HeadStrong Posture Trainer, Simple & Perfect!

So many different techniques to get the body in alignment while swimming, do this drill, try this method, etc.. 

Headstrong™ was invented to help athletes achieve their maximum potential while swimming. It gives insight to proper head position and aids in the correction of total body posture. Headstrong™ is a training tool like fins, paddles, or buoys... designed to aid in the development of your skill level.
With its patent pending technology, Headstrong™ delivers continuous "real-time" feedback while you train. With this innovative training device, you now have the unique ability to easily correct your head position leading to a more efficient stroke. Headstrong™ is made of HDPE which is chlorine resistant and UV resistant. Headstrong™ works for all types of swimming techniques - Freestyle, Breast or Butterfly stroke. Swimmers can also wear the device to provide a focal point... which is especially helpful for doing the backstroke. It was developed for male and female triathletes and swimmers training at any skill level. It's design uses "range-of-motion" to alert athletes of their head position and is completely undetectable to the swimmer until head position exceeds the recommended posture range. Headstrong™ took years of conceptual thinking, research, development and testing to perfect. Headstrong™ is a "one-of-a-kind" tool designed for swimmers, by swimmers. We are excited to be able to offer you the latest in swim training. Our goal is to help athletes become better athletes. Start getting the results you are searching for.
HeadStrong posture Trainer

CrossFit, Ironman Meets the California Bear!

Crossfit is many things to many different people, the one thing that stands out story after story is the ones about broken athletes. Yes they know how to train, which helps them not get injured, but doing CrossFit to re-build themselves is amazing, going from unable to move or compete to a functional and competitive athlete again!

In 1985, Chris Hinshaw finished the Ironman in second place, and at the peak of his career, he was one of the best triathletes in the world. But years of endurance training left him brittle and barely functional.

Today, at 50 years old, Hinshaw runs a 4:58 mile.

“The only thing that I’m doing differently is adding CrossFit. That’s it,” he says. “I’m not only functional, I can do things that I could never have imagined myself doing even back when I was a triathlete, back when I was one of the best in the world at it.”

Hinshaw trains at NorCal CrossFit, home of Jason Khalipa, who placed second at this year’s CrossFit Games. Khalipa credits Hinshaw with helping him get to the podium.

“He’s just like the Rich Froning of running to me,” Khalipa says of Hinshaw.

For his part, Hinshaw has equally complimentary words for the 2008 Games champion.

“Look at him,” he says as Khalipa begins a track workout. “This is his fifth mile. Fifth mile. Jason Khalipa, 220-lb. man, sub-six-minute pace.”

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Bike Frame Build, Price $-$$$$

from Gear Patrol

For a long time options for buying a bike were limited to what was at the local shop, which was a roll of the dice in terms of selection and service. In many ways, the manufacturer-distributor business model is antiquated and direct-to-consumer sales are the way forward. With e-commerce consumers have limitless information available at a mouse click. What does this mean for the bike buyer? You have options.

Purchasing a bike online used to be nigh impossible, but sites like Competitive Cyclist and Wrench Science are making it easy and worthwhile to get a high-quality ride off the web. However, if you’re in the market for a performance bike, it’s still expensive. Luckily e-commerce has also allowed for inclined customers to buy individual components. The wonders of a global marketplace also mean that in some instances you can buy components online from reputable European shops for less than your local bike shop can get them wholesale.

This availability opens the door for a bike purchasing option that didn’t really exist until the last 10 years: riders can now build their bike piecemeal, purchasing each individual component either new from online retailers or used from auction sites and classifieds. The result is a bike that can be built entirely outside of the bike shop system and that can be tailor-made to fit your specific wants and needs. That’s a recipe for high quality at low cost — so long as you know what you’re looking for.

With the experience of working in a bike shop under my belt and a good idea of what type of bike I wanted, I decided to try the “internet bike build” myself. With a budget of $2,000 I set out to best some of the similarly priced complete bikes for sale at the local shop.

Steps...

Sub 2 Hour Marathon!

Is the sub-2 hour marathon imminent?  Don't hold your breath!
From Science of Sport!

Yesterday Wilson Kipsang took 15 seconds off the marathon world record, running 2:03:23.  It triggered, as it always does, talk of how close they are to breaking the two-hour barrier.  But that's very, very premature.  For reasons of physiology, performance evolution, and the inter-connectedness of performances from 10km to the marathon, we are a long, long way from going under two hours. 

It's not the same as for you or I, who find ourselves a few minutes outside a barrier, and know that six months of hard training and a good day will break it.  This is a world where the margins are tiny - that's why we can look at the pacing strategy and the splits and comment that perhaps it was a little too fast in sections, when in reality, "too fast" means 1 second per kilometer, accumulated over 20 minutes!  The precision of the physiology to run a 2:03 is extra-ordinary.

So consider for instance the progression.  In the modern era, catalyzed by da Costa's breaking of Dinsamo's 1988 record, the improvements in the record are as follows:
23 seconds, 4 seconds, 43 seconds, 29 seconds, 27 seconds, 21 seconds, 15 seconds.

This record is not going to be "smashed" by anyone.  Anything greater than 20 seconds is a big improvement. 
More...

Running Injury Free, Success, Secrets, Be Patient!

From Jason Fitzgerald is a 2:39 marathoner and USATF-certified running coach at Strength Running. Get his latest coaching advice and free injury prevention course here.

It isn't hard to get started running, but once you get into the swing of things, it's easy to injure yourself or ignore little things that make you a lot better. Running coach Jason Fitzgerald shares some of his secrets.

Hindsight is 20/20. As I look back on nearly 13 years of competitive racing, I want to change a lot of my past training. I made a lot of mistakes—small decisions that resulted in an injury, a poor race, or missing half a year of running.P

Many of my injuries can be attributed to impatience and a feeling of invincibility. I refused to reduce a training run by a few miles and I skipped the strength exercises. My carelessness showed with my constant battle with injuries. Achilles tendonitis, lower back pain, ITBS, shin splints, quadriceps strains – I had it all (with the exception of a knee injury, knock on wood!).P

No longer. These days, I’m fanatical about the little things and it’s paying off: I haven’t had a major injury since 2009! As I’m writing this, it’s been over two months since my last day off. I’m on track to run over 3,700 miles in 2011. That’s over 20% more than 2010.P

I want you to learn from my mistakes so you can be the best runner possible. “Do as I say, not as I do” seems appropriate for this post. Without further ado, below are the 7 things I wish I knew when I started running.P

Success in Distance Running Takes TimeP

A lot of time. Greg McMillan tells his elite runners that it takes 2-3 years to start seeing their potential. This amount of time is on top of their high school and college running years—so it’s really about 10 years. Distance running success is about consistency and a gradual, yet progressive, pattern of training.P

One of my previous problems is that I jumped from 40 miles per week to 70 in three months. I got hurt. After six months at 60 miles per week, I tried to jump to 90 miles per week. I got hurt. I disregarded the basics of gradual training. Be patient and recognize that modest increases in mileage done over a long period of time will have you running fast over the long-term. There are no shortcuts.P

Runners Don’t Just RunP

I used to think I only needed running to be fast. I thought I just needed a strong heart and powerful lungs. I never did core exercises, rarely did drills, and avoided the weight room entirely. That was a huge mistake.P

Being athletically well-rounded and coordinated helps you prevent injuries and run more efficiently, which corresponds to long-term consistent training. I’ve talked a lot about this recently, so I won’t beat a dead horse. Check back on some recent posts if you missed them:P

• Developing Running Coordination and AthleticismP
• Inefficient Movement PatternsP
• Creating More Holistic Training

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Brand New Tri Bikes @ $3000, Sweet!

The price is coming down and to get a sweet Carbon bike for 3k is amazing. Well that is the news at Interbike.

Three thousand dollars is a sweet spot for triathlon bikes. There are plenty of excellent bikes for less money and a few better ones at higher price points, but $3,000 is the figure that often includes all of the most important features and few of the superfluous ones, making many bikes at this price a good value. These are the tri bikes on display at Interbike at this important price point. Many tri bikes, however, are not on display at the show and as a result this is not a definitive list. Triathlete

Leather, Simple, Technology Holder, Hard Graft

These are beautiful, simple, well thought out, leather and yes expensive. Really $109, cashing in on the iPhone revolution. Price withstanding these wallets are perfect and since Apple stopped shipping the holder with phones a while back well I guess you get two for one.

Hard Graft

Put your iPhone in the case, pull the rope to close and wrap it round to fix. But that's not all, this iPhone case also transforms into the perfect stand so you can use your iPhone as a bedside alarm clock, music or movie player. The marl grey rope closure does all the clever work. We put a lot of thought and design into this closure and we think it is pretty ingenuious (* saying whilst proudly patting our backs). Maybe this could be the perfect start to your hard graft addiction and in case you are already hooked: No need for words, just look at the photos...

Measures 7cm x 14cm. Fits iPhone 5, iPhone 5s & iPhone 5c.

Trail Running

From Gear Patrol

As running continues to grow in popularity both in the US and worldwide, so too do the variations on it. Marathons, ultra marathons, team relays, obstacle course races, and costumed 5ks are just a few examples. There truly is a run for anyone. One of the simplest and probably the oldest variations is heading into the woods for some trail running. Ever since human beings started walking around on two feet, we’ve been trail running, well before cobblestones and asphalt made permanent paths for us to follow. Getting out into nature and doing something we were arguably born to do can be a welcome respite from the modern world and a chance to connect with nature in a very primal way.
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Top Tips on How to Become a Natural Swimmer

TriFuel.com 

The most important skill a swimmer can develop is body awareness in the water. Swimming is not natural for humans. When we dive into a pool we lose all sense of coordination and balance. Moreover, we are asked “not to breath,” which goes against everything we have done since we came out of the womb. Consequently, swimming, except for a rare few of us, is not second nature and feels unnatural. The key to swimming well therefore is to make it natural, but how? Over the next three weeks I am going to be giving you my top tips on how to become a natural swimmer.

The first thing a swimmer can do to make the water feel natural is simple: just get in the water. The more time you spend in the water the more your body will adjust to it and, more importantly, the more you become aware of your body and what its doing in the water. Proprioceptive awareness or “body awareness” is critical. You have to know where your hand enters; it crossing over or too deep a catch? What about your lower body? Is it fish tailing as you twist your hips? Are your toes kissing each other or do you scissor kick each stroke? All these questions are important to ask and know as you swim. When you can not only answer them but also feel the answers then swimming is becoming more natural.

Bike Fit, Going To Get Confusing!

Ok, from what I can tell from this series of article from SlowTwitch things are going to get complicated.

With too much choice comes confusion and paralysis, because there’s too much to know and learn in order to make an informed decision. In the world of bike fit choice is about to expand, and those not paying attention will awake one day to find the sheer number of options daunting, with the question of what bike fit system to patronize virtually unknowable.
Read more...

New EnergyNR, Yup Newton Running Has Done It Again!

Here at Newton, we’ve always taken pride in designing shoes that help runners find a more natural running posture and discover what it feels like to run more efficiently. The new EnergyNR, which we released last week, does just that. New design features allow you to step right into the shoe and effortlessly familiarize yourself with the benefits of Newton Running. “Our goal is always to look for ways to expand the Newton experience to a broader group of runners, and the EnergyNR offers similar functionality and ride to all of our products, but in a more conventional design package,” says Newton Running co-founder Danny Abshire. “Runners who are new to the brand and loyal Newtonites alike will truly enjoy the lightweight and responsive ride that the EnergyNR offers.” Whereas most running shoe brands place their cushioning technology in the heel of the shoe, our trademark impact-reducing lugs are located under the forefoot, which we believe to be the ideal first point of contact with the ground during the run gait cycle. So what makes the EnergyNR so different from other Newton Running shoes? To start, it features second-generation Action/ReactionTM technology in the forefoot. Originally offered only in our racing shoes, the more streamlined design employs five low-profile forefoot lugs that provide superior impact-zone cushioning and a smooth, stable ride. Similarly, the lightweight EnergyNR (weighing just 9 ounces for men and 7 ounces for women) has a heel-to-toe drop of 6 mm, which we found to be the ideal angle for supporting a balanced posture, affording the shoe both the accessibility of a traditional running shoe and the unique functionality of the Newton line. Designed to enhance the running experience for runners of all types, the lightweight, breathable mesh upper of the EnergyNR has a spacious toebox that provides ample room for toes to splay, while midfoot overlays provide a secure fit. Don’t take it from us though! The best way to experience the benefits of the newest addition to the Newton family is to step into a pair today and take a test drive in the brand new EnergyNR shoes from Newton Running!

Perfect After Triathlon Meal! DogFish Hard Tack Chowder

So the summer starts to wrap up, I know we are not even close, but might as well get stocked up. Cold swim, run or bike and this will certainly warm you soul and spirit.
Saltwater is in Dogfish's DNA. Our fondness for the sea comes from Maine (we're named after a small peninsula off Southport Island, after all) and our coastal Delaware home, and thanks to the help of our Delmarva neighbors Sea Watch International -- a family-owned clam harvester -- we've deepened our connection to the sea with Dogfish Head Hard-Tack Chowder.
Based on a recipe from Herman Melville’s classic American novel "Moby Dick," and infused with 60 Minute IPA, is brought to life with 8 ounces of half-and-half and 3 ounces of your favorite brown ale. Palo Santo Marron and Indian Brown come to mind.
Ishmael would be proud.
Beer pairings: Indian Brown Ale, 90 Minute IPA
BUY $4

Bike Doctor App!

Have you ever wanted to maintain your bike yourself?

Bike Doctor 2.0 has been created to make bicycle maintenance as simple as possible.

Not everyone is a technically minded bike mechanic. Sometimes, reading the instructions for a bike repair, it can feel that way. That's why we've designed Bike Doctor to be as easy to follow as possible. Making it suitable even for a complete beginner. It is an app I wish I had available to me, when I first started cycling.

Using the step by step instructions you will:
◆ Save money on bike shop repairs (Even a simple puncture repair in a bike shop costs upwards of $15)
◆ Know how to detect problems 
◆ Repair any issues that arise, such as squeaks and poor performance
◆ Learn how to safety check your bike to be sure it is always ready to ride
◆ Keep your bike running smoothly for years to come

Inside the Bike Doctor app you'll discover:
◆ How to repair and prevent punctures
◆ How to detect if your brake pads are worn out and replace them (Including Disk Brakes)
◆ How to clean your bike
◆ How to lubricate your bike
◆ The 7 rookie bicycle maintenance mistakes you should avoid
◆ How to adjust your headset
◆ How to wrap handlebar tape
◆ How to adjust your gears
◆ How to true a bicycle wheel
◆ How to fit a new chain and rear cassette(A very common yearly repair!)
◆ How to bleed disk brakes
◆ How to remove and replace a bottom bracket
◆ How to replace brake and gear cables
◆ And that's just scratching the surface! We've got all the most common repairs in the app and we're constantly asking for feedback from users of our app to discover what repairs they would like added - and then adding these in.

Bike Doctor 2.0 is the new version of the original best-selling Bike Doctor. The original version has been downloaded over 10,000 times and received coverage in some of the most popular cycling magazines including Bicycling and Cycling Plus. 

The Bicycle is the ultimate in independence - learn how to keep yours maintained and in tip-top condition to insure it is always ready to get you to your destination!

Here are some of the many 5 star reviews we've received:
"I'm over the moon with this app I read somewhere about truing wheels and it said don't bother unless you are a pro, but I've just sorted my wheels out a treat. The app paid for itself straight away."
"Great app, worth every penny saved money on a service already !!!!"
"This is a good App for the keen cyclist, as a Cytech technician I recommend this App."
"Excellent application with some nice clear photos. Explanations are concise but personal, the writer has a passion for cycling and it shows, which makes for a refreshing experience."
"Very comprehensive explanations, great photos, easy to use."

Bike Doctor has been created by Andreas Kambanis of London's most popular cycling blog: londoncyclist.co.uk.

For a video of the Bike Doctor App in action please head to bikedoctorapp.com

Fittest Cities in America

Want to live with healthy, active people?

If you’re looking for a healthy place to live, Minneapolis-St. Paul is probably a good choice. Despite heavy snow in the winter, it has a relatively high level of exercise--76% of people say they worked out in the last 30 days--and a high number of sports facilities (including the highest number of baseball diamonds per capita: 5.1 per 10,000 people).

The 10 fittest cities:
• Minneapolis-St. Paul
• Washington D.C
• Portland, Oregon
• San Francisco
• Denver
• Boston
• Sacramento, California
• Seattle
• Hartford, Connecticut
• San Jose, California.

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Best Triathlon Gear: 15 Essentials - Gear Patrol

Another from Gear Patrol The only thing that needs to change is the running shoes, they should be Newton Running http://www.newtonrunning.com/shop/men-running-shoes/distance-lightweight-performance-trainer.