Off Season - Triton Swim Trainer

Perfect for when you can't get in the water and for the days when you just want dry land training. A swim bench is great for this, Triton Fitness has come up with one of the most ergonomically swim devices on the market;

The Triton is to swimming what a treadmill is to running. And so, efficient freestyle swim training can now be accomplished in a 'totally dry' home or health club setting. For any swimmer or triathlete, swimming is a matter of proper technique and endurance; understanding how to move your body correctly and then practicing it over and over until it becomes habit. Practicing proper swim form is the key to becoming a capable and competitive swimmer. The Triton was designed with that in mind and encourages those using it to execute a correct freestyle swim stroke. It allows swim athletes to customize their freestyle stroke paths to replicate exactly how arms move through the water during pool workouts or competition, thus taking dryland to a much higher level of neuromuscular and training benefit. A perfect swim coaching device.
Check it out! Triton Fitness

Late Season Races

Late season races can be fun and less stressful, sometimes cold but in the end rewarding. TriFind.com and Trimapper.com can help with those decisions. Now some of you will be going to Kona some may not and come September or even at this point October be winding down. You can always find a race that will satisfy you and maybe even end the season on a great note. Cool weather, nice water temp, no humidity, less crowds you can go through the list. Try a sprint if you have been training all season a sprint will be a great break from the norm should be a transition from the heavy training. Hey one more race before you pack the gear away from a couple months of needed relaxation try to get one more in, you never know it could be a PR.

Strength For Triathletes

You want to get faster not bigger, you want your body to hold out for the triathlon season, not for the beach. Many things have changed in training ones body and the sport at which you compete. Should I do high reps, low weight, high weight, low reps. Confusing as it sounds it gets tougher when you get older and start to bring in multiple sports into the fold. Strength training different from weight training can mean different things but remember you want to keep it real. Pushing a barbell up 10 times with 135 pounds is nice, a better workout would be 100 push-ups in 6 weeks, building your back, arms and stomach. Trifuel.com has this great article for triathletes, here is what research says:

1. Running economy (RE) is how efficient one is at using oxygen while running. Several studies have suggested that rate RE can be improved through weight training. One study did weight training specifically with triathletes and found that RE as well as leg strength and power was increased.
2. Plyometrics and explosive weight training may be useful for improvements in endurance athletes. Examples of plyometrics would be one foot hops, bounding and skipping to name a few. Explosive weight training would include hang cleans and push press type lifts.
3. Weight training appears to be most effective in using periodization. The weight training should match the periodization phase of the other training leading into the peak race.

100 push ups in 6 weeks

At the end of a rough season you start to think of ways to make yourself stronger for the upcoming year. You have neglected to be in the gym to put more miles in on the bike or run, well the off season is the best time to start. Push up one of the best exercises out can strengthen most of your upper body, hey maybe your gym teacher was not so crazy.

What counts as a pushup?
The palms must be at shoulder-width. The body must remain straight throughout, i.e., no bending at knees or waist. The body must be lowered until at least 90 degree-angle is attained at the elbow and the body is parralel to the ground. The body must then be raised until the arms are straight. This equals one push-up. All pushups should be made on a hard surface. This basic principle applies to all our push-up entries with minor modifications.

So doing 1 push up might be a challenge now but imagine 100, how great would that be! As with all exercises it takes time and finding time is also a challenge, well this little workout takes about 6 minutes three days a week, stick with it and in 6 weeks 100 push ups or close. For a little more incentive you could hire a Trainer, he or she will coach you through and make sure proper form is followed.
Now get going, 6 weeks will be here in no time and 100 push ups with it. Here is the complete program as a PDF link to this with your iPhone so you have it at all times for reference.

Cyclocross, off season fun and training!

THE MOST FUN YOU WILL HAVE OUTSIDE OF RIDDING YOUR TRI BIKE. Cyclocross is amazing, getting the best of both worlds, road biking with the ability to go anywhere. Mountain bike trails, fire trails, roads it is fun. If most of you hate when the season comes to the end, extend the season and get a Cyclocross bike. Races seems to start in August and run into the new year depending on your region. Means you are not stuck inside on a trainer. Here is the racing calendar and the Mercer Cup a US Grad Prix is sure to be great.

"The second weekend of the USGP of Cyclocross returns to Mercer County Park on November 16th and 17th where the racers are sure to face windy, challenging conditions and deep fields from the highly competitive Mid-Atlantic cross scene.

Once again Clif Bar will present it's Kids' Cross Clinic featuring the Clif Bar athletes at the race venue. We follow that up with a Race Number Presentation taking place at Knapp's Cyclery from 6:00pm - 9:00pm. It's a great chance to meet your favorite Pro and check out some great gear at the same time!"

If you are looking for a second training bike or even a third bike the use that a cyclocross bike will give you will extend many years. Even if you buy a second set of wheels and turn your training bike into a CX bike in the off season you will not be disappointed.

Third Eye, See What's Behind You!

Unfortunately the website is not up to the standards of 3rd-Eye product. As more and more are taking to the road whether for training or commuting, having a mirror on your bike is one of the best things that anyone could do. Problems that all mirrors have is once you move your body the mirror is out of position, a little body movement and at least you can see the truck barreling down on you.
Cheers

Laura Bennett, training for gold!

USA Triathlon has a great shot at gold if Laura Bennett is on. This video highlighting Laura's accomplishments and training for the Olympics. Watch it is inspiring.

Olympics are here, GO USA! Medal Count

The Olympics are here, this year is going to be one of the best, minus the smog and the other political crap that goes with it. Take it for what it is, great athletes competing for country and self.
Enjoy and here is the medal count.

Piranha Sports

As race organizers go Piranha Sports seems to have a good hold on how to put on races. Races are well laid out as well as nifty "state" type stickers for each race. Piranha Sports represents three states PA, NJ, and DE. So if you are in any of those locations driving to a tri is not that long 2 hours max, unless you live in Pittsburg.
There are three series that one can compete in:

Greater Atlantic Multisport Series
Greater Atlantic Club Challenge
and
Escape From School Youth Series
Hey if you are looking for races and you live in the greater Tri State Area, check out Piranha Sports I am sure you will find a race to your liking.

LifeSport, That Good!

Ok so there are a number of good if not great places that a Triathlete can get trained. You have Carmichael, who we all know trained Lance Armstrong then there is Cadence Cycling who is up an coming and doing a great job. They have been featured in Triathlete for taking a handful of athletes and getting them ready for the IronMan, Hawaii. Then there is LIFESPORTS who have some top athletes they are training/winning, which makes them a good candidate for the common athlete. So when you have a bunch to choose from how does one decide. Well do research and also look for the athletes that they have already coached, once that has been done you see that LIFESPORTS has a leg up on the competition. Lance Watson and Paul Regensburg combine their talents to provide an athlete with a great experience, from understanding each discipline to getting you in shape what ever the distance/triathlon that you choose to do.

Another factor is Cost and from the looks of things LIFESPORTS is right on par if not cheaper than most out on the market but cost should not be a driving factor, you want to get better, you have the bike the great shoes and put countless miles in the pool, well don't stop there get a good coach whether virtually or one that you see in person, this sport is not cheap get a good year of working with a coach and you will see improvement in your times and finish place.

Here is a Quote from Lisa Bently, 11-time Ironman Champ
“Lance has taught me everything that I know. He has been a tremendous coach and teacher. I totally look to Lance for guidance in my training and in balancing training and life. He truly understands the physiological aspects of training. He explains to me why the training is a certain way and what the benefit is. Believe me, when I see double run or long cycle days, I think he is crazy. But he explains the purpose. He explains how these aspects fit into the macrocycle and then I understand.

As long as I am a professional triathlete, Lance will be my coach. I still have an awful lot to learn, and he is the perfect mentor.”

You decide, better times, better finishes, better fitness or just slight improvements year to year.

THE SUPERIORITY of the HUMAN MACHINE

What More can be said. Your body is a machine that is built to be used. Sometimes hard sometimes light but all should experience the thrill of pushing the body to the limit to see how it reacts. Put aside the marketing push in the video and just take it for what it is, a great statement to what some are whiling to do given the chance.
GET OUT AND SWIM>BIKE>RUN!

Safety Riding, Kids and Adults

Well it is that time of year, vacations, bike rides with the kids, training, well you get the point, summer. During the summer it's hot and putting on the proper protection is sometimes, well, forgotten. Just remember that kids have to wear helmets and you should lead by example. Also the proper shoes, open toe shoe no, even for adults.
Just remember the simplest ride can turn into a bad ending, ruining the rest of you summer and racing schedule.
Keep it safe!

Lake George Triathlon, Sunday September 14th, 2008!

Sailing Lake George has always been one of the best places to race, the Changing of the Colors Regatta is one not to miss. So having a Triathlon there can not only be beautiful but also one of the hardest. The hills and cold lake can only make for a great tri.

The bonus they are giving away money to the winners!

Olympic/International Distance
THIS IS A USAT SANCTIONED EVENT
.9 mile swim / 24.8 mile bike / 6.2 mile run
8:30 a.m. start (new time)!!
Come join us in Beautiful Lake George, New York for our 3rd annual event.
Don’t miss upstate New York’s premier Olympic distance race!

Please note our new date and start time!
The courses will remain relatively the same with slight alterations to the swim and run. Check out the links to the left for further details.
We have a new packet pickup location – The Wingate. The Wingate is located along the run course and is just off of Exit 21. Actually, everything in Lake George is just off of Exit 21 or 22. For more details about packet pickup please see Schedule link (left).

Great technical T-shirts in your SWAG bag this year. We are also working on some other great stuff (Specialized wide mouth water bottles, Beer/soda Koozies (or cozy/cozy/cousie) and more.

Each Entrant is eligible to win a Zipp 404 Wheelset or Xterra Wetsuit, as well as other great raffle prizes!

New this year – Cash Prizes!
Overall Male & Female - 1st - $200, 2nd - $100, 3rd - $75
Masters Male & Female 1st Place Only - $125
Teams overall Male/Female/Mixed - 1st $150

Sign up now – this is a great race!
“This was one of the best run events I have ever experienced. Everything was first rate. The cooperation of the volunteers and police was more than I'd hoped for. Excellent, excellent, excellent.”

“Outstanding. Best organized tri I have attended. Most fun, best volunteers, most energy, very friendly event. The course was great, people directing traffic did an excellent job. Big white markers on the beach (Red Bull) were great to navigate back to shore.”

You Bar - Make and Name Your Own Nutrition Bar

Tired of the same old bars, think you can do better than Clif Bars or Power Bar well here is your chance. Not only can you pick your ingredients but you can name your Bar as well. You pick the base, protein powder, nuts, seed, fruits and berries, sweeteners, seasonings/chocolate, grains/cereals and infusions, best of all you get to name your bar, who know you could be the next Clif bar, remember when Power Bar was the only choice. You Never Know, just pick a clever name.

Anti Butt Irritation

Ok the logo say's it all. This new product on the market win's in funniest logo, not sure it works all that well. BodyGlide is the one that most triathletes use, easy to put on just like underarm deodorant. Now it does come in a power which BodyGlide does not, making it a little less messy, when you pull up your shorts.

"Anti Monkey Butt Powder is specially formulated to absorb excess sweat and reduce frictional skin irritation. • Ideal for butt busting activities such as truck driving, motorcycling, bicycling, horse back riding, and extreme sports. May also be applied inside footwear, under sports pads, and other areas prone to chafing. Indoors or outdoors, work or play, or on occasions when you sit on your butt all day, don’t let your buns get red, use Anti Monkey Butt Powder instead!"

You decide! Anti Monkey Butt