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Coach AJ,
I was able to complete my Dumpsterfire Tri this weekend! Luckily, I had access to open water and completed all three diciplines, which was nice. It was windy and cool out in Delaware but all things considered (swimming in 1-2 ft waves and 15 mph winds was not super fun) I was really happy with the results.
Speaking of results – do you know who might be able to help with entering times on Webscorer? I was able to update the Dumpsterfire Google doc with my times but I am not seeing any race registrations to enter times on my profile on Webscorer.
Thanks for a very unique and great season. Hopefully I will see you all next year in person as I get after a half IM in 2021.
Justin
Coach AJ,
Long time since my last post. I found this season, although strange indeed, very rewarding. After a few minor injuries I definitely improved immensely on my running (a weakness for sure) and in the water. I even improved on the bike, which is my strength. The biggest frustration has definitely been the lack of access to swim. I didn’t realize how much I would actually miss those sessions.
I love all the advice above on what to do now that the season is winding down. I plan on completing the dumpster fire tri. I have open water access so I am going to try and simulate my race as realistically as possible. I too am looking to up the ante next year and move onto a half IM. Any recommendations on how to properly plan for races? I know these registrations will fill up quickly, even more so with cancellations from this year carrying over to 2021. Any idea when the half IM program will fire up for the 2021 season? What race it might align with? Other planning advice for those wanting to take our 2020 training to the next level?
Thank you for all your advice and guidance during the craziest of times.
Justin
Hey there people!
Training has been a bit of a struggle and not necessarily because of the COVID pandemic. I have actually found more structure and time for my routine since this whole thing went down, but I have struggled with some injuries and with shelter in place orders, I have not been able to make it to a doctor or PT.
I had a few muscle strain/pulls that occurred all during my run days. I have been routinely paying close attention to run form, participating in form drills, and making sure I am keeping a 180-190 cadence. After dealing with these muscle strains, I have now come down with some ankle issues that I am PRAYING is not a stress fracture. With that all said, with no pool and having to essentially shut down my runs, I am going to be beastly on the bike. My ankle injury is not impacted or made worse by biking, in fact it often feels better after rides. I have been basically splitting my time with lots of road riding early in the morning and during rainy days to avoid crowds and when I cant get outside using an indoor trainer. On run days I am trying to mimic intensity based on what the workout intensity looks like. Swim days essentially have turned into cross training days with strength training and yoga.
Overall, I feel as though my fitness level had drastically improved and before being shut down by my injuries, I have never felt as strong or as fast on my runs. I see that Rev3 Williamsburg has been postponed until August so I am hopeful that after a break of a few weeks from running and the ability to get to a doctor or PT facility that I will have some time to ramp up the swim/run portion of training.
Coach AJ – any tips on how to handle a shutdown of 2 out of three disciplines due to the pool restrictions and some injury concerns?
Justin
I do not own a Garmin and not sure how many people do. Thoughts on a Strava group or another 3rd party platform that could include those of us who do not use Garmin?
Hope everyone is staying safe and motivated! I know I had a little lull with the post covid blues but I am back at it and really focusing on my running training — which is my weak discipline!
Stay safe everyone!
Justin
Word of caution…..stretch! After figuring out my run cadence and running with correct form for the first time in….well maybe ever, I pulled my calf muscle. I have adjusted my training (took a few days of running off and supplemented with EASY bike workouts and swim) and have been stretching, foam rolling, and applying heat after initial 24-48 hours.
With all that said, I am convinced that the uses of some new muscles with proper form and a lack of full commitment of stretching prior to lead to the slight pull.
Just a heads up for those that may be changing their form slightly or significantly to stretch to protect those muscles that may be getting some more use as a result. I mean I should have been stretching a bit more effectively to begin with but that change in form can have a big impact.
Coach AJ – not sure if you have a take here since Im just make giant assumptions!
I am definitely interested. Do you know where to find a a schedule of master swim programs in DC? Wilson is a tough haul for me from Silver Spring and I usually swim at Takoma Aquatic Center.
Justin
Coach AJ,
My HR is not being captured by the iWatch. I have a chest strap monitor that sends that info to the Wahoo app, Element GPS bike computer, and then can also integrate with 3rd party apps. It is also waterproof up to 5ft so I can wear it when I swim to capture that info?
I went with wahoo because I already had the iWatch and wasnt going to spend money on another watch. Getting the Element bike computer with the various sensors can capture the same data as a Garmin. I researched pretty extensively and from what I found, and have put into use already, it is capturing all the same data as Garmin with the ability to add on power meter and trainer that will integrate later on if needed.
Hope this all makes sense…..
Thanks so much for the feedback.
JK
Thanks for the link Jorge. Ill definitely take a look regardless of whether I actually end up buying this year or not. It is great info to have.
The iWatch doesnt seem to be as powerful stand alone as the Garmin and to be honest I will probably only use it in the pool for time/lap info.
The Wahoo Edge with the HR, speed and cadence sensors captures all the same data and seamlessly integrates directly to Strava, TP, and various other 3rd party apps. In my experience (LIMITED) captures everything Garmin connect does. Not sure if anyone else has had experience with Wahoo but I have had no issues at all capturing data.
I also have lots of friends who are Garmin users exclusively and love them.
JK
Thanks Jorge/Coach AJ,
This clarifies things for me!
Jorge – I have read the training guide, it just was not clear the way I read it if we should be doing both or one based on the equipment we have.
I do not have a trainer currently and will most likely do the HR testing at Haines Point. I currently have an iWatch, Wahoo Element with HR monitor, Wahoo speed and cadence sensors to track all my stats. This should cover all my bases for what I need to be tracking correct? I know I will not have a power output but in reading the training guide this shouldn’t be essential.
I may invest in a trainer and power meter down the line, but I would like to go through this training cycle/race season before investing more resources.
Thoughts?
