Running in a Triathlon

runnerTriathletes have a bigger challenge than just the cyclist, the swimmer or the runner since they have to compete in all three sports consecutively.  Very often, an athlete will excel at one or two parts of the competition but have room for improvement in the third, and this will very often keep an athlete from giving the very best competition during a triathlon.  For those who feel that the running part of the triathlon is their weakest leg, here are foot care tips to help you.

Clean your feet of sand after swimming.  Even if you feel behind and are struggling, take the few seconds to rinse off your feet before you take off cycling or running.  You might shave off a few seconds by not worrying about it, but even the tiniest granule inside your sock can prove to be an annoying and painful distraction as you run.  And in the worst case scenario it will start to bother you enough that you’ll have to stop during the race and empty your shoe and sock and wipe off your foot.  You could also end up with a blister from the rubbing.

Take care of your feet away from the race, too. It’s not only important to train your feet to pound the pavement, pedal and kick, but you should pamper your feet between training sessions. Clip your toenails carefully so that they’re short but not too short.  A nail clipped too short can become sore and make it more difficult for you to race.  Rub moisturizing lotion into your feet.  Dry skin on your feet might only seem like an annoyance when you’re barefoot, but dry skin can crack and become painful, which can keep you from doing your very best during the triathlon.  You put your feet through a lot of punishment during a race, so massage your feet often and take great care of them to avoid these problems.

Keep your shoes dry. When you run or cycle, your feet probably sweat. So your socks will get damp and the insides of your shoes might get a bit moist, too.  Choose running shoes designed to wick moisture and let it evaporate quickly, and socks designed to absorb moisture and keep it away from your feet. Good running shoes are key for any type of race, of course, but make sure you put the shoes where they can dry out properly between uses.  You won’t only avoid odor but you’ll avoid putting damp shoes on next time you go to run.

Don’t have a pedicure right before a race. You might think a pedicure is the ultimate solution to keep your toenails groomed well and your feet soft.  But professional pedicures can make one or more of your toes a little bit sore that day and for a few days, depending on how aggressive your pedicurist might be.   A pedicurist might work on your cuticles, pushing them back, and making the skin around the nails a little tender. Treat yourself after the race, instead.

Photo Credits:  1

Originally posted 2009-01-08 15:02:43. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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The New Generation of Biking Clothing

Many people into biking can tell you about the days when all biking clothing was made out of spandex or some other kind of material which does not breath. They will also tell you horror stories about not wearing the right clothing while biking. The good news is there are so many different kinds of clothes which are designed just for the cyclist. You will be able to find clothes which will help to protect you will they keep you safe and comfortable at the same time.

The Best Socks for Biking

One piece of biking clothing which does not get a lot of recognition is the sock. There are biking socks which are made of bamboo which elevate the comfort level for the biker to a whole new level. This is because of the unique properties bamboo brings to the table. The fibers in bamboo naturally have the ability to absorb three times the amount of moisture as cotton. This will help your feet to stay cool and dry. The other good news about bamboo socks is their natural antibacterial qualities. This will allow your feet to actually stay free from odor while you sweat.

The Comfort of Biking Pants

The pants which are designed for biking clothing have been designed to help you stay comfortable while you are in the saddle. The pad which is in the seat of the pants have been designed to provide you with a soft seat. They have also been designed to absorb moisture which will prevent you from having a moist groin area. Staying dry in the groin will not only help you to stay more comfortable, it will help you to avoid such problems as jock itch. This will make it possible for you to stay comfortable even while you are not on the bike.

Why Jerseys Are Superior to Shirts

There are a few different reasons why you should opt for biking clothing over street clothing. For one thing the biking jersey has quite a few advantages over the regular shirt. For one thing, you can unzip the biking jersey should you get hot. This will allow you to still have protection from the sun while allowing more air to get in to your torso. Jerseys also have pockets on the back which you can store things like food and extra water bottles. This will help you to stay hydrated and fueled without having to install a basket on your bike.

Good Glasses Make a Difference

Another piece of biking clothing you should not be without is not technically clothing. This is the glasses you wear. It is a good idea to wear glasses which have protection from UV rays. This will help to protect your vision while you are riding and after you are off the bike. The added benefit you get from the right glasses is the ability to protect your eyes from having bugs and other objects fly into them.

Photo Credits: tonylanciabeta

Originally posted 2010-03-12 10:13:45. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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What to Pack in Your Bag for a Triathlon

You have probably spent months if not years preparing for the upcoming triathlon race, so in all honestly, the last thing that you need right now is to have your mind wandering to things that you may have forgot. Why worry about whether or not you forgot something, when putting together an effective packing list takes so little time? There is no doubt about it, if you want to get a new personal record, you need to keep your mind on the race rather than on other things. This unique packing list is designed to help you remember everything that you need to bring for your triathlon so that you can prepare your gear and be completely prepared in time for the big day which is probably just around the corner.

You may not need to use everything on the list, but being over prepared is always infinitely more beneficial than being under prepared. These items are listed individually, but you may need more of a certain item depending on the distance of the race and other factors. For example, when we mention ‘water bottle’, what we mean to say is ‘enough water to get you through the race’, and the same goes for electrolyte drinks and energy gels as well.

Personal Items to Pack:

- Identification, race registration papers, and other important documentation. Be sure you have your USAT Card.

- Clothing, including a jersey, tri-shorts, socks, shoes and anything else you may need before and after the race.

- Towels for the staging area, make sure to bring two or three, more if you like.

- Body Glide Skin Lubricant, in order to prevent chafing.

- Sunglasses, in case it is too bright outside to manage. Plus the UV protection is good for your eyes.

- Energy Gels, to keep your energy up between events.

- Electrolyte Drink, excellent for restoring electrolytes more quickly than water.

- Watch, with timer or stop watch function is best.

- MP3 player, should the event happen to allow the use of them. Very good for getting into your groove and staying motivated.

Swimming items to pack:

- Swimming cap.

- Swimming goggles.

- Swimsuit/Swim Trunks/Wetsuit.

Biking Items to pack:

- Your bicycle, obviously. Can’t do this portion of the event without one.

- A sturdy helmet,

- Water bottle – make sure your bike has a water bottle cage or it’s too difficult to juggle.

- Spare tire.

- CO2 Bike Pump and CO2 Cartridge.

- Hex Bike Tool for repairs. Hopefully you won’t need it, but if you do it’s easier to have this on you than not.

- Cycling Gloves to protect your hands. Full-finger is especially useful in events that happen during the winter.

- Road Cycling Shoe

Running Items to Pack:

- Running hat or running visor, something to protect your face.

- Proper running shoes.

- Fuel Belt with water, energy gels and other vital equipment.

As this is a lot of stuff you need to make sure that you have a bag that is big enough to carry everything in. The only thing you won’t need is the cat! You should take a few weeks to get everything ready so that you are completely prepared in time for the event. Knowing that you are prepared for the race so long in advance should help you focus on your training.

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Originally posted 2008-12-09 11:05:27. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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