Spence Smith - Latest Comments

Re: Why I’m Using Training Peaks To Get Me To Boulder 70.3 Half Ironman

Spence Smith — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:50:06 -0000

Hey Gail! That's so good to know. I've been looking through the plan today and I think it's going to be great. I was looking at your site as well. I think you might have answers on your blog for questions I haven't asked yet:)
Thanks again. I'm really looking forward to getting back into a consistent schedule and stick to a plan. I picked yours because you seem to be willing to engage people online and make sure athletes are well equipped.
I was right. That's for engaging and keep up the great work!

Re: Why I’m Using Training Peaks To Get Me To Boulder 70.3 Half Ironman

David Meredith — Tue, 15 May 2012 22:02:13 -0000

Spence,

You probably don't remember but you were my counselor at CBH in '89 or '90. I recently ran across your blog; good to see you are doing well. We'll actually be in your area this summer for a conference and family reunion. I have done a few sprints over the past couple of years, and plan to complete my first olympic later this summer with an eventual goal of a 70.3 later this fall or early next year. We live in The Woodlands, home of IM TX this weekend. A good friend of ours is racing hoping to qualify for Kona in the 40-44 age group - so I'm sure that will be good inspiration for me.

I started using training peaks earlier this year because my new watch (Ironman Run Trainer) links up to it. I find that it is nice to look back and see what I did and how my times have improved. But, I do have to remember to log in and input swim info since that does not automatically download. I don't have the premium package but I do get to see previous workouts with some good data. I'm sure I don't use it to it's full potential though.

I'm curious about your 70.3 training plan. Is it customized for you based on your current conditioning and your eventual goal, or does everyone get the same basic plan? What I am looking for is a plan to help me know what I need to do throughout the week to get me ready for an upcoming event. I swim with a local masters group twice a week, get a long ride in on Saturday before the family wakes up, a couple of other rides on the trainer after the kids are in bed, and a run or two sometime during the week; all of that adds up to about 6-8 hours of training p/week. But, I basically just kind of make it up as I go along and I'm sure a customized plan would help.

There is a large triathlon community here and a couple of groups you can join to get professional coaching. But they are quite expensive and don't fit in our budget.

Re: Why I’m Using Training Peaks To Get Me To Boulder 70.3 Half Ironman

Gale — Tue, 15 May 2012 20:56:56 -0000

Well, you do have some access - I try to answer questions from athletes that use my plans and often I turn those into columns or blog posts. By doing this, multiple athletes can benefit.

That written, sometimes I do get behind in answering emails during race season. If I don't answer right away, don't be discouraged.

Hope you have fun ~

Re: How To Use iPhone 4 Photo Apps And Take Great Pictures In Four Easy Steps

michelle — Sun, 13 May 2012 07:38:44 -0000

i've always been using instagram but found more great apps for iphone. y'all can check those out here http://darktips.com/5-photo-ap...

Re: How To Use iPhone 4 Photo Apps And Take Great Pictures In Four Easy Steps

Ameliab13 — Thu, 10 May 2012 10:17:31 -0000

Are the settings different for the iphone and for the ipod touch?

Re: You Just Ran Your First Half or Full Marathon… Now What?

Bethany Bordeaux — Tue, 08 May 2012 22:18:47 -0000

I loved this post Spence! I ran my first 1/2 on April 28th...so two weeks ago...I ran the Nashville Country Music Rock 'N' Roll series 1/2 and it was the most exhilarating thing I've ever done! I didn't finish super fast...but I finished and I did manage to set some personal "bests" in the process. I knew though that after all those weeks of long runs and miles I'd need another goal to keep myself going. So I'm running a 5K on the 19th (Ellie's Run for Africa) to try to set a PR for the 5K and then I'm doing a sprint length triathalon also in Downtown Nashville in June to mix it up but keep my training going! I'm pretty much addicted to my new, healthy lifestyle....and the side effects (I've lost 8 pounds and I have lots more energy) are pretty great too! Miss ya'll! Hope you're well!

Re: Is The Conversation On Twitter What You Want It To Be?

Spence Smith — Sat, 05 May 2012 14:26:46 -0000

Thanks Meg. I'm still trying to stream line my stream so I can pay more attention to people and engage with them. It's so important to get to know people right? I think so:)
Thanks again for the comment!

Re: Is The Conversation On Twitter What You Want It To Be?

Meg Davis @InverseDream — Sat, 05 May 2012 13:41:37 -0000

I'm really glad you posted this. I've bumped into a lot of people on twitter who seem to have made it a "mass networking" thing but they miss out on relationships. I try to keep my intake small with only 56 people, some who don't even tweet that much. I also have twitter friends I don't follow listed in groups which I visit when I make time.

This way I'm able to read everything in my twitterfeed and really focus on making conversation with the people I care about. This is my Twitter and I want to keep it that way. Thanks again for sharing and good luck! :-)

Re: You Just Ran Your First Half or Full Marathon… Now What?

Spence Smith — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:17:33 -0000

Wow!!! That's early! But well worth it. Good luck on your half my friend!

Re: You Just Ran Your First Half or Full Marathon… Now What?

Michael H Smith — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:09:46 -0000

The Middle Half in M'boro October 13. This Saturday running a little 5K and also time to get back on the bike. Yeah...and that 'showing up' thing helps when your group runs at 5 AM on Tuesday mornings. Nothing like knowing people will be waiting on you.

Re: You Just Ran Your First Half or Full Marathon… Now What?

Spence Smith — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:54:27 -0000

That's awesome Michael. Congrats!!! running with a group helps a ton. I love group running. If nothing else, the keep you showing up when you might not want to on your own.
Which half are you going to do next?

Re: You Just Ran Your First Half or Full Marathon… Now What?

Michael H Smith — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:48:42 -0000

Thanks for the post. I am one of those that ran their first half-marathon last weekend. I met my goal, felt great (would have felt better if it had not been so hot) and am already planning my next half. For the first time I trained with a group which has helped with the accountability and with helping the miles pass. I never thought I would be a runner...but now I have the bug.

Re: The Road To Healthy Training Is Paved With Consistency

Chris Leverett — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:34:20 -0000

Forgive me Spence...Didn't mean to confuse. I workout 5-6 days a week! During the week, my workouts are typically not more than an hour to hour & 1/2 in duration.

Re: The Road To Healthy Training Is Paved With Consistency

Spence Smith — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:15:17 -0000

Wow chris... one hour of training during your week day training? amazing... but i'm sure much more efficient at times.

I know the longer weekends of training are tough on time... but they are a must.

I think the more i plan and talk to my wife about it all, training really does become a team sport of two... (husband and wife) with the kids as active spectators:)

We have a lifetime fitness right by the house and are members there. I like your suggestions... a lot.

I'll call you soon too! i'd love to hear how it's all going!

thanks for the comment Chris!

Re: The Road To Healthy Training Is Paved With Consistency

Spence Smith — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 10:12:46 -0000

tory!!! ha!!! well when.. and if i figure it out... i will let you know:) are you doing wildflower? I was going to try to come hang at that one with Dan but we have birthdays that weekend:) I always love your comments. thanks. i think all i can handle is training for 70.3 as well right now.

Re: The Road To Healthy Training Is Paved With Consistency

Spence Smith — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 10:10:53 -0000

I think there is a monday night running group that leaves from tin roof in cool springs? you should go to fleet feet and ask them about running groups.

Re: The Road To Healthy Training Is Paved With Consistency

Spence Smith — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 10:09:54 -0000

That's good becca. I had a coach in TN and a strong community there too. I'm thinking about jumping into training peaks to help give me a schedule. Since I work from hom i can take some time to get in some training early in the day. I think it's going to come down to me getting back on a rigid schedule that doesn't mess with family time... too much:)

thanks for your comment my friend... you are always fun to follow and interact with online!

Re: The Road To Healthy Training Is Paved With Consistency

Chris Leverett — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 21:52:50 -0000

Great topic Spence! I have 2 answers for differnt types of goals. I understand this challenge as I have 3 kiddos (10, 6 & 4). First, I am training for my first full Ironman and it would not be possible if I did not have the full support of my incredibly patient wife. I am training to finish, so my workouts during the week do not differ that much from a 70.3, usually just one hour or so unless I skip a workout and need to add in a brick. I usually get these in right after work or after the kids go to bed. Sometimes, I'll take the kids to our Lifetime Fitness which they love. Sometimes, I'll do a run at 7:30, put the kids to bed and finish a core workout after bedtime. Sometimes I get them in early, but I take the kids to school & do not like to feel rushed, so evenings work better. I actually love getting a swim in around 9:00pm. My wife enjoys the house to heself and we usually hang out and watch a show together when I get home.

The weekeds during peak training have been intense and require much time away from familiy. My spouse understands that this is a "bucket list" goal, so she is ok with me being gone for an entire Saturday or Sunday. Coaching my son's B-Ball presented a tough challenge. I would get a workout before a game and finish up Saturday evening.

To answer just staying consistent and fit when not training for a big race, it just comes down to cooperation between spouses. For us, we are bith active and value fitness. We also manage our diet more cloesely as it's often not realistic to get a workout in every day. So, we typically plan our workouts the night before as our schedule can get hectic and we try to remian as flexible as possible. Being a member of a good gym like Lifetime Fitness also allows us to go together with the entire family.

In addition, I typically take the oldest to practice in the evening during sports. I will often suit up in running gear & get a great workout while he's at proactice. The other parents are usually just sitting there looking at their iPhones anyway!

My wife played soccer for many years but is recovering from her 2nd injury. Again, it just takes cooperation as I supported her and would take care of all kid duties while she's at practice or a game. The one on one time with the kids is invaluable.

I was not blessed with the discioline to get up at 4:30am wich would be ideal but I like hanging with the wife at night. So, with our family, it simply comes down to flecibility, support and staying positive when a workout is not possible.

Chris Leverett

Re: The Road To Healthy Training Is Paved With Consistency

Tory — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 21:09:03 -0000

As a wife of a half IM triathlete (70.3), I don't know how my husband would be able to get the training in for a full IM at the level of excellence he'd want to compete in and still spend quality time with the family. (7, 8, 12 year old) Especially where we live where 60+ hour work weeks are the norm, especially in high-tech.

So, for the time being, all he can manage is training for a half IM and even then, this year (he has a different job title in the company that is more demanding) he hasn't been able to dedicate the time he feels he really needs to compete at a level that he feels capable of. Our first tri is the first weekend of May, so pray for us. (and yes, I said "us".... I'm signed up for the Oly which I'm sure I can't do (it's a tough course!) and my kids are doing the mtn. bike sprint course.)

If you figure out a great schedule, please share! But for now, until the kids are a bit older, David has settled for keeping in shape and doing the best he can in the time he has. It's all about balance.

Re: The Road To Healthy Training Is Paved With Consistency

Leslie — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 19:47:02 -0000

I desperately need a training group in Franklin now. My running group moved to Nashville and it's hard to get together. Who/where do you recommend?

Re: The Road To Healthy Training Is Paved With Consistency

'becca — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:02:04 -0000

I am very lucky that my schedule as a wife & momma allows me to train when my boys are in school, husband is at the office & inbetween the hours of volunteer work I do. I do realize this is a unique situation & one I am thankful for & do not take for granted.

I am also fortunate to live in a little corner of Arkansas were triathlon is booming & our local tri club is supportive, adding new members almost weekly. We have a number of coaches & even have a kids team...it's a family affair!

I have found that training with a coach & using training peaks as been key to consistency. Knowing I have hours to log & someone who will make sure I did it, makes it harder to skip or stop a workout early.

Re: Musical Motivation For Runners

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Re: Empty Promises – Pete Wilson’s New Book

Pete — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:33:54 -0000

Thanks Spence. Love you man.

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