August 5th, 2010 — Clothes and Gear, Swim Bike Run, Swimming
There is more to swim gear than just a pair of swim trunks. The gear you purchase will help you to train as well as during competitions. You do not have to spend a lot on the stuff you will use. The important thing is more just to have the equipment which will help you to get the most out of your swimming. You can invest in items which will help to strengthen the muscles you will use during competition, equipment to reduce drag and items which will make it possible for you to swim more comfortably.
Training Gear
There are many different kinds of swim gear you can use to train with. Of the most recognizable is the kick board. This helps to improve the strength of your legs. You can either use the board with or without flippers. The way the board helps you is by allowing your torso to stay out of water and creating drag. Your legs alone will be responsible for forward momentum.
For those looking to build upper body strength, the swim gear you can purchase is a little different. You can purchase push boards which strap on to your hands. These are little more than pieces of plastic in a square. How they help you is by giving you a good idea about whether you are completing a proper stroke or not. All power from your stroke will be translated instantly into movement. You can also purchase floaters which are clenched between your thighs. This creates more drag and forces your legs to stay together. This helps to build upper body strength while training you to keep your legs together as you swim.
Drag Reducing Equipment
The kind of swim gear you wear should help you to swim faster by reducing drag. This starts with the right suit. This includes making sure the suit is as close to your body as possible. One thing to look out for here are seams which do not bulge out from the suit as it meets your body. Another important piece of equipment to reduce drag is the swim cap. This is little more than a piece of latex which will be stretched over your hair and head. The cap should contain all of your hair as well as your ears. This will reduce as much drag as possible from your head without having to shave off all of your hair.
Comfort for the Swimmer
Not all swim gear has to be uncomfortable when you wear it. In fact, some pieces of equipment will actually improve your comfort as you are swimming. One of the most important pieces of equipment which will make your swimming more comfortable is the right swim goggles. While the square frame goggles are very popular, it is possible to buy goggles which are more like bubbles. These will reduce drag while allowing you to see in every direction. This way whether you are in competition or in training, you will not have to compromise anything.
Photo Credits: kenoncjones
Originally posted 2010-04-02 03:22:38. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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June 19th, 2010 — Clothes and Gear, Swim Bike Run, Swimming, Triathlon Tips
Unlike running or biking, swimming does not have nearly the high tech gadgets, but you will need some gear, possibly more than you would initially think. Your swimsuit should not be difficult, as in the end they are all basically the same. Your swimsuit needs only to cover you without impeding your smooth movement through the water. There are no fashion police, and fashion statements need not be made. You should be able to get your suit from the local sporting goods or specialty shop.
Next up for purchase is a good pair of swim goggles. Keep in mind, you will have your head face down as you swim, and turned to the side as you breathe and orient yourself in the pool. If you had no goggles, the chlorination of the pool would irritate your eyes, not to mention that our eyes do not see so well under water without aid.
You very likely will have to try on many different pairs of goggles to find a pair that fit you comfortably. Whatever you do, do not buy goggles solely on the look or size. You must try on all pairs you consider. If you can, go specifically to a swim shop to get good help with fit for your needs.
While there, see about getting yourself a swim cap. A cap is not a necessary item for training, but seeing as you will have to wear it for the triathlon, you might as well get used to wearing it now anyways.
A useful tool you should definitely consider for your training are hand paddles. These tools help you to learn proper hand entry into the water, and proper catch and pull of the water as part of your swimming stroke.
These paddles will also help you strengthen your arms and your shoulders thanks to increased water resistance. Stronger arms and shoulders pull harder and faster, meaning you move through the water faster overall. Note: if you have a shoulder or rotator cuff injury, then you should avoid using the hand paddles until those injuries clear up, otherwise they could make your injuries worse.
The next 2 items on your list should be a pair of swim fins, and a kick board. The swim fins will help you to gain leg strength and increase ankle flexibility; while the kick board will help you practice proper kick technique via kick board drills.
Lastly, you should look into a pull buoy. A pull buoy is a large hunk of foam that goes between your legs and keeps the back end of you afloat to keep you from kicking. That way you can focus specifically on the use of your arms to propel you thought the water.
If water in your ears is an issue you cannot abide, look into earplugs to keep water out. If you cannot abide earplugs, there are alcohol solutions which work well in getting the water out of your ears fairly quickly. Last of all, you will need a mesh bag to carry all of this gear in.
Photo Credits: akunamatata
Originally posted 2009-10-19 03:19:17. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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June 8th, 2010 — Swim Bike Run, Triathlon Tips
Are you a new triathlete or someone that has been around the track a few times? Whether you are brand new or have been doing this for a while, you should have an appreciation for how nice it is to have all of your gear packed up and ready to go when you are. Forgetting an essential item is a fear that all of us end up having, and so packing ahead of time and having a packing list for all of your essentials is a really good idea that you should put some thought into. Here is a basic packing list for essentials for your triathlon preparation, put together by some of the best triathletes in the biz. This includes all of the most basic items, some that are rather optional in nature and some tips and tricks that you’ll want to know as you go along.
Preparation for Swimming, Pack These Things
In preparation for the swimming leg of your triathlon competition, you are going to want to make sure that you have your tri suit, a wristwatch, a pair of goggles, a backup pair of goggles, a wet suit, your swim cap, a backup swim cap, a timing chip, and optional nose plugs and ear plugs.
Preparation for Bicycling, Pack These Things
In preparation for the bicycling leg of your triathlon competition, you are going to want to make sure that you have your bicycle helmet and your bicycle with your number already attached, your bike shoes, a working bike pump, a spare tire kit, a camelback or a water bottle, sunglasses, socks and optional bike gloves.
Preparation for Running, Pack These Things
In preparation for the running leg of your triathlon competition, you are going to want to make sure that you have your running shoes and a race belt that already has your number attached.
The Transitional Area
Preparation for the transitional area is a little different, so make sure that you have a towel, gels or power bars, body glide, an extra water bottle, sunscreen and lip balm, a large bike pump, a black market so that you do not have to stand in the body marking line, toilet paper, a basin that you can wash your feet in, optional anti-fog for your goggles, optional Vaseline, a large trash bag to handle any wet gear that you have and some way of locating your stuff such as a balloon or a friend that can locate you.
Preparation for a triathlon really isn’t difficult. When you plan ahead, make a list and check it a dozen times before you leave home, you can make sure that you do not forget any of the essentials that you really need come race day.
Photo Credits: Mat Honan
Originally posted 2009-10-09 03:55:15. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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