Take Out The Discomfort When Cycling!

If you are a relatively new rider, you may not know how to prevent the most common mistakes that can lead to physical discomfort during a ride. Even if you have been riding for a long time you can slip into bad habits, and end up hurting more than is necessary.

1. Warm up/Cool down - Allowing your body to gradually come up to 'operating temperature' at the beginning of a ride, and then pedaling a few extra minutes at a very easy intensity at the end of your ride, can both go a long way toward minimizing muscle soreness and increasing both recovery from riding, and adaptation to training.
   
2. Eye Wear - To reduce the risks of this occurring, try wearing sunglasses during every ride.
   
3. Pain in the neck - Try to avoid riding in the same position all of the time.
   
4. Saddle Sore - Investing in a good quality pair (or two) of bike shorts, and then cleaning them after EVERY ride can go a long way toward helping you avoid saddle sores.
   
5. Lubrication - Speaking of that 'private area,' we can't discuss saddle sores without also mentioning lubrication. Though there are a lot of favorite lubes among many different riders, after trying many different things, I've come to rely upon A&D ointment as the best and least expensive lube. 'Chamois Butt'r' also works well.
   
6. Stem Length - Clearly, the most important thing you can do is to have a good fit session with an expert.
   
7. Numb Hands - To keep your hands from going numb always wear gloves during a ride and try a handlebar cushion or some thick bar wrap.
   
8. Back Aches - If you are experiencing some pain, get the advice of a fit expert to be sure you are set up properly, and then remember to include some 'core' training as part of your regular routine.
9. Foot Relief - To increase circulation to your feet you should vary your pedaling techniques (working the 'box') so that you are not putting undo stress on one area.

Full story can be read at Tri Fuel

Black Bear Triathlon, Sunday June 1st!

Black Bear is upon us and for some this kicks off the their Tri Season. CGI Events has a great little series going for all types of levels, and last year introduced a premier Triathlon event to central NJ, NJ State Triathlon coming up for its second year on July 27th. Back to Black Bear everything is looking good for the Tri, except the water temp being in the high 50 to low 60, Jersey Area Multisport (JAM) went out last weekend to report that it was cold, meat thermometer said 58 degrees. To get a clue of how crazy we all are this weekend;
"Water below 60 degrees is dangerously cold, at 40 you become to numb to help yourself in just a few minutes and may become unconscious in as little as 12 minutes. Any immersion over 6 minutes is considered long. This may not be much of a problem in a shallow stream where you can get out quickly but is a problem in a deep fast river, in rapids or in the middle of a lake. Lake Powell water temperature in March is 52 degrees. An average adult has 50/50 chance of surviving a 50-yard swim in 50-degree water."

So keep moving and get out before 12 minutes :-). If you are not registered and would like to see what happens at a Tri event come by and get a glimpse there is a lot to do and see.

Colorado Altitude Training, Walk-In Tent

Tent System Blowout! High Altitude Training is the biggest rage, living in the east you have no choice but to get a CAT, there are three tents models to choose from and two room conversions, now that would be cool, if money was not a factor.
CAT-315

CAT-430

CAT-150

"Since the landmark studies of Ben Levine and Jim Stray-Gundersen in the '90s, Living High - Training Low has become recognized as THE best method for increasing sporting performances.
Compared with the traditional altitude training camp, where the improvements from the time spent at altitude were often negated by the reduced ability to train hard whilst there, "Live High - Train Low" provides the best of both worlds.
CAT's altitude simulation systems mean that this method of training is no longer limited to just those who are fortunate enough to live near the mountains. Furthermore, by removing almost all of the compromises traditionally involved with altitude training, this method has opened the door to benefiting those involved in sorter-distance events where previously the trade-off was simply not worthwhile.

Studies on the left have been grouped into those primarily looking at performances for athletes in aerobic-type activities, and for those involved in anaerobic-type sports."

Seasons Forget Me Not's, RoadID

The season is upon us and taking a little extra precaution is always needed, but forgotten. Unless you carry your wallet, phone or licenses there is no real way to tell who you are if you are unconscious, leaving loved ones and other wondering what to do with you, also it is against the law to not have ID on you.
RoadID has the solution a band that has all your info on it. Where it like a watch and never leave home without it. With gas prices getting as high as they are predicting, more and more will start to take to the road that means more obstacle for drivers to look for while they are on the phone, reading a text message or sending a email that can't wait till they get out of the car.

"If you are a runner, cyclist, triathlete or just a person who doesn't sit on the couch all day, Road ID is for you. This awesome piece of gear not only looks good but it could save your life. In the event of an accident, if you can't speak for yourself, your Road ID will. Available in 5 different styles. It's not just a piece of gear - it's peace of mind."
Go get it..

Wheeltags, simply brilliant!

What a way to break the seriousness of training and racing. Wheeltags is a great concept simple yet functional. Wheeltags, are stickers that affix to your black deep dish rims, series one for the spring consists of 13 different tags, plus you can choose custom, where the sky is the limit.

Weekend warriors and pro-teams alike deserve the right to speak their own rim-minds.
Change colors, add corporate logos, drop in text or get your monogram on, the rims are the only limit to your ideas, dreams and marketing needs.
Whatever your motivation may be, the wheeltags custom process is easy, painless and most rewarding.

"Wheeltags are stylized wheel signatures for your cycling personae. Celebrating the power of self-expression with bold colors and vibrant designs, Wheeltags allow you to challenge the nameless rim masses and breakaway from the pack. Tag your ride with the ultimate statement of individuality and roll with style."
Great...

Can't we share, Drivers be aware!

This is a perfect example why cyclist have a tough time on the road. Even a cyclist will have a tough time with this, for Earth Day or Earth Year to have a lasting effect, we all need to be more aware of our surroundings.
So "Can't We Share, Drivers be Aware!"

What it Takes, Film

This is a old film but one that will get you inspired to go train. It really show how and what it really take, what a elite Triahlete gives up. This year 2007 was a break out year for triahtlons, money was being made, USA Traithlon indicated their best year yet. So looking back 2006 really showed how far the sport has come in the last couple years.

What It Takes" follows 4 world-class triathletes around for a year, as they prepare for the world championships in October, 2005.

"At the very top end of the sport, there's a large pool of very good athletes. The physical differences between those athletes are minimal. The people that win are different due to character. That's the #1 thing I look for."
- Murphy Reinschreiber, Agent, PCH Sports

Now get it and get inspired.

Using an old Treo, just in case!

If you have ever had a close encounter, no not the alien kind, but with a car, person, dog, cat, well you get the idea, use an old cell phone or Treo. They have a built in video camera and if you have a SD card 1 meg or more you can capture up to an hour if not more of video. If you get crafty enough you could take it apart and run the lens from your helmet to the device. Hey capture what is going on and have the proof you need when things get rough.
Best.

Finding a pool while traveling, Swimmers Guide can help.

Yes this would be the ideal setting for any triathlete but for living in the North East being stuck in door swimming countless laps is what is in store. Well the trickier part is if you are traveling, how do you find a pool, Swimmers Guide can help, find the country, state, city and you are off, it even gives the water temp of the pool. How great is this.

Swimmers Guide contains the only international, descriptive directory of publicly-accessible, full-size, year-round swimming pools available. There is no resource available in any format with as many pool listings or as much information about each pool as you'll find on this Web site.

This 133rd monthly update of the database since May, 1996, lists 18,380 facilities with 19,572 full-size, year-round swimming pools in 10,457 cities and towns in 165 countries.

Every listing includes:

* The name and address of the pool or facility;
* The area or city code and telephone number for inquiries about hours, rates, schedules, and programs;
* A description of the pool(s) there - always with length and indoor or outdoor location, often with water temperature and number of lanes or width;
* Admission information, including (where available) drop-in prices and discounts for members of affiliated groups and facilities, for senior citizens, and for guests registered at nearby hotels.

Many listings also include:

* A key-word summary of the aquatic programs and activities regularly offered or available at the pool;
* Directions and/or links to street address-specific maps to help find the pool ( 10,669 map links, alone);
* Descriptions of its board and platform diving facilities;
* Contact information for Masters and youth swim clubs and competitive diving, water polo and synchronized swimming teams which train at the pool;
* Links to the facilities' and teams' own Web pages - 15,472 of them, more swimming links than any other Web site!

2XU - Helpful Performance Gear

You have to love equipment that makes you feel faster. Speedo has done it with the LZR Racer, so far it has broken 5 or 6 world records, there must be something in Speedo's water. For 2XU it has been their compression suits they are great, so when they released their new Triathlon clothing one must take notice. Once you put it on it feels like a second skin, incredible thin and shed the water. You almost feel embarrassed it is the tight and fast.

"The Racepro range has been created with the short course athlete in mind. Ultra fast Hydrocell and Rollbar technology enduse valuable seconds are saved at every moment. Racepro garments ensure nothing is left to chance on race day."

Not only do you feel fast you look great and with companies like WINSKINS printing, that will take any product you buy and print your sponsor logo on them well the 2XU suit is design to handle a lot of product placement.

Now go get the 2XU Super Elite Tri Suit and get WINSKINS to make your sponsors happy.

2008 USAT Rankings

The rankings are out and if you are a USAT member, then you can see where you placed amongst the 100,000 other members, or at least the ones that did more than 3 races.
"USA Triathlon is pleased to announce the publication of its first-ever Yearbook, designed to give members an exhaustive look back at the major events from 2007, plus a brief preview of what’s in store for 2008.

The 150-plus-page 2007 Yearbook will be replacing the popular Rankings Issue of USA Triathlon Life and will be the only publication with the full rankings list. But it will include much, much more information on the 2007 season and is sure to be a true keepsake for all USAT members."

Join the USAT today!

Chapin Runathon

Ok there are many things you can do for charity, but the Chapin Runathon is one of the best ways to earn money for charity. In the begining the kids had to go out door to door, or ask friends and family to sponsor them per mile they ran. So the incentive was to run as many miles as you could, also it was 24 hours. Time have changed and so I guess have the laws, it is not 24 hours anymore. Also the school sets up the companies that are going to donate and the miles are added up, money for charity.
Most if not all the people that participate are families and students of the school, they usually get a good turnout.

This is one of the best runs that anyone can do for a workout and it feels good because you are running with 100 of your kids closest friends and family.

Go start one at your school everyone wins.

"Runathon
The Runathon is perhaps Chapin's most cherished annual event. For more than 30 years, Chapin parents, students, faculty, trustees, alumni, and friends have come together on a Saturday in April to walk or run around the Chapin course. With individual pledges and corporate support, more than $23,000 is raised each year to benefit a local charity, selected by the Student Council, and Chapin's Financial Aid Fund The event has supported, among others, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Sunshine Foundation, United Cerebral Palsy's Camp Hollowbrook, Rainbow House, the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, the Loaves & Fishes soup kitchen, Woman Space, Habitat for Humanity, and HomeFront. The past 30 Runathons have raised a total of over $357,000. Net proceeds of the Runathon are divided equally between Chapin scholarships and a local charity."

What to ride to, Hulu.com!

OK the winter is almost up so getting out and ridding is coming, soon. Next year if HULU can hang on and go up against YouTube, spending hours on the trainer won't feel so bad. You can watch almost any show and tons of movies, for free. This is from their "about us" section.
Hulu's ambitious and never-ending mission is to help you find and enjoy the world's premium content when, where and how you want it. We hope to provide you with the web's most comprehensive selection from more than 50 content providers including FOX, NBC, MGM, Sony Pictures Television, Warner Bros., Lionsgate, and more to deliver premium programming across all genres and formats, television shows, feature films, and clips. Watch full-length episodes of current primetime TV shows such as The Simpsons and The Office the morning after they air, classics like Miami Vice and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and clips from Saturday Night Live, Nip/Tuck, and others. Hulu also offers full-length feature films like The Usual Suspects, Ice Age, Three Amigos!, and The Big Lebowski as well as clips from films such as Napoleon Dynamite, The 40 Year Old Virgin, Devil Wears Prada and many more. Hulu is free and ad-supported — available anytime in the U.S.

Hulu was founded in March 2007 and is a joint venture owned by NBC Universal and News Corp. In addition, Hulu has closed a $100 million investment from private equity firm Providence Equity Partners.

Go HULU, Go.

Go Swim! Everything about swimming, plus videos

So you wanted to learn to swim better and reading all these books does not seem to be helping you with your in water technique. Well Go Swim might be your answer. It has drills, practices and video's. Yes videos that actually help you. It is a great site. Here is a actual picture and content from GoSwim.tv,

"As Kara extends forward to initiate her stroke, her eyes are down, with most of her head showing below the surface. This is a comfortable position for Kara because it allows her body to rotate freely and sets her arm up for a great catch."

(the image is much bigger).
So if you are itching to learn how to swim better head on over to GoSwim.tv.

Xterra, coming back to the beginning

For some TRI's started by doing sprints or local events, for some Xterra's was the saving grace. Many wanted to stay in mountain biking but needed more, Xterra came at the right time. Ned Overland went from the king of Mt. Biking to the king of Xterra right out of the box. He really got many into the sport. For a good change up from the road, try some dirt.
7th Annual The King of the Hill Off-Road Triathlon
COURSE INFO:
Swim: 1/2 mile lake swim consisting of two 1/4 mile laps. Water temp 62-72 degrees. WET SUITS ARE REQUIRED!! You may bring your own brightly colored swim cap.
Bike: 12 miles on rocky paths, single track and fire roads. Camelbacks recommended- you will lose your water bottle on this ride! Helmets are required for the bike (ANSI/SNELL)
Run: 5k on rocky trails, paved roads and sandy beaches. Toboggan hill-no need to say more!
*Water available in transition area. There will be one water stop on the run.
*Wilderness Camping available at Round Valley Recreation Area. Call 908-236-6355 for details.
Registration/Check-in at 8:30am
Briefing at 9:45am
Race start at 10:00am
Course closes at 1pm

This is a family event. Very spectator friendly. Food and fun for all after the race.
*Please bring a bag of gently used spring/summer clothing and/or non-perishable food items to benefit our local charities - Norwescap Food Bank and Catholic Charities.

Green Brook Racing - Xterra