It was about one year ago that my saddle saga began. And now it is finished. I can’t believe it took me a whole year of butt pain to figure it out. Maybe I shouldn’t always try so hard to be HTFU girl. I have to thank John Cobb for his V-flow Plus saddle, and insisting that I lower my saddle by 1 cm. It now fits me like a glove 🙂
A BT buddy named Alice was having similar saddle issues when she upgraded from a road bike to a tri bike. Since she had been reading my blog for a while, she knew about my saddle woes. She also bought a V-flow Plus saddle. She liked it right away. After her half iron race last week, I asked her how the saddle felt. She replied “I didn’t even think about the saddle”. Which is exactly how it should be.
I did another hard climbing simulation on the trainer today. Total of 1:35, 3×25 min hard climbing sets. During that time, I didn’t even think about my saddle. Well, actually, I did think about it, but only in terms of “Wow, I’m not thinking about my saddle”. Lol!
Here’s my setup for doing those climbs on the trainer.
Notes: On one stool, I’ve got a fan aimed at me. On the other, is my laptop setup with Spinervals Uphill Grind playing. I repeat the 4×5 min climbs without taking the rest between them. Then rewind and do it again. It’s hard for me NOT to rest when the athletes on the DVD are resting!
Notes: My front wheel is set up on one of my husband’s car ramps. This puts the front wheel about 4 inches above the rear wheel.
I don’t know for sure if this is the best way to train for those 20 minute climbs at Rev 3 Tri. I will find out in 26 days!!! Aside from the trainer sessions, I’m also seeking out the hilliest routes possible on my long bike rides. I rode 86 miles a couple weeks ago, including 3600 feet of climbing. That’s not quite the amount of climbing as Rev 3 Tri’s 56 miles course with 5000 feet of climbing. But it’s the best hills I can find around these parts. Planning a similar ride this weekend. I love climbing!
Oh crap! Just read your bike course preview. I do NOT have a triple. I did borrow a 12/25 to replace my 11/23. Maybe I ought to get a 12/27 instead. Well, I’m still telling myself I love climbing!
Jamies Rev3 course preview here: http://sbrtv.wordpress.com/2009/05/12/rev3-triathlon-course-preview/
You better prop up that front wheel a little higher. I’m just saying…
😉
86 miles is a bit overkill for HIM training. I only meant to ride 75 that day, but miscalculated my mileage as I rode around seeking out all my favorite hills. I also wanted to really put the V-flow saddle to the test before the 180 day return policy was up. I was really in a bit of a panic about whether I could do IM training unless I figured out the saddle thing!
86 miles with 3600 ft of climbing! That is super impressive. I am embarrassed to admit that my farthest bike ride this year has been 75 miles and it was flat.