I hoped I could start out by saying, “I’m writing this from 35,000 feet above the Atlantic Ocean en route to Norway.” But alas, the allure of the little screen in front of me and attempted sleep were too much. So, instead, you’ll have to settle for an article written from a hotel room in Mississauga, Canada. Needless to say, I have some experience training for triathlon while traveling. I’d like to share a few tips I picked up along…
Yes, I know. I’m violating a rule even more strict than riding your bike in transition by using the words “inexpensive” and “triathlon” in the same sentence. So, if you wake up in the morning to the headline “Triathlete Stripped of 115th Place Finish in Local Race for Rule Violation” blasted all over your news feed, please know that I am doing this for you. We are sometimes asked what gift we would like for Christmas or other occasion. As…
Whoever decided that dogs are man’s best friend was not a runner. Just ask anyone who’s been running for a while if they have a dog story to tell and you’ll quickly learn why this is true. These stories tend to take on one of several different recurring themes, such as: A dog snuck up and scared the living daylights out of me with its piercing bark. I was out on a county road and was chased by what looked…
We all need a good “recovery meal” after a long triathlon training session. While you’re stuffing down your burger, fries, large Coke, milkshake, second burger, and a side salad (hey it wasn’t all unhealthy), perhaps you’d like some “recovery entertainment” to go along with it. Look no further. I’ve compiled a list of funny—and sometimes inspiring—triathlon-related YouTube videos for your enjoyment. Want to watch all the videos at once for an evening of fun and delight? Just click here to…
As triathletes, we spend hours and hours obsessing over our gear, but far too often we overlook one of the most critical pieces of equipment that, when neglected, can turn even the best race into a nightmare: our ?#@*&%! car keys. You may be wondering about my use of the colorful adjective “?#@*&%!” in describing this simple instrument used to unlock and start our vehicles. If you are, clearly you’ve never finished a race and realized that you are locked…
When my husband said someone was looking for a reviewer for their book about barefoot running, I jumped at the chance. I have been interested in foot physiology and barefoot running for a long time, but I had not yet read any books on the subject. As a stay at home mom, I’m able to go barefoot a lot, and I run in zero-drop (albeit cushy) Altras. So I was interested in what Laura Blodgett had to say in her…
Way back in 2011, I trained for and finished my first marathon. Notice that I didn’t say I ran my first marathon. At about 18.5 miles, I approached an aid station to grab a drink. As the volunteer handed me a cup of water, I fumbled it a little in my hand. The next thing I knew, without making any conscious decision on the matter, I had stopped running and began to walk. From there on out, despite a few…
Last Saturday I completed my second marathon. It had been quite a few years since my first, so I had forgotten about the “post-marathon marathon”. That second marathon starts the minute you cross the finish line and suddenly realize that you still have to get back to your car, drive home, and survive the rest of the day. So, here’s a mile by mile breakdown of the post-marathon marathon based on my experience: Mile 1: Locating and then hobbling over to…
One day last year, my wife turned to me and asked if I’d like to do a triathlon with her. There were just two problems. One, I didn’t have a bike. And two, I couldn’t really swim. Yes, I was an elite dog paddler, but actually swimming with good technique for more than 25 yards? That was far beyond me. Next thing I knew, she had me signed up for an adult learn-to-swim class and I was back in the…