Craig's Bassman Experience

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Permalink Reply by Kristy Klein on April 28, 2009 at 8:40am

criag....

glad that you are doing ok after 2 spills on the bike and what sounds like some nasty leg cramps. It was a hot day Sunday - I know...I was out there at the same time, attempting to run a 1/2 marathon in NYC. They cancelled the marathon that was also supposed to take place that day as well as not timing the 1/2 marathon - it was made non-competitive so no one would push themselves for a PR or something. I still saw 3 women lying on the side of the course. It was an all womens event. Any how - I batteled twinges of leg cramps too but with hydration and nutrition I staved them off. These are things I have learned the hard way....over 7+ years of racing and struggling with performance in the heat. I have finally found a formula that works for me. I will share it with you if you'd like - let me know.

as for transitions....its also taken me some time to figure that out and get my times around 1:00 or less, depending on my spot in transition. I have refined my process and set up and now its almost "mindless". I will practice it inmy driveway too. I have done this brick workout:
ride for about 20min, come back to your driveway to your transition setup, then change into run gear...go for a 5min run, come back, change back into your bike gear.....go ride for 20min.....round and round. For about 1 hr or so. Its a good way to find out whats most efficent for you and to practice it once you get down something you are comfortable with.

You had a great time and still placed 2nd in the Clydesdale division. You are in a tough AG too - so congrats on placing where you did in your AG in your first race.

The swim is the hardest thing, especially since you only swam in open water for about 5min prior to your first race ever!! We are lucky in that we have the opportunity to practice swimming in open water on a regular basis where we live. Wetsuit swimming is definitely different than pool swimming or swimming with no wetsuit. I guarnatee that you will do/feel much better the next race with a few open water swims under your belt. I know for me, if i come out of the water feeling good it sets me up for a good time the rest of the race.

oh and i agree with Jeff....21+mph on the bike with 2 spills and a flat....definitely like a MACHINE!!!

congrats again on finishing and having the guts to keep going and persevering....that is what triathlon is all about. Its not just about dealing with the pain of exertion - its dealing with the elements and surprises like a flat and dropped chain and crashes....and still getting through it and finishing, no matter what! :)

looking forward to reading more of your writings.....

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Permalink Reply by Jeffrey Eades on April 28, 2009 at 10:08am

you guys are analyzation bonkers. making me feel like i am a slacker. i finish a race, check the garmin for a HR or pace, and go have a beer.

craig- sick race. seriously, impressive. still marveling at the bike pace and as far as the swim, i can't speak for everyone else, but EVERY single little thing you mention was a struggle for me in my first few races (and still sometimes now if i don't practice enough open water). the constriction, the anxiety, the trouble sighting, off course. the beauty is that those are easily-solved with a little practice. you can teach yourself those things easier than you can teach your legs to move 21 mph if they usually go 16.

definitely a great first experience.

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Permalink Reply by Kristy Klein on April 28, 2009 at 10:27am

yeah - I am analytical.....but I guess that's why I am a Scientist. :)

I agree with Jeff that its a seriously awesome performance for your first race! Way to go....running a sub 8:00/mi average for that run battling cramps too!?!?! You are an ANIMAL Craig!!

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Permalink Reply by Sarah DalFol on April 28, 2009 at 11:11am

Wow, very impressive that you encountered so many obstacles and were still able to beat your goal time! Don't worry, not all races will have so many issues! Like anything else, it takes practice. I'm sure we'll discuss transitions at one of our meetings this year. We can do some more open water swims before your next race so you can get used to the wetsuit. It gave me chills when I read that you crashed...very glad to hear that you were not injured! Be careful with those leg cramps, you don't want to wind up with torn gastroc like me. If they are still bothering you, you may want to consider ART therapy. I started going for my calf and it seems to be helping. I'll give you the name of my doctor if you are interested.

Congrats again!

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Permalink Reply by Kristy Klein on April 28, 2009 at 11:36am

Sarah -

glad to hear that ART is working for you!!

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Permalink Reply by Sarah DalFol on April 28, 2009 at 3:46pm

Thanks! I've definitely made some progress mainly in the past few days. Today is exactly six weeks...I guess everything I read or heard was right about it taking at least six weeks.

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Permalink Reply by Craig Masker on April 28, 2009 at 3:47pm

Thanks for the good words. Good to hear that the calf is responding a bit. I know you live in Rockaway, where are you going for therapy? I went to Sportscare, just down the street from the Home Depot here in town. I got the Director, Dustin Collier, who is well versed in ART and apparently learned it from the guy who "created" ART.
I went to him for 6 months, initially for patella tendonits, but he helped me with alot of things. He's a great guy and he really knows what he's doing, even though he's a tall goofy look'n dude like me.

I know we briefly talked about aquajogging on Thursday, but I never solidified a time with you if you want to try. When I can't run, I aquajog and do the eliptical. Both of them are as boring as hell, but it's better than nothing and keeps you in decent shape in the meantime. After the first few runs outside or on the treadmill where you'll feel like absolute crap, your legs used to carrying your full body weight and you haven't missed alot of time and you have actually saved your legs some of the pounding that they would have taken.

I have the kids tonight and swim class tomorrow night, but I should be avail Thurs or Fri night if you want to try it.

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Permalink Reply by Sarah DalFol on April 29, 2009 at 1:54pm

Sure, I could probably do Friday. Let me know what time.

I've been going to Dr. Damelio in Montville for about two weeks for ART therapy. I just started to see some good progress over the weekend. Sooooo happy about that!

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