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good training program for newbie

Tri_baby — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 01:30:47 GMT

What is a good training program for a new triathlete? I am hoping to do a sprint distance tri in April. I run/bike approx. 30-40 miles a week right now. I know how to train for a run, but I don't know how to integrate multiple sports. My bike is my cross-training and fun right now. I can swim, but it's definitely my weak spot.

Re: Is it too early to try a 5k?

Tri_baby — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:07:35 GMT

GO FOR IT! Last year was my first racing season, I started in September and ran my first race in November. My goal was to not walk. I struggled, but made it. Here's my best advice: 1... don't let pre-race negative thoughts get to you (i.e. can i really do this, am i ready, etc) 2... pace yourself (run your race, not someone else) people will pass you when you start, don't try to keep up...remember you have to go 3 miles I've found if I start slower and pace myself by mile 2-3 I'm passing people who ran passed me at the start. Actually, I have the most fun with people here. Usually, they can't stand to be passed, I keep my steady pace and now they can't keep up with me. 3...relax and have fun, there is NOTHING like crossing the finish line no matter what the time clock says. The feeling of accomplishment and endorphin rush will last a while!

Re: how do you fire or redirect a personal trainer

Tri_baby — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 12:47:05 GMT

I have a contract with the gym that expires in Sept (signed a 1 year). I haven't seen or talked to her in over a week. BTW, she asked about my 1/2 two days after. That is the last time I talked to her. I told her I was busy with work, which is true, and I would call her after my certification seminar. When I return to training with her (still running on my own) after my trip, I intend to talk to her. I was thinking about making a list of my "new goals", like strength training and redirecting her energies and knowledge. I'm going to tell her I will continue running, but want her to focus on all around training. I'm hoping this redirects her to what I loved about my time with her in the beginning, as this was more what we were doing. If not, she is fired and I'm going to have to say it that way.

how do you fire or redirect a personal trainer

Tri_baby — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 12:49:33 GMT

I have been paying a personal trainer (about $60/week), since September. At first, things were great, but she had few clients. I told her I wanted to learn to run, and eventually complete a marathon without walking. She WAS great, pushing me and finding ways to build my legs, she emailed me training schedules for the days I didn't train with her (hill workouts, pace runs, temp runs, bike rides etc). I told her when I started that I wanted something different, something I couldn't do myself (ie don't stand there and talk to me why I run on a treadmill). We never did the same routine and my progress blossomed (couldn't run .25 mile, to a 1 hr 10k in less than 4 months). First the emails that came the night before or at 5 am (since I workout early), would come at 7, 8 or 9 am (2 hours after I finished my workout). Then, they stopped altogether, sometime in December. In January, I reminded her I had registered for a half in March. She went on 3 training runs with me. On one she ran about 300 feet in front of me and yelled like a drill sargent the entire 9.5 miles. I finished in 1:44:19 and she was furious I didn't do it in less than 1:30:00. The route had very steep hills, I had a hip problem and I'd only started running 4 months prior. The next training run, she rode her bike, lied to me about my speed, yelling at me to go faster, then left me cause she was cold. I should mention, she ALWAYS cancels when the weather is below 40 degrees and I am paying (seperately) for a gym membership where she works, I'm pretty sure they have HEAT. I haven't used the gym in over 2 months. All I've been doing is running, mostly by myself. She was supposed to create a training schedule for my half in January. Finally, I got pushy and got one 2 1/2 weeks before my big day. She called me Friday and said she was coming to my half to pace me, then later, she called back to tell me the race officials wouldn't let her pace me, she had to register. She ask me to register her when I picked up my packet. The waiting list for the sold out race was nearly 300 people, so I couldn't get her a spot. I called her to tell her this, she never returned my call,didn't show for the race, and didn't call to ask how I did. BTW I finished in 2-1/2 hours, with 2 potty stops, 35 degree weather and a 30 knot wind. This is the second time she hasn't showed for a race or asked how I did. I can't tell you how relieved I was she didn't show. I've ran a 5k with her, she ran backwards and yelled at me the whole time. Her slow pace is 8 min miles. My fast pace is 9:45 miles. I've prepaid for about 20 more sessions, but I don't want to just run and have someone yell at me. I want what I paid for, training with variety. I've tried a subtle diplomatic approach, I got treated like I didn't care about my training. PLEASE HELP, I NEED ADVICE!!!! I will not quit running, but it stinks I am locked into a gym membership I can use, for fear she'll be there and say something about me trying to do my own training. Although, I did most of my half training by waking up and saying, what should I do today?...............I hate that!

Re: Newbie need help finding right shoe

Tri_baby — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 13:29:53 GMT

Thanks for everyon's help. I found out that the shoes I have are similar but not the same. The one that fits well was a replacement for the one that causes blisters. Thursday was the first time I tried any distance (6.5 miles) in the Control 10 shoe....OUCH. I talk to someone at the gym who recommended a running store about an hour from me, I didn't even know they existed. She also recommended someone who works there who has done many marathons. It pays to ask !

Re: First Time Runners - Post Your Info Here

Tri_baby — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 02:29:07 GMT

1. Goal is run (not walk) 1/2 marathon in March; sometime next year do a whole marathon

2. I hired a personal trainer, who is a running coach. I tried too many times to run on my own. She pushes me sooooo hard, but has taken me to levels I can't believe in only 6 weeks. I could barely run a 12-13 min mile for 1 mile in Sept., I just finished a 5K in 31:34 and my longest run so far is 6.75 miles

3. run 5 times a week (some speed runs, some hill runs, one long run)

4. I do some strength training (legs mostly) and elliptical. Just bought a Cannondale bike I always take at least 1 complete day of rest.

5. Definitely prefer outside, but run inside probably 2 times a week. Treadmill is boring, but an excellent pacer.

6. I track progress on Active and a journal I bought.

Newbie need help finding right shoe

Tri_baby — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:48:33 GMT

I have been running for about 6 weeks. I have one pair of shoes that fit great. I thought they were Adidas Supernova Control, so I bought another pair. However, these are causing blisters between the ball of my foot and the big toe (left side especially). I did the "wet" test and think I have almost flat arches. I know I need a shoe with lots of cushioning in the toe, but some sort of control for my ankle. Their isn't a running store in the town I live, so any advice would be greatly appreciated.