A lot has changed…

I have some gear updates and some good news.  First, the good news.  I ran a virtual half marathon last weekend on Zwift via my treadmill (the good old Sole F80)!  I was only planning on running 10 miles but my Zwift run club members were so encouraging.  This was my first half marathon in over 7 years!  I ran a 2:08:10 (9:46 / mile avg) which is not my best time (but FAR from my worst haha).  I was just blessed and happy to be able to do this again!  I am going to be completely honest; I wasn’t expecting it but I wanted it SO bad.  My right foot (torn plantar fascia from 2014) and legs held up fine.  My left knee was the usual (a little sore, but manageable).  I can only thank my friends over at Choctaw Physical Therapy (for fixing up my foot back in 2014) and all of my running friends for providing me with the inspiration to fuel this addiction (Den, Chris, Eck, Chuck to name a few). 

Last year I cycled around 2,700 miles and was only able to run just under 20.  I put in 6 hours in the pool but spent a lot of time out of commission last fall due to a knee injury.  I made a promise that I would focus more on running and swimming, so I challenged myself at the beginning of the year with these goals: 3,000 miles cycling, 100 miles running, and 25 hours of swimming.  So far, I have exceeded my running quota (I am currently at 140 miles) and I need 40 more miles to hit 3,000 miles cycling for the year.  I am only at 18 hours in the water (but we have a lot of swim season left).  To date, I have accomplished 11 separate social-distanced triathlons, mostly sprints, but I was able to finally knock out a virtual Olympic Distance (my first)!  More details on the swimming aspect of my training later (I plan to review both the Static Swim belt and Ameo PowerBreather snorkel)...  

Long story short is we installed a backyard in-ground pool in the winter of 2018 and I bought the Static Swim belt (link here).  For those who know me well, you already know that I couldn't swim more than 400m up until last summer!  I can manage to swim up to an hour, hour and a half now with a snorkel (but I am still trying to figure out how to do the freestyle breathing technique).  I am not a strong swimmer, but I love the setup!  I am getting better!  Maybe when the covid settles, I can get back out and do some sprints again!  

(Static Swim belt trainer)

(Me poorly swimming with Static Swim Belt and PowerBreather snorkel) 

I have been using Zwift for approximately 16 months now and I am really pleased with the program!  I initially only cycled on Zwift, but now I run as often as I can.  Believe it or not, we still own the exact same treadmill that we bought when I started this blog up…  Our beloved Sole F80 treadmill is well over 10 years old now and still running like a champ!  I won’t go much into detail about Zwift because there are so many reviews out on the internet about it already.  What I will say about Zwift: it changed my life for the better!  Work, injuries, and life doesn’t always allow for an outdoors ride or run.  The convenience of Zwift is probably one of the biggest advantages.  It takes a little to get started and you can go entry level all the way up to pro (depending on your budget).  The monthly subscription is around $14 but totally worth it to me!

First off, Zwift running is simple to use.  All you need is a treadmill and a foot pod (that is paired via Bluetooth through either an iPad, computer, or "smart treadmill").  The Zwift app is free to download but requires a subscription to cycle (running is included for free).  I chose the Milestone foot pod (now called Zwift runpod) and it retails for $39.  As with most foot pods, it’s not the most accurate but once calibrated it is good enough for running on the virtual streets of Zwift.  Other foot pods can get pricey, such as Polar, Stryd, and Garmin (but they basically do the same thing).  The Stryd pod gives you much more detailed running analysis data and is dubbed the world’s first foot pod running power meter.  I’d love to try it but I am not willing to pay the $220 price tag!  I’ll take a demo Stryd pod though and will gladly provide my personal review of the product!  Hint-hint Stryd!

(Sole F80 with ipad holder running Zwift)

(On Cloud Cloudflows and Zwift Runpod)

As for Zwift cycling?  Well, if you know me…  I had to go a little more than just entry level (I nearly went full-send)!  I initially demo’d Zwift using my road bike (2017 Specialized Roubaix Comp) on a wheel-on fluid trainer (Kinetic) with only a speed and cadence sensor.  This proved to be frustrating since Zwift is designed to take as much data as possible to provide you with a realistic online virtual cycling experience!  With a “smart” trainer, such as a Wahoo Kickr or Tacx Neo, resistance changes occur automatically based on the terrain (IE hill-effect).  And you get power, speed, cadence information to best enhance your experience (IE just cycling, racing, or doing training programs).

I have owned both the Wahoo Kickr (3^rd gen) and currently the Tacx Neo 2T.  My original Kickr’s bluetooth computer board died after 10 months (and only 2,600 miles) so I returned it for a full refund and bought the Tacx.  Note: Wahoo’s customer service was phenomenal!  They were ready to ship me a new unit but after doing some research in the Zwift FB forums, I found out that I wasn’t the only one having problems with the Kickr.  In fact, many people had similar experiences even after warranty expiration.  Still, Wahoo provided those users with replacement units – much respect to them for their commitment to their customers.  My Tacx Neo 2T is AMAZING (a full and detailed review can be found here).  To date, I have cycled just under 5,000 miles on Zwift in 16 months. 

(2017 Specialized Roubaix Comp carbon on Tacx Neo 2T)

 I made some minor changes to my running gear.  I was running with On Cloud Cloudflow’s (pictured above) and they were great for about 140 miles (mostly treadmill use).  I began noticing that my foot and achilles were becoming sore after runs so I decided to invest in a new pair of shoes (albeit much sooner than I had hoped for). I used to get anywhere between 200-250 miles out of my Brooks Pure Cadence shoes back in the day…  But I can no longer run in a minimalist shoe such as the Pure Cadence.  So, based upon recommendations from many running friends, I chose Hoka One One Gaviota 2’s.  The Gaviota 2 is a premium stability shoe with many benefits for overpronators like myself (I used to be more of a neutral-to-slight pronator, but remember the foot/arch history haha).  So far I have about 5-6 miles in them but I have already noticed a HUGE difference in fit and cushion.  I’ll provide more details once I log more miles in them, but I can already tell that I will like this shoe.  They are rather expensive, but my health and well-being is priceless (IE no more injuries). 

(Hoka One One Gaviota 2's)

I added some new electronics to the cycling repertoire.  I was using a Garmin 520P but since changed to the 1030 (my vision isn’t the best, so I could barely read the 520P’s screen).  I also paired the unit up with a Garmin Vector 3 dual-sided power meter and Wahoo cadence sensor.  I still wear a heart rate monitor but my older HRM died.  I found a Wahoo Tickr HRM and it has been good to me so far.  Sadly, my Garmin 610 wristwatch died.  It lasted nearly 6 years (it wouldn’t hold a charge).  I wore a Fitbit Ionic for about a year and wasn’t pleased with it at all in the water while swimming.  So, I finally caved in and bought a Garmin Fenix 5 and HRM Tri heart rate monitor bundle (that set me back a few Benjamins)...  Totally worth it.  This tri-bundle works really well for me. 

Finally, we added some new ponies to the stable!  I sold the Trek DS a year ago and bought my first full suspension mountain bike.  I chose the Specialized Epic Comp alloy (I test rode the carbon version but it was $2,000 more).  I went with a large frame, and being 5’10” I thought it would be too much bike.  However, the large frame rolling on 29’s roll over everything (and is within my scope of control)!  Additionally, I bought a gravel bike as well.  I drank the kool aid with all of this “gravel hype” because honestly…  I could not tolerate sitting on my mountain bike for more than two hours! 

(2019 Specialized Epic Comp Alloy)

So far, I have a just under 400 miles on the mountain bike and I love it!  The geometry of my gravel bike is similar to my road bike but with much wider tire clearances.  And, it also has a future shock as well.  My 2019 Specialized Diverge Comp carbon is my go-to bike now!  I have around 350 miles on it on varying terrain (pavement, dirt singletrack, and plenty of gravel).  I recently rode GG (nickname: Gravel Grinder) in a 75 mile unsupported gravel ride and also the 2020 Virtual Hotter ‘N Hell Hundred ride.  The beauty behind the gravel bike is the diversity.  I have a spare set of wheels ranging anywhere between 28mm turbo pro slicks, 38mm sawtooth tires, and 42mm pathfinder tires (which is my favorite gravel tire so far).  Wheel changes are a snap and I can make last minute game time decisions depending on terrain. 

(2019 Specialized Diverge Comp carbon)

(with aero bars)

I also found a used TT bike on a sales forum, a 2012 Trek Speed Concept 7.0 that was in ridable condition (but still needs some tlc).  I have since cleaned, tuned, and replaced most of the corroded hardware.  I got lucky the other day and found a used set of carbon clincher wheels too (60mm deep aero wheels)!  I’ll need new tires/tubes, and will have to replace the bar tape, maybe cabling, and also put on a new wider cassette (it currently has a 10-speed 11-23 cassette).  I have a new set of profile design aero bars that I will install as well (the original is a bit small for my arms).  The intent behind this bike is to swap it with my Roubaix on the trainer then use it for future triathlon events (tbd due to covid). 

(2012 Trek Speed Concept 7.0 project bike)

In conclusion, I know that some of you are going through some rough times.  The covid-problem has made matters worse for our family too.  We social-distance for our son who survived cancer and transplant (we are also doing virtual learning at home for 3 out of 4 kids to minimize potential exposure).  Platforms such as Zwift and devices like bike trainers and treadmills help ease the burden of the ongoing pandemic.  I wouldn’t be able to do any of this without the above…  I hope you fight through whatever it is you’re challenged with and come out on top!  I have a LONG way to go myself but I am much further down the road (and a little bit healthier), thankfully.  Take care all.  

Happy running and God bless!
"Fight the good fight, finish the race, and always keep faith"
2 Timothy 4:7

I forgot to mention: I experimented with a new gel (SiS, Science in Sport) and they are much easier to consume than Gu (but I still use Gu gels).  My favorite flavors are apple, lemon and lime, and grapefruit.  Pineapple was HORRIBLE!  I updated my links and also added a two new odometers (cycling and running).  I had to transfer all of my files over to Strava since DailyMile folded a couple of years ago (YES, I FINALLY opened a Strava account...).  I even own a couple of KOMs lol (but not for long).

(SiS gels sampler pack)