Bike and Run Analyses

Elizabeth and her husband, Chris, very generously offered to do bike and run analyses for our team. It turns out that my bike is probably not the best for this training because of the fit. There are a lot of pieces to the bike fit puzzle and only a few are in place on my bike. Granted the components are good (derailleurs, specifically) but the fit is not terrific for long distance triathlon. Keep in mind, I originally set out to buy a $500 road bike 18 months ago when I started triathlon. After researching my options at a local bike store, I came home with a $2,000 road bike.

I've already had my professional 3-hour fit this past fall (finally), during which Ken replaced my stem for a different size, and adjusted nearly every angle possible on the seat, aerobars (which I added last fall), pegals, cleats, and stem. We also determined that my handlebars are too wide. My tires are too big. My seat height still needs to be adjusted. I could use a Power Tap or power meter to pace my energy output. And, the list goes on and on.

On Sunday, February 28, 2010, the official TRI BIKE TEMPTATION began. Liz brought in her Cervelo P2C, an awesome tribike that retails at a base of $2800. Of course, Liz's bike has all the bells and whistles. She raced pro in Kona for crying out loud. It was definitely a different feeling, more aero but I couldn't tell if it would be more comfortable or less comfortable. The benefit is in the speed gains (up to 2-3 miles per hours fast on this bike compared to mine). The disadvantage is in getting used to the aero position and also having to consider selling my road bike to justify buying this tri bike. I definitely am not ready to make a decision, but I am ready to listen to why I SHOULD buy it.

My run analysis didn't uncover many surprises. I know my core sucks and I need to do more strengthening for it. Elizabeth showed me my favorite side plank with twisting, bridging on the bosu, and improved crunches to assist with strengthening this major weakness of mine.

The feedback I didn't expect to receive was that my arm position was so out of wack. Liz actually videotaped me and said, "Look at this. What exactly are your arms doing here? I have never seen anyone run like that." Eeek. I have been wasting too much energy extending my shoulder thinking I was gaining momentum when I should have been pulling my weight FORWARD, grazing my fists up to my shoulders with each stride. Makes sense. Feels really really weird, though.

Her other feedback was that I wasn't taking enough steps, that I should aim for 90 steps every 60 seconds. I was averaging about 75-80. Quicker steps results in less ground contact, which results in less stress on your kneeds and anterior tibialis. This could explain why my shins have been really sore lately.

So it goes. More feedback, more things to think about during all of these hundreds and hundreds of miles of training. I'll see what I can do now!