December 20th, 2011 — Clothes and Gear, Swim Bike Run, Triathlon Tips
Throughout our existence, one of the deciding factors in who survives and who doesn’t has been technology. It is the innovation of technology that has allowed us to push ourselves to new horizons along the way. In all aspects of our life, having the right gear and equipment is absolutely essential in guaranteeing our success in many ways. If we want to meet goals, meet deadlines, get up on time, go to bed on time, achieve the requirements of our jobs and stay healthy and happy in lives, we need to make use of the newest and best gadgets and technology. In triathlon training, this is also true, because we can attain victory when we utilize the right triathlon gear. This is so true that it can be said that having the right gear will literally be what makes or breaks your ability to do well in a triathlon competition because it will improve your ability to train and your ability to succeed during the actual competition as well.
In 1912, the world’s fastest man was a gentleman named Don Lippincott, who ran the 100 meter dash in a total of 10.6 seconds. Now that nearly one hundred years have passed, the same distance can be run in 9.69 seconds by Usain Bolt, and he hardly broke a sweat as he tore through the previous world record. So what is the difference between these two men? They are obviously both hardworking, hard training men, so what made them unique from one another? In all honesty, the only thing that separates these two men from one another is the progresses in technology.
The same technologies capable of separating and shaping entire nations and their histories is also more than capable of determining which athletes have a competitive edge in championships and tournaments and competitions such as the Ironman or even the Tour De France. Modern runners are benefiting from fine-tuned running shoes that provide the optimum level of stiffness for optimizing their unique mechanical energy produced by the ankle, creating a faster print and more spring in the step for example.
Cyclists on the other hand are benefiting from finely tuned road bikes that are durable and yet extremely light as a result of construction from cutting edge metal alloys that allow for them to ride faster and faster still, breaking more and more records for speed as they go along. The merging between science and sports has birthed an insane amount of new products that create incredible athletic performance. For those who are not incorporating brand new technologies into their competition, this could potentially mean the distinction between making history and becoming history.
Triathlon athletes that really want to be competitive need to go out and buy equipment that is triathlon specific such as a bike specifically for triathlons, which offer altered geometric configurations in comparison to typical or traditional road bikes.
Photo Credits: Dawn – Pink Chick
Originally posted 2009-08-25 03:32:35. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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December 4th, 2011 — Biking, Swim Bike Run
Bicycling is something which has been growing in popularity lately. Many people have been taking to the sport purely for race biking. This has been fueled by a higher interest in such televised races as the Tour de France. Many people have found an interest in how the sport has changed over the years. This includes the science behind the bicycles, the clothing which is worn and the fuel which is used to power the cyclists.
The First Races
It was not a long time after the invention of the bicycle that race biking was invented. This seems to be a natural progression seen most anywhere. These first races were competitions between cyclists to see who could cover a preset course spanning from one city to another. They started in the mid to late 1800’s. These are the races which have grown into such races as the Tour de France as well as races in Italy and Germany. The races which have gained recognition include ones which are on American soil as well. Every country has been responsible for creating some of the best cyclists the world has ever seen.
The Science of the Bicycle
The first bicycles used for race biking were nothing more than conversions of the standard bicycle. They used steel frames and thick rubber wheels. Everything about the bike was heavy right down to the chains which were used. Nothing about the bicycle was comfortable at this point and there were not as many gears being used for such things as climbs. Over the years, lighter and more durable metals have been found to build bikes from. There has also been a switch in the effectiveness of the brakes and the contours of the frame itself.
Even the handlebars have undergone a complete revolution. The original handlebars used for race biking were little different from the regular handlebars. The shape eventually included an extension which rolled under. This allowed the cyclist to grab lower and create a more aerodynamic shape. The handlebars which are used today even include a brace which can be used for resting the forearm and elbows while racing. This allows you to have good aerodynamics while taking pressure off of the back muscles. The rider uses skeletal support to ride the bike and be in greater comfort for a longer period of time.
Better Fuel for Greater Performance
Outside of the bike itself, the fuel which is involved in race biking has undergone many changes. It used to be the only thing racers would bring along with them was good old water. These days there are formulas which will replace enzymes lost during the race. You can even stow away packs which will give you carbs and food replacement for long term races. The one thing which has not changed here is the use of water to hydrate. Water has still been found to be the best way to keep your body going even after you have been racing for hours on end.
Photo Credits: mikebaird
Originally posted 2010-03-28 10:59:48. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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