Ran a 10k in June (5 Viewers)

[pigskinliquors]

Sand: INCREDIBLE Swimming!!!! WOW!

Wraith: Killer run

2Young: Sweeeeeeet Race!

_________________________

My Race Report:

For the record, it was UGLY as hell, but I'll certainly take it. My morning was hectic as hell. I was up at 5:30 to get ready for the race; then got both of my daughters up. Had to get our four year old dressed and ready for opening ceremonies for t-ball and her pictures (= I had to flippin' do her hair even); then had to get snacks ready for our 8 year olds soccer game. Then dropped the 4 year old off at neighbors who also had a kid getting pictures and going to opening ceremonies, then drove the 8 year old to a sitter, who would be taking her to her soccer game later; then finally off to my race (only a 20 mile drive from our house!).

All bathroom stuff went great, and I went for a mile jog to loosen up after getting my transition area ready. The jog did not feel good; I can't explain it, but it felt "off." The weather was warmer than they predicted (64 degrees), and the wind was easily blowing 20 mph (= I knew my bike time wouldn't be as fast as I thought it would). Between the start of the National Anthem and the race (they had Thunder Struck cranked to start the race which was really nice) my HR went up 11 beats (a new stat!).

5k #1

I started in the middle of the pack (about 120 racers), in case I ended up in a footrace at the end, and would then have a better chip time. After .5 miles, I was right on 6:55 pace (desired pace), but my HR was already 178 (Houston we have a problem!). I slowed down a bit, and mile 1 ended with a 7:00, but a 180 HR I kept right at 7:00 pace through the rest of the 5k, and watched my HR get all the way to 191 (I now have a new Max HR!!!). The only explanation I can think of is that it was on trails, and I haven't run on trails since November. I thought about slowing down to get my HR down, but I REALLY wanted an overall podium and AG win, and didn't want people to get too far ahead. Plus, last year I didn't have my Garmin, and I had no way of knowing if my HR did the same thing last year = I "SandedTM" it. There were 13 people in front of me after the 5k.

T1

I nailed it. I don't yet know what it was, but it was darn fast.

Bike 12

The course was BRUTAL to put it gently. The course is very hilly, the wind was gusting at 20 MPH+, and the longest stretch (only part with the wind), was recently chip sealed. Adding to the difficulty was that there were multiple turns and ALL had loose gravel around them (last year they had street cleaners out the day before, and they didn't do it this year). The first and last mile were both up hill and right into the teeth of the wind, and they were my only miles over 3:00 pace. With my HR maintaining 177 bpm, I was really happy to manage an approximate 20.7'ish MPH. NOBODY passed me on the bike, and I passed 10 people = I was in third place after the bike (right where I wanted to be ).

T2

I took a little bit of time here, as my HR was 178 and I didn't want it over 170 when I started the last 5k. It was still pretty fast, but I did not rush at all.

5k #2

This was disastrous. Within one tenth of a mile both of my calves, and my right quad seized (cramped = first time while on the Rolaids). I pulled off to the right and stretched the bejesus out of them and watched two people pass me, as I took a good 2 minutes on the muscles. I then took off, and while the seized a little bit right around the end of mile 1, they held in there the rest of the way. I passed one of the two people around mile 2, and could see the other one approximately 200 yards in front of me most of the way, but could not gain any ground. Not including my time stretching, I was able to maintain an approximate 7:30 pace the rest of the day, which was much better than I thought it would be after that first tenth. My HR hovered around 188 the entire 5k, which is much higher than I've ever sustained it before (max was 193 right at the finish = another new Max!).

My calves nor my quads have bothered me in the least bit since that first mile, and am perplexed that they did at all. I sported my 2XU calf sleeves, was well-hydrated, it wasn't too hot, and did my normal Rolaid's routine. It might have been some carry over from when they cramped last weekend when like an idiot I did my run/bike/run after drinking and in 8)+ degree weather, but I don't know.

Even with the awful second 5k (only 7:55 pace'ish overall), I was able to win my Age Group , and still took fourth overall. While it certainly wasn't pretty, I'm still very content. Regarding my goals:

My Primary goal, was to just finish = Accomplished!!

Goal 2:

Be faster than last year. Did not happen, though everyone's times were worse than last year (considerably) which is likely due to the wind, warmer weather, and a very slow bike course.

Goal 3:

Beat the guy that beat me at the tape. I crushed him...mostly because he was a no-show. The guy who I beat by :23 last year did race, and I beat him by 2:35 though!

Goal 4:

Have the fastest bike time; or at least 1 MPH faster than last year. I certainly wasn't 1 MPH faster, but I think I was slightly faster = those conditions and my extremely high HR at the start; I'll take it! I don't think I had the fastest time, as the two who were ahead of me on the bike, were barely ahead of me after the run, and seemed to be further ahead at the start of the 5k.

Goal 5:

Win Age Group, and podium overall. Damn close = I did AG win, but lost the podium to a girl (ended up 4th overall for second straight year)! I talked with her quite a bit after the race, and she came from Houston for the race, as a tune-up for trying to qualify for the Triathlon World Championship in two weeks, in Virginia. She ran in the World's three years ago + it makes me feel honored to have lost to her :rollseyes:

I'm disappointed my body failed during the last 5k, but ecstatic to know that I can allow my HR to fly that much and still survive. It's now beer-thirty and I'm off to enjoy

 

[2Young2BBald]

Sand: INCREDIBLE Swimming!!!! WOW!

Wraith: Killer run

2Young: Sweeeeeeet Race!

_________________________

My Race Report:

For the record, it was UGLY as hell, but I'll certainly take it. My morning was hectic as hell. I was up at 5:30 to get ready for the race; then got both of my daughters up. Had to get our four year old dressed and ready for opening ceremonies for t-ball and her pictures (= I had to flippin' do her hair even); then had to get snacks ready for our 8 year olds soccer game. Then dropped the 4 year old off at neighbors who also had a kid getting pictures and going to opening ceremonies, then drove the 8 year old to a sitter, who would be taking her to her soccer game later; then finally off to my race (only a 20 mile drive from our house!).

All bathroom stuff went great, and I went for a mile jog to loosen up after getting my transition area ready. The jog did not feel good; I can't explain it, but it felt "off." The weather was warmer than they predicted (64 degrees), and the wind was easily blowing 20 mph (= I knew my bike time wouldn't be as fast as I thought it would). Between the start of the National Anthem and the race (they had Thunder Struck cranked to start the race which was really nice) my HR went up 11 beats (a new stat!).

5k #1

I started in the middle of the pack (about 120 racers), in case I ended up in a footrace at the end, and would then have a better chip time. After .5 miles, I was right on 6:55 pace (desired pace), but my HR was already 178 (Houston we have a problem!). I slowed down a bit, and mile 1 ended with a 7:00, but a 180 HR I kept right at 7:00 pace through the rest of the 5k, and watched my HR get all the way to 191 (I now have a new Max HR!!!). The only explanation I can think of is that it was on trails, and I haven't run on trails since November. I thought about slowing down to get my HR down, but I REALLY wanted an overall podium and AG win, and didn't want people to get too far ahead. Plus, last year I didn't have my Garmin, and I had no way of knowing if my HR did the same thing last year = I "SandedTM" it. There were 13 people in front of me after the 5k.

T1

I nailed it. I don't yet know what it was, but it was darn fast.

Bike 12

The course was BRUTAL to put it gently. The course is very hilly, the wind was gusting at 20 MPH+, and the longest stretch (only part with the wind), was recently chip sealed. Adding to the difficulty was that there were multiple turns and ALL had loose gravel around them (last year they had street cleaners out the day before, and they didn't do it this year). The first and last mile were both up hill and right into the teeth of the wind, and they were my only miles over 3:00 pace. With my HR maintaining 177 bpm, I was really happy to manage an approximate 20.7'ish MPH. NOBODY passed me on the bike, and I passed 10 people = I was in third place after the bike (right where I wanted to be ).

T2

I took a little bit of time here, as my HR was 178 and I didn't want it over 170 when I started the last 5k. It was still pretty fast, but I did not rush at all.

5k #2

This was disastrous. Within one tenth of a mile both of my calves, and my right quad seized (cramped = first time while on the Rolaids). I pulled off to the right and stretched the bejesus out of them and watched two people pass me, as I took a good 2 minutes on the muscles. I then took off, and while the seized a little bit right around the end of mile 1, they held in there the rest of the way. I passed one of the two people around mile 2, and could see the other one approximately 200 yards in front of me most of the way, but could not gain any ground. Not including my time stretching, I was able to maintain an approximate 7:30 pace the rest of the day, which was much better than I thought it would be after that first tenth. My HR hovered around 188 the entire 5k, which is much higher than I've ever sustained it before (max was 193 right at the finish = another new Max!).

My calves nor my quads have bothered me in the least bit since that first mile, and am perplexed that they did at all. I sported my 2XU calf sleeves, was well-hydrated, it wasn't too hot, and did my normal Rolaid's routine. It might have been some carry over from when they cramped last weekend when like an idiot I did my run/bike/run after drinking and in 8)+ degree weather, but I don't know.

Even with the awful second 5k (only 7:55 pace'ish overall), I was able to win my Age Group , and still took fourth overall. While it certainly wasn't pretty, I'm still very content. Regarding my goals:

My Primary goal, was to just finish = Accomplished!!

Goal 2:

Be faster than last year. Did not happen, though everyone's times were worse than last year (considerably) which is likely due to the wind, warmer weather, and a very slow bike course.

Goal 3:

Beat the guy that beat me at the tape. I crushed him...mostly because he was a no-show. The guy who I beat by :23 last year did race, and I beat him by 2:35 though!

Goal 4:

Have the fastest bike time; or at least 1 MPH faster than last year. I certainly wasn't 1 MPH faster, but I think I was slightly faster = those conditions and my extremely high HR at the start; I'll take it! I don't think I had the fastest time, as the two who were ahead of me on the bike, were barely ahead of me after the run, and seemed to be further ahead at the start of the 5k.

Goal 5:

Win Age Group, and podium overall. Damn close = I did AG win, but lost the podium to a girl (ended up 4th overall for second straight year)! I talked with her quite a bit after the race, and she came from Houston for the race, as a tune-up for trying to qualify for the Triathlon World Championship in two weeks, in Virginia. She ran in the World's three years ago + it makes me feel honored to have lost to her :rollseyes:

I'm disappointed my body failed during the last 5k, but ecstatic to know that I can allow my HR to fly that much and still survive. It's now beer-thirty and I'm off to enjoy

VERY, VERY Cool. What kind of hardware did you walk away with for the AG victory?

 

[culdeus]

Goal 5:Win Age Group, and podium overall. Damn close = I did AG win, but lost the podium to a girl (ended up 4th overall for second straight year)! I talked with her quite a bit after the race, and she came from Houston for the race, as a tune-up for trying to qualify for the Triathlon World Championship in two weeks, in Virginia. She ran in the World's three years ago + it makes me feel honored to have lost to her :rollseyes:

Whatever helps you sleep at night.

 

[prosopis]

Hey guys I am looking for some advice here. I am still plugging along although I have not been posting. Here is my issue. Last week I did what i think is intervals on a treadmill. I cranked it up to holy #### I may fly across the room if I am not careful for as long as I could. I then backed it down to a comfortable jog. I rinsed/repeated that for 45 mins. The next day my left knee was in serious pain. Enough that I did not run for 4 days. When the knee got feeling better I did some elyptical work. I did not kill it but I was not taking it easy either. I then did treadmill and things were good. Thursday I went to a yoga class. I have never gone to a class but I have done yoga using dvd's. I told the teacher this was my first time. She said I did good. I noticed during the yoga that I can do some of the stretches much better with my right leg then my left leg. This was very apparent for the stretch when you lie on your back and put a strap over the sole of one foot and then do circular motions with the leg pointed straight up in the air. I had no problem doing this with the right leg but I could not get my left leg straight when it was its turn. it also hurt to do this with the left leg. I took Friday off. Today I took the kids to the library and I ran 4 miles some on a trail and some off. It was pretty windy which was good with the wind at my back but sucked with it in my face. I felt good after the run. Now my left ankle is killing me and I am walking with a noticeable limp. It seems to be the outside of the ankle just below the ball.

Anyone have any clues or advice? This is really pissing me off.

* I did 35 mins of yoga using a dvd this am prior to my run.

I am using that Garmin 305 I would link my stuff here but I dont know how.

 

[Sand]

I felt good after the run. Now my left ankle is killing me and I am walking with a noticeable limp. It seems to be the outside of the ankle just below the ball.Anyone have any clues or advice? This is really pissing me off.I am using that Garmin 305 I would link my stuff here but I dont know how.

RICE on the ankle. You have a tendon/ligament that goes right over the outside ankle. I have pulled/torn both of mine. Just take it easy - it'll take care of itself.On the Garmin stuff - are you using Garmin Connect? You can just link to that.

 

[wraith5]

Got my ### out of bed at 5:45am so I could get my run in before my boy's t-ball pictures. I forgot how nice it is to see the sun come up while I'm running. Plus all of the hard-core gruecd types are out at that hour, which makes me feel like a runner!

Goal pace was 8:25 for 10, and I ended up at 8:13s with the last 2 both sub-8. My first mile was an 8:52, so if I hadn't given away all that time I could have been even faster. Feels great to get a strong run in again!

Started the day with a 10 mile run, ended it with 1:20 on the bike trainer. I really wish I could get more of my bike time done outside, but it just hasn't been in the cards. I tried doing a mid-level gear for 10 minutes, dropping down 2 gears for 5, then repeating x4. I felt like I was working hard but my HR never got above 156 (I averaged 82 cadence). Good ride for me. Congratulations to 2Y and PSL on your races!! Workhorse I hope you had similar results!

 

[IvanKaramazov]

Hey guys I am looking for some advice here. I am still plugging along although I have not been posting. Here is my issue. Last week I did what i think is intervals on a treadmill. I cranked it up to holy #### I may fly across the room if I am not careful for as long as I could. I then backed it down to a comfortable jog. I rinsed/repeated that for 45 mins. The next day my left knee was in serious pain. Enough that I did not run for 4 days.

I gave up trying to do intervals on a TM. My gait just isn't the same on the TM as it would be on a track, and that doesn't work if I'm trying to run fast. All it takes is a small change in your form to cause an injury if you're going at a high intensity.

Now my left ankle is killing me and I am walking with a noticeable limp. It seems to be the outside of the ankle just below the ball.Anyone have any clues or advice? This is really pissing me off.

RICE. Be particularly careful if you're getting pain below the ankle and near the heel. Your achilles connects to the foot there, and that's where I had the most pain when I had achilles tendonitis, but I think you probably would have described it as "heel pain" as opposed to "ankle pain" if that's what was going on.

 

[Workhorse]

Running a fun one this afternoon up in Athens, GA. It's a 5k plus One More Mile. Sponsored by the Terrapin Brewery with a tour/sampling post-race. Going to be fun running among all the UGA co-eds.

I ended up running this in 30:48. A little disappointed in my time but it was 80 degrees and the course was hillier than I expected. Finished 30th overall.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

Goal 3:Beat the guy that beat me at the tape. I crushed him...mostly because he was a no-show.

De-fault. The two greatest words in the English language. Nice job.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

I must have screwed up the position of my HRM in the john, so I tried to move in in to place through my shirt. End result of this was for BOTH ####### strap buttons to release and the monitor pad to drop through my shirt and on to the ground. I was lucky no one kicked it and got to it quick. Here is where the fun started as I now had to put it back on while running. It took the better part of a 1/2 mile to do so. The next minor hiccup happened around mile. We turned out of the wind a bit and my sunglasses began to fog and I dropped my gloves taking them off and trying to put them in my belt The last issue I had happened at the turn around for the back portion. I am testing things for the HIM in July and wanted to see how my body did with Hammer Gel (apple cinnamon AWESOME). The body did fine with it, the operator of the gel pack was an idiot and open about a 1/4 of it all over his hands for a sticky, nasty mess. I was about done with my running hat anyway, so I used this to clean up.

Nice writeup. At least your shoes didn't fall off.

 

[tri-man 47]

Post 16000.

You must be going crazy, old man. MINE is #16,000.

Senior discount.Actually, I know your trick ...go back and delete an old post so that your post becomes 16000. :finger:

2Young, PSL, Workhorse -- way to go, guys!!!

----

"Old School" alert! A few years ago, my wife gave me a Trek timing gadget for my bike (before Garmins became popular). lol Mount a little magnet on a front spoke and a sensor a millimeter away on the front fork; measure, compute, and load in the distance of one tire rotation; then the watch-like monitor mounted on the handlebars actually provides very nice data - speed, distance, rolling clock time, average pace, max pace. I finally put this thing on yesterday, then did a three hour ride. Very helpful to have some data. It also allows a subset of data for workout laps, so I can track specific time trial-like segments when I get an extended length of uninterrupted road or trail.

While on a forest preserve trail, I was passing by a golf course at one point. Felt something bump my foot and pedal, and looked down to see a bright pink golf ball kicking away from me. Somewhere out there is a female golfer who has a horrible slice. finger: her too!)

 

[prosopis]

Hey guys I am looking for some advice here. I am still plugging along although I have not been posting. Here is my issue. Last week I did what i think is intervals on a treadmill. I cranked it up to holy #### I may fly across the room if I am not careful for as long as I could. I then backed it down to a comfortable jog. I rinsed/repeated that for 45 mins. The next day my left knee was in serious pain. Enough that I did not run for 4 days.

I gave up trying to do intervals on a TM. My gait just isn't the same on the TM as it would be on a track, and that doesn't work if I'm trying to run fast. All it takes is a small change in your form to cause an injury if you're going at a high intensity.

Now my left ankle is killing me and I am walking with a noticeable limp. It seems to be the outside of the ankle just below the ball.Anyone have any clues or advice? This is really pissing me off.

RICE. Be particularly careful if you're getting pain below the ankle and near the heel. Your achilles connects to the foot there, and that's where I had the most pain when I had achilles tendonitis, but I think you probably would have described it as "heel pain" as opposed to "ankle pain" if that's what was going on.

Yes I would say ankle and not heel. Any particular exercises or stretches to help/prevent this?

 

[2Young2BBald]

Running a fun one this afternoon up in Athens, GA. It's a 5k plus One More Mile. Sponsored by the Terrapin Brewery with a tour/sampling post-race. Going to be fun running among all the UGA co-eds.

I ended up running this in 30:48. A little disappointed in my time but it was 80 degrees and the course was hillier than I expected. Finished 30th overall.

More important, how was the scenery & how was the beer? I can only imagine the race stalking that could have been done on and 80 degree day in GA. Link to :IBTL: ?I wonder what it is about 4 milers & free beer. I think I've run 5 4-milers and all 5 had free beer at the finish. Must be a USATF thing.

 

[pigskinliquors]

VERY, VERY Cool. What kind of hardware did you walk away with for the AG victory?

A really sweet plaque! Also, just read the news story on the race and there were 138 participants, which is up from last year. I was kind of hoping that it would start to fail, as they changed the race from a tri to a duo to hopefully increase participation last year, and I'd much rather it be a tri.

 

[gruecd]

Actually, I know your trick ...go back and delete an old post so that your post becomes 16000. :finger:

Who, me??

2Young, PSL, Workhorse -- way to go, guys!!!

Nice work, guys!-------------------------

Bike guys, I need your help. A buddy of mine has an old bike he wants to get rid of. I don't think he wants much for it, but I have no idea what I should even be looking at/asking. I posted some pictures here. Can you guys let me know what you think? I don't need anything fancy. Really only want it for cross-training on my off days from running. Thanks!

 

[culdeus]

Actually, I know your trick ...go back and delete an old post so that your post becomes 16000. :finger:

Who, me??

2Young, PSL, Workhorse -- way to go, guys!!!

Nice work, guys!-------------------------

Bike guys, I need your help. A buddy of mine has an old bike he wants to get rid of. I don't think he wants much for it, but I have no idea what I should even be looking at/asking. I posted some pictures here. Can you guys let me know what you think? I don't need anything fancy. Really only want it for cross-training on my off days from running. Thanks!

if I'm not mistaken that's an 8 speed. It's hard to tell from the pic at the angle it's taken. Parts for those are damn near impossible to get now, and would cost more than the bike itself to change out simple things like chain/cassette. 8 speed that thing is worth no more than 250. 9 speed maybe 350.

 

[bentley]

52:05 in my 10k today here. All things considered, I'm pretty happy with the results from my longest run in the last year. The "biggest 10K in Texas" is not exactly the best place to shoot for a great time. Because of the crowd, I ran the first mile in 9:07 and the first 5K in 27:05. Ran the second 5K in 25 minutes flat once traffic thinned out and I feel great.

 

[gruecd]

if I'm not mistaken that's an 8 speed. It's hard to tell from the pic at the angle it's taken. Parts for those are damn near impossible to get now, and would cost more than the bike itself to change out simple things like chain/cassette.

8 speed that thing is worth no more than 250. 9 speed maybe 350.

I took another picture of the gears, which I'm guessing is what you need to see. If it's 9 speed (which I think it is), is that better for parts?

 

[Sand]

if I'm not mistaken that's an 8 speed. It's hard to tell from the pic at the angle it's taken. Parts for those are damn near impossible to get now, and would cost more than the bike itself to change out simple things like chain/cassette.

8 speed that thing is worth no more than 250. 9 speed maybe 350.

I took another picture of the gears, which I'm guessing is what you need to see. If it's 9 speed (which I think it is), is that better for parts?

Much better for parts. 9 speed stuff all over. As long as that fits and the mechanicals are in good shape that is a nice bike. 9 speed, 105 groupset, decent wheels, Look Delta style pedals(?), carbon fork. See how much he wants for it and we can tell you if it a good deal. Just make sure it fits. You are, what, 6'? Do you know the frame size of the bike?Edited to add: That is the same model I had before I got the one I have now. I really liked the bike.

 

[gruecd]

if I'm not mistaken that's an 8 speed. It's hard to tell from the pic at the angle it's taken. Parts for those are damn near impossible to get now, and would cost more than the bike itself to change out simple things like chain/cassette.

8 speed that thing is worth no more than 250. 9 speed maybe 350.

I took another picture of the gears, which I'm guessing is what you need to see. If it's 9 speed (which I think it is), is that better for parts?

Much better for parts. 9 speed stuff all over. As long as that fits and the mechanicals are in good shape that is a nice bike. 9 speed, 105 groupset, decent wheels, Look Delta style pedals(?), carbon fork. See how much he wants for it and we can tell you if it a good deal. Just make sure it fits. You are, what, 6'? Do you know the frame size of the bike?Edited to add: That is the same model I had before I got the one I have now. I really liked the bike.

Awesome. Thanks. I think he originally said a couple hundred bucks, but I'll definitely let you guys know. I've gotta get a helmet and some shoes (and maybe some shorts) before I can really get out and ride it. I don't know the frame size, but I can find out. I'm 6'4", but my buddy is maybe a couple inches shorter than me, and he said that it fit him.

 

[Sand]

if I'm not mistaken that's an 8 speed. It's hard to tell from the pic at the angle it's taken. Parts for those are damn near impossible to get now, and would cost more than the bike itself to change out simple things like chain/cassette.

8 speed that thing is worth no more than 250. 9 speed maybe 350.

I took another picture of the gears, which I'm guessing is what you need to see. If it's 9 speed (which I think it is), is that better for parts?

Much better for parts. 9 speed stuff all over. As long as that fits and the mechanicals are in good shape that is a nice bike. 9 speed, 105 groupset, decent wheels, Look Delta style pedals(?), carbon fork. See how much he wants for it and we can tell you if it a good deal. Just make sure it fits. You are, what, 6'? Do you know the frame size of the bike?Edited to add: That is the same model I had before I got the one I have now. I really liked the bike.

Awesome. Thanks. I think he originally said a couple hundred bucks, but I'll definitely let you guys know. I've gotta get a helmet and some shoes (and maybe some shorts) before I can really get out and ride it. I don't know the frame size, but I can find out. I'm 6'4", but my buddy is maybe a couple inches shorter than me, and he said that it fit him.

Easily worth $200, assuming it is in working order. Some of the other guys (paging Culdeus, Pigskin) can get you some other opinions. But as long as it fits and it in riding shape it is an easy buy (IMO).

 

[Sand]

Might as well spit out a race report. Did my Time Trial today. Pretty laid back - only 20 or so participants. Nice folks, though. I did this because it is the course for my first tri in June. No aero stuff on, just regular old bike, aerobars, and me. The course ended up being 11.4 miles, a bit shorter than the tri, but all the tough stuff is in the middle of the course. ~1,250 ft. of climbing - not sure if you experienced folks would call that hilly or not. I think it is.

My benchmark was 20mph, as that would put me in good shape in the tri. Managed 20.5mph (and won the TT by 7 seconds). Pretty happy with that. I think I may have left a bit on the table, but my average HR was 171 for the course and it hit 180 for the last mile. So not too far off of what I can do. Hopefully when the race comes better tires, disc cover, and aero helmet will buy me a bit more time.

 

[prosopis]

52:05 in my 10k today here. All things considered, I'm pretty happy with the results from my longest run in the last year. The "biggest 10K in Texas" is not exactly the best place to shoot for a great time. Because of the crowd, I ran the first mile in 9:07 and the first 5K in 27:05. Ran the second 5K in 25 minutes flat once traffic thinned out and I feel great.

Hell that is great. I would be strutting around with that time.

 

[pigskinliquors]

if I'm not mistaken that's an 8 speed. It's hard to tell from the pic at the angle it's taken. Parts for those are damn near impossible to get now, and would cost more than the bike itself to change out simple things like chain/cassette.

8 speed that thing is worth no more than 250. 9 speed maybe 350.

I took another picture of the gears, which I'm guessing is what you need to see. If it's 9 speed (which I think it is), is that better for parts?

Much better for parts. 9 speed stuff all over. As long as that fits and the mechanicals are in good shape that is a nice bike. 9 speed, 105 groupset, decent wheels, Look Delta style pedals(?), carbon fork. See how much he wants for it and we can tell you if it a good deal. Just make sure it fits. You are, what, 6'? Do you know the frame size of the bike?Edited to add: That is the same model I had before I got the one I have now. I really liked the bike.

Awesome. Thanks. I think he originally said a couple hundred bucks, but I'll definitely let you guys know. I've gotta get a helmet and some shoes (and maybe some shorts) before I can really get out and ride it. I don't know the frame size, but I can find out. I'm 6'4", but my buddy is maybe a couple inches shorter than me, and he said that it fit him.

Easily worth $200, assuming it is in working order. Some of the other guys (paging Culdeus, Pigskin) can get you some other opinions. But as long as it fits and it in riding shape it is an easy buy (IMO).

I'd pay $300 for it and wouldn't flinch. You'll need to find out the frame size, and you are going to need a 60 cm plus. The current chain and cassette look to be in great shape! Get yourself fit for a bike, to know what size you need.

 

[tri-man 47]

52:05 in my 10k today here. All things considered, I'm pretty happy with the results from my longest run in the last year. The "biggest 10K in Texas" is not exactly the best place to shoot for a great time. Because of the crowd, I ran the first mile in 9:07 and the first 5K in 27:05. Ran the second 5K in 25 minutes flat once traffic thinned out and I feel great.

Good job on the negative splits, bentley! Always neat to come away from a solid race still feeling great.---12 miles for me today. Legs rather tired after the 3-hr bike yesterday, but wanted to get it in. My 1/2-marathon trail race looms in two weeks.

 

[prosopis]

52:05 in my 10k today here. All things considered, I'm pretty happy with the results from my longest run in the last year. The "biggest 10K in Texas" is not exactly the best place to shoot for a great time. Because of the crowd, I ran the first mile in 9:07 and the first 5K in 27:05. Ran the second 5K in 25 minutes flat once traffic thinned out and I feel great.

Good job on the negative splits, bentley! Always neat to come away from a solid race still feeling great.---12 miles for me today. Legs rather tired after the 3-hr bike yesterday, but wanted to get it in. My 1/2-marathon trail race looms in two weeks.

AwesomeI will be at the Grand Canyon in July and I am contemplating a 12.2 mile run down the bright angel trail to plateau point and back. I am not sure I can pull it off though. I am meeting family there that I only see once to twice a year and I am worried that this run may be frowned upon. I would almost have to know that I could do it in a reasonable time or else I will look like the ### who went running instead of visiting. I would think going down would be pretty fast. Coming back would be another story.

 

[culdeus]

Easily worth $200, assuming it is in working order. Some of the other guys (paging Culdeus, Pigskin) can get you some other opinions. But as long as it fits and it in riding shape it is an easy buy (IMO).

I'd pay $300 for it and wouldn't flinch. You'll need to find out the frame size, and you are going to need a 60 cm plus. The current chain and cassette look to be in great shape! Get yourself fit for a bike, to know what size you need.

Hard to tell the state of that chain. It's almost certainly the original. Even if it's not stretched could be squeaky as hell. Clearly hasn't gotten any TLC in some time.

 

[BassNBrew]

Might as well spit out a race report. Did my Time Trial today. Pretty laid back - only 20 or so participants. Nice folks, though. I did this because it is the course for my first tri in June. No aero stuff on, just regular old bike, aerobars, and me. The course ended up being 11.4 miles, a bit shorter than the tri, but all the tough stuff is in the middle of the course. ~1,250 ft. of climbing - not sure if you experienced folks would call that hilly or not. I think it is.

My benchmark was 20mph, as that would put me in good shape in the tri. Managed 20.5mph (and won the TT by 7 seconds). Pretty happy with that. I think I may have left a bit on the table, but my average HR was 171 for the course and it hit 180 for the last mile. So not too far off of what I can do. Hopefully when the race comes better tires, disc cover, and aero helmet will buy me a bit more time.

Congrats on the victory. You could conceiveably pick up another one mph with the aero gear. While you'll spend more time riding less than 20.5 mph on a hilly course where it won't help as much, the aero benefits at the hogh speed portion are huge. If you were to estimate your power output, would you say that it was steady most of the way and higher at the end? On a course this hilly you want to change your TT style to burn your matches on the hills and recover on the descents. On this course you would want higher power output at mile 1.5 to 4 and mile 7 to 8. You get diminishing returns with higher watts as you speed increases because air resistance increases exponentially.You may want to check on your bike computer, map my ride http://www.mapmyrun.com/ride/united-states...123781793425591 says 400 ft of climbing. 1250 ft would be a 4% grade for exactly half of the course. The big mountains are the only place I've been able to get a ride to average 1200 ft climbing over 10 miles. Map my ride is usually off by a factor of slightly less than 2x pretty consistantly. This Ride, is 5800 ft of climbing and comes up as 3300 ft of climbing on map my ride. Obviously map my ride leaves a lot to be desired in accuracy,

 

[BassNBrew]

Sand: INCREDIBLE Swimming!!!! WOW!

Wraith: Killer run

2Young: Sweeeeeeet Race!

_________________________

My Race Report:

For the record, it was UGLY as hell, but I'll certainly take it. My morning was hectic as hell. I was up at 5:30 to get ready for the race; then got both of my daughters up. Had to get our four year old dressed and ready for opening ceremonies for t-ball and her pictures (= I had to flippin' do her hair even); then had to get snacks ready for our 8 year olds soccer game. Then dropped the 4 year old off at neighbors who also had a kid getting pictures and going to opening ceremonies, then drove the 8 year old to a sitter, who would be taking her to her soccer game later; then finally off to my race (only a 20 mile drive from our house!).

All bathroom stuff went great, and I went for a mile jog to loosen up after getting my transition area ready. The jog did not feel good; I can't explain it, but it felt "off." The weather was warmer than they predicted (64 degrees), and the wind was easily blowing 20 mph (= I knew my bike time wouldn't be as fast as I thought it would). Between the start of the National Anthem and the race (they had Thunder Struck cranked to start the race which was really nice) my HR went up 11 beats (a new stat!).

5k #1

I started in the middle of the pack (about 120 racers), in case I ended up in a footrace at the end, and would then have a better chip time. After .5 miles, I was right on 6:55 pace (desired pace), but my HR was already 178 (Houston we have a problem!). I slowed down a bit, and mile 1 ended with a 7:00, but a 180 HR I kept right at 7:00 pace through the rest of the 5k, and watched my HR get all the way to 191 (I now have a new Max HR!!!). The only explanation I can think of is that it was on trails, and I haven't run on trails since November. I thought about slowing down to get my HR down, but I REALLY wanted an overall podium and AG win, and didn't want people to get too far ahead. Plus, last year I didn't have my Garmin, and I had no way of knowing if my HR did the same thing last year = I "SandedTM" it. There were 13 people in front of me after the 5k.

T1

I nailed it. I don't yet know what it was, but it was darn fast.

Bike 12

The course was BRUTAL to put it gently. The course is very hilly, the wind was gusting at 20 MPH+, and the longest stretch (only part with the wind), was recently chip sealed. Adding to the difficulty was that there were multiple turns and ALL had loose gravel around them (last year they had street cleaners out the day before, and they didn't do it this year). The first and last mile were both up hill and right into the teeth of the wind, and they were my only miles over 3:00 pace. With my HR maintaining 177 bpm, I was really happy to manage an approximate 20.7'ish MPH. NOBODY passed me on the bike, and I passed 10 people = I was in third place after the bike (right where I wanted to be ).

T2

I took a little bit of time here, as my HR was 178 and I didn't want it over 170 when I started the last 5k. It was still pretty fast, but I did not rush at all.

5k #2

This was disastrous. Within one tenth of a mile both of my calves, and my right quad seized (cramped = first time while on the Rolaids). I pulled off to the right and stretched the bejesus out of them and watched two people pass me, as I took a good 2 minutes on the muscles. I then took off, and while the seized a little bit right around the end of mile 1, they held in there the rest of the way. I passed one of the two people around mile 2, and could see the other one approximately 200 yards in front of me most of the way, but could not gain any ground. Not including my time stretching, I was able to maintain an approximate 7:30 pace the rest of the day, which was much better than I thought it would be after that first tenth. My HR hovered around 188 the entire 5k, which is much higher than I've ever sustained it before (max was 193 right at the finish = another new Max!).

My calves nor my quads have bothered me in the least bit since that first mile, and am perplexed that they did at all. I sported my 2XU calf sleeves, was well-hydrated, it wasn't too hot, and did my normal Rolaid's routine. It might have been some carry over from when they cramped last weekend when like an idiot I did my run/bike/run after drinking and in 8)+ degree weather, but I don't know.

Even with the awful second 5k (only 7:55 pace'ish overall), I was able to win my Age Group , and still took fourth overall. While it certainly wasn't pretty, I'm still very content. Regarding my goals:

My Primary goal, was to just finish = Accomplished!!

Goal 2:

Be faster than last year. Did not happen, though everyone's times were worse than last year (considerably) which is likely due to the wind, warmer weather, and a very slow bike course.

Goal 3:

Beat the guy that beat me at the tape. I crushed him...mostly because he was a no-show. The guy who I beat by :23 last year did race, and I beat him by 2:35 though!

Goal 4:

Have the fastest bike time; or at least 1 MPH faster than last year. I certainly wasn't 1 MPH faster, but I think I was slightly faster = those conditions and my extremely high HR at the start; I'll take it! I don't think I had the fastest time, as the two who were ahead of me on the bike, were barely ahead of me after the run, and seemed to be further ahead at the start of the 5k.

Goal 5:

Win Age Group, and podium overall. Damn close = I did AG win, but lost the podium to a girl (ended up 4th overall for second straight year)! I talked with her quite a bit after the race, and she came from Houston for the race, as a tune-up for trying to qualify for the Triathlon World Championship in two weeks, in Virginia. She ran in the World's three years ago + it makes me feel honored to have lost to her :rollseyes:

I'm disappointed my body failed during the last 5k, but ecstatic to know that I can allow my HR to fly that much and still survive. It's now beer-thirty and I'm off to enjoy

I'm still proud of you even if you did get "chicked". I'm very familiar with the cramping deal and it's a pain.Congrats on the AG win. That's huge with all the related drama you had. I know the wind on the bike leg isn't fun, but with you being a strong rider, it's actually a benefit relative to the rest of the field. Congrats on being able to follow the directions this year.

Did the young kids smoke it? Around here they dominate the dus as they smoke the runs by so much that's the race is over after the first 5k. Seems like the older guys do better on the tris where the run isn't as big of a factor.

 

[bentley]

I haven't done any race stalking in a while, but I can share at least one photo. This chick wins the Cap 10K in Austin just about every year.

 

[prosopis]

I haven't done any race stalking in a while, but I can share at least one photo. This chick wins the Cap 10K in Austin just about every year.

GTF out. If she was in front of me I would increase my time until I just fell over gasping for air.

 

[Sand]

Might as well spit out a race report. Did my Time Trial today. Pretty laid back - only 20 or so participants. Nice folks, though. I did this because it is the course for my first tri in June. No aero stuff on, just regular old bike, aerobars, and me. The course ended up being 11.4 miles, a bit shorter than the tri, but all the tough stuff is in the middle of the course. ~1,250 ft. of climbing - not sure if you experienced folks would call that hilly or not. I think it is.

My benchmark was 20mph, as that would put me in good shape in the tri. Managed 20.5mph (and won the TT by 7 seconds). Pretty happy with that. I think I may have left a bit on the table, but my average HR was 171 for the course and it hit 180 for the last mile. So not too far off of what I can do. Hopefully when the race comes better tires, disc cover, and aero helmet will buy me a bit more time.

Congrats on the victory. You could conceiveably pick up another one mph with the aero gear. While you'll spend more time riding less than 20.5 mph on a hilly course where it won't help as much, the aero benefits at the hogh speed portion are huge. If you were to estimate your power output, would you say that it was steady most of the way and higher at the end? On a course this hilly you want to change your TT style to burn your matches on the hills and recover on the descents. On this course you would want higher power output at mile 1.5 to 4 and mile 7 to 8. You get diminishing returns with higher watts as you speed increases because air resistance increases exponentially.You may want to check on your bike computer, map my ride http://www.mapmyrun.com/ride/united-states...123781793425591 says 400 ft of climbing. 1250 ft would be a 4% grade for exactly half of the course. The big mountains are the only place I've been able to get a ride to average 1200 ft climbing over 10 miles. Map my ride is usually off by a factor of slightly less than 2x pretty consistantly. This Ride, is 5800 ft of climbing and comes up as 3300 ft of climbing on map my ride. Obviously map my ride leaves a lot to be desired in accuracy,

Hey BNB,Thanks for the note, man. I don't know if the aero gear is good for 1mph. I'm hoping for .5 or so. If I could hit 21 in my tri that would put me well FOP on the bike. That is a dream speed, though. I am pretty stoked to hit 20, to be honest. The best bike splits tend to be ~23mph or so.

Elevation is always a tricky thing. I have always found Map my Ride to be way off. This one says 1690 feet with a bit more mileage than what I rode. As you can see from the elevation graph here this course is pretty broken - up and down. My estimate came off of my 305. So what is the real elevation? Dunno.

I tried to keep the effort fairly even until the mile 7-8 hill (which is fairly tough, 10-12% grade or so for a bit). Then tried to hold the speed from the downhill on the way in. My HR trace says a fairly even effort until the last mile or so, when I spiked it to 180+. I was afraid to burn matches too much on the earlier climbs - the last one is tough. So I wasn't burning matches based on terrain, but really on distance left. You hear that, Tri-man? I paced myself. I could have probably killed it a bit more, but it wasn't another 1mph or anything.

BTW, that Pisgah loop looks like fun. What a great area - great MTB trails there from what I hear, as well.

 

[Sand]

I haven't done any race stalking in a while, but I can share at least one photo. This chick wins the Cap 10K in Austin just about every year.

GTF out. If she was in front of me I would increase my time until I just fell over gasping for air.

I give you 100 yards, tops. You'd have to be quick with the .

 

[prosopis]

I haven't done any race stalking in a while, but I can share at least one photo. This chick wins the Cap 10K in Austin just about every year.

GTF out. If she was in front of me I would increase my time until I just fell over gasping for air.

I give you 100 yards, tops. You'd have to be quick with the .

More like 60 yards.

 

[2Young2BBald]

I haven't done any race stalking in a while, but I can share at least one photo. This chick wins the Cap 10K in Austin just about every year.

GTF out. If she was in front of me I would increase my time until I just fell over gasping for air.

I give you 100 yards, tops. You'd have to be quick with the .

More like 60 yards.

Desiree is my favorite triathlete....

 

[pmbrown_22]

Great races guys. PSL - Way to get some hardware. Sounds like it is starting to get into race season around here.

-----------

Update for me: Saturday I went out and had my best run ever. I did my marathon pace run of 10 miles at 7:09 a mile. I could not believe that I went that fast. Something is telling me inside that I should just go for the BQ and not look back, but my head is telling me that I don't think I would be able to keep that up for 26 miles. Very back and forth on this one. I can always see how things go in my last couple weeks of training.

Yesterday I went out for an easy 20 miles. I just did not have any legs for going any faster. I did 8:33 miles average and did not really feel like I could go much better. I just did not have the legs. I did not get a lot of sleep on Saturday night so that had something to do with it as well. I am done with all of my long training and am kind of starting to taper a bit. I am starting to get excited for the Pig and feel I will actually get to run it this year. Here's hoping.

 

[gruecd]

Update for me: Saturday I went out and had my best run ever. I did my marathon pace run of 10 miles at 7:09 a mile. I could not believe that I went that fast. Something is telling me inside that I should just go for the BQ and not look back, but my head is telling me that I don't think I would be able to keep that up for 26 miles. Very back and forth on this one. I can always see how things go in my last couple weeks of training.

I think you probably know what I'm going to tell you, but just in case, here's something that I posted last summer:

I may have already told this story, but in spring 2007 I was training for the half marathon on May 20 in Green Bay. On April 14, I ran the Oshkosh Half Marathon as a tune-up race, and I ran 1:32:39, which was a big PR for me at the time. So I decided that I'd switch to the full marathon in Green Bay. In five weeks. Despite having done only three runs of 10+ miles the entire year, and nothing longer than 13.1. I did 16- and 18-mile training runs the next two weeks, and then I started a three-week taper. I proceeded to run 3:10 in Green Bay, a BQ, and a PR by 35-minutes.

 

[Lehigh98]

I felt good after the run. Now my left ankle is killing me and I am walking with a noticeable limp. It seems to be the outside of the ankle just below the ball.Anyone have any clues or advice? This is really pissing me off.

This exact same thing started bothering me a few days ago, maybe Thursday.Pretty bad in the morning, especially the first couple, and I've been limping around.Gets better as the day goes on though, took Thur-Sat off more from being busy and not having a chance to go out though.Ran 10mi on it yesterday and not horrible this morning.For the RICE suggestions, when do you ice?For compression, what do you use and when?Thanks!

 

[gruecd]

I felt good after the run. Now my left ankle is killing me and I am walking with a noticeable limp. It seems to be the outside of the ankle just below the ball.Anyone have any clues or advice? This is really pissing me off.

This exact same thing started bothering me a few days ago, maybe Thursday.Pretty bad in the morning, especially the first couple, and I've been limping around.Gets better as the day goes on though, took Thur-Sat off more from being busy and not having a chance to go out though.Ran 10mi on it yesterday and not horrible this morning.For the RICE suggestions, when do you ice?For compression, what do you use and when?Thanks!

Good grief. You guys are falling apart. I have no idea what you've got going on, but it doesn't sound symptomatic of any of the usual running injuries. I'd give it a few days, and if it doesn't feel any better, then I guess go see a sports medicine doc. Good luck.One other (two-part) thought: How did you pick the shoes you're wearing, and how many miles do you have on them? And I don't even want to hear that you're not logging your miles.

 

[Keggers]

Wow, GREAT reports everyone! I can't wait for my first race of the year.....two weeks away.

Yesterday I went out on a 12 mile long run, easy pace. I found a trail that I've never been to and mapped out a 6 mile out and back. 60 degrees, sunny, slight wind. Notes:

1) The trail was well maintained, packed dirt/stone. All my runs have been on roads or the treadmill...so this running surface was definitely different and I noticed it in my legs. Nothing major, just some sore muscles.

2) I wore a hydration belt for the first time. It was kind of cumbersome the first .5 miles but I soon go used to it around my waist. By the end of the run I barely noticed it.

3) I didn't know it until I got home, but the first 6 miles was a slight, consistent incline (about 300 feet total incline) so the final 6 miles were a slight, consistent descent.

4) I missed my turnaround point and ran an extra .25 miles before I knew it. Instead of running 12 miles I ended up doing 12.5. Total time = 1:43:15 (8:15 pace).

Went home, ate a big greasy burger and fries, and took a nap while "watching" the Masters. What a great day!

 

[culdeus]

Here's my Saturday ride

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/29822516?sms_ss=email

GPS totally took a dump at mile 60, but HR kept tracking for awhile. Was 63 total. Held a solid 20 average thru 63. At 60 I ####ed with the thing I guess too much and it locked up. Pisses me off a little bit, but the last 3 miles weren't of much consequence. I also used Pigskin's patented mile splits which is fun. Mile 34 was a brisk 2:12 !

 

[pmbrown_22]

Update for me: Saturday I went out and had my best run ever. I did my marathon pace run of 10 miles at 7:09 a mile. I could not believe that I went that fast. Something is telling me inside that I should just go for the BQ and not look back, but my head is telling me that I don't think I would be able to keep that up for 26 miles. Very back and forth on this one. I can always see how things go in my last couple weeks of training.

I think you probably know what I'm going to tell you, but just in case, here's something that I posted last summer:

I may have already told this story, but in spring 2007 I was training for the half marathon on May 20 in Green Bay. On April 14, I ran the Oshkosh Half Marathon as a tune-up race, and I ran 1:32:39, which was a big PR for me at the time. So I decided that I'd switch to the full marathon in Green Bay. In five weeks. Despite having done only three runs of 10+ miles the entire year, and nothing longer than 13.1. I did 16- and 18-mile training runs the next two weeks, and then I started a three-week taper. I proceeded to run 3:10 in Green Bay, a BQ, and a PR by 35-minutes.

I know what I should do, but it is the talking myself into it that is getting into the way. My thought right now is that I need to go for it and see where I am at. If nothing else, see what I can do and if I need to train harder for the fall. My reasoning all yesterday was that "I have to try it at some point and could be missing my chances of doing ths because I am in such great shape." Right now I am thinking of going out with the 3:10 pace group and see what happens from there. Maybe speed up if I feel good late or just stick with them, get the BQ (35 min PR) and be happy with that. That is probably what my plan will be, but we shall see come race day.

 

[pigskinliquors]

Here's my Saturday ride

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/29822516?sms_ss=email

GPS totally took a dump at mile 60, but HR kept tracking for awhile. Was 63 total. Held a solid 20 average thru 63. At 60 I ####ed with the thing I guess too much and it locked up. Pisses me off a little bit, but the last 3 miles weren't of much consequence. I also used Pigskin's patented mile splits which is fun. Mile 34 was a brisk 2:12 !

That's a nice ride. You'd have been beat by quite a few chicks, but still a really nice ride

 

[Keggers]

Gruecd: I'm hoping there is a way for us track you during the little race you're doing soon. Any details on how we can do that (bib number, etc.)?

 

[The_Man]

Absolutely great work going on in here.

I ran a 3-mile "pace" run Saturday and ran a little wild. Was shooting for 7:30 pace, ended up doing 7:03. Then banged out a routine 6-mile long run at 8:11 pace Sunday. At least I'm sticking with my "don't beat yourself up in training" mindset for the longer runs, if not the shorter.

Oh, and I just did this:

YOU HAVE SUCCESSFULLY REGISTERED FOR THE 35th MARINE CORPS MARATHON! Your registration confirmation includes any items purchased. For your convenience we have included the waiver you consented to during registration.

CONFIRMATION NUMBER: MCM2010-0023052

Gulp.

My plan is to do a 10-miler in mid-June (while using the Higdon Intermediate HM training plan as a way of building my mileage base), then start my 18-week marathon prep at the end of June.

 

[pigskinliquors]

Absolutely great work going on in here.

I ran a 3-mile "pace" run Saturday and ran a little wild. Was shooting for 7:30 pace, ended up doing 7:03. Then banged out a routine 6-mile long run at 8:11 pace Sunday. At least I'm sticking with my "don't beat yourself up in training" mindset for the longer runs, if not the shorter.

Oh, and I just did this:

YOU HAVE SUCCESSFULLY REGISTERED FOR THE 35th MARINE CORPS MARATHON! Your registration confirmation includes any items purchased. For your convenience we have included the waiver you consented to during registration.

CONFIRMATION NUMBER: MCM2010-0023052

Gulp.

My plan is to do a 10-miler in mid-June (while using the Higdon Intermediate HM training plan as a way of building my mileage base), then start my 18-week marathon prep at the end of June.

It's go time!FYI: both of my calves are shot from Saturday's run. They feel like I've just finished a marathon. Ugh!

 

[gruecd]

Gruecd: I'm hoping there is a way for us track you during the little race you're doing soon. Any details on how we can do that (bib number, etc.)?

You can either sign up for alerts here, or else you can just go to the BAA website on race day and enter my bib number (# 3956), and they'll publish splits every 5K.

Thanks for asking!

 

[gruecd]

Oh, and I just did this:

YOU HAVE SUCCESSFULLY REGISTERED FOR THE 35th MARINE CORPS MARATHON!

Very cool. Looking forward to following your progress towards the goal.

 

[gruecd]

I'd pay $300 for it and wouldn't flinch. You'll need to find out the frame size, and you are going to need a 60 cm plus. The current chain and cassette look to be in great shape! Get yourself fit for a bike, to know what size you need.

I've got a buddy who's a very good cyclist and very knowledgeable about this crap. I'm gonna take the bike over to his place tonight, and he's gonna put me on a trainer to check the fit and everything. Ordered a helmet yesterday, so now I just need to get some cleats. Of course, I won't be riding at all until after Boston. Duh.

 

[pigskinliquors]

Gruecd: I'm hoping there is a way for us track you during the little race you're doing soon. Any details on how we can do that (bib number, etc.)?

You can either sign up for alerts here, or else you can just go to the BAA website on race day and enter my bib number (# 3956), and they'll publish splits every 5K.

Thanks for asking!

Signed-up!!! ...and regarding not cycling 'til after Boston...HTFU!