FEATURES
Stuff About Going Pro...
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Sunday, 25 January 2015 00:10
ED. The MTN Guys are big fans of pro triathlete Jesse Thomas. A great athlete, a super-smart guy and a awesome writer. In this revealing article, he gives us a insider look at the lifestyle of pro triathletes.
By Jesse Thomas (triathlon.competitor.com)
Behind the curtain of the sometimes glamorous but mostly not-so-glitzy triathlon life.
When I started my professional triathlon career four years ago, I was just a snot-nosed 30-year-old with a borrowed bike, hand-me-down kit and $8 aviators. I clearly didn’t know what I was doing, or what to expect. And surprisingly, there is no “Entertainment Tonight” for triathlon. No matter how much we see of Kimye and Brangelina, nobody gives us insider access to Rimmy CarDonnell. It’s hard to know what really goes on behind the curtain of superstardom. Is it all glitz, glamour and scream-crying crazy-ass fans? How hard do you have to work? How much money can you make? When does Letterman call? ...
Active Recovery Stuff...
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Saturday, 24 January 2015 00:10
By Sara McLarty (triathlon.competitor.com)
Swimming slow on the recovery portion of a set is very important. “Active recovery,” or exercising at less than 30 percent of maximum intensity, allows the body to lower the heart rate slowly while assisting blood circulation in the removal of lactic acid. Athletes typically feel better after an active recovery, versus just staying in place, when asked to perform another high-intensity effort.
In the swimming world, active recovery is common in two places: between each effort in a sprint set or after the completion of a difficult set. In both cases, it benefits the swimmer to do the 25–100 yards in a recovery zone. Do not focus on the clock or think about pace. Instead, focus on an aspect of stroke technique or choose a drill that will force slow and easy recovery....
Going Amateur...
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Friday, 23 January 2015 00:10
By Devon Palmer (palmertri.wordpress.com)
I am very excited to announce that for the 2015 triathlon season I will be taking a big step forward and racing as an amateur! This is a huge move and a major decision and something that I am confident will impact the sporting world from top to bottom. I am leaving behind the rough and tumble rodeo of professional racing for the glitz and glamor of amateurism. Am I ready to race in the big leagues? After spending five years developing in the salt mines of pro racing I know I am crusty enough to finally bark with any of the big dog age groupers out there. Why make the leap now? It’s my time.
How does this affect you, an avid blog reader? Well let’s break down some frequently asked questions.
Will you still do triathlons? Yes. Still training, still racing. My best is yet to come in Ironman and I have several goals left to accomplish. In 2015 I will race one or two Ironmans and many of Minnesota’s fantastic events....
Ruther Goes to Camp...
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Thursday, 22 January 2015 00:10
By Ruth Brennan Morrey (ruthbrennanmorrey.com)
The New Year kicked off with Magnolia Master’s pro triathlete swim camp in the Woodlands, Texas. The camp continues through the month of January, however, a nine-day stint from January 1st-9th was already quite a stretch from being away from my three kids.
Pre-trip: As parents well know, any trip that the mom (aka Default Parent) leaves the house for an extended period of time, thousands if not millions of detailed tasks need to be completed so that the household can function on all cylinders. Childcare covered, fridge stocked, laundry done, school notes noted, house cleaned, lists made, 3 kid schedules devised and revised, reminders given, and carpools planned, were among the tasks. When I arrived at the airport, I realized in a panic that I forgot something critical so quickly texted my highly competent husband: “Remember to bathe the kids.” Mark hugely stepped up to the plate and I fully realized that, yes, the family CAN survive without me.…short term. The planning took several weeks to nail down, but mission....
Treadmill or Elliptical?
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Tuesday, 20 January 2015 00:10
By Dan Empfield (slowtwitch.com)
Treadmills are much more popular than elliptical machines for Slowtwitchers, and why wouldn't they be? Triathletes run, bike and swim. When they need to mimic cycling while not cycling they most often choose stationary trainers. Then they want to mimic running they choose treadmills. Makes sense.
Half of all Slowtwitchers either own a treadmill or are planning to get one. Almost no Slowtwitchers intend to buy an elliptical and very few have them now. But there is a case for an elliptical machine, especially if your ambition for run training exceeds your body's capacity to maintain such training without soreness and injury.
If you want to run a lot of miles – the annual 100/100 Challenge is ongoing right now, with north of 500 Slowtwitchers officially taking part – that's a lot of running. It's certain that many or most participants will end up with sore legs if not some niggling pain and injuries. How do you keep up your running, or at least your run fitness, while minimizing the strain that's causing the injury? ...
