clynn Posted March 4, 2005 Posted March 4, 2005 I've been running and am training to do my first triathlon - a sprint or beginners distance sometime in the summer. hopefully june, but it may have to wait until later in summer to be sure I don't overdo it (I know I can do the run portion and cyclying but need to improve my swimming endurance-am taking classes to improve technique.). However, I am somewhat concerned that I don't injure myself running. The last week or so has been not such a good week. My calves always are very tight adn I stretch them both before adn after. I feel like my cardio is good and I could run further / longer , but my calves hold me back as they feel heavy. Suggestions? Also, this is more a question for women I guess, but do your workouts really suck while , you know, have your monthly visitor?
snarky Posted March 4, 2005 Posted March 4, 2005 How much are you running?? Are you following a training plan? Taking rest days?? You might be overdoing it a little or maybe your body is just adjusting to the new schedule. When I first started running there were many many days that my legs felt soooooooooooo heavy. Remember to keep stretching so you don't injure yourself! In that other running thread yesterday I mentioned recovery drinks, which might be something you want to try - i KNOW my legs feel better during my next workout if i have one! They can get kind of pricey but maybe you can find some sample size packets on the internet? I really like the Powerbar recovery drink and a lot of people swear by Endurox R4 (which makes me totally sick!) During the time before my "monthly visitor" my training is either REALLY REALLY good or absolutely AWFUL. Some of the best long runs and rides I've had have been during that time... and other times I haven't been able to move at all... there's no middle ground for me! Plus I get tummy problems during that time which can also make training not so fun. Its just something I've learned to live with and sort of plan around if at all possible! Triathlons are a blast and TOTALLY addictive!! I did my first sprint a couple years ago.... I was a bit overweight and not so in shape and it nearly killed me and while I was out there I SWORE I would never do another one.... two days later I signed up for my first Ironman! Have fun and good luck and feel free to shoot me any questions you might have!
laRubiaBonita Posted March 4, 2005 Posted March 4, 2005 Do NOt carry Calves while you are running, Silly!
Author clynn Posted March 4, 2005 Author Posted March 4, 2005 I'm only running about 3-4 times a week. So I think I'm far from overdoing it. And I only do between about 5-8 kilometres right now. 10 minutes on, 1 minute rest. My calves have been this way from the get go. Although I feel that they got heavier this week in particular. I will look into the power drinks! I am soooooooooooooooo excited about doing a triathlon. Thanks for your story. I really really really want to do the one in June - but I am kind of intimidated because it'll be my first, the swim is currently beyond my endurance (though I could probably breaststroke or float my way through it) and cuz I'm afraid I'll be like the last person in with the ****tiest equipment, all that stuff! Thanks for the support!
snarky Posted March 7, 2005 Posted March 7, 2005 clynn - if you're training now you have PLENTY of time to be ready for a sprint in June!!! It can seem like an intimidating sport to get into, but once you do one you'll love it. Triathletes are notoriously nice and supportive!! Once you know you can cover the distance, don't worry about being a slow swimmer.... most triathletes are not very good swimmers at all! You will see people on all kinds of bikes.... most will be on $4,000 road or triathlon bikes but some will be on mountain bikes or even just regular old cruisers! You really do see all types of people and gear at these races! Be forewarned that they often fill up VERY quickly so if you have a particular race you want to do you should find out when it filled up last year and when registration is open!
Author clynn Posted March 7, 2005 Author Posted March 7, 2005 W-o-W! Thanks sooooooooooooooooo much for the vote of confidence, that is EXACTLY what I want to hear!!! I had a friend laugh at me today for thinking I would decide to do it. I just am crazy that way and go after things I haven't done before just because I haven't done them and put myself in uncomfortable situations - but I like to have support on the way there, wherever I can get it! I WILL do it then if you think that is no prob. Yahooooo! Well, I know registration isn't open for it quite yet, but I will sign up for it when it is. I mean there are others around, but June seemed like a good time PLUS it is in an area not too far away where I'd like to go spend a weekend anyhow! Yes, my bike is kinda old, oh well. This time around I"m just going in it to finish hardly competing, you know.
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