Real Reasons for Warming Up pt 2

warmingupUnfortunately, a warm up is not something that you can simply gloss over when it comes to preparing for a triathlon. This two part series seeks to look at why.

We were talking about abnormal ECG changes, right? These abnormal changes in the ECG were not related to fitness level or age – So they definitely had something to do with warming up, or a lack thereof.

To examine the benefit behind warming up, twenty two of the men that had abnormal results did a moderate intensity jog in place for two minutes before they returned to the treadmill to undergo another high intensity running test. With that small warm up of only two minutes, now ten of the men suddenly began to show completely normal tracings on their ECG, and another 10 of those men showed an improvement in their ECG tracings. Only two out of the original twenty two men continued to show abnormalities on a significant level.

It is not yet known if a more thorough type of warm up would have made even more improvements. Still, it would definitely be interesting to see these results, had the scientists gone another step forward with this experiment.

Warming up is also good for mental preparedness. It allows you to really get your head ready for whatever activity is coming up. Mentally preparing yourself for your workout or your upcoming event is thought to be capable of improving your technique, your skill and your overall coordination as well. This mental warm up is also capable of preparing athletes for discomfort when they are dealing with tough intervals during a race. If your mind is prepared to endure this type of discomfort, then the body is going to be capable of producing higher speeds. If your mind is not in a willing place when it comes to enduring discomfort, then your physical performance is certainly going to be limited.

There is no cut or dry answer when it comes to how often you should be warming up. Most recommendations, however, do fall into the 10 minute to 20 minute range. Some athletes even warm up more than this to make sure that their bodies and their minds are properly conditioned for the upcoming workout or the upcoming race. Athletes that have higher levels of fitness are generally going to require longer periods of warm up where as lower levels of fitness generally require shorter warm up periods of time. In most cases, when it comes to choosing a warm up duration period for your own needs, longer is going to be better, but it is important that you do what feels comfortable for you.

Photo credits: lululemon athletica

Originally posted 2009-10-02 03:14:32. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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What Type of Bike to Get for a Triathlon

tribikeThere 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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Joining Running Groups for Fun and More

For many people, there is nothing more they need from running than the shear thrill of running. Others run for the exercise but take no special joy in it. Others still seek to run on a more competitive level. No matter what you are looking to get out of running, you are sure to find running groups to suit your needs. There are several groups which are formed in major cities across the country. These groups will be filled with people who have the same interests as you have in running and in life.

Running for Fun

The most prevalent kind of running groups is those which are formed for those who enjoy running. These can be simply about camaraderie or it can be about finding friends and more. You will find inspiration from those you run with. You will also get support when you feel you do not want to run. Your group will keep you on the right track while you help out the others in your group. You will be able to enjoy running no matter what you are doing it for.

Running for Weight Loss

One of the biggest reasons why people take up running is to lose weight. This is a time when running groups will come in extremely handy. It is very easy to stop running on a challenging morning because your heart simply is not in it. Other members of the group will help to make sure you get out and put your feet to the ground. Even if your group only meets a few times a week, it is enough to keep your fitness level up and inspire you to run more days than just when your group meets.

Running for Training

Another of the reasons why it is a good idea to join running groups is if you are training for something like a marathon or a triathlon. You will get the support you need to improve your performance. Some training groups will include people who have run in several marathons before. Others still will have a leader which has experience as a running coach. This will be handy to teach you the tips and skills you will need for good training methods. You can also improve your training by running with others who are also training for the same marathon you are looking to compete in.

Running as a Way of Life

Some people have simply been running for their entire life and they are looking for a way to keep it fun and interesting. They are in no danger of not running every morning because a day without a run is like a day without breathing. The running groups offer a breath of fresh air by providing input from new runners as well as those who have also been running their entire life. You can even help to organize fun running trips in breathtaking locations. This is a great way to make your daily run anything but normal.

Photo Credits: mikebaird

Originally posted 2010-03-24 10:27:57. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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  • stretchingThe Importance of the Right Training for Triathlon Competition Even the fittest individuals need extra training when they compete in a triathlon. Your training for triathlon means setting a schedule and sticking to it. This is important not just so you will do better in the actual competition. It is important so you will be able to avoid injury......
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Learn to Run the Safe Way

There are more people running than ever before. This is because they want to stay in shape and running seems to be a great way to accomplish this goal. The problem is many people never take the time and learn to run. This can cause you to become injured and get turned off from running. Simply getting to know some basic advice will help you to stay free from injury and will help you to increase your fitness level. Even people who have been running for a long time can benefit from this information.

Watch Your Hands

There is a reason why professional runners keep their hands above the middle of their chest. If you run with your hands too low, it will cause a few different problems. It can cause problems with your equilibrium. The most common problem it can cause is problems in your circulation. This is because the hands swinging so low below your heart will cause blood to flow towards the tips of your fingers and pool there. The force at which you are pumping your arms is more than what your system is used to and can cause you to feel light headed while you are running.

Stretching is Key

One thing you should know while learning to run is the importance of stretching. This is because running can cause a lot of strain on your muscles. The right stretching will prepare your muscles for what is ahead. There are a few stretches which are very effective in keeping you free from injury. These stretches focus on the hamstrings, the quads and the calves. The best advice for stretching is to make sure to warm up the legs first. This can be accomplished by a short brisk walk, short jog or even jumping jacks.

The first stretch you will become familiar with as you learn to run is the toe reach. Bend over from the waste without bending your knees and reach towards your toes. Hold this position for about 15 second without bobbing. You should also stretch your quad by standing on one foot and pulling your other foot towards your back. Hold this for about 15 seconds. Last, you should prop your leg on an elevated plane and reach towards the toe. Reach as far as you can and hold this for 15 seconds. Do these stretches on both legs at least once.

Pay Attention to Your Pace

The worst thing you can do when you learn to run or as you get better is to vary your pace. This is bad because you will throw off your ability to consistently run the same distance. You will notice on some days you will be able to run your route with ease while other days you will be exhausted. This is because you do not have a good pace. You can try creating a cadence in your head by counting rhythmically. Try to avoid wearing headphones until you feel comfortable with the pace you are running at.

Photo Credits: Sonic Fitness

Originally posted 2010-03-15 03:29:20. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Taking Swimming for Fitness to the Next Level

Swimming is one of the few sports in which the entire body gets worked out. This is why so many people are swimming for fitness. They like the idea that 30 minutes in the pool is like an hour on the track. The problem some people find in the swimming is monotony. This is why many people have been turning to competitions as a way to excite things a little bit. This is a fun way for even those who are not competitive to have another reason to get in the pool and give it their all.

Swimming Meets

Most any gym which offers swimming for fitness will have some kind of swim meet they hold. If you cannot find one at your gym, you can often find them in the parks and recreation department of your area. You can sign up for the age group or skill level you are at. This will allow you to get involved in a competition which will be at your level. As your strength and skills progress you can elevate the level of competition you are entered into.

Swim Clubs

Most cities will have swim clubs you can join up with. These are clubs which go well beyond swimming for fitness. In fact, these are the kinds of organizations which are responsible for training Olympic athletes as well as professional athletes. You will be able to find higher levels of competition, not to mention better instruction to improve your swimming techniques. Not all swim clubs are open to the public. You may have to meet some qualifications before you are able to join. Just take a look at the club you are thinking about joining before asking to become a member to make sure you qualify.

Competing in Triathlons

For those who pursue more than just swimming for fitness, the triathlon is a great way to take your competition to the next level. This is a competition which includes swimming, biking and running. It is a total test of your abilities both in strength and in stamina. Most people are happy with just finishing the triathlon, so there is no shame if you do not come in the top ten. Training for such an event will take your fitness to a whole new level. To understand the scope of the competition, imagine your average swimming workout and then add biking and running to it.

Maintaining Fun

No matter whether you are swimming for fitness or for competition, make sure you make it fun. This is the only way you will be able to approach the training you will have to accomplish every day without resenting it. Your training and your exercise should not be something you force yourself to do. If it is, you are just doing the wrong thing. Finding something which will be fun for you will allow you to return to it every day with excitement. This will help you to stay fit as well as bring more joy into your life.

Photo Credits: Greg Livaudais

Originally posted 2010-03-22 03:06:27. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Making the Most Out of Competition by Running for Charity

Charity is alive and well in the modern culture. This is seen in the donation drives as well as the charitable events which are held every day. For those who are into running, there are many ways you can do your part by running for charity. While some people will compete in the events just to help with a good cause, this is also a great opportunity for you to test your fitness level. This is a great way to turn something you do for fun into something you can do to help out others.

Finding a Charitable Event

There are several running for charity events held every year in cities around the nation. Finding them is quite often as easy as looking in the newspaper. Another very good source for these types of events is through the internet. You can find the events in the running schedule for your city. Another great source to find these kinds of events is through running clubs and stores which support running events often. They will have sections within the store where they list all upcoming events you can sign up for.

Getting Involved

Once you have found an event, the next step in running for charity is signing up. Depending on the event, this can include a registration fee. Others will ask you to find sponsors for your run. Many people like to sign up for runs which ask you to find sponsors. This involves you having people sign up to donate money depending on if you finish, and the place which you finish. The reason why many people prefer this is because it allows them to earn even more money for the charitable event than simply donating a registration fee.

Training for the Race

For some people, running for charity is something they are doing as a part of their training for another event. This can be another running event or it can be a triathlon. For others, the race itself is what they are training for. If this is your case, make sure your everyday runs are longer than what the actual race will be. This will allow you to breeze through the race on the day it happens. You should also make sure that you take a few dry runs of the course you will be running. This way you will be able to find a good pace for the race.

Racing Day

When it is time for the actual race, you should be well prepared and well rested. You should have also gotten a good breakfast at least an hour before the start time. Remember to drink lots of water and to wear your sun screen. Running for charity is a very noble way for you to give back to your community and those in need. Make sure you take the right steps so that you will not be harming yourself in the process and you will be able to enter in many more events in the future.

Photo Credits: Wootang01

Originally posted 2010-03-17 03:41:08. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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The Challenging World of the Womens Triathlon

The triathlon is one of the most challenging races known to man. It tests you on so many different levels that it takes a strong endurance level just to be able to train for it. Not everyone can compete on the same level which is why there are separations for age, sex and skill levels. This allows people to compete in the level which makes them feel the most comfortable. The womens triathlon has been increasing in challenge ever since it has been first developed. Those competing in the challenge are sure to find themselves against those who will give them a run for their money.

Training for the Triathlon

The first thing which has to happen to compete in a womens triathlon is to complete the right kind of training. This is more intense than just going for a bike ride, a run and a swim occasionally. Your fitness level will have to reach a new peak. This is because at the end of every section, you need to have the strength to go on. This means you will have to swim further than you will be competing and so on. This way you will be able to compete while you are tired as well as reserving the right amount of energy for the next stage.

Triathlon Clubs

Training for womens triathlons is easy when you are a member of a triathlon club. There are many clubs which have been created just for women. In these clubs, you will find other women who are interested in the same level of fitness you are. You can serve as a training group. This is important for such things as dry runs and for moral support. The right club will teach you everything you need to know about training correctly for your upcoming competition.

A Personal Challenge

Even though you will be competing against hundreds of other competitors in a womens triathlon, it is important to remember to stay within your own realm. This means not being influenced by the others around you who are attacking certain portions of the competition. You need to have your own cadence and your own timing. You should only be in competition with yourself. As long as you do your own personal best there is nothing better you can do. Challenge yourself rather than being influenced by those around you.

Competing Against Men

Some have moved away from womens triathlons to compete in the same events as the men. This is welcomed by most organizations. There are women who will outperform many of the men in the competition. If you enter in this kind of event, make sure you do not succumb to the idea that you must beat every man in the competition. Simply do your best and you will finish quite well. If you concentrate too much on what other people are doing around you, it will throw off your timing. You will not be able to compete at your optimal level.

Photo Credits: Sonic Fitness

Originally posted 2010-03-19 03:50:11. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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What Starts as Swimming Recreation Can Become so Much More

Most adults can remember the lazy days of summer spent hanging around the pool or the beach. This kind of swimming recreation is something which is often shared with your children. You encourage them to enjoy the simple act of swimming so that they can get the fitness and the recreation you enjoyed when you were a child. You have probably moved on from simple recreation or are looking for ways to move on from it. This is possible through many different avenues at your disposal.

Community Charity Meets

There are many different charitable organizations which will hold swimming events to raise money. This is a great way for those looking for something more than swimming as recreation to get involved in something which will do some good for the neighborhood as well as for their health. There are usually different events you can sign up for. Everything from a 25 yard dash to a mile swim is available for you to compete in. There are usually different heats or skill levels at which you can compete. Even if you do not do well overall, you have helped to raise money for a good cause.

Local Triathlon Events

A great way to take your swimming recreation to the next level is to challenge yourself to complete a triathlon. This is a challenging event which will give you a sense of accomplishment even if all you do is finish the event. This is because the triathlon is such a challenging event. It will take all of your strength and endurance to make it through. Training for the triathlon will take you out of the pool and put you on a bike as well as on the track. Just training for such an event is fun in and of itself.

Swimming Groups

There are many people who would like to share their love of swimming with others. This is where a swimming group comes in. Whether you are in it strictly for swimming recreation or you are a competitive swimmer, you are sure to find others with the same interests. This is a great way to find out about competitions you can get involved in as well as have someone you can talk to about your workout and what they recommend to get more out of what you do in the pool.

Doing Your Own Thing

Remember, there is no pressure to take your swimming to the next level. If you enjoy swimming recreation because it is fun for you, there is nothing wrong with that. Your motivation for doing something more challenging should be because it seems like it will be fun for you. Having fun is what it is all about. If competition does not sound like fun to you, by all means continue on. If, however competition sounds like fun to you, there are many different avenues you can explore. You can always improve your performance and the level of competition you are involved in. Just get out there and get involved.

Photo Credits: pjmorse

Originally posted 2010-03-21 10:03:46. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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The Growing Popularity of the Half Ironman Triathlon

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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Triathlon Nutrition Tips

caloriesWhen it comes to triathlon competitions such as the Iron Man, fitness alone is not going to be guarantee enough that you are going to win. It is absolutely vital that you develop good nutrition habits as well. This is one of the most important parts of planning for the ironman. The bicycling section is one of the hardest parts of the ironman competition, and preparing nutritionally is vitally important to your success. Here are some triathlon nutrition tips that will steer you in the right direction toward success in your endeavor.

1 – Triathletes are aware of their maximum heart rate, their power output, their average speed and many other arbitrary numbers such as these, but for some reason they fail to address how many calories that they are going to require per hour during their bicycling. You need to know how many calories you need as well as how many calories will be provided by a gel or a bar. If you are falling behind in your calories, those calories will add up and you will suddenly find yourself running on fumes at the end of a long race.

2 – Another vital part of preparing yourself nutritionally is knowing and meeting your fluid requirements during the bicycling portion of the triathlon. The maximum amount of fluid that you will be capable of using efficiently during the race is going to be based upon your race. You must be aware of how you can use or consume fluids based on your body size, body type and weight. You are going to need 10ml of liquid per 1 kilo of your body weight. If you weigh 70 kg, for example, then you need 700 ml of fluid per hour. This means that you need to be prepared to have and use this kind of fluid. 20 ml of fluid is about one gulp, so how many gulps are you going to need to consume in a period of an hour in order to keep yourself properly hydrated? The best way for you to plan is to try sipping a 750 ml bottle to see how long it takes you. Can you reasonably drink this much fluid in an hour? This is vital because learning how to keep yourself properly hydrated is vitally important as part of training to succeed in a triathlon competition.

3 – You also need to be aware of your calorie needs at all times. How much are you consuming in the span of an hour? Putting these calories back into your body while you are cycling is vital. There are gels and bars that you can consume to make this happen. You need to make sure that you are planning and preparing yourself to burn and regain the calories that you need throughout the process in order to perform at your best possible level during your triathlon.

Photo Credits: kisekino01

Originally posted 2009-06-18 17:42:17. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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