All Blog Comments

Bill - Tracking Training Stimulus and Fatigue for Triathlon Training.

Bill — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 14:22:49 +0000

Very interesting concept, Gary. I've been delving a bit more into TSS this year, trying to do some reading on it and wrapping my brain around the best way to apply it, especially since I'm not rushing out and buying a power meter anytime soon. Perhaps the most intriguing part of this would be the use of the RPE scale as a modifier. I haven't used RPE much over the years, although I can certainly understand its use. And this method would definitely help with my use. Thanks!

dan - Tracking Training Stimulus and Fatigue for Triathlon Training.

dan — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:01:42 +0000

yes excellent post Gary. I have been tracking my RPE's for years with various results. At the end of the day, I just bit the bullet and bought the expensive hard data monitor. (A 52" one.) Me and borg 10 point whitetails can be watched very carefully.

dan - How to exercise when you want to lower stress.

dan — Thu, 9 Oct 2008 09:53:26 +0000

gary this looks like a great article, but i'm just too busy right now to read it!

Nikki - Dealing with the Taper?

Nikki — Thu, 2 Oct 2008 12:26:26 +0000

What have I been doing for the taper? 1. Massage. I've had 2 in the past week to work out some muscle pain and tightness around the hip. It helps a lot. 2. Gone to the chiropractor. I have a friend who is an Ironman triathlete and practices ART so I went to see him yesterday for some work on my hip. It was pretty sore this morning during and after the run, but I think it helped to get some of the crap out. 3. Meditation/visualization. I have been doing my own sort of mind-body healing technique that might totally be placebo but I feel all warm and loose afterwords. I start with my toes and focus on each body part being healthy and strong, feeling the blood flowing to the area, visualizing how I will use it during the marathon, I try to feel it healing if it is an injured or sore spot. This one might sound strange, but it helps me feel better! 4. Sleeping more. I have been trying to go to bed earlier and take naps if I don't get a solid 8 hours the night before. 5. No extra activities. No staying out late with friends. No extra walks, no yoga, no strength training. Nothing that will expend extra energy other than running and unfortunately my job expends a bit of energy so I make sure I don't do anything else on top of that. 6. Eating better. Making sure I have protein to help repair my muscles, lots of fruit and vegetables, lots of water, not so much coffee. 7. Expressing my concerns/fears to my training buddies. Having them out in the open helps me to work them out. 8. Stop wearing the HR monitor. My HR has been doing some crazy things these past few weeks and I think it is better for my sanity and confidence if I don't look at it. I know I am fit and have done a great job with the training and test races, so what is it going to tell me now anyway? 9. Try to not be a total B to my husband and family and friends :) I get pretty emotional (I completely broke down to Jill on our Tuesday run). I think that about covers it!

Bill - Dealing with the Taper?

Bill — Wed, 1 Oct 2008 21:01:48 +0000

Clearly it is one of the toughest parts of doing this endurance training. Sometimes even tougher that the toughest build week. I just remind myself that I have to trust the taper. I may have to tell myself that several times a day. But whenever I have my doubts, I just say that phrase. And I can say that I've felt all five of those sensations during one single taper, oftentimes right up until the start gun. But trust the taper. The training will come through. Even hours before my recent 40-mile run, I just didn't know if I could do it. But I took a nap, woke up and was raring to go. My carbo load session in the days leading up to the run left me feeling very, very bloated and sluggish, but it all came together just in time for the run. Trust the taper.

Lori - Dealing with the Taper?

Lori — Wed, 1 Oct 2008 14:44:19 +0000

Gee....I thought all that was a normal taper ;)

garyd - Intro: Sleep and the value for performance.

garyd — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 13:52:04 +0000

#6 - Work, that's a biggie.

Bill - Intro: Sleep and the value for performance.

Bill — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 11:47:13 +0000

1. I need, on average, 8 solid hours, but I really follow what my body requires. If it says bedtime an hour before normal, then it's off to bed. 2. Strategies? Just make sure the room's quiet (except for white noise) and dark. 3. I love naps. I take them as often as possible. But I'm a power napper in the finest sense. I can sit at my desk, relax, dip down for no more than a second and come back complete refreshed. I'm blessed in that respect. Plus, I can nap anywhere, on any surface. 4. Extra sleep? Occasionally. Here in Iraq? None. 5. The biggest influence is how many irons I have in the fire. When I'm home, I have a tendency to take on many things. Multiple college classes on top of Ironman training, for instance. 6. Work! :D

garyd - Intro: Sleep and the value for performance.

garyd — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 07:51:53 +0000

So I stayed up watching the pres. debate and commentary, so much for getting adequate sleep!

garyd - EndureChallenge Recap - An athletic point-of-view.

garyd — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 23:13:55 +0000

Dan. You are always an inspiration to me when I come up with these trips. Your trip from Lincoln to Vail is something I thought about last week while I was bike touring, especially regarding the fact that you rode a mountain bike! Yikes.... Maybe someday we'll actually attempt one of these trips together? BTW, you need to get a flip video camera. That's what I used to do the video updates. Too easy to use and upload.

dan - EndureChallenge Recap - An athletic point-of-view.

dan — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 20:03:21 +0000

i think you might have inspired me to do something for my 30th next spring. the ibis has been collecting dust and probably only has 50 miles on it since my last "ride" i really never thought i'd ever think of something like what you've done again, but watching your video's and living through that has gotten me thinking again....maybe 95 south to boise?????? what do you think wanna come do it with me??

Jim Pierce - Lake City Marathon Race Report

Jim Pierce — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 13:34:06 +0000

Gary, Congratulations on successfully completing your amazing Enduro Challenge! Excellent job! Jim

Jim Pierce - 2.4, 375ish, 52.4 = 8 days.

Jim Pierce — Thu, 4 Sep 2008 12:40:54 +0000

Gary, Happy birthday, and best of luck to you as you tackle your upcoming challenge. I will be watching for updates along the way. I am proud of you for tackling this triple play of endurance events! Be safe (and smart). Jim

Kelly - Ironman Wisconsin Results and Weather updated review.

Kelly — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:49:38 +0000

Are you sick of feeling tired? Fat? Or just plain out-of-shape? I was too until I came across this inexpensive, yet very effective workout DVD created by a trained martial artist from Wisconsin. Fred Nicklaus’ 9-Minute Combat Endurance Training program will help you feel great in a short amount of time. This intense workout will decrease your waist line and increase your overall health in just a few minutes per day! The workout was developed by a US Army Special Forces Major for his troops and it’s worked for professional athletes as well as women and men of all ages. The basic workout DVD is only $29. Check out www.combatendurancefitness.com to watch testimonials from real people who have gotten real results. If you want to be stronger, leaner, and healthier then you will love this workout.