Although triathlon consists of three primary sports - swimming, biking and running, there is a fourth sport, transition, which is often overlooked. The time spent between the swim to bike (T1) and the bike to run (T2) is essential to beating the clock and the competition. Improving your transitions has its rewards. First, it doesn't take a lot of sweat and training to improve … [Read more...] about Transitions: The Fourth Sport
Talent
I recently competed in the Pikes Peak Ascent Half-Marathon. My friend Kristie, a hill-addict, had signed me up a full seven months prior to race day. The course demands limited runners and this popular race fills up months in advance by eager masochists. Pikes Peak, standing at 14,110 feet (4,299 meters), looms over Colorado Springs, CO. The United States has 61 "fourteeners" … [Read more...] about Talent
Open Water Swimming
Open water swimming is never boring. Whether you are an accomplished swimmer or a first timer, there is never the "same" open water swim. Variables are always changing such as water temperature, air temperature, currents, river speed, wind, waves, not to mention a possible two hundred bodies starting at the same time and trying to get to the same end point. In as minimal words … [Read more...] about Open Water Swimming
On the Lighter Side of Training: Be Like My Dog!
My dog, Doccer, and I went for a thirty-five minute run today on a mountain trail near my house. While we ran side by side, I thought how we athletes should be like my dog. Here are a few examples we can take from Doccer to help us with our training. Doccer never complains. He is up for any type of workout without asking will it be hard, will it be hilly or will the water be … [Read more...] about On the Lighter Side of Training: Be Like My Dog!
Mental Toughness
OK, during the past three months you have neglected work and let it pile up on your desk. It would be chivalrous of you to say that you did this to spend more time with your family. However, family time has also been sacrificed as you train for that type "A" triathlon race. You have followed a great training plan and your taper is going well. Since you have dedicated so much … [Read more...] about Mental Toughness