September 1st, 2010 — Biking, Swim Bike Run, Triathlon Tips
There are a number of really important considerations to make when it comes to preparing yourself for your triathlon. Fitness and strength are two of the most important factors that are going to influence your performance as a triathlete, but the next important area where improvements are capable of being made is your triathlon equipment. You are obviously going to complete your race a lot faster when you have a bicycle that is specialized for your triathlon. If you want to go faster and move further, no matter what your level of expertise is, a triathlon specific type of bicycle is going to benefit you significantly.
When it comes to money, you need to understand that a triathlon bike is going to require a larger investment from you. In general on average, the power that is produced in order to pedal a bike on a flat road will involve 60 percent worth of rider drag. This is a place where you can gain some truly awesome performance gains. If you are really serious about performing in a triathlon, then you are going to need to choose the right type of equipment, which should be the best and the most efficient and effective equipment that you can possibly afford for the purpose of your triathlon cycling needs.
Road bikes or road bicycles are typically going to be designed to allow for comfort for cyclists that want to compete over longer distances. The triathlon bicycle on the other hand is generally designed to suit other distances that are relatively shorter in nature, meaning that comfort is capable of being compromised in exchange for an increase in speed. This is one of the most fundamental differences that exists between bikes intended for triathlons and those that are intended for the road.
The shorter that the distance of the triathlon is, the more aerodynamics and weight will come into play. For a sprint triathlon, for example, or a 20k, comfort is going to be far less of a factor than if you are dealing with an Ironman which is significantly longer in terms of distance. When it comes to an Ironman triathlon, comfort is going to become significantly more important to offering you continual high quality performance over a longer period of time.
When you are looking for a bicycle to serve your triathlon needs, you should be considering the distances that you are going to be competing for and then correlate this number with the budget that you think you have available for this purpose. It is highly recommended that you consider purchasing a used bike for your triathlon needs if your budget is tight. You can choose a higher quality bike and buy it used, and get it for a much better deal. If you scrimp on a new bike you may end up with a bad choice, and a bike that simply is not meeting your needs on the course.
Photo Credits: jimmyharris
Originally posted 2009-09-03 03:46:30. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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August 5th, 2010 — Swim Bike Run
Here is a brief glossary of terms used in triathlon training and triathlon racing.
Bonk – This describes a situation where you suddenly begin to lose energy and a level of fatigue sets in. This is typically caused by depleted glycogen stores within the liver and the muscles, and it commonly results in a major drop in performance. Another term used to describe this situation is “hitting the wall”.
BOP – This is an acronym used to refer to Back of the Pack.
BPM - This is an acronym used to refer to Beats Per Minute.
Brick – This is a combination type of workout including a bike and a run that are back to back. This can also describe any combination of triathlon events where there is less than a total of ten minutes between each of the sports.
Cadence - This is another word used to refer to RPM.
CD – This is an acronym used to refer to Cool Down.
Century – This is a term that is used to refer to a bike ride for a total of 100 miles.
Chain Suck – This is a term that describes a situation where the chain does not disengage from the front chain ring’s bottom teeth. The teeth snag on the chain, carrying it up and around the ring so that it winds back on itself, jamming in the process.
Chamois Butter – This is a clean lubricant that is used with cycling shorts to make bike riding more comfortable while reducing the chance of getting saddle sores.
Crit – This is another word that is used to refer to Criterium.
Criterium – This is a kind of bike race held on a course of less than 3 miles that is often run on city center streets that have been closed off. The length for the race is either determined by a total time or a number of laps.
Deca – This describes a 10x Ironman distance, which is a 24 mile swim, a 1120 mile bike and a 262 mile run. There have also been 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, 15x and 20x distances which have been raced in the past.
DFL - This is another word used to refer to Dead (Expletive) Last
DNF – This is another word used to refer to “Did Not Finish”.
DNR - This is another word used to refer to “Did Not Race”
DNS - This is another word used to refer to “Did Not Start”
Dolphin Dive - This is a technique that is used for getting through shallow water when it is more efficient than attempting to wade. It involves doing shallow, short drives, then standing up, and continuing this process until you reach water that is deep enough to swim in.
Dolphin Kick - This involves beating the legs together in unison while swimming with the face down, and it is used primarily with the butterfly.
Originally posted 2009-11-26 03:54:00. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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July 18th, 2010 — Half Ironman Triathlon, Swim Bike Run
The Ironman is a competition which is reserved for only the most in shape individuals. People aspire to be able to compete the competition, but do not believe they have the level of fitness required to complete the challenge. This is why the half Ironman triathlon has been growing in popularity. You do not have to use an entire day to complete the race. You also do not have to go nearly as far with the half triathlon. This allows more people to step up to the race which is as close to the full Ironman as they are comfortable competing in.
The Distance of the Half Ironman
As you can imagine the distances for the half Ironman triathlon is about half of what the regular Ironman is. You will have to complete a 1.2 mile swimming leg, a 56 mile cycling leg and a 13.1 running leg. This is still longer than the average triathlon which means you will have to dedicate a lot of time and energy to your training.
The Trademark of the Name
For those looking to compete in a half Ironman triathlon, keep in mind that not all competitions will be called this. The reason why is because the name is something which is owned by the Timex corporation. Many organizers will get around this rule by calling their race a half iron length triathlon or something similar. This may be confusing for some people looking for this challenging competition. Fear not, as long as the legs of the competition are the right length you will find the challenge you are looking for. Most major cities will have at least a few of these length competitions every year no matter what name they go by and who sponsors them.
Training for the Race
Due to the fact the half Ironman triathlon is longer than the average triathlon, there is a lot of training which is involved in getting ready to complete the race. The important part of the training is to give yourself an ample amount of time to train. It is recommended to train for at least a year before competition. This way you will be able to slowly and steadily work up to the distances you will have to compete at. If you try to train at the level without the right period of time, you can easily injure yourself.
It is important to make sure when training for the half Ironman triathlon that you rest enough. Your body will become fatigued easier if you do not take at least one day off every week. Your muscles need time to recuperate between workouts. This will allow your endurance level to shoot through the roof as well as make it possible for you to train without injuring yourself. Make sure to also vary the training you are completing between the different legs of the race. This will allow you to get the right amount of training for every section.
Photo Credits: iamarkus
Originally posted 2010-03-18 03:45:35. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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July 15th, 2010 — Running, Swim Bike Run, Triathlon Training
When competing in a race which involves running, there are a few different pointers which need to be kept in mind. Some people feel their normal run in the morning will suffice in training to run. This is wrong because you will not be training yourself higher levels of endurance or performance. You need to set a schedule, log your accomplishments and find a good pace. You will also need to invest money into a good pair of shoes and running clothes. If you stick to these pointers you will be able to do more than just finish the race.
Buying the Right Equipment
The very first thing you need to do when training to run is making sure you have the right equipment. This includes having a good pair of sneakers. Many runners have taken to having their feet analyzed to get all of the support they need while running. Some have even taken to getting custom made sneakers. Make sure the sneakers you buy and train with are the same ones you will be racing in. This goes for the clothes you will be wearing for the race as well. You need to be familiar with how everything will feel as you run to get the maximum performance in the race.
Setting an Effective Running Schedule
Next, you need to create a running schedule which will help you maximize your performance. This includes mapping out routes and setting goals while training to run. You should take into account your past performance when setting your schedule. Try not to set your schedule too far in advance so you can change things up as your performance level increases. Make sure that you are not increasing distances or lengths of time running at too fast of intervals. This can put a dangerous strain on your body. Only go up a maximum of 10% per week.
Keeping a Running Log
After every run you should sit down and write out everything which happened on your run. This includes times, speeds and routes taken. You may even want to log weather conditions. This will help you to track everything which happens while training to run. You will be able to map out changes in performance and problems encountered. This will help you in creating your schedule and finding what works for you in training and in racing.
Finding Your Race Pace
One of the most important things when training to run is finding a comfortable pace. This is important so that you can maximize your performance throughout your run. If you waste all of your energy at the beginning of the race, you will have nothing left at the end. A good pace will make it possible for you to sprint at the end of the race. This is the sign of a seasoned runner who has good discipline. Those who keep a good pace for themselves while running will actually outperform those who tried to run hard at the beginning of the race.
Photo Credits: Sonic Fitness
Originally posted 2010-03-16 10:37:30. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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June 24th, 2010 — Swim Bike Run, Triathlon Tips, Triathlon Training
Are you planning on training for your first triathlon? This is not an easy task for anyone to master if they do not know the ropes. There are three completely unique disciplines that are involved, and you are also going to need to be lifting weights and training in other ways. How are you going to find the time that you need in order to achieve this goal? This particular answer is actually a great deal easier than you think, if you have prepared yourself by choosing the right first triathlon.
In other words, let us start by selecting the right first triathlon. There are four different triathlon distances that you can choose from. The shortest distance types of triathlons are known as sprints. Because they are so short, they really are more like a sprint in nature, and therefore are typically regarded as the hardest ones to master. The second type of distance for a triathlon is twice what the sprint typically is, known as the international distance or Olympic distance triathlon. Where the sprint would end with a 5K run, the Olympic distance triathlon is going to end with 10K run. The Olympic distance type of triathlon is generally the most common one that you will find.
Once you have mastered what the sprint as well as the Olympic triathlon lengths have to offer, the third type of triathlon is the half ironman triathlon. This is a race that concludes through a 13.1 mile run. The final type of distance is the ironman distance, which ends with a 26.2 mile run. If you are doing your first ever triathlon, then you should be avoiding these two types of triathlon for fairly obvious reasons. Even if you do believe that you have the stamina as well as the endurance necessary for such a length, triathlons are about more than simply physical fitness. You need to work all of the kinks out with one of the smaller triathlon events in order to prepare yourself mentally as well as physically for the longer triathlon events.
The sprint distance is typically 400 yards worth of swimming, 5 miles worth of biking and then 5K worth of running. You can spend time practicing for all of these triathlon events together, but if you do not learn how to transition from one to the next, and the second to the third, then you really are not as prepared as you think you are. Your goal for your very first triathlon training event should be to combine your running days and your biking days. Each and every single time that you get off your bike, you should begin running, even if you are only running for a few hundred yards. There is a serious muscle transition that needs to occur from pushing on your bike pedals to running. This particular muscle transition needed to excel in triathlon competitions is difficult to achieve unless you have spent time practicing, so do so!
Photo Credits: Ben Lawson
Originally posted 2009-06-26 16:22:39. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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May 27th, 2010 — Newbies, Swim Bike Run, Triathlon Tips, Triathlon Training
There is a large variety of athletes who participate in triathlons. These can range from the professional triathlete to the people who just appreciate being able to compete and finish. These different types of athletes lead to different requirements when it comes to training. The professional type of athlete will train to push his capabilities, and develop his technique. However, the latter type of athlete shouldn’t have that approach to training. They compete for fun and health, and training should not be any different. Here are some training tips for beginners who race for fun.
- Fun is most important. Instead of speed, focus on distance goals. You should be sure to become use to running and jogging before a more intense running regimen
- Work on distance before intensity. Slowly build up your distance until you reach your goal. Once you have met your goal, and then build up intensity.
- Wear the proper attire. Comfortable clothing should be, with supportive running shoes.
-Similarly run or walk on smooth, soft surfaces when you can.
-Repeat workouts enable the athlete to quickly building up their capability in jogging. At a track, the way to train is to jog one lap followed by walking one lap. When that becomes easy, go for 2 laps jogging, one lap walking.
- Learn about the race conditions that you will face in your triathlon. If you will run on pavement versus a dirt path, the bike portion will be held in hilly terrain; you can match your training to the race day so you are comfortable and can better enjoy you race.
- Do not worry about special features on your bike or special shoes. Just try to be comfortable.
-Know the distances in the race, and train for 110%. If you will run for three miles, train for three and a half. A half mile swim should be trained for with swimming for 3/4 of a mile.
-Rest when you need it. You are planning on just finishing, so do not worry about rushing through transitions. That is where the body becomes taxed the most, when having to transition over a few seconds. Instead, take you time, stretch a little, and enjoy the race.
-Bring support to the triathlon. Friends and family can provide great motivation to help you through the more difficult legs of the race.
-Prepare for long workouts and races by taking food and water with you. If you are feeling thirsty, then it is too late to drink fluids. Also do not experiment with food choices, instead picking something that the body will readily accept.
-Prepare for the race a few days in advance, making sure not to forget anything on race day.
-Most important: make an appointment and get a checkup and talk to you doctor before competing. A triathlon is a taxing experience which your body should be in good enough shape to attempt.
Following these steps will help ensure a fun and enjoyable triathlon experience for the beginning athlete.
Photo Credits: 1
Originally posted 2009-02-02 05:23:30. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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May 7th, 2010 — Swim Bike Run, Triathlon Tips, Triathlon Training
Goals are exceptional to have, but you should only be setting goals that are truly realistic. If you are setting training goals that are well beyond your capabilities, then you are going to end up getting hurt and failing as a result. With this in mind, keep it in mind that a triathlon is a sport where moderation is the key above all else. You need to utilize both patience and rest as important keys to your triathlon training plan.
Unlike with other types of sports, if you do every single workout at the maximum level of intensity as well as duration, then you are going to end up overtraining your body to the point of fatigue, injury and sickness. Do not get me wrong, there are times for maximum intensity in detailed triathlon training programs, but never all the time, no matter what.
Here are some of the common distances for triathlons:
Swimming:
- Sprint – 0.5 Mile
- Olympic – 0.93 Mile
- Half Ironman – 1.2 Mile
- Full Ironman – 2.4 Mile
Biking:
- Sprint – 13 Mile
- Olympic – 24.8 Mile
- Half Ironman – 56 Mile
- Full Ironman – 112 Mile
Running:
- Sprint – 3.2 Mile
- Olympic – 6.2 Mile
- Half Ironman – 13.1 Mile
- Full Ironman – 26.2 Mile
When you look at these common distances for triathlon competitions, you should see that the next levels double in distance, then you should make the assumption that you should only be covering two different consecutive distances in a single season. The rationale here is that we cannot simply continue to build on our endurance base unless we are giving ourselves the proper level of rest and maintenance as well.
If you are a total beginner, then you should begin training for a sprint race. Progress to Olympic at the end of the same year if you have no injuries upon re-evaluation.
If you are established an endurance base at the Olympic level in the first year, and maintained that endurance base over the winter, then you can progress to the half ironman in the next year. You my even be able to progress to the full ironman, but you need to be careful that you are not overdoing things and possibly putting yourself in danger of getting hurt in the process.
Building and maintaining a truly solid base over a long period of time is going to be vitally important for you to achieve before you build yourself up to the next level. When you build up a deep base like this, you will be drastically reducing your risk of sustaining an injury. You cannot keep building yourself up without some time for maintenance, no matter how strong or tough you think that you are. Strong and solid foundations are what is truly going to get you to the ironman distance, or whatever other goals you happen to have at the time. Keep in mind: There is no hurry, and Triathlete training is all about maintenance and patience, so do things the right way if you want to achieve your goals.
Photo Credits: LumenOpera
Originally posted 2009-09-07 03:49:54. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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