Ran a 10k in June (2 Viewers)

[pmbrown_22]

You guys gonna make room for me if I decide that I want to do the Bourbon Chase with you next fall??I'm thinking maybe I'll just do a smaller, local (i.e., inexpensive) marathon like Fox Cities or Milwaukee next fall and then do the relay with you guys. Cool?

I think there are a couple of spots left. We do need to get an official list together so no body is left out or forgets by next year.------------I had a great run today. I did 9 miles and averaged 7:46 per mile. This run called for a 4 mile marathon pace in the middle. I did the first 2 at about 7:45 and then the next 4 at around 7:00 pace. The final three were a bit of a cool down, but it was again cool out this morning so I figured going a little faster in the off marathon pace miles was not going to hurt too much and was surprised because everything just clicked and I felt pretty good.I have a blister on my pinky toe that is rubbing the toe next to it. Anyone have any ideas on how to help this out? I am wrapping with a band aid now, but it still catches under the second toe and pinches when I am running or walking.

 

[2Young2BBald]

I have a blister on my pinky toe that is rubbing the toe next to it. Anyone have any ideas on how to help this out? I am wrapping with a band aid now, but it still catches under the second toe and pinches when I am running or walking.

Vasoline or Body Glide work for me. band aids seem to just rub somewhere else.

 

[Sand]

Some gooood stuff in here recently...

I should make it clear that wasn't me. It came from Slowtwitch. Great story, though!And before I forget - a picture of my prize from the 3.3 mile swim win. I have named her "Ego" and she goes with me to every swim practice.

 

[tri-man 47]

You guys gonna make room for me if I decide that I want to do the Bourbon Chase with you next fall??I'm thinking maybe I'll just do a smaller, local (i.e., inexpensive) marathon like Fox Cities or Milwaukee next fall and then do the relay with you guys. Cool?

Our competitiveness-O-meter just went up a few notches. ---I'll be leaving at noon today for vacation, and very well might not have 'net access until I return later on the 11th (unless my daughter can steal somebody's wifi while out at our cottage in Michigan). Bookend races around some ongoing training (with some taper before the 11th). My race line-up:Saturday, the 2nd - sprint tri (.4 mile swim, 14 mile bike, 3 mile run). Very informal little race (no splits; no awards) ...just getting me back at it, getting me into the sprint distance, and a chance to just enjoy the sport. I hope to catch the mini-tri for kids following our race.Sunday, the 11th - Olympic tri. Lake Michigan swim; flat, out and back bike course along the lake; very flat run around the harbor area in Grand Haven, MI. Smaller race with likely very few guys in my age group, so we'll see if I can push it and have a smart, successful race. I can text results to the numbers I've got (2Y, wraith, gruecd).Sand (yes?), rail - have great races this weekend! And wraith ...trail run next weekend? If so, it'll be a big PR, I'm sure!2Young - major for your half-IM on the 10th!!!!! Please text me a quick report later on. Pace yourself on the bike!

 

[pigskinliquors]

Gruecd: AWESOME!!!! I still have HTFU's lined up for you. Impressive they've lasted this long

Keggers: there's a big difference between a "tri-top" and "tri-shirts"

Sand: Also an awesome shirt!!!

PmBrown: I use Glide (as per 2Young) and it seems to assist greatly.

Tri-Man: enjoy both races and keep us posted if you can!

______________________________

My update:

I took the morning off from cardio and just did a half hour of yoga instead. I am amazingly non-stretchy right now = I need to work on this quite a bit. I'll be heading to the fitness center for 2,000 yards of swimming, and some back/chest work later. With a hurricane visiting us this weekend, the temps should be cooler, but I'll be running/biking in liquid sunshine.

 

[2Young2BBald]

You guys gonna make room for me if I decide that I want to do the Bourbon Chase with you next fall??

I'm thinking maybe I'll just do a smaller, local (i.e., inexpensive) marathon like Fox Cities or Milwaukee next fall and then do the relay with you guys. Cool?

Our competitiveness-O-meter just went up a few notches. ---

I'll be leaving at noon today for vacation, and very well might not have 'net access until I return later on the 11th (unless my daughter can steal somebody's wifi while out at our cottage in Michigan). Bookend races around some ongoing training (with some taper before the 11th). My race line-up:

Saturday, the 2nd - sprint tri (.4 mile swim, 14 mile bike, 3 mile run). Very informal little race (no splits; no awards) ...just getting me back at it, getting me into the sprint distance, and a chance to just enjoy the sport. I hope to catch the mini-tri for kids following our race.

Sunday, the 11th - Olympic tri. Lake Michigan swim; flat, out and back bike course along the lake; very flat run around the harbor area in Grand Haven, MI. Smaller race with likely very few guys in my age group, so we'll see if I can push it and have a smart, successful race. I can text results to the numbers I've got (2Y, wraith, gruecd).

Sand (yes?), rail - have great races this weekend! And wraith ...trail run next weekend? If so, it'll be a big PR, I'm sure!

2Young - major for your half-IM on the 10th!!!!! Please text me a quick report later on. Pace yourself on the bike!

Thanks & I will be sure to send along a text (and look forward to getting one on your Oly too)!!! Enjoy your vacation!!!ETA, 8-mile run for me this morning, final long run before next Saturday's HIM. Tried, unsuccessfully, to run at "race pace" which I am hoping will be around 9:00 to 9:15s (or less, not sure, can't tell). I was too fast today, running between 8:15s & 8:30s.

ETA #2, TRI-MAN, be sure to pack your wetsuit. The following was posted on the BT MI board for the Grand Haven Tri:

Water temps have dropped 10 degrees in the last 2 days. Monday it was 73, today it's 63. This is according to surf grand haven.

You can see the whole thread here.

 

[gruecd]

Our competitiveness-O-meter just went up a few notches.

Damn right. You guys better start training. I'm not into the whole "just for fun" thing. Taking a half day off work, so I think maybe I'll do a brick workout. Run, cut the lawn, run.What the hell is the origin of the term "brick" anyway??

 

[tri-man 47]

ETA #2, TRI-MAN, be sure to pack your wetsuit. The following was posted on the BT MI board for the Grand Haven Tri:

Water temps have dropped 10 degrees in the last 2 days. Monday it was 73, today it's 63. This is according to surf grand haven.

You can see the whole thread here.

Thanks, Dad. Don't worry - it's packed! Using it tomorrow, too. AND, 2Young ...no biking gloves and no socks for these races! Bring on those transitions!!

 

[The_Man]

I'm off to my mother-in-law's in Boston for a long weekend. In figuring out where I'm going to run, I thought it would be fun to take a crack at the Boston Marathon hills. She lives right at B.C. so that's what I'm going to do. Hoping someday I'll be able to earn my way into running them for real!

Have a great holiday everyone

 

[pigskinliquors]

Our competitiveness-O-meter just went up a few notches.

Damn right. You guys better start training. I'm not into the whole "just for fun" thing. Taking a half day off work, so I think maybe I'll do a brick workout. Run, cut the lawn, run.

What the hell is the origin of the term "brick" anyway??

This?

 

[Sand]

Sand: Also an awesome shirt!!!

It is a towel. The lifeguards keep insisting that I stole it. Yet none of them will race me...

 

[pigskinliquors]

Sand and other swimmers: I'm going to be base building for a good month = zero speed work in the pool for awhile. I have major shoulder problems (little to no cartilage in my right shoulder). Thus, speed, and distance both can injury it pretty easily. I usually try to only get to my race distance the week before a race; concentrating solely on getting out of the water with a low heart rate. I might be doing an Oly on the 25th = I'll need to get up to 1,500 yards in just over three weeks. I plan on continuing to do ladders to get up to that distance, but am not sure if my plan is very solid. I anticipate getting in approximately 8 swims between now and then. How does this sound for the 8 swims?

1) 100, 200, 300, 400, 400, 300, 200 100 = 2,000 yards

2) 100, 200, 400, 600, 400, 200, 100 = 2,000 yards

3) 100, 200, 400, 800, 400, 200, 100 = 2,200 yards

4) 100, 500, 1000, 500, 100 = 2,200 yards

5) 100, 600, 1200, 600, 100 = 2,600 yards

6) 100, 600, 1400, 600, 100 = 2,800 yards

7) 100, 600, 1500, 600, 100 = 2,900 yards

8) 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100 = 2,500 yards

I like ladders as they give my shoulder time to warm-up, and cool down. I will also do some drill work at our little pool, but won't be included in these sets.

 

[2Young2BBald]

ETA #2, TRI-MAN, be sure to pack your wetsuit. The following was posted on the BT MI board for the Grand Haven Tri:

Water temps have dropped 10 degrees in the last 2 days. Monday it was 73, today it's 63. This is according to surf grand haven.

You can see the whole thread here.

Thanks, Dad. Don't worry - it's packed! Using it tomorrow, too. AND, 2Young ...no biking gloves and no socks for these races! Bring on those transitions!!

34 second T2 is this year's time to beat Pops, go get'em! eta, forgot to mention this morning that I field tested flat Coke on my run this morning and will likely take it at least once during next weeks event. I can see how it'd be a nice change of pace from Heed & gels.

 

[wraith5]

Good luck this weekend racers! Tri-man definitely text me after the race (with some good news this time around, please!!)

Did a 5 mile slow tempo run this morning, with warm-up/cool-down it was 6 miles total. I hate doing key runs back-to-back but no choice with my vacation time here in KY, especially if I'm planning on doing a long run on Sunday (which, of course, I am). Heading back up to Chicago tomorrow.

Have a great holiday weekend everyone!

 

[Sand]

Sand and other swimmers: I'm going to be base building for a good month = zero speed work in the pool for awhile. I have major shoulder problems (little to no cartilage in my right shoulder). Thus, speed, and distance both can injury it pretty easily. I usually try to only get to my race distance the week before a race; concentrating solely on getting out of the water with a low heart rate. I might be doing an Oly on the 25th = I'll need to get up to 1,500 yards in just over three weeks. I plan on continuing to do ladders to get up to that distance, but am not sure if my plan is very solid. I anticipate getting in approximately 8 swims between now and then. How does this sound for the 8 swims? 1) 100, 200, 300, 400, 400, 300, 200 100 = 2,000 yards 2) 100, 200, 400, 600, 400, 200, 100 = 2,000 yards3) 100, 200, 400, 800, 400, 200, 100 = 2,200 yards4) 100, 500, 1000, 500, 100 = 2,200 yards5) 100, 600, 1200, 600, 100 = 2,600 yards6) 100, 600, 1400, 600, 100 = 2,800 yards7) 100, 600, 1500, 600, 100 = 2,900 yards8) 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100 = 2,500 yardsI like ladders as they give my shoulder time to warm-up, and cool down. I will also do some drill work at our little pool, but won't be included in these sets.

Tough question since it is hard to really know what will set your shoulder off. Rule #1 is injury avoidance. If I were doing this I would concentrate instead of "speed" or "distance" to work on tempo type sets. I personally do very little in the way of sets above 500yds. For my swim a bit ago I did a 2500yd TT once. Instead of the long swims I would do some slightly faster (comfortably hard) 500yd sets. When I was getting ready for my swim I'd like to do a 7x500 set after warmups and drills. You won't want to do that volume, but I would sprinkle in more 500s and less longer sets. Maybe do 1 1500yd TT just to prove you can. Something like: 6) 100, 300, 4x500, 300, 100 = 2,800 yardsI like the "pretty hard" sets as they tend to allow you on race day to go in and put in an effort that is way down the effort scale but only slightly slower (hydrodynamics).I would also do some drill work in there. Like 500yds work per session (not just a little). Always work on stroke mechanics. Work on your kick, catch, breathing (bilateral in case of OW chop), sighting, etc. Just remember rule #1 - which means no sprints, no paddles, no drills that make you alter your arm motion.

 

[2Young2BBald]

Sand and other swimmers: I'm going to be base building for a good month = zero speed work in the pool for awhile. I have major shoulder problems (little to no cartilage in my right shoulder). Thus, speed, and distance both can injury it pretty easily. I usually try to only get to my race distance the week before a race; concentrating solely on getting out of the water with a low heart rate. I might be doing an Oly on the 25th = I'll need to get up to 1,500 yards in just over three weeks. I plan on continuing to do ladders to get up to that distance, but am not sure if my plan is very solid. I anticipate getting in approximately 8 swims between now and then. How does this sound for the 8 swims? 1) 100, 200, 300, 400, 400, 300, 200 100 = 2,000 yards 2) 100, 200, 400, 600, 400, 200, 100 = 2,000 yards3) 100, 200, 400, 800, 400, 200, 100 = 2,200 yards4) 100, 500, 1000, 500, 100 = 2,200 yards5) 100, 600, 1200, 600, 100 = 2,600 yards6) 100, 600, 1400, 600, 100 = 2,800 yards7) 100, 600, 1500, 600, 100 = 2,900 yards8) 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100 = 2,500 yardsI like ladders as they give my shoulder time to warm-up, and cool down. I will also do some drill work at our little pool, but won't be included in these sets.

I think you need an "easy" button. I can't remember reading a workout post of any kind by you that wasn't balls to the wall, all out. Looking at what you are thinking about, you are setting yourself up to get hurt, I think. I'll leave the Yoda stuff to Tri-Man, but I really think you need to slow down to go faster. Do longer, slower reps in the pool to build your strength and confidence, versus what will no doubt be sprint sets that will tax your shoulder. You have the wetsuit now, it will make you faster and make any swim easier. Don't go out and get hurt.

 

[gruecd]

18 miles done. Averaged a very respectable 8:05 pace in the heat, but did it the hard way. Started too fast, then faded pretty hard towards the end when I was running back into the wind. Big 3:44 positive split. Oops.

Hope everyone's having a great day!!

 

[Dexter]

MTB this morning at Bald Mountain came home for some lunch and now I'm hitting Addison Oaks

 

[Sand]

18 miles done. Averaged a very respectable 8:05 pace in the heat, but did it the hard way. Started too fast, then faded pretty hard towards the end when I was running back into the wind. Big 3:44 positive split. Oops.Hope everyone's having a great day!!

53.5 mile ride this morning and then a quick 2,000 yd swim. Good morning.Tomorrow - death and destruction (mine that is!).

 

[tri-man 47]

Sprint tri race report (cottage neighbor letting us latch onto his wireless):

Excellent race; very enjoyable distance and event. Great weather ...a real non-issue. It was really relaxing to be able to take my gear bag and just bike a mile and a half down the country road to the next lake over for the race. Maybe 130-140 participants (from a show of hands, it looked like a quarter of them were first-timers, but some serious looking bikes were on the racks, too). As mentioned - no splits, no awards. Transition area was open (set up between a couple of homes). Pre-race started with a prayer ...welcome to west Michigan.

Swim (listed as 700m) - mass start from in the water. I started pretty close to the front (in wetsuit) and just took off. A fair amount of bumping early on, and some more throughout, but not a problem. With a clear lake, I was able to do some decent drafting. Mentally, every leg seemed to just fly by. Before I knew it, we hit the far turn and were heading home. My daughter had my watch and tried to catch good splits. Swim time: 12:40. Daughter looked happy, and it felt good, so I was pleased.

T1: Just under two minutes to pull the wetsuit and pull on shoes, helmet, and shades. A bit of trouble with the shoes - need to figure out whether to sit down quick or not - doing it bent over wasn't too smooth.

Bike (11.5 miles (supposed to be 14 - ??) - No holding back today! I pushed the pace from the start. Bit of a tailwind, so I was holding 21-22 mph for much of the time. Into the wind on the return, but overall held about a 20.2 mph pace (maybe a touch faster; my gadget recorded the jog into transition, too). Very satisfying to break the 20 mph barrier, even though it was this shorter distance. A couple guys passed me; I passed 7 or 8 others (a rarity).

T2: About a minute.

Run (2.8 miles) - Course was rolling terrain on the roads around the lake ...not hard hills, but several clear ups and downs. Breathing hard, but I went at it. Passed 4 people; nobody caught me. Pace ended up at about 7:25/mile and I was very pleased with that!

Overall time was about 1:11, which doesn't mean anything in and off itself. I'll have to see where I ended up when they post the full listing. Again, I love the sprint tri! It lets me get to the run in good shape. After the half-IM debacle, I was happy to have a good event today.

 

[Sand]

Swim (listed as 700m) - mass start from in the water. I started pretty close to the front (in wetsuit) and just took off. A fair amount of bumping early on, and some more throughout, but not a problem. With a clear lake, I was able to do some decent drafting. Mentally, every leg seemed to just fly by. Before I knew it, we hit the far turn and were heading home. My daughter had my watch and tried to catch good splits. Swim time: 12:40. Daughter looked happy, and it felt good, so I was pleased.

Yet another excellent swim time! You guys are really kicking it up here.

 

[2Young2BBald]

Sprint tri race report (cottage neighbor letting us latch onto his wireless):Excellent race; very enjoyable distance and event. Great weather ...a real non-issue. It was really relaxing to be able to take my gear bag and just bike a mile and a half down the country road to the next lake over for the race. Maybe 130-140 participants (from a show of hands, it looked like a quarter of them were first-timers, but some serious looking bikes were on the racks, too). As mentioned - no splits, no awards. Transition area was open (set up between a couple of homes). Pre-race started with a prayer ...welcome to west Michigan.Swim (listed as 700m) - mass start from in the water. I started pretty close to the front (in wetsuit) and just took off. A fair amount of bumping early on, and some more throughout, but not a problem. With a clear lake, I was able to do some decent drafting. Mentally, every leg seemed to just fly by. Before I knew it, we hit the far turn and were heading home. My daughter had my watch and tried to catch good splits. Swim time: 12:40. Daughter looked happy, and it felt good, so I was pleased.T1: Just under two minutes to pull the wetsuit and pull on shoes, helmet, and shades. A bit of trouble with the shoes - need to figure out whether to sit down quick or not - doing it bent over wasn't too smooth.Bike (11.5 miles (supposed to be 14 - ??) - No holding back today! I pushed the pace from the start. Bit of a tailwind, so I was holding 21-22 mph for much of the time. Into the wind on the return, but overall held about a 20.2 mph pace (maybe a touch faster; my gadget recorded the jog into transition, too). Very satisfying to break the 20 mph barrier, even though it was this shorter distance. A couple guys passed me; I passed 7 or 8 others (a rarity).T2: About a minute. Run (2.8 miles) - Course was rolling terrain on the roads around the lake ...not hard hills, but several clear ups and downs. Breathing hard, but I went at it. Passed 4 people; nobody caught me. Pace ended up at about 7:25/mile and I was very pleased with that!Overall time was about 1:11, which doesn't mean anything in and off itself. I'll have to see where I ended up when they post the full listing. Again, I love the sprint tri! It lets me get to the run in good shape. After the half-IM debacle, I was happy to have a good event today.

GREAT read!!!! Sounds like it was a blast!! Any chance an eastsider could get an invite for next year?

 

[gruecd]

Pretty sure I'm gonna get this bike. I can get it for under $500 (including SPD pedals). Since I already have a helmet, all I really need to buy would be a couple pairs of shorts and some shoes. Should be able to go all-in for less than $700.

The bike is an 8-speed, and I know one/some of you guys had a problem with that, but my friend said that she could "snap her fingers" and get 8-speed parts, as could any local bike shop.

What do you guys think? Price is definitely right. Green light? Red light?

P.S. Can somebody point me to a good pair of bike shorts on sale online someplace? I know I need a chamois. Beyond that, I have no idea WTF I'm doing when it comes to that stuff.

 

[gruecd]

Overall time was about 1:11, which doesn't mean anything in and off itself. I'll have to see where I ended up when they post the full listing. Again, I love the sprint tri! It lets me get to the run in good shape. After the half-IM debacle, I was happy to have a good event today.

Great race, my man! Happy for you!!

 

[2Young2BBald]

Pretty sure I'm gonna get this bike. I can get it for under $500 (including SPD pedals). Since I already have a helmet, all I really need to buy would be a couple pairs of shorts and some shoes. Should be able to go all-in for less than $700.

The bike is an 8-speed, and I know one/some of you guys had a problem with that, but my friend said that she could "snap her fingers" and get 8-speed parts, as could any local bike shop.

What do you guys think? Price is definitely right. Green light? Red light?

P.S. Can somebody point me to a good pair of bike shorts on sale online someplace? I know I need a chamois. Beyond that, I have no idea WTF I'm doing when it comes to that stuff.

This brand of tri short has served me well. (and I like the new look and just might have to get a pair myself). Plus, the free jersey looks like something you could use too. If the plan is to do a triathlon, I'd go with tri shorts over strictly a bike short.

 

[Dexter]

Pretty sure I'm gonna get this bike. I can get it for under $500 (including SPD pedals). Since I already have a helmet, all I really need to buy would be a couple pairs of shorts and some shoes. Should be able to go all-in for less than $700.

The bike is an 8-speed, and I know one/some of you guys had a problem with that, but my friend said that she could "snap her fingers" and get 8-speed parts, as could any local bike shop.

What do you guys think? Price is definitely right. Green light? Red light?

P.S. Can somebody point me to a good pair of bike shorts on sale online someplace? I know I need a chamois. Beyond that, I have no idea WTF I'm doing when it comes to that stuff.

This brand of tri short has served me well. (and I like the new look and just might have to get a pair myself). Plus, the free jersey looks like something you could use too. If the plan is to do a triathlon, I'd go with tri shorts over strictly a bike short.

I'd like to add you're probably going to want some bike shorts for training. Those seats are small.http://www.performancebike.com has some good deals if you watch out for them

 

[Sand]

Pretty sure I'm gonna get this bike. I can get it for under $500 (including SPD pedals). Since I already have a helmet, all I really need to buy would be a couple pairs of shorts and some shoes. Should be able to go all-in for less than $700.

The bike is an 8-speed, and I know one/some of you guys had a problem with that, but my friend said that she could "snap her fingers" and get 8-speed parts, as could any local bike shop.

What do you guys think? Price is definitely right. Green light? Red light?

P.S. Can somebody point me to a good pair of bike shorts on sale online someplace? I know I need a chamois. Beyond that, I have no idea WTF I'm doing when it comes to that stuff.

This brand of tri short has served me well. (and I like the new look and just might have to get a pair myself). Plus, the free jersey looks like something you could use too. If the plan is to do a triathlon, I'd go with tri shorts over strictly a bike short.

I'd like to add you're probably going to want some bike shorts for training. Those seats are small.

I think what Dexter is really trying to tell you is that you have a big ###.

 

[gruecd]

I think what Dexter is really trying to tell you is that you have a big ###.

Actually, I have no ###. I ran it off.

 

[Dexter]

I think what Dexter is really trying to tell you is that you have a big ###.

Actually, I have no ###. I ran it off.

 

[gruecd]

So does the bike look OK, or what?

 

[2Young2BBald]

I think what Dexter is really trying to tell you is that you have a big ###.

Actually, I have no ###. I ran it off.

I thought every Clydesdale has a big ###, that is part of the "disadvantage"

 

[gruecd]

I think what Dexter is really trying to tell you is that you have a big ###.

Actually, I have no ###. I ran it off.

I thought every Clydesdale has a big ###, that is part of the "disadvantage"

Crybaby.

 

[Third]

Haven't posted in here in a while but have continued to log my miles through the summer heat.

Ran a Firecracker 5K this morning and PR'd with a 22:10. Splits were roughly 6:57 / 6:47 / 7:47 / :40. I will come clean and admit that the course is relatively downhill for the first 2 miles with a pretty good hill to finish. They don't call it the "Firecracker Fast 5K" for nothing.

Nevertheless, I'll take the PR!

 

[Dexter]

So does the bike look OK, or what?

I'd like to help but not familier with that brand. I will say I've seen a few of the mountain bikes out there.

 

[wraith5]

So does the bike look OK, or what?

I like my Motobecane a lot, so I think the brand is fine. Personally, I think I'd spend a little more and get the Vent Noir, which is a Tiagra/105. But if Courtney thinks this is a good way to go, I'd trust her judgement.

 

[wraith5]

June totals and YTD through June:

Run - 14, 82.3 miles, 520.3 miles for the year (296 YTD in 2009)

Bike - 6, 70 miles, 739.2 miles for the year

Swim - 9, 9.53 miles, 34.87 miles for the year

For the next few months at least, the running will pick up significantly. I need to be a little more consistent with the bike but you can see I was very focused on the swimming in June. I expect that to continue through the rest of the summer while I have access to the 50 meter outdoor pool.

 

[FUBAR]

I think what Dexter is really trying to tell you is that you have a big ###.

Actually, I have no ###. I ran it off.

I thought every Clydesdale has a big ###, that is part of the "disadvantage"

I'm no scientist, but aren't our asses what help make us better long distance runners?

 

[BassNBrew]

So does the bike look OK, or what?

Personally I think triple ring cranks are a pain in the ###. You would be much better off with a double unless you are riding big mountains. Even in that case, you are in good enough shape that it won't matter.If you're interested in this bike http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobe...talforce_10.htm, I have a 2008 version in a 60 cm that should fit you that i would sell for $700. I can send you pics and specs if interested.

 

[gruecd]

So does the bike look OK, or what?

Personally I think triple ring cranks are a pain in the ###. You would be much better off with a double unless you are riding big mountains. Even in that case, you are in good enough shape that it won't matter.If you're interested in this bike http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobe...talforce_10.htm, I have a 2008 version in a 60 cm that should fit you that i would sell for $700. I can send you pics and specs if interested.

What's the difference between a "triple ring crank" and a double? And why are triples a PITA?

 

[Sand]

So does the bike look OK, or what?

I like my Motobecane a lot, so I think the brand is fine. Personally, I think I'd spend a little more and get the Vent Noir, which is a Tiagra/105. But if Courtney thinks this is a good way to go, I'd trust her judgement.

I concur. I would argue for the Dawes Lightning 2300 (if she has it). It has a compact double and STI shifters. For $599 (at least on BD), that is a pretty darn good deal. Triples are more of a pain because they are harder to keep shifting properly. A compact double will be all you need. A manly man like you doesn't need a triple.

 

[Sand]

If you're interested in this bike http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobe...talforce_10.htm, I have a 2008 version in a 60 cm that should fit you that i would sell for $700. I can send you pics and specs if interested.

Pretty nice bike. Way better deal than what you have laid our for $550.

 

[bostonfred]

So does the bike look OK, or what?

Personally I think triple ring cranks are a pain in the ###. You would be much better off with a double unless you are riding big mountains. Even in that case, you are in good enough shape that it won't matter.If you're interested in this bike http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobe...talforce_10.htm, I have a 2008 version in a 60 cm that should fit you that i would sell for $700. I can send you pics and specs if interested.

What's the difference between a "triple ring crank" and a double? And why are triples a PITA?

A "ten speed" has two rings up front and five rings on the back. The front might have 52 and 42 teeth and the back might have between 13 and 26 teeth. If there are 52 teeth on the front link, then every time you move your feet one rotation, you're moving he chain 52 links. When you are in 52/13 your gear ratio would be twice what it would be in 52/26 - so every time you move your feet one rotation, the rear wheel would spin 4 times, instead of 2. Which means you'll need to push twice as hard to get your feet around, but each time you do, you'll go twice as far. Nobody buys ten speeds anymore, but they do buy "14 speed" bikes or even "21 speeds". A 14 speed, as you can imagine, would have a double ring front crank and seven rings in the back. A 21 speed would be the same except it would have a triple ring front crank. There's good news and bad news with this - the good news is you have much more granular control over your gear ratios. The bad news is that the physical movement of a chain that is intended to run in a normal circular motion gets messed up. If you have three rings up front, they need to be far enough apart that the chain can fit around them, which means that the big ring is more than two chain widths away from the little ring. In the back, the big ring is at least six or seven chain widths away from the little ring. Which means the chain could be running almost diagonally across the blades, which causes tension on the chain. This is the reason that chains snap - if they were just going around and around, they wouldn't have very much pressure on them at all.

So one reason it's bad to have three cranks is that you're putting more side to side motion. But there are things you can do to stop that. One is the derailleur - the thing that hangs down over the rear wheel and has a couple extra gears. When you shift, it moves into place and the extra gears defer the side to side pressure on the chain links. The derailleur can be very sensitive, and needs to be able to snap into just the right place when you shift or you can get that clickity clickity clickity sound when you shift.

Even with the derailleur, there are still some issues. Putting your bike in gear using the crank all the way to the left in the front and all the way to the right in the back will cause the chain to rub against the teeth of the other gears which can cause chain snaps and pull your derailleur out of alignment, which will screw up all of your future shifting.

So even though you have a "21 speed", you really can't use all of those extra speeds. You should never go inside outside or outside inside, and the gear ratios aren't all that different - 52/26 is almost identical to 42/20, so the extra gear really isn't doing much. Which means that you've added a little weight to your bike, added risk to the moving parts on the bike, and you really haven't gained that much. If you're a high RPM guy, trying to keep your legs at a constant high cadence regardless of the hill, and you do a lot of hills, you might like having that kind of control. Guys who speed around a flat track will literally just use one gear in the front and one in the back to reduce the weight. Mostly, that third gear in the front is a marketing ploy for guys who naturally think more is better.

 

[gruecd]

So does the bike look OK, or what?

Personally I think triple ring cranks are a pain in the ###. You would be much better off with a double unless you are riding big mountains. Even in that case, you are in good enough shape that it won't matter.If you're interested in this bike http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobe...talforce_10.htm, I have a 2008 version in a 60 cm that should fit you that i would sell for $700. I can send you pics and specs if interested.

What's the difference between a "triple ring crank" and a double? And why are triples a PITA?

A "ten speed" has two rings up front and five rings on the back. The front might have 52 and 42 teeth and the back might have between 13 and 26 teeth. If there are 52 teeth on the front link, then every time you move your feet one rotation, you're moving he chain 52 links. When you are in 52/13 your gear ratio would be twice what it would be in 52/26 - so every time you move your feet one rotation, the rear wheel would spin 4 times, instead of 2. Which means you'll need to push twice as hard to get your feet around, but each time you do, you'll go twice as far. Nobody buys ten speeds anymore, but they do buy "14 speed" bikes or even "21 speeds". A 14 speed, as you can imagine, would have a double ring front crank and seven rings in the back. A 21 speed would be the same except it would have a triple ring front crank. There's good news and bad news with this - the good news is you have much more granular control over your gear ratios. The bad news is that the physical movement of a chain that is intended to run in a normal circular motion gets messed up. If you have three rings up front, they need to be far enough apart that the chain can fit around them, which means that the big ring is more than two chain widths away from the little ring. In the back, the big ring is at least six or seven chain widths away from the little ring. Which means the chain could be running almost diagonally across the blades, which causes tension on the chain. This is the reason that chains snap - if they were just going around and around, they wouldn't have very much pressure on them at all.

So one reason it's bad to have three cranks is that you're putting more side to side motion. But there are things you can do to stop that. One is the derailleur - the thing that hangs down over the rear wheel and has a couple extra gears. When you shift, it moves into place and the extra gears defer the side to side pressure on the chain links. The derailleur can be very sensitive, and needs to be able to snap into just the right place when you shift or you can get that clickity clickity clickity sound when you shift.

Even with the derailleur, there are still some issues. Putting your bike in gear using the crank all the way to the left in the front and all the way to the right in the back will cause the chain to rub against the teeth of the other gears which can cause chain snaps and pull your derailleur out of alignment, which will screw up all of your future shifting.

So even though you have a "21 speed", you really can't use all of those extra speeds. You should never go inside outside or outside inside, and the gear ratios aren't all that different - 52/26 is almost identical to 42/20, so the extra gear really isn't doing much. Which means that you've added a little weight to your bike, added risk to the moving parts on the bike, and you really haven't gained that much. If you're a high RPM guy, trying to keep your legs at a constant high cadence regardless of the hill, and you do a lot of hills, you might like having that kind of control. Guys who speed around a flat track will literally just use one gear in the front and one in the back to reduce the weight. Mostly, that third gear in the front is a marketing ploy for guys who naturally think more is better.

Holy crap. My head is spinning. I just want a decent, inexpensive bike for cross training that won't require much maintenance. Didn't realize it was gonna be this hard....

 

[IvanKaramazov]

A "ten speed" has two rings up front and five rings on the back. The front might have 52 and 42 teeth and the back might have between 13 and 26 teeth. If there are 52 teeth on the front link, then every time you move your feet one rotation, you're moving he chain 52 links. When you are in 52/13 your gear ratio would be twice what it would be in 52/26 - so every time you move your feet one rotation, the rear wheel would spin 4 times, instead of 2. Which means you'll need to push twice as hard to get your feet around, but each time you do, you'll go twice as far. Nobody buys ten speeds anymore, but they do buy "14 speed" bikes or even "21 speeds". A 14 speed, as you can imagine, would have a double ring front crank and seven rings in the back. A 21 speed would be the same except it would have a triple ring front crank. There's good news and bad news with this - the good news is you have much more granular control over your gear ratios. The bad news is that the physical movement of a chain that is intended to run in a normal circular motion gets messed up. If you have three rings up front, they need to be far enough apart that the chain can fit around them, which means that the big ring is more than two chain widths away from the little ring. In the back, the big ring is at least six or seven chain widths away from the little ring. Which means the chain could be running almost diagonally across the blades, which causes tension on the chain. This is the reason that chains snap - if they were just going around and around, they wouldn't have very much pressure on them at all. So one reason it's bad to have three cranks is that you're putting more side to side motion. But there are things you can do to stop that. One is the derailleur - the thing that hangs down over the rear wheel and has a couple extra gears. When you shift, it moves into place and the extra gears defer the side to side pressure on the chain links. The derailleur can be very sensitive, and needs to be able to snap into just the right place when you shift or you can get that clickity clickity clickity sound when you shift. Even with the derailleur, there are still some issues. Putting your bike in gear using the crank all the way to the left in the front and all the way to the right in the back will cause the chain to rub against the teeth of the other gears which can cause chain snaps and pull your derailleur out of alignment, which will screw up all of your future shifting. So even though you have a "21 speed", you really can't use all of those extra speeds. You should never go inside outside or outside inside, and the gear ratios aren't all that different - 52/26 is almost identical to 42/20, so the extra gear really isn't doing much. Which means that you've added a little weight to your bike, added risk to the moving parts on the bike, and you really haven't gained that much. If you're a high RPM guy, trying to keep your legs at a constant high cadence regardless of the hill, and you do a lot of hills, you might like having that kind of control. Guys who speed around a flat track will literally just use one gear in the front and one in the back to reduce the weight. Mostly, that third gear in the front is a marketing ploy for guys who naturally think more is better.

My cat's breath smells like cat food.

 

[bostonfred]

Holy crap. My head is spinning. I just want a decent, inexpensive bike for cross training that won't require much maintenance. Didn't realize it was gonna be this hard....

You don't need three gears in the front. Two is enough. If you have a bike with three gears in the front, be careful not to cross from big in the front to big in the back, or small in the front to small in the back.

 

[Sand]

Race report:

This is a fairly simple race. 3.8 miles up to Peavine Falls. 4.4 miles back down. 1130 total feet of climbing. Here is the course profile.

Coming into this I was significantly undertrained. The weather has been brutal. The goal was to just get to the top and let the downhill part take care of itself. I anticipated running 10:30-11 minute miles on the way up and 8s on the way down.

Splits:

Mile 1: 8:24

Mile 2: 9:46

Mile 3: 9:44

Mile 4: 8:48

Mile 5: 8:49

Mile 6: 7:54

Mile 7: 9:09

Mile 8: 9:43

Total: 1:14:05 (9:03/mile)

Surprisingly good ascent (miles 2 and 3 are the big uphill parts). I was slower coming down than I wanted, but my legs were pretty toasty at that point. The last mile was on singletrack and was rolling terrain, so not as bad as it looked. Once on the singletrack I had a conga line of 10 runners behind me, but noone wanted to pass. I was really suffering trying to stay at a decent pace. Not a quarter mile from the end I did manage to take a tumble on the singletrack - I think the root reached up and grabbed me. Luckily managed to do a one point landing on my shoulder and rolled over. Got a couple compliments on my rolling ability (soccer for all those years paid off). Lost a bit of time there, but I looked a lot better than other folks in the medical tent (a number of folks went down).

Overall a good effort. I was expecting a significantly slower result. For the $5 entry fee you get a nice, well run race (and I did get my t-shirt!). Not much in the way of frills, but no need for any. The terrain is all the excitement you need.

 

[wraith5]

So does the bike look OK, or what?

I like my Motobecane a lot, so I think the brand is fine. Personally, I think I'd spend a little more and get the Vent Noir, which is a Tiagra/105. But if Courtney thinks this is a good way to go, I'd trust her judgement.

I concur. I would argue for the Dawes Lightning 2300 (if she has it). It has a compact double and STI shifters. For $599 (at least on BD), that is a pretty darn good deal. Triples are more of a pain because they are harder to keep shifting properly. A compact double will be all you need. A manly man like you doesn't need a triple.

I don't think the 2300 comes any bigger than 58cm, which is probably too small for grue. BnB - that's a nice bike. If grue doesn't take it, I might. Sand - well done in the race! So, correct me if I'm wrong, but losing 4% of your body weight on a 15 mile run (while drinking 40 oz of liquid) is considered "bad," right? Yeah, I'm pretty sure it is... I hate this weather.

 

[Sand]

BnB - that's a nice bike. If grue doesn't take it, I might. Sand - well done in the race! So, correct me if I'm wrong, but losing 4% of your body weight on a 15 mile run (while drinking 40 oz of liquid) is considered "bad," right? Yeah, I'm pretty sure it is... I hate this weather.

On the bike: Is everyone is this thread 6'2"? I couldn't reach the pedals on that thing.Thanks for the note on the race. I'm pretty happy with it.In this weather I have been losing 1lb/mile or so. You were probably pretty dehydrated at the end, though.

 

[2Young2BBald]

BnB - that's a nice bike. If grue doesn't take it, I might. Sand - well done in the race! So, correct me if I'm wrong, but losing 4% of your body weight on a 15 mile run (while drinking 40 oz of liquid) is considered "bad," right? Yeah, I'm pretty sure it is... I hate this weather.

On the bike: Is everyone is this thread 6'2"? I couldn't reach the pedals on that thing.Thanks for the note on the race. I'm pretty happy with it.In this weather I have been losing 1lb/mile or so. You were probably pretty dehydrated at the end, though.

Most guys are taller. I'm just so damn short, I bring the average down to 6'2".Nice run, keeping your average heart rate on a climb like that (even with the down hill) at 136 is impressive!

 

[Sand]

Nice run, keeping your average heart rate on a climb like that (even with the down hill) at 136 is impressive!

My monitor went south at about halfway in. I was at 170+ for most of the run. At the time it crapped out the average was 168. Heck, most of my runs my HR is at 160+ for the duration, no matter the speed I am running.