New Training Goodies
I’m the world’s biggest procrastinator when it comes to buying new running shoes. I mean, it’s a really tough thing to go to the computer, navigate to Road Runner Sports, find my favorite shoes, and place the order. It probably takes at least 3-5 minutes. You can see why I would put off such a time consuming effort…..
However, during my injury induced “down” time last week, I had much free time and ordered not one…but two pairs of Asics GT-2120 running shoes. Now I can procrastinate twice as long.
I’d also been shopping for a saddle mounted bottle holder. I settled on the XLab Saddlewing and placed the order last week from Trisports.com, as Tri-Dummy suggested. I haven’t mounted it yet, but plan to this weekend. I also included some Carb-Boom gels in the order. I ran out of those recently and they are a must-have item on long runs and rides.
For months I’ve been contemplating buying a blood lactate tester. I know “about” what my training zones are. I’ve read….and re-read….lots of material on estimating and calculating training zones. But the thing with estimating training zones is that it is an estimate. The resulting numbers from whichever formula is used are still estimates.
My opinion, based on the studies I’ve read and the practices of many other endurance athletes and coaches, is that blood lactate step testing is the best method for setting training zones. So, I set out to find a local facility which performs lactate testing. The nearest facility is over two hours away and the price of the test starts at $125. Here in town, there is a facility that does V02 Max testing, but that isn’t really what I wanted, and their price was $350, which included an initial test and another test 8-12 weeks later.
So, I began to research other options and found that the equipment used to perform blood lactate testing is available to the general public and is about as simple to use as a blood sugar analyzer. The overwhelming winner of top reviews among available testers is the Lactate Pro. The price of the unit, along with a lancet device, lancets, and test strips was $425, with free shipping. This was the best price available when I placed my order. I ordered from HDO Sports up in Cambridge Mass.
After the initial cost, it’ll cost me, at most, $30 to perform each test. That includes the price of test strips and lancets. The other bonus is I can perform the test whenever and wherever I want.
I plan to perform the first test Monday. It’ll been a running test on the treadmill at home. I’ll be detailing the results here for the whole world to see. I suspect it’ll be an exercise in humility. Stay tuned for results….
On the training front, things are going great. I’ve had ZERO pain in my knee this week. I rode with the roadie gang Tuesday evening for a short and fast 25miler. I ran 6.5 easy miles Wednesday afternoon and did a fairly hard hour on the trainer last night. I’ll run 4 or 5 miles after work today. Swimming is going great as well. It’s breakfast ride day with the bike club tomorrow. It’ll probably be about 15 miles, breakfast, then 10 or 15 more miles. I’ll probably tack on 20 or so additional miles afterwards and then do a short transition run.
Spring is definitely in the air around here. The Bradford pear trees are covered in bright white blooms, the jasmine on my fence is covered in yellow blooms, and EVERYTHING is covered in yellow pine pollen. The lawn will soon be green and I’ll get to begin my weekly power push mowing sessions.
Happy Training!
TJ
However, during my injury induced “down” time last week, I had much free time and ordered not one…but two pairs of Asics GT-2120 running shoes. Now I can procrastinate twice as long.
I’d also been shopping for a saddle mounted bottle holder. I settled on the XLab Saddlewing and placed the order last week from Trisports.com, as Tri-Dummy suggested. I haven’t mounted it yet, but plan to this weekend. I also included some Carb-Boom gels in the order. I ran out of those recently and they are a must-have item on long runs and rides.
For months I’ve been contemplating buying a blood lactate tester. I know “about” what my training zones are. I’ve read….and re-read….lots of material on estimating and calculating training zones. But the thing with estimating training zones is that it is an estimate. The resulting numbers from whichever formula is used are still estimates.
My opinion, based on the studies I’ve read and the practices of many other endurance athletes and coaches, is that blood lactate step testing is the best method for setting training zones. So, I set out to find a local facility which performs lactate testing. The nearest facility is over two hours away and the price of the test starts at $125. Here in town, there is a facility that does V02 Max testing, but that isn’t really what I wanted, and their price was $350, which included an initial test and another test 8-12 weeks later.
So, I began to research other options and found that the equipment used to perform blood lactate testing is available to the general public and is about as simple to use as a blood sugar analyzer. The overwhelming winner of top reviews among available testers is the Lactate Pro. The price of the unit, along with a lancet device, lancets, and test strips was $425, with free shipping. This was the best price available when I placed my order. I ordered from HDO Sports up in Cambridge Mass.
After the initial cost, it’ll cost me, at most, $30 to perform each test. That includes the price of test strips and lancets. The other bonus is I can perform the test whenever and wherever I want.
I plan to perform the first test Monday. It’ll been a running test on the treadmill at home. I’ll be detailing the results here for the whole world to see. I suspect it’ll be an exercise in humility. Stay tuned for results….
On the training front, things are going great. I’ve had ZERO pain in my knee this week. I rode with the roadie gang Tuesday evening for a short and fast 25miler. I ran 6.5 easy miles Wednesday afternoon and did a fairly hard hour on the trainer last night. I’ll run 4 or 5 miles after work today. Swimming is going great as well. It’s breakfast ride day with the bike club tomorrow. It’ll probably be about 15 miles, breakfast, then 10 or 15 more miles. I’ll probably tack on 20 or so additional miles afterwards and then do a short transition run.
Spring is definitely in the air around here. The Bradford pear trees are covered in bright white blooms, the jasmine on my fence is covered in yellow blooms, and EVERYTHING is covered in yellow pine pollen. The lawn will soon be green and I’ll get to begin my weekly power push mowing sessions.
Happy Training!
TJ
posted by TJ at 8:23 AM
8 Comments:
I was just thinking how awesome it was going to be to run my first half marathon with all the pollen in the air. Suweeet! Lemme know if you get good with that Lactate testing stuff. I want to get mine done, and I can help you offset the cost of the equipment a bit. I will of course, lance myself. You understand. Don't you? LOL.
The pollen is terrible. We have three black cats. They look like bumble bees when they get out in the yard and get the yellow pollen all over themselves.
No need to lance yourself, I've got an ice pick that'll work just fine. I'll sterilize it first, just to be safe... :)
TJ!
You are a spendin' machine!!!!
Good call on the Saddlewing. Did you buy the whole kit or just the wing? You will love it.
Sounds like the training is going good.
Tri-D -- I did go with the whole kit.
Can't wait to get it installed.
Glad your knee pain is gone. Let us know waht you learn from yoru lactate tester - fun!
All your purchases sound great except for the part of needing to poke yourself and draw some blood. I would have to pass on that, but will be very interested in your results.
Wow... shopping spree. I love buying gear too. I usually buy it online, so much cheaper :) That lactate tester sound interesante...
Laura
Hmm, that lactate tester sounds really interesting. I look forward to hearing your results!
Glad your knee is feeling good, and great job on all the workouts!
Yay spring. :)
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