I know it's been a while, but I'm back with a product review on the Garmin 910xt multi sport computer/watch. This is probably the single most impressive training device on the market. It does everything a tri geek needs. The 910xt maps and tracks runs and rides using GPS, and can be worn like a watch and/or mounted on the bike via a quick release mounting system. It gives all the information needed including pace, lap pace, heart rate, cadence, power ratings, etc, etc, etc! But the most impressive feature of the Garmin 910xt is it's ability to track and analyze swim data in real time. Whether you in the pool or open water, the 910xt will track your distance, pace, stroke count, stroke efficiency, type of stroke, SWOLF rating, and much more. It also automatically keeps track of multi sport activities, such as a brick. And when you're finished with your workout, it's easy to upload all your data to garminconnect.com. All you you have to do is plug in the USB ANT stick, bring the device within 3 meters and it automatically uploads all the day's workout information.
I've been using the 910xt for about three weeks now, and I get absolutely giddy when ever I get a chance to use it, especially during my swim workouts. Now I don't have to worry about counting laps, which I always forget after about the 15th lap, the total distance I've swam and the time I've swam it in. It also keeps track of intervals and the amount of rest taken between simply by pushing the lap button. It doesn't matter if you're swimming long or short course in the pool. The 910xt allows you to set the distance of the laps. It still gives you all the same info in the open water but uses the GPS to track your swim. I'm truly happy with my Garmin!! But there are a couple of downsides for me. It's a little bulky, but I have wrists like a four year old girl, and it's expensive. I got mine for about $100 off because I bought a refubished model on Ebay. It still comes with the full one year manufacturer's warranty, but I haven't had any problems with it yet.
My training continues, just 51 more days until St. George! Getting a little nervous....
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Perspective!
This past Sunday at the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, a 46-year old man from Austin, TX died during the swim segment. Reports say that he suffered from a major cardiac event upon entry into the frigid 49 degree waters. Rescuers immediately attempted to resuscitate him in the water, but were unsuccessful. The race director claims this is the first death in the triathlon's 33 year history.
Whenever I hear about an average person who is trying to stay fit die during exercise, it hits very close to home. I have cardio vascular disease, more specifically atherosclerosis, and have survived three episodes where my right coronary artery (RCA) was blocked. The RCA is commonly known as the widow maker! During one of these episodes my RCA was 100% blocked, and happened while I was on a training ride. I rode my bike straight into the ER since I was only about a mile away and it was all downhill. That was the most painful, intense experience in my life. The Doctor told me I was very close to my heart stopping! I lucked out...no muscular damage to my heart whatsoever!
So, every time I hear a story like that one at Alcatraz, it puts things in perspective. I often wonder if I should keep pushing myself as hard as I do. But all my cardiologists encourage me to keep exercising, just be aware of the early warning signs. Warning signs such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and intermittent chest and arm pain which can't be ignored. These signs don't have to be very intense. For example, during my third episode, which happened during a ride wasn't very painful at all. I was able to ride home, take a shower, and drive myself to the hospital. But I recognized the signs and didn't ignore them. Then there's the "why me?" syndrome. Why am I still alive when all of these good people have died from the same disease that I have? A question that haunts from time to time, especially when I hear stories like the one above. The answers I tell myself: obviously it's not your time to go yet, and you're too stubborn to die!
My thoughts and prayers go out to the husband, father, brother, son, that passed away during the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. May you rest in peace and swim, ride, and run in God's grace!
Insignificantly, here are links to yesterday's workouts (yes two of them swim and run): http://connect.garmin.com/activity/280930157# and http://connect.garmin.com/activity/280929998 I took Monday off because I was dead after my 8 mile 3am Sunday run. I'm also resting up today because my legs are still sore and fatigued. And congrats and thanks to my buddy Wes Hollero for finishing the Escape from Alcatraz tri and bringing this story to my attention.
Whenever I hear about an average person who is trying to stay fit die during exercise, it hits very close to home. I have cardio vascular disease, more specifically atherosclerosis, and have survived three episodes where my right coronary artery (RCA) was blocked. The RCA is commonly known as the widow maker! During one of these episodes my RCA was 100% blocked, and happened while I was on a training ride. I rode my bike straight into the ER since I was only about a mile away and it was all downhill. That was the most painful, intense experience in my life. The Doctor told me I was very close to my heart stopping! I lucked out...no muscular damage to my heart whatsoever!
So, every time I hear a story like that one at Alcatraz, it puts things in perspective. I often wonder if I should keep pushing myself as hard as I do. But all my cardiologists encourage me to keep exercising, just be aware of the early warning signs. Warning signs such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and intermittent chest and arm pain which can't be ignored. These signs don't have to be very intense. For example, during my third episode, which happened during a ride wasn't very painful at all. I was able to ride home, take a shower, and drive myself to the hospital. But I recognized the signs and didn't ignore them. Then there's the "why me?" syndrome. Why am I still alive when all of these good people have died from the same disease that I have? A question that haunts from time to time, especially when I hear stories like the one above. The answers I tell myself: obviously it's not your time to go yet, and you're too stubborn to die!
My thoughts and prayers go out to the husband, father, brother, son, that passed away during the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. May you rest in peace and swim, ride, and run in God's grace!
Insignificantly, here are links to yesterday's workouts (yes two of them swim and run): http://connect.garmin.com/activity/280930157# and http://connect.garmin.com/activity/280929998 I took Monday off because I was dead after my 8 mile 3am Sunday run. I'm also resting up today because my legs are still sore and fatigued. And congrats and thanks to my buddy Wes Hollero for finishing the Escape from Alcatraz tri and bringing this story to my attention.
Saturday, March 2, 2013
TRAUMATIZED!!
Last Thursday was my first open water swim in Lake Las Vegas. Let me tell you...it was a traumatizing experience. I thought the swim was going to be one of my strongest segments, but after swimming in that ice cold lake, I'm just hoping to finish within the time cut off! My swim buddy, Wes, and I didn't expect it to be as hard as it was. We only went 400 yards and it took us 20 minutes! In the pool I swim 400 yards in under 8 minutes! So now I have to contend with a whole new aspect of the swim!
The problem wasn't keeping my core temperature normal because I had a wetsuit on. It was when I put my face and head in the water. Ever had brain freeze? Well, this was like brain freeze starting on the outside and working its way inside! My breathing was short and labored from the shock. I tried to relax and control my breathing, but when I did the furthest I was able to swim was only a 100 yards non-stop. It was also disorientating! After I swam a 100 yards straight, I stopped, looked up, and I was in the middle of the lake going the opposite direction I thought I was swimming. I felt like was drunk! When I got out, I missed a step, twisted my ankle and ripped my wetsuit. I took me a few minutes to collect myself. I can't imagine what it's going to feel like when I have to transition to the bike!
I learned a few things from my first open water experience. I definitely have to find a way to get used to the cold water. I plan on swimming in the lake at least once every other week. I expect the reservoir in St. George to be about the same temperature. I also have to get used to my wetsuit. 400 yards wasn't far enough to see how my body would react to the snugness of the suit. My Orca suit didn't restrict me as much as thought it would. But, like I said, I think I have to swim longer in it to really find out. The most important lesson was to be able to re-orientate myself when exiting the water. Those first few steps could be catastrophic if I don't take my time.
My journey just got longer! I thought I was close, but now I know there's so much more work to do. Look for some product reviews in my next blog. I got a couple of new toys that I'd like to share about.
The problem wasn't keeping my core temperature normal because I had a wetsuit on. It was when I put my face and head in the water. Ever had brain freeze? Well, this was like brain freeze starting on the outside and working its way inside! My breathing was short and labored from the shock. I tried to relax and control my breathing, but when I did the furthest I was able to swim was only a 100 yards non-stop. It was also disorientating! After I swam a 100 yards straight, I stopped, looked up, and I was in the middle of the lake going the opposite direction I thought I was swimming. I felt like was drunk! When I got out, I missed a step, twisted my ankle and ripped my wetsuit. I took me a few minutes to collect myself. I can't imagine what it's going to feel like when I have to transition to the bike!
I learned a few things from my first open water experience. I definitely have to find a way to get used to the cold water. I plan on swimming in the lake at least once every other week. I expect the reservoir in St. George to be about the same temperature. I also have to get used to my wetsuit. 400 yards wasn't far enough to see how my body would react to the snugness of the suit. My Orca suit didn't restrict me as much as thought it would. But, like I said, I think I have to swim longer in it to really find out. The most important lesson was to be able to re-orientate myself when exiting the water. Those first few steps could be catastrophic if I don't take my time.
My journey just got longer! I thought I was close, but now I know there's so much more work to do. Look for some product reviews in my next blog. I got a couple of new toys that I'd like to share about.
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