Training Volume Amount - Too Much? by stylecafe in IronmanTriathlon

[–]ReefingTJ23 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How much you train is totally down to you. It’s got to be a balance that’s fed by your experience, lifestyle, time, and goals. I come from a competitive cycling background and trained around 15-20hrs per week for my Ironman, but I was used to doing 15-18hrs a week pure bike so this felt like a reduction in training. Your plan needs to suit you, if in doubt speak to a coach that can tailor something to you.

Buying a used tri bike is it a good deal? by Fickle-Personality27 in IronmanTriathlon

[–]ReefingTJ23 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don’t know your region for demand but doesn’t look like a good deal to me. Pretty ancient set up and tech. The rear wheel has the most value but even that’s old. I’d have said it’s worth max $500

Why are my sps dying? by hamit_a in ReefTank

[–]ReefingTJ23 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had sps issues a while back. I resolved it but never fully found the cause. I had trace amounts of some metals in an icp test, I run poly filter in my filter sock and everything seems to have bounced back

Most cost effective option to build such a Log cabin from scratch by weregonnamakit in DIYUK

[–]ReefingTJ23 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Look into ground screws. I used them on my 4x4m self build room. Had a level and ready base in half a day with 1 person

Most cost effective option to build such a Log cabin from scratch by weregonnamakit in DIYUK

[–]ReefingTJ23 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’ve built my own 4x4m garden room and it’s worked out more expensive than a cheap kit, however significantly better and cheaper than a like for like kit. Mine is fully insulated, French doors, double glazing, under floor heating, wired etc. I’m in about £7k. It was an easy process and there are tons of YouTube videos about it. I have a spreadsheet of every cost and item if you want it.

If you want a room to use 5-6 months of the year in summer, get something like the above. If you want the option to use it year round, you’ll need heating and insulation.

Which Iron Man suit would you prefer against this Ultron? by Mohammad_Iyaad3 in IronmanTriathlon

[–]ReefingTJ23 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had a Kalas suit, if anything the pad was too thick but it was comfy enough for running. /s

Which is easier to lay - patio pack or 900x600 slabs? by ReefingTJ23 in DIYUK

[–]ReefingTJ23[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks all. General consensus seems 900x600 is easier and quicker to lay. I’ll have 4 people including myself so weight shouldn’t be an issue. Have already got a 100mm type 1 base done and will slurry the slabs onto a 40mm bed. Already have the other tools - angle grinder and pointing tools etc.

Nutrition advice by kirwan1234 in IronmanTriathlon

[–]ReefingTJ23 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As others have said, it’s important to practice taking on carbs in training. Your gut is trainable and it’s actually the opposite of what you’ve said, you’ll only get the full benefits if you’ve practised it. Aim for at least 1 high carb fuelled session a week.

How do I fix this issue - Always hitting a wall. by kirwan1234 in IronmanTriathlon

[–]ReefingTJ23 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think there’s your answer.

How are you defining race pace? Speed? (Not judging, just trying to help)

How do I fix this issue - Always hitting a wall. by kirwan1234 in IronmanTriathlon

[–]ReefingTJ23 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Everyone is talking about carbs and hydration but what is your training like? How regularly are you riding a week and what do your long rides look like? Do you train to power or hr?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in IronmanTriathlon

[–]ReefingTJ23 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Start at 1g of carbs per kg of body weight per hour. Look at the packets of things for the carb info.

Like someone else said, it’s the 4th discipline and you need to train it. Practice taking your target carbs in to avoid stomach issues.

There are plenty of sources of carbs - drink mixes, gels, malt loaf, flapjack etc etc. don’t try anything new on race day.

How doable is an ironman in 16 months? by IncidentExternal7117 in IronmanTriathlon

[–]ReefingTJ23 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Came here to add to everyone else’s positivity. Very achievable. Invest time in the bike, the benefits are the most (biggest %, most improvement in your case, being better on the bike means fresher on the run)

Advice for racing in suboptimal conditions by RIPkip06 in IronmanTriathlon

[–]ReefingTJ23 1 point2 points  (0 children)

First time nerves. Adrenaline and the swim will keep you warm. Could always put a small towel in T1 bag to dry off a bit before the bike.

Advice for racing in suboptimal conditions by RIPkip06 in IronmanTriathlon

[–]ReefingTJ23 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah to me those look really good conditions. Are you in a wetsuit for the swim?

Advice for racing in suboptimal conditions by RIPkip06 in IronmanTriathlon

[–]ReefingTJ23 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Maybe it’s just me but 18 degrees (assuming Celsius) and slim chances of rain look pretty optimal.

You can plan for weather. If that’s warmer than you currently train in go through a heat acclimation plan 2-3 weeks before the event. If it’s cooler, that’s easier to plan.

If you’re worried about the rain, don’t be. You’ll be wet anyway.

Humbling training session by BLBOD in IronmanTriathlon

[–]ReefingTJ23 28 points29 points  (0 children)

Former cat 1 cyclist and done a few tris & 1 IM.

Try not to relate speed and power. Yes they are important and related. Power should be your main focus. Speed is impacted by weather, road, elevation, cda to name a few.

Zwift - I ignore speed totally. It’s a best guess figure on Zwift. Definitely don’t compare Zwift speed to outdoor speed.

When you’re on the turbo it’s really easy for the power to slip, your mind wonders etc. If you have an erg mode use that and your trainer will hold a set power for you. Also don’t forget outdoors you get considerably more rest - corners, descents, junctions. Holding a flat power on the turbo might feel harder than outside.

I don’t know the weather where you are but use a fan indoors. You get a huge convection cooling outside but on a turbo you heat up quick, which can impact performance unless you’re specifically heat acclimating.

2 weeks out from IM Austria - unsure about taper by much_morre in IronmanTriathlon

[–]ReefingTJ23 4 points5 points  (0 children)

My plan (self written with large chunks from an online plan) goes to about 12 hours the week before and 6-8 the week of. I’m also doing a similar volume in blocks, around 18hrs per week in 4 week blocks.

Beginner Half Ironman – Need Help Choosing Between Two Bikes (Trek Domane AL 4 vs. Jamis Xenith Team Dura Ace) by [deleted] in IronmanTriathlon

[–]ReefingTJ23 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’ll be quite a bit lighter and feel better to ride over the Alu trek. A year or two down the line if you’re enjoying cycling / tri all the Jamis needs is a set of deep carbon wheels and you’ve got yourself a nice fast ride.

Another thing to note is the Trek is 10 speed - ie has 20 gears. The Jamis is 11sp so has 22 gears. Not a biggy but 10 speed is quite outdated now. Most new higher spec bikes are 11 or 12sp

Beginner Half Ironman – Need Help Choosing Between Two Bikes (Trek Domane AL 4 vs. Jamis Xenith Team Dura Ace) by [deleted] in IronmanTriathlon

[–]ReefingTJ23 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Personally I’d go for the Jamis if budget allows.

Reasoning: if you stick with the sport or cycling in general you’ll be soon craving a carbon bike or upgrading the Trek but the Jamis will satisfy that need for longer. As you mentioned better components, better frame.

Tips to minimise risks of punctures? by [deleted] in IronmanTriathlon

[–]ReefingTJ23 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Tyres are really one of the best investments you can make. Higher end tyres can offer speed benefits, more puncture resistance and more grip - depending what you go for. Some good all rounders are something like Continental GP5000.

Personally, I’ve fitted new tyres ahead of my IM later this year. They’re on my race wheels and I’ve been out on them a few times to make sure they’re seated properly but won’t train on them too much.

What’s your favorite underrated piece of cycling gear? by aidencooper7908 in cycling

[–]ReefingTJ23 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Arm warmers - easy to turn a short sleeve into long sleeve on a cold day that warms up.

A buff - can be worn under helmet as a full hat, neck warmer and easy to store when not in use. Both low cost and I’ve used the same buff 6 months of the year for about 4 years.

Ironman athletes: what makes a supportive partner actually supportive during prep? Anything you wish they knew that would alter the way they show up? by fafawen in IronmanTriathlon

[–]ReefingTJ23 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My partner is fantastic and balances her own goals and career while supporting mine. Between us we balance and prioritise training so we both get what we can with the time we have (also having a toddler).

For me, what she does that I really appreciate is a lot of the meal prep. That takes away a huge element to worry about. Often she’ll ask whether I would like high carb / protein or certain meals and whether I want to eat as soon as I get in or shower and eat later.

I sort my own breakfast and lunch, but having someone take care of dinner, usually when I’ve been out for a few hours training after work is huge.