First Week in July

Its the first week of July and I've been to the pool about 5 times for 2 hours each time with the little one. What is it about the pool that is so fascinating?? What is it about jumping off the side of the pool 20 times in a row?? What is it about diving for little sticks in the water?? For the pure fun of it I guess!!

I've been out of bloggy world as I have had such a crazy week. School is out and all my daughter thinks about is biking and swimming. Now lets get her into running more and she will be all set!!! :)

I have been logging in mileage mostly on the bike and run this week. It has been gorgeous out except for that one day I JUST made it back before the downpour came! I kept praying that I would beat the thunderstorms and get home safe. Someone was definately looking out for me.

Since I have logged in many a miles on the bike this week, I now have a raging saddle sore!! Its is on the right side of my inner upper thigh!! What?! I have tried everything known to man and this thing is just hanging on!! I seem to get through my rides but afterwards it is very painful! Im hoping it will start to go away soon!
I cannot have this creeping up now. I need the longer miles!!

Also, I am starting my new job July 11th!!! 3 months off was certainly fun but now I have to join the workforce again as I have bills that need to be paid and I am not winning any money with triathlon!!! Ha ha!

Hope everyone enjoys their Independence Day!!

Happy Training!

Saddle Happiness- Well... getting there

Yesterday I called the Local Bike shop that I have been hearing some great raves about over in Manlius, NY called Bike Loft East. I called as they had an add on the webpage stating they were giving out free bike inspections to all the Syracuse 70.3 participants. I was excited to hear that Jeremy, the owner, could take me right in that same day!! This never happens! I also asked if he could do a bike fitting and he was agreeable to this as well!!

I was greeted by a warm and friendly gentleman when I got there. Needless to say this was Jeremy. While talking to Jeremy, I was told stories of how he was a bike mechanic to some pro teams over in France. How cool is that?!!! Even his wife is French and was vacationing over there this week!  He has been fixing bikes since he was a little kid. I thought awesome I am going to love this bike fit!

Jeremy was very patient with me and my saddle soreness. I explained to him my various aches and pains. He first just observed me while riding. He noticed my seat was too low...He moved this up. Next my cleats werent in the right position so he fixed this as well...next he noticed my right knee comes in while I was cycling so he put a plastic thingamabobber in my right shoe to force my foot to be in the correct allignment.
He then took a peak back at my saddle length and moved my seat up some more. More measurements, etc.

Then, He put a different stem to the front of my tri bars to bring me in closer for more aerodynamics and less reaching for my Tri bars...and WHALAH!!!! I am almost...ALMOST free of saddle pains!!! Im so excited to ride my bike now!!

Next he took my bike into the back of the shop and Meticulously...anally...whatever you want to call it..looked over every single piece of my equipment. My front derailler was fixed..my crank...my chain was cleaned and lubed, brakes fixed, wiring fixed to make me more aero, tires checked, Nuts and bolts all tightened, gears all checked out.

By the time we left it was 2 hours later, and I didnt break my bank!! I was then invited to be on the Bike Loft Team. I graciously said yes! The team was formed to help with exposure of the shop as well as getting out to the community that racing whether it be moutain biking, cyclocross, road racing or triathlons, it is all about the fun and fitness!! Now I need to buy an Orbea bike as it is a 20% discount!!

For more info visit http://www.bikeloft.com/

Saddle Soreness

Ok, I have this problem that is a very touchy subject if you ask me. I cannot believe my saddle is causing me this much grief 16 days out of my Half Ironman.

I have gotten a bike fit and a new Adamo Century X saddle and this didnt seem to end my saddle soreness. My groin was hurting for a couple days after.

I have changed about 5 seats now and still cannot find one I am 100% comfortable on. I went down on the trainer for an hour today and finally found one that is ok and that I probably can tolerate. My friend Sam let me borrow it to try out. I hope he lets me keep it until race day. It is the Adamo Race saddle. Im comfortable in tri position on this seat but not so much if Im going to be climbing. Maybe I just have to get used to it?? Im stumped.

I then thought maybe I should get another bike fit. But another $125 is not an option at this point. I think it would be a waste of time..or maybe not.

I just need some guidance as to if I should go for another bike fit or keep riding until the saddle is comfortable. Im taking my bike back out on Monday to Ride the 70.3 course for the last time before race day. Im hoping it wont be too bad on this seat. We will have to see.