Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Jobs losses starting to hit home, Tri a Tri!


So you have, you might, you will lose you job, it sucks and hurts. On the brighter side think of all the events that you have signed up for, the equipment you have bought, what better time to see what you are made of. If you don't want to pay travel fees TriFind has every state and most tri that are happening. pick local events bring the kids and have fun. Hey you can't look for a job 8-10 hours a day 7 days a week so use your time to improve your health and results. It might seem like you are slacking off but in all reality you are just keeping yourself busy during one of the worst recession this country has ever seen.
Now get training.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Swim Drills to Motivate Your Winter Training


From Active.com
Trying to get the miles in during the build phase can be tough but this is a great time to really develop your stroke. The season we are focused on training, the off season is for feel and build so use it, experiment and develop a better stroke.

Count your strokes: Work on increasing the distance covered per stroke to improve your feel for the water and your strength and stroke efficiency. Take as few strokes as possible from wall to wall and try to elongate each one. If you are at 30 strokes or above for 25 meters, try decreasing your stroke count by one or two per 25 each week. Decreased stroke count means increased efficiency, so a stroke count of 12 to 15 is far more efficient than a stroke count of 35.

Golf drill: This is a fun drill to do with stroke count and speed. Count the number of strokes you take over 50 meters and add that number to your 50-meter split time. Now, as in golf, try to decrease your score by either swimming faster or taking fewer strokes.

Rotate to breathe: Place a tennis ball under your chin. Swim freestyle, but as you turn to breathe, keep your head down and try not to let the tennis ball pop up. This drill is difficult, but is very helpful for emphasizing proper rotation and breathing technique. Keeping your head down in order to keep the tennis ball in place emphasizes proper head positioning, particularly in the breathing phase of the stroke.

Proper head alignment is key as our legs drop to counter-balance a lifted head, ultimately creating more drag and a slower swim split. By keeping the tennis ball tucked securely under your chin you will ensure proper head positioning and minimize any leg drag associated with lifting your head to breathe.

Now go swim better!

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Functional Strength and Muscle Elasticity for Better Running


The best thing about the web is the resources that are available at a click of a button. Many years ago finding out information on how to be a better runner would be to take courses or go to the library and read the text books donated by the local college.
Well TriFuel is one of the better resource places on the web, Improve Your Functional Strength and Muscle Elasticity for Better Running This Season and Beyond really gets to the heart of the matter with how to stay strong and injury free. Now some of us do work core muscle groups, others abandon this once the season starts and just get to the miles. How wrong you can be, you might not feel it today but the wear and tear will catchup and injuries will creep in, read, digest and practice, this will make you stronger.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Beat the Winter Blues


Ok not all of us like the winter, training on the treadmill cause it is dark out at 4:30 am, to cold to ride, or icy, swimming is indoors unless you go to the islands. Well as hard as it is try these three simple remedies.

Exercise. When you're feeling down, you may be tempted to just plop on the couch and stare at the TV. But that's the last thing you should do. Exercise helps to energize you, release stress, and it elevates your mood.
Eat right. Healthy eating habits can boost your mood. Include plenty of complex carbs (whole grains, fruits, vegetables) in your diet for a long-lasting energy boost; and avoid refined and processed foods, which can cause your blood sugar to spike and drop and can sap your energy.
Step outside. I know it's cold outside, but a little daylight will do you a world of good. Bundle up and go for a short walk. Even simply opening the blinds and letting the sunlight in your living room or office can help, too.

Friday, January 16, 2009

Chop Wood


So the winter is tough and lately it has been cold, bitter cold for some in the Northeast. Well time to break it up and work parts of your body you never though you had. Fiskars axes are incredible, they go through wood like butter, that being said grab one and head out to the wood pile and start chopping, after about an hour stack what you have chopped and head in to enjoy your reward, warming yourself by the fire. The next day you will thank yourself, you might be sore enough to stay in front of the fire.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Winter Biking


Looking for a good deal this time of year is right around the corner, Jenson USA has some great deals right now, take the Scott Cyclocross Comp a good bike that won't break the bank, wish the price way just a little better, still a great deal. Here is what Scott is saying:
he new CX Comp gets improved geometry and a sloping, hydroformed top tube for easier dismounts and improved stand over clearance. A carbon CX straight blade fork and Shimano 105 components make the CX Comp the perfect choice for the 'Cross fanatic on a budget.

With this type of prices $1049 and shipping just under $50 bike shops should beware, online is trying to survive just like everyone else. Sometimes online is better but you will still have to pay for tune-ups I guess that is where shops differ. If you can turn a wrench this deal might be for you. Plus it keeps you from staring at a TV all winter while you train.