Running technique for dummies.. and by dummies I mean dummy… me.

I joined a long distance triathlon group called Zone 3*applause* and I have a new coach – Lior Zach-Maor *applause again*. Before Lior I was training with Sharone Aharone from Chicago but the distance took it’s toll.  Sharone is an amazing person and coach and he lead me to results beyond what I had imagined BUT I felt that I needed a local group that can push me and a coach that I could meet for a 10 ILS coffee and not a $1000 + 10 ILS coffee.  It just made more sence to search for someone local.  After Nina, my former riding friend and #1 triathlete in Israel, recommended Lior and after I saw the success of their team in the Israman, I understood that this was the group for me. 

To date, I participated in two group training sessions.  The first was a technique ride and the second was a track run.  Yesterday, at 5:45AM, I was on my way to Wingate for a track session.  Wingate is like Israel’s very own Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center… minus the Springs and minus the Colorado and minus most of the Olympics too;  It is a training center though, and it’s ours so we love it.

After arriving, I waited for the group to drizzle in and everyone began with a group warm up of about 4-5 laps.  I used to think that Nina shrinks when she runs because she kept getting smaller and smaller until she disappeared.  When I showed up at the end of the run, she was big again.  This time, since we were on the track and she was tired from the Ironman, I could run next to her and even talk (or listen which is what you do when you’re running next to Nina); she stayed the same size throughout the warmup. I guess I was wrong.

After the warmup people started taking off their shoes and socks.  Just like you, my first thought was that this could only mean one thing – a surprise foot massage for everyone! Think again… New socks and shoes for everyone?… Nope… sock transition training? .. not that either (neat idea though) . We ended up doing drills on the grass in our birthday feet.  I won’t get into detail but after some embarrassing coordination tests at a heart rate of about 183-185, my upper calves are freakin’ killing me.  Having said that, it was fun to run on the track with my new group.

Only one thing was missing, you know which wheel you are That’s alright though, we still have our swims and rides and , well , runs too.  Plus you have another wheel to keep you going.

Upcoming Events

Ein Gedi 21km – What to expect? I’m running according to heart rate in the lowest hottest place on earth so nothing earth shattering from me. Expect a good result from Tamir though – sub 1:50 for sure 

London training camp – I’ll be in London next week.  I’ll be in the 4 season which has access to virgin gym. See Link.  Since I’m studying there, I will wake up, do some training and then get cracking.  I do have one track session with the Barclays Running Club.  Stay tuned for photos and their track summary.

Miami / Orlando training camp – Tamir will be in a conference. He has a full training plan there which has to be coordinated around his work oblications – no smelly feet… I mean, no small feat.

Tzehala Training Camp – Raanan, don’t you go anywhere?

Possible Duathlon – I may participate in the Petach Tiqua (Chicago’s sister city – I know because I saw the flag in Chicago O’hare airport) duathlon with the one who gave me life (AKA Mommy).  Plus, I get to try out my new Zipp babies… once they are home with mamma …

Tamir and I are in London for the 3rd wheel exclusive training camp. Raanan forgot to submit his application for the camp and therefor won’t be joining us. Raanan, you will be missed. I’ve been in London since Monday (just running & working) and Tamir arrived last night. The camp is all inclusive for 3rd wheel members and sponsored by 3rd wheel & “co.” (mainly the “co.” ). The main event is a long run by the Thames lasting around 2 hours on Saturday. Attractions will include us (duh)… and maybe a few sights on the riverfront (like the ferris wheel, etc). We are going to bring our trusty flip to document our London run so take a dramamine and get ready (it might be a bit shaky). Other than that, I had the pleasure of running with the Barclays Capital track club. We ran from the Barcap building in Canary Wharf over to a local track. It was a bit drizzly but we managed to start and soon enough the rain was over. I arrived quite confident that I was fast; after all, I did finish a whole marathon. Very quickly, I realized that I am ( for lack of a better term ) a “slow poke”. Our workout was 200m,400m,600m,800m,1000m,1000m,800m,600m,400m,200m with 60 second breaks after short sets and 90 second breaks after long sets. Granted I ran 50 minutes in the morning as well, but this workout was freakin’ hard!! After every set my pulse was around 192 and by the time I got started again it wasn’t that much less. The conclusion from this painful experience is that it’s time to start doing some track work. My muscles were sore the next day… Cheers!