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…
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…
New triathletes are often told that need to “save their legs” in the swim to be ready for the bike and run. The reasoning is that the kick provides a very small percentage of total propulsion in the water, so conserving energy there will help later on in the race. While not kicking at all is a bad strategy (see The Four Functions Of Your Swim Kick on Triathlete.com), I can see where taking it easy in this department will…
The TYR Special Ops 2.0 goggles are a work of fine craftsmanship, but you will pay for it. If you’re looking for a well-made goggle that isn’t going to leak and the fit works for you, give these a try. I’ll be using these in the open water, for the sun protection they provide and the tight seal around the eyes—a leak in open water is not fun. What I love: The only way to get these goggles to leak would…
When I first got into swimming there was a lot to learn: getting side breathing down, avoiding backward propulsion while kicking, not drowning, and, the focus of this post, what NOT to wear. I had just graduated from my adult learn to swim class and joined a Masters group. One morning, before leaving home, I was packing my gym bag for the day’s workout. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find either pair of my usual swim trunks. I dug through the pile…
How many times have you been in the middle of a 500+ yard swimming set only to ask yourself, “was that just 325 yards or am I at 275?” After scouring the recesses of your mind, you most likely gave up and decided to swim another 50 just to be safe. Combined with the monotony of swimming back and forth, this might be enough to drive you a little crazy. Instead of losing your mind next time you’re at the…
The date of my first triathlon arrived a bit before my ability to perform freestyle stroke for any significant distance—dang side-breathing. Beforehand, quite a few Google searches ensued such as “can I wear a snorkel in a triathlon?” and “can I swim backstroke in a triathlon?”. After scouring through lots of forum posts, I was able to find my answers. To answer the first question, most triathlons allow the use of a snorkel (check the rules of your event), but…
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…