch and goggle adjust towards the end). When I reached 1k, I targeted 1.5, then 2k. I felt good at this stage, was just coasting along at circa 20mins/k pace. Made it to 2.5k, and kept it up for the 3k, just under an hour. Figured I'd try and get to Ironman distance, which I thought was either 3.2k or 3.8k (its 3.86k, just checked), and plugged away to make 4k, in just over 80 mins all told. I had some issues with leg cramps towards the end, but my upper body felt good and strong, and could have gone on a bit more but for the cramps.

I'm happy to have got this distance without issue- a couple of weeks ago I thought 1k was a long swim- but I'd be lying if I said I didn't have Dory's 6k swim on my mind;)

Holy crap!! May I just say that you are one bloody amazing mess of an athlete! Seriously impressed...and for some reason slightly proud.... Wow. I have to ask....did you get into that rhythm that led to the Zen-like place I was talking about?? And if so, did you find that it was actually easier (less effort) to keep going than it was to stop? It all becomes mechanical/automatic....and so rhythmic. I will repeat an earlier exclamation - you are not to be underestimated.

donothoponpop · 22-02-2012 4:28pm

Dory Dory wrote: »

I have to ask....did you get into that rhythm that led to the Zen-like place I was talking about?? And if so, did you find that it was actually easier (less effort) to keep going than it was to stop? It all becomes mechanical/automatic....and so rhythmic.

Between 750m-1.5k was a bit of a struggle for some reason, but after that it just became a matter of swim and turn, swim and turn. Counting off the lengths became counting off the half k's, and indeed I think I hit that effortless Nirvana that you talked about earlier. But for the muscles starting to cramp a bit, I'd have kept going. It feels so right to just keep on swimming when the stroke is like this.

Oryx · 22-02-2012 5:15pm

Izoard · 22-02-2012 6:23pm

donothoponpop wrote: »

Wed 4.1k swim

Jaysus..a 4.1km swim for "fun"???

Soon you'll be lining up with some of those Iron freaks that are known to frequent these parts...

Krusty_Clown · 22-02-2012 6:43pm

Izoard wrote: »

Soon you'll be lining up with some of those Iron freaks that are known to frequent these parts...

Nah, sure that would mean having to do the occasional run.

donothoponpop · 22-02-2012 8:03pm

Izoard wrote: »

Jaysus..a 4.1km swim for "fun"???

Soon you'll be lining up with some of those Iron freaks that are known to frequent these parts...

Not a chance! Whatever ability I might have to do each distance individually, I'd never string them all together. Plus, I grumble at paying €25-ish for race entry, no way I'd fork out the €XXX to the Ironman brand

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Nah, sure that would mean having to do the occasional run.

I only take advice from triathletes these days. In your case I'll make an exception, since you wear those Oakleys like a fully-fledged Tri poseur

. Run in the next few days.

Dory Dory · 22-02-2012 8:10pm

donothoponpop wrote: »

Plus, I grumble at paying €25-ish for race entry, no way I'd fork out the €XXX to the Ironman brand

Enter stage left....one Ironman sugar momma....
You pick the race, I'll pay the fee...and even let you keep the shirt.

donothoponpop · 22-02-2012 8:24pm

Dory Dory wrote: »

Enter stage left....one Ironman sugar momma....
You pick the race, I'll pay the fee...and even let you keep the shirt.

Ironman Hawaii. I'll needs flights (bringing wife and kids), hotel (4*), bike flight transfer (Ryanair, €1000), Mdot tattoo on forehead, and misc. drinking money. I have some lube, and I can borrow the Oakleys from Krusty. Thanks, yer a mate.:D

PS can you send the money in dollars?

Krusty_Clown · 22-02-2012 9:39pm

Sadly, the closest I've ever come to Oakleys, is a pair of Okeleys I bought the last time I was in China. The first sunny day, the paint peeled and the sun burnt my retinas. Best $1.29 I ever spent.

donothoponpop · 22-02-2012 10:08pm

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Sadly, the closest I've ever come to Oakleys, is a pair of Okeleys I bought the last time I was in China. The first sunny day, the paint peeled and the sun burnt my retinas. Best $1.29 I ever spent.

I can't go to Hawaii without Oakleys! Deal's off, you've just saved Dory a small fortune.

Should have known you weren't a poseur. No matter how much I try to blacken your name on this forum, the evidence points to you being a decent sort. What's with the glasses on the head; do they hold down a hairpiece? (Really must borrow them)

Krusty_Clown · 22-02-2012 11:14pm

donothoponpop wrote: »

I can't go to Hawaii without Oakleys! Deal's off, you've just saved Dory a small fortune.

Should have known you weren't a poseur. No matter how much I try to blacken your name on this forum, the evidence points to you being a decent sort. What's with the glasses on the head; do they hold down a hairpiece? (Really must borrow them)

You should get a Rooney. Only £2.50 per follicle. A tenner would afford you more hair than Homer Simpson. The sunglasses actually keep my ears attached to the side of my face (something funny I ate in China).

Dory Dory · 23-02-2012 1:27am

donothoponpop wrote: »

I can't go to Hawaii without Oakleys! Deal's off, you've just saved Dory a small fortune.
)

Lucky for you the deal's off....I was planning on keeping the t-shirt if it was Hawaii.

donothoponpop · 24-02-2012 6:41pm

Fri 22k bike

My nose is like a tap, and I'm pretty chesty, as this cold refuses to budge. One of the kids has Chinenpox too, so there's a battle between humans and virus at my gaf. It didn't stop me going out for a spin to embrace a beautiful start of Spring evening, birds singing, the first blossoms out, all snot rockets on target: divine.

I'm in a quandry on what to do as regards running. My knee feels stronger than it has in ages, so much so that I've realised just how much I've been compensating for its pain when I run. Fitness wise, I feel great, the swims and bikes are working the muscles and cardiovascular areas, that base training should. I've no goal races in the next few weeks, so I'm considering continuing to stay off the knee for another week, to give it a real chance to heal. We'll see, trail running is great around here in early Spring.

shotgunmcos · 24-02-2012 11:39pm

I'd take a runny nose over this blasted cough.

Dude 4.1k swim, thats just sick. Well done all the same. I predict some plain old envy as you apply some old speed to that kind of swim.

Good to see you are enjoying the bike too. Variety is the spice of life

Get well soon

donothoponpop · 26-02-2012 6:47pm

Sun 49k bike

Well, the cold has mutated to a hacking cough. The only good thing is I know its near an end, and in some ways surviving a good dose makes you stronger. It certainly makes you appreciate good health, anyway.

Today's was good long spin on hilly backroads, where I got to make full use of my three cranks. Up around Mullinacuff, through to Clonmore, Milltown, Coolkenno, Clonmore, Mullinacuff, Tinahely, and home. Only a local would know half those names!

Almost home, and I came upon a herd of cattle on the road, cars stopped, etc. No sign of anyone driving them (the cattle that is). One cow started coming for me, so I slowed right down, went to put my foot down to stop, realized I was clipped in...feck! I started to keel over, and was about to accept my first ever fall, when my foot just shot out in time and steadied me. The cow took shock at this, turned around, and running back the way he came. Of course, this caused panic among the rest, so a general stampede occurred, with cows running around the cars in all directions, some of them fighting their way through the briars and over hedges into the fields...mayhem. I walked the bike along the road (no point in staying put, there was cattle on all sides), until I saw one very disgruntled farmer standing by a gate. Whatever about crossing the road with a herd (which has to be done sometimes), to let over a hundred cattle make their own way along 300m of roads is a bit much.

Dory Dory · 26-02-2012 8:48pm

And I'm sure it didn't help the farmer's mood any that the cause of the stampede was wearing Lycra.

donothoponpop · 26-02-2012 8:52pm

Dory Dory wrote: »

And I'm sure it didn't help the farmer's mood any that the cause of the stampede was wearing Lycra.

Dayglo lycra:). I gave him a loud and cheery "howsitgoin'" as I passed, but he wouldn't even look at me. From the look on his face, he was too busy sucking wasps.

Is it Now?

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