Login required to started new threads

Login required to post replies

Prev Next
Re: Ask me ANYTHING...IMMT TJ Tollakson [IanH] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Hi Ian,

I come out of my aerobars quite frequently on a course like IMMT, anytime I am going less than 12 mph I typically come out of my bars. I also often just need a little break from the position to stretch my back so I will stand on some of the climbs. Typically I shift into a harder gear then stand for a short while and stretch out my legs and back. I train on a pretty similar stretch of road in Iowa where I will switch from being in my bars to standing. I'm not out of my bars on the descents at IMMT. I do need to train to hold my position, but I do most of my training on my Dimond and spend most of the time in my aerobars. I don't think I would run very well if I "HAD" to stay in my bars for a full 4.5 hours, but if that was a requirement I would train to do it.

Cheers,

TJ Tollakson
http://www.tollakson.com
CEO: http://www.rustersports.com and http://www.dimondbikes.com
Quote Reply
Re: Ask me ANYTHING...IMMT TJ Tollakson [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Mr Gerlachio,

Anyway, some questions which I am sure others will ask eventually:
- What was your race day weight 162-163 lbs
- What was your front tire psi 110 psi
- What was your rear tire psi 115 psi
- What front tire Conti GP4000s 700x23
- What rear tire Conti GP4000s 700x23
- What inner tubes do you ride Michelin Latex tubes

Cheers,

TJ Tollakson
http://www.tollakson.com
CEO: http://www.rustersports.com and http://www.dimondbikes.com
Quote Reply
Re: Ask me ANYTHING...IMMT TJ Tollakson [cerveloguy] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Dear Mr CerveloGuy,

Thank you for the kind words. I think Mr DimondTech would better be able to explain how I go so fast, perhaps the bike plays a small part ;)

Cheers,

TJ Tollakson
http://www.tollakson.com
CEO: http://www.rustersports.com and http://www.dimondbikes.com
Quote Reply
Re: Ask me ANYTHING...IMMT TJ Tollakson [Tollakson] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Congrats on the race! Also thanks for the note earlier. Looking at some data as we speak :) Interesting that you hold off till about 12 mph to come out of aero (that adheres with the model very well), you'd be surprised out how many pros are out of the saddle (even on short TTs as soon as the hill hits even going 20+ mph..).

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Founder: BestBikeSplit
Amazonian
Quote Reply
Re: Ask me ANYTHING...IMMT TJ Tollakson [Tri-Banter] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
IMMT Specific
-How long before the race do you arrive on site and practice the course? I traveled from Des Moines, IA to MT on Wednesday August 13. I drove the course on Thursday, and rode the most challenging part.
-Do you prefer hotels or home stays? I prefer anyplace where I can cook before the race, but if it is a big enough city I feel comfortable in a hotel. I had a home stay in MT with famille Alix, another pro and friend Mathias Hecht also stayed there.

General
-What are your thoughts about the WTC's restructuring of the 2015 race year by limiting the number of races with prize purses but increasing the purse for those races? I felt strongly last year that it was a mistake to make all the Ironman events 2000 points, and I think it is a mistake to score 5 races in a year. If the true goal is to get the best 50 guys in the world racing in Kona then they should score a max of 3 races (and only 1 70.3) Andy Raelert is a perfect example, he was hurt most of the year and finished 3rd at a Regional Championship, but is not qualified for Kona. I'm pretty confident this would change if there were only 3 races scored. I would like to see Ironman offer prize money at all events and structure the races into different series. I would be in favor of a two or three tier system. Similar to Nascar with the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series, they are both Nascar and have some cross over, but the big money and most competitive races are in the Sprint Cup Series. I can go more into detail in this if it is appropriate. I do think bigger purses and deeper pay outs are important and I think WTC is making positive and progressive changes.
-How will that affect your race selection in the future? Racing in Kona will always be a goal, so I will have to make a race selection for a course that suits me well and has enough points for me to get in. I don't want to race more than one IM outside of Kona, but I may need to for points.

Cheers,

TJ Tollakson
http://www.tollakson.com
CEO: http://www.rustersports.com and http://www.dimondbikes.com
Quote Reply
Re: Ask me ANYTHING...IMMT TJ Tollakson [d-elvis] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Thanks Elvis...BTW I'm a huge Elvis Presley fan, my son listens to Elvis and we have a dance party every night before he goes to bed. Thank you, Thank you very much!

Cheers,

TJ Tollakson
http://www.tollakson.com
CEO: http://www.rustersports.com and http://www.dimondbikes.com
Quote Reply
Re: Ask me ANYTHING...IMMT TJ Tollakson [BrentwoodTriGuy] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
getting some analysis done by a few different people and will share when it is finished.

Cheers,

TJ Tollakson
http://www.tollakson.com
CEO: http://www.rustersports.com and http://www.dimondbikes.com
Quote Reply
Re: Ask me ANYTHING...IMMT TJ Tollakson [leegoocrap] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Thanks for the interest in beam bikes. The Dimond is actually quite a bit stiffer than the Zipp, and lighter. Overall it is similar in shape only, the Dimond is really a very modern SuperBike and uses the latest technology. The Zipp 2001 was the bee's knees back in the 90's but is pretty outdated right now. My mechanics were begging me to finish the Dimond prototypes so they could stop having to find solutions to keep my 15+ year old Zipp running in top shape to compete against the modern Superbikes. The Zipp used elastomers in the beam for vibration dampening, and had height adjustment in the beam/frame interface (with no real seat post). The Dimond is rigid, carbon on carbon interface between the beam and the frame, no elastomers, and uses a real seat post for height adjustment. We can get way more specific if you want, but this probably isn't the place. contact us via email if you want to know more.

Cheers,

TJ Tollakson
http://www.tollakson.com
CEO: http://www.rustersports.com and http://www.dimondbikes.com
Quote Reply
Re: Ask me ANYTHING...IMMT TJ Tollakson [Donjek] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
If I was racing short course for a living or had it as a primary goal, my position would probably be different, but if I was to jump into an olympic distance race right now I would keep my same position because the race would really just be about getting in some preparation for an Ironman.

Cheers,

TJ Tollakson
http://www.tollakson.com
CEO: http://www.rustersports.com and http://www.dimondbikes.com
Quote Reply
Re: Ask me ANYTHING...IMMT TJ Tollakson [Tollakson] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
How much did you pay in airline bike fees?

p.s. Love my armored Hen House.
Quote Reply
Re: Ask me ANYTHING...IMMT TJ Tollakson [Tollakson] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
I haven't gotten the chance to watch you race since Placid in 2011, which I thought was a stellar performance. Looks like your running has improved, which can be tough for those already performing at such a high level. My question is- what do you attribute this improvement to- more cycling miles behind you? A key run session? Just experience? Congratulations again, dominating at a Championship event must feel amazing!

Tim Russell, Pro Triathlete

Instagram- @timbikerun
Quote Reply
Re: Ask me ANYTHING...IMMT TJ Tollakson [Tollakson] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
I've heard this (FTP vs 2hr or 5hr Power) before from some others that are very strong out there.

We know how to do FTP intervals, but 2hr or 5hr? As far as training that, do you just ride as hard (and as smooth) as you can for the 2 or 5 hr ride? Do you pick a % like, maybe 85% of what you think your FTP is and push that? If it's easy then swag up? If it's hard, then swag down?

Is this unrealistic for the solid, but not elite, AG'er? Wondering if, in your opinion, this type of riding once per week might need too much recovery to bounce back strong for the rest of the week, from a mere mortal's perspective.

Sidenote....winning on your Dimond is the best advertising you could ask for, don't you think?!?! And, yes, I'm saving my pennies for one.

Thanks for taking the time to chat with us!




"Outwork your talent." Kevin McHale
Last edited by: morpheus: Aug 21, 14 5:47
Quote Reply
Re: Ask me ANYTHING...IMMT TJ Tollakson [Tollakson] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Tollakson wrote:
Thanks for the interest in beam bikes. The Dimond is actually quite a bit stiffer than the Zipp, and lighter. Overall it is similar in shape only, the Dimond is really a very modern SuperBike and uses the latest technology. The Zipp 2001 was the bee's knees back in the 90's but is pretty outdated right now. My mechanics were begging me to finish the Dimond prototypes so they could stop having to find solutions to keep my 15+ year old Zipp running in top shape to compete against the modern Superbikes. The Zipp used elastomers in the beam for vibration dampening, and had height adjustment in the beam/frame interface (with no real seat post). The Dimond is rigid, carbon on carbon interface between the beam and the frame, no elastomers, and uses a real seat post for height adjustment. We can get way more specific if you want, but this probably isn't the place. contact us via email if you want to know more.

TJ, I think it is entirely valid for this to be the place to provide product details. Don't view it as blatent marketing. If you are divulging details on product design, then it is simply education of the market.

Coming back to my previous question, you said that you have ran sub 3 after every bike split after you got a beam bike. Can you share your 10k and open half marathon times during this stretch (if you happen to find them). Using an N=1, it might be interesting to see if you are running at a higher percent of your Vdot. I am going to assume that your aerodynamics are on par with any superbike (or better), and that the biggest benefit you will offer age groupers is the ability to stay aero with less distress for late in the game and better running off the bike. I also noted that you ran 115 psi....so you ride at the higher end because the beam allows you too?

By the way, love the soccer shin pad padding for the cups....why did I never thing of that when I first saw Boone Lennon racing RAAM with an early aerobar contraption and tried to make my own with pipe metal and kitchen sponges for pads and hockey tape (circa 1986 as an FYI).
Quote Reply
Re: Ask me ANYTHING...IMMT TJ Tollakson [Tollakson] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
would you rather fight 100 duck-sized horses or 1 horse-sized duck (think i got that right...)

http://harvestmoon6.blogspot.com
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/katasmit


Quote Reply
Re: Ask me ANYTHING...IMMT TJ Tollakson [kathy_caribe] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
TJ, did you ride the dimond in a non mantis style position? (what were the differences, does it affect the run?) Is the mantis because of your disc issues? I have disc issues and currently angle my seat downward to deal with this, I feel the mantis position will help and I can make my seat level again.
Last edited by: synthetic: Aug 21, 14 9:21
Quote Reply
Re: Ask me ANYTHING...IMMT TJ Tollakson [desimis1877] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Text is posted HERE...Youtube Video is posted HERE

Cheers,

TJ Tollakson
http://www.tollakson.com
CEO: http://www.rustersports.com and http://www.dimondbikes.com
Quote Reply
Re: Ask me ANYTHING...IMMT TJ Tollakson [jdais] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
On the swim, I think I about holding my space and being vigilant with sighting to make sure I am not letting gaps open up. It is often difficult because you can get lulled into a slow pace in the draft and not realize there has been a split in the group. Vigilance is my keyword for the swim. On the bike I think about my data first. I watch my HR and Power very closely to monitor how my system is performing. I make sure to keep track of the timing of my nutrition, but I also have to think about the tactics of the race. I have to gauge my effort against what the other competitors are doing and what the time splits are in the race. Aggressiveness is my key word on the bike...but only after being patient during the early part. On the run, I think about my pace and cadence. I closely monitor my cadence and make sure I am staying on top of my splits. I don't look at my HR on the run, but I record it. I make sure to count the miles properly for my nutrition stops and I try to focus on my run form as much as possible (forward lean, cadence, relaxed arms). Perseverance is my key word on the run. I try to balance the low points and the high points by not getting too amped up when things are going well, and not get too down when things are not going well.

I prefer a 1 loop course on the swim and bike, but like a multiple 2 or 3 loop run courses from a spectating perspective. I enjoy being able to see the same people more than once. Single loop bike courses are preferred because passing Age Group athletes on the bike is often dangerous and creates a lot of congestion on often narrow roads.

I will recovery for a couple of weeks before doing one more small training block. I am only racing Kona, nothing before then.

Cheers,

TJ Tollakson
http://www.tollakson.com
CEO: http://www.rustersports.com and http://www.dimondbikes.com
Quote Reply
Re: Ask me ANYTHING...IMMT TJ Tollakson [devashish_paul] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Hi Devashish,

Great to catch up with you in person in MT. I do believe there is a significant benefit gained in comfort from riding a beam bike. While the Dimond beam is rigid, it does have millimeters of flex from the cantilever design. This millimeter flex is enough to relieve a significant amount of stress on your lower back. I personally have two bulging discs that have been a problem for me for years, and are something I have to monitor on a daily basis, so taking any unnecessary stress off my low back is ideal and the Dimond does just that. I have all of my sub 3 runs after riding a beam bike.

Cheers,

TJ Tollakson
http://www.tollakson.com
CEO: http://www.rustersports.com and http://www.dimondbikes.com
Quote Reply
Re: Ask me ANYTHING...IMMT TJ Tollakson [micaza75] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
The lead designer on the bike was former Zipp Engineer, David Morse. I worked closely with Dave to make sure the bike had all the necessary features I wanted. Dave did the CAD, and mold CAD. Our engineering team has worked together closely to solve some design and manufacturing problems. We use a trade secret molding process and actually build a lot of the equipment we use for the manufacturing/molding. I had a few requirements for the bike (like vertical drops, and detachable beam for travel) that were used in the design process.

Cheers,

TJ Tollakson
http://www.tollakson.com
CEO: http://www.rustersports.com and http://www.dimondbikes.com
Quote Reply
Re: Ask me ANYTHING...IMMT TJ Tollakson [IAMike] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Hi Mike,

I haven't raced at the Elkhart TT series since I set the record a few years ago, but they do still put on the series. The reason I last raced was the prize purse for setting the record, but there is no longer a prize purse and I don't specifically train my 15 min power anymore. Still think it is a great series and love having a series in town for athletes to test themselves.

Cheers,

TJ Tollakson
http://www.tollakson.com
CEO: http://www.rustersports.com and http://www.dimondbikes.com
Quote Reply
Re: Ask me ANYTHING...IMMT TJ Tollakson [colin.m.martin] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Hi Colin,

Execution on the run is really about practicing that execution in training and that means practicing your pacing and nutrition strategy. Owning a Dimond probably wouldn't hurt your run, but really if you just practice your long runs with pace and nutrition you should be able to quicker lower your run split. Making sure you don't ride too hard will also be a big step in running faster. Keeping your IF (Intensity Factor) on the bike less than .8 or so will make a big difference. Best wishes.

Cheers,

TJ Tollakson
http://www.tollakson.com
CEO: http://www.rustersports.com and http://www.dimondbikes.com
Quote Reply
Re: Ask me ANYTHING...IMMT TJ Tollakson [Tollakson] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
TJ, nice job kid! I was the guy in a Bauer hockey cap yelling splits on the bike run. Just a HELL of a solid effort. Rest up!

http://www.pbmcoaching.com
USA Triathlon Level 3 Elite Coach
USA Cycling Level 1 Elite Coach

Quote Reply
Re: Ask me ANYTHING...IMMT TJ Tollakson [Tollakson] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Tollakson wrote:
Hey Borden,

Nice bike! My IF was right about .8 which is what most of the top guys hold. My FTP is 360, I've had a higher FTP, but I don't train my FTP as much as I train my 2 hour and 5 hour power for 70.3 and Ironman racing. It feels easy at the start, but doesn't feel so easy at the end.

Hi TJ,

Awesome race was awesome!!!!

Quick Q: which are the bike WOs that you think help the most for a IM/70.3?

The entire event (IM) is like "death by 1000 cuts" and the best race is minimizing all those cuts and losing less blood than the other guy. - Dev
Quote Reply
Re: Ask me ANYTHING...IMMT TJ Tollakson [Tollakson] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
TJ,

Congratulation on the win and amazing race.

You have mentioned in an answer you gave about improving running off the bike (colin.m.martin) with keeping your IF at or under .8 which you personally nailed 100% yourself. You posed your FTP as 360 which gives you and IF goal of 288 and your NP for the race was 289; can't get much closer than that.

How do you look at the importance of VI to the success of your run as well? I also noticed from your numbers (NP 289/AP 279) that you had a VI of 1.03 which means you really limited the spikes of power and road pretty consistently for a course with a good number of punchy climbs. Do you set out with a VI goal range as well? How do you adjust your climbing power ceiling depending on a course such as the difference of types of climbs from IMMT to IMLP?

Thank you for all of you honesty in your answers and being so forthcoming with your numbers; it really helps put things into perspective and to learn.

Best,
Brian

Brian Hammond
Tailwind Endurance
http://www.TailwindEndurance.com
Quote Reply
Re: Ask me ANYTHING...IMMT TJ Tollakson [Tollakson] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Pardon my ignorance - but can you share some details about what knocked you out of form for so long?


Quote:
It has taken a long time for me to get back the same form I had in 2011, but that is part of the sport.
Quote Reply

Prev Next