My Ironman Journey:
As I continue on my Ironman journey, I’m constantly learning, growing, and fine tuning my body to meet the challenges ahead. One of the most exciting and insightful steps I’ve taken recently was getting a proper bike fit at Fit Werx, a specialized bike shop in Waitsfield, VT, renowned for its expertise in triathlon training. This bike fit wasn’t just about adjusting my seat or handlebars, it was a deep dive into the mechanics of my body and how it connects with my bike.
The experience was both stressful and thrilling. After all, making such precise adjustments to my body alignment and mechanics is no small task. But in the end, I left the shop with a greater understanding of how my body works and a clearer path to becoming the best athlete I can be.
The Details of My Bike Fit
The fit session itself was incredibly thorough. We made significant changes to key angles that affect my comfort and performance on the bike. One of the major changes was in my back angle, which was adjusted by 10 degrees, helping me to maintain a more aerodynamic position. My knee angle also shifted by 9 degrees, which will allow for a more efficient pedaling stroke, and even my foot was adjusted, just a 1-degree change, but it makes a big difference in how I pedal.
The adjustments didn’t stop there. My bike fit revealed that my feet have low arches, which is something I hadn’t really thought about before, because of this, I need to be extra mindful of how I distribute pressure throughout my foot when pedaling. As a result, I was fitted with new pedals and shoes that provide the proper support and alignment my body needs.
In addition to all of this, I was fitted with new aero bars. The combination of these changes will help me stay more comfortable and efficient while riding, allowing me to focus on my performance rather than worrying about discomfort or improper alignment.
A Journey of Learning and Adjustments
As I reflect on this process, I realize that it’s been about more than just physical adjustments. It’s been a journey of learning about my body mechanics, my needs as an athlete, and the importance of making small tweaks for big results. It’s a process, but I’m enjoying the challenge of constantly improving and making those necessary adjustments to my form and posture.
I’ve also been working closely with my physical therapist, who has been an incredible support throughout this journey. She’s listened to all of my frustrations and complaints with patience and understanding, helping me make significant strides with targeted techniques and stretches. Sometimes, I joke with her that she’s the only person who gets to hear me whine, but at least she gets paid for it! In all seriousness, her guidance has been invaluable, and I’m truly grateful for the role she plays in my progress.
Key Takeaways from My Bike Fit
The bike fit provided me with several key takeaways that will directly impact my training and performance:
- Engage key pelvic support muscles: This includes the lower abs, lateral glutes, and inner thighs to keep my hips up and in. These muscles play a crucial role in maintaining a strong, efficient position on the bike.
- Foot position and pedal stroke: I was instructed to keep my foot straight while pedaling and to focus on applying pressure to the inside of the foot. This will help with power transfer and efficiency.
- Postural restoration: This will assist in re-aligning my body for better movement patterns and more effective training.
Next Steps: Preparing for Lake Placid
Looking ahead, my next step is to change my cassette to an 11-28 speed. This will help me tackle the challenging hills of Lake Placid, which is a key part of the Ironman course. I currently have a 10-speed cassette, but the added gearing will provide more versatility and help me power up those hills without burning out.
Moving Forward
This whole process has been a whirlwind of stress and excitement. But as I work on my bike fit, my body alignment, and my overall training, I feel more and more confident that I’m heading in the right direction. There’s so much helpful information to digest, but I’m learning every day, refining my technique, and building the strength and endurance I need for race day.
I’m excited to continue this journey, knowing that each adjustment, whether physical or mental brings me one step closer to crossing that Ironman finish line.
Thanks for following along with me on this adventure!
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