The Triathlon Experts

Everyone knows that the triathlon swim is the most overlooked aspect of triathlon training for the majority of athletes. I remember mostly ignoring proper swimming training for my first triathlon…resulting in an upleasant experience of back stroking, swallowing reservoir water, and being one of the last people out of the water.

Since then, I have looked for inexpensive and quality resources for improving my triathlon swimming…and have found an excellent resource. Triathlon coach Kevin Koskella has put together a comprehensive triathlon swim training program called “The Complete Guide to Triathlon Swimming”. This is truly a guide for the “rest of us” and sells it for a meager $37 with a money back guarantee.

I spend more on a good pair of bike shorts, and they never fit right anyway. :) I would suggest that you take a look at his program here and invest the minimal cash to greatly improve your swimming today.

Dramatically Improve Your Triathlon Experience

We all have different reasons for doing triathlons. Some are highly competitive, some love all the preparation and gear, and some are doing their first triathlon to expand their sense of self-limits. Whatever the reason, starting the event day off on the right foot sets the tone for the whole race.

Speaking from experience, there is a huge difference between being nervous and worried about the triathlon swim leg - and being relaxed, composed and eagerly looking forward to the first leg.

For some, the swim is the “downer” part of the triathlon. But for others, after successfully applying strategic swim training techniques, the swim is eagerly anticipated, enjoyed and a “strength” of their racing strategy.

Making Friends with the Triathlon Swim

I like how All-American swimmner and coach Kevin Koskella approaches the idea of the triathlon swim leg - by “befriending” it in your training, instead of battling the dragon - as other approaches suggest. He rejects the “No Pain, No Gain” philosophies of youth for pursuing graceful efficiency with less effort.

Makes sense to me. I have never gotten anywhere significant by overtraining, overpowering or “hurting” my way through anything.

He also gives you plenty of coaching for dealing with the mental aspects of the triathlon swim, including overcoming pre-race anxiety. We all know how significant our mental state is in this sport. Anything that can calm our nerves will translate to better performance and more enjoyment!

A Very Comprehensive Program for a Few Bucks

Kevin delivers a full and comprehensive program plus a bunch of bonus e-books for the nominal fee of $37 at his website. I won’t go into more details, because he explains it well on the site. Check it out and let us know how it goes for you by commenting on this article

Knowing what coaching time can cost at the gym (usually from an amateur employee), I think this is a real steal and could be just the secret weapon training tool you have been looking for all this time. And it you don’t like it, he will refund your investment. Nothing to lose there. Enjoy!

So you have convinced yourself that triathlons are for you, but you have a “real” life like the rest of us with a busy career, family to tend to, and a minimal amount of training time. Unless you make a living as a professional triathlete, you will have to decide how to best use your training time to get the most out of your triathlons.

Being a triathlete in the old days…meaning a couple of decades ago - meant that you were a lonely road warrior in a fringe sport that many predicted would never catch hold. Well, thanks to the fitness boom, triathlons have become quite popular and thus many different training approaches, coaches and team methods have emerged.

This is good news for you - the aspiring triathlete - is that you have several options for training environments and coaching these days.

Training for Triathlons Alone - The Simplest Option

As a busy guy, my personal preference is to train alone for the most part. This is how many people train “under the radar” and continue to meet their life obligations while getting a minimal amount of training done.

I admit that you need a lot of motivation to get out there every day, but the reward is that you did it all yourself and still managed to hold down a life. This method works well if you are training at a moderate intensity for a relatively short duration. As the days go on, it can be hard to stay motivated by yourself.

You should utilize any training tools to keep yourself motivated. I like mixing my outdoor training with indoor club training (spinning, weights, swimming) to get some exposure to other humans once in a while.

We also recommend using any training tools to keep you focused (and mentally occupied), like GPS running watches, heart rate monitors, and a good MP3 player, like and iPod to give you some companionship.

The Benefits of Triathlon Training in Small Groups

The next step in socialization for triathletes is training with a partner or a small dedicated group of aspiring triathletes. We would recommend this option if it is difficult to stay motivated for those early morning sessions or long rides.

The biggest benefit of a partner or group is that they will push you further than you can go by yourself…no question. Additionally, it can be much more enjoyable to share your training experience with others…instead of always living inside your own mind. A little community is not a bad thing.

The downside is that you are more at the mercy of the schedules, complaints and quirks of your training partners - so choose them well!

Triathlon Graduate School - The Multisport Team

So, have you have outgrown your training partners and are looking for a real training challenge? Signing up for a multisport team is a sure recipe to improving your triathlon game, but there is a cost - both in money (sometimes) and pain!

Multisport teams are usually geared toward peak performance training and specific events. There are more “relaxed” teams out there, but we guarantee they will push your limits. You need to be ready to conform to the team’s schedule as well.

We think that the multisport teams have their place in triathlon training, especially for individuals who are serious about performance and results. On the downside, they can become a little “clicky” and sometimes downright ultra-competitive. If you are a casual triathlete, teams may drive you crazy.

This article should give you a good idea of the options available for approaching your triathlon training. The next step will be either buying or building your detailed training plans. More on that to come. See you on the course!

Summer cycling is in full swing for triathletes - and others who just love to ride the roads and the trails. Every year, I ponder what kind of upgrades and gear that I want to add to my bikes. Since I am not a rich man, I usually head for my two favorite bike catalogs…Performance Bike and Bike Nashbar.

I always feel like a kid when I see either a Performance Bike or Bike Nashbar catalog in the mail. Even if I do not need any parts, I always enjoy browsing the catalogs to see what new products have come on the market that I can strap onto my bikes. They usually have a good sale with the catalog as well…so I am usually on the Web placing some kind of order a few times a year.

Bike Parts Industry Domination = Cheaper Parts for Us

If I didn’t know better, I would think these two companies are the same company - but what makes them seem similar is their extreme price competition with each other. Performance and Nashbar compete in the “discount” bike parts marketplace…much to the disliking of local bike shops (LBSs). Although I like to give the LBSs some of my business, I am convinced that they can’t match the catalog prices and stay in business.

Now, if you are more of a purist and demand the top-level parts and components, Performance Bike and Bike Nashbar may seem a little pedestrian…but they do sell top brands and top-level components as well. So, don’t stick your nose up too soon without a look, unless you just have too much money and need to get rid of it!

Great Deals, Cheap Shipping and Easy Returns

Being able to return that component after you have breached the packaging is one of the great pleasures of being an American…in my opinion. I love knowing that I can check a product out on the vendor’s tab, before committing to keeping it. With the big players, like Performance Bike and Bike Nashbar, I have never had an issue returning something - as long as it has not been “used”. Try that at a small catalog, and you may be keeping that product forever.

My experience with both companies is that their service and returns policies are generous. Additionally, the shipping costs are pretty minimal. Combine this with great deals and you will see that you can get a whole box of bike parts for the price of one component at a local bike shop.

Go forth and shop! Just remember to give some business to the local bike shops…since they are great to have around and provide tremendous support to local events and the triathlon community.

It is no surprise that many triathletes and spectators see XTERRA off road triathlon racing as an event for the borderline mentally insane…especially when watching the TV footage from the mountain biking leg of the XTERRA triathlon.

I will not completely disagree that we triathletes are insane, but know that you can apply good training and strategy to improve the chances of success and to decrease your chances of crash injury. First, learning how to ride a mountain bike properly is a must. A good training guide to start with is Blair Thorne’s Mountain Bike Guide . Check this material out.

XTERRA events add the challenge of nature’s unpredictability to an already difficult sport. We want to provide you with some tools for ensuring that you come out on top of the heap, instead of ending up on the bottom of the crash pile. Read the rest of this entry »

Because triathlons as competitive as they are today, it is no secret that there is a surge of amateur athletes who are leveraging the GPS watch technology of the professional triathletes to make their training and racing more enjoyable and satisfying.

As an very amateur triathlete, I am very excited about the potential of using a GPS watch to help me get through the endless running, swimming and cycling training sessions as well as improving my racing experiences.

My GPS Watch is My Personal Triathlon Coach

Many amateur and pro triathletes keep a written log of their training and racing events to track their progress and plan for the next efforts. I have always found this a tedious process and would rather just be out there training.

Instead of spending all of that time writing, a GPS watch can be used to log your distance, heart rate information, and other valuable training data - automatically! Let’s see what a GPS watch can do to help you understand your training and racing metrics.

See Your Results in Real Time with a GPS Watch

As you know, anyone who has ever trained for and competed in a triathlon knows the challenging and lengthy amount of preparation, coordination and dedication that goes on for months. If you do not get the chance to see the fruits of your labor frequently, you could slowly lose motivation.

Additionally, training for a triathlon of any distance is such a significant undertaking, we definitely need to see the results of our hard work. The BPS watch can paint that clear picture of your progress with little effort on your behalf.

There is a Reason that Elite Triathletes Use GPS Watches

Professional triathletes have taken a lesson from the adventure racers and recognized the value of having an electronic training parter helping them acheive their desired success. Not surprising, since elite athletes are usually looking for anything that will give them the edge at any cost.

Elite athletes are usually training and racing at the boundaries of human performance, and thus make great candidates for applying leading and the technology eventually gets down the the rest of us. GPS watches give them a clear view into how they are performing in racing and training at any moment.

For Under $100, You Can Have a GPS Watch

Whether you are a slow poke elephant in the back of the pack or a fast-footed gazelle in the front, you could certainly benefit from using a GPS watch to enhance both your triathlon training and racing efforts.

With an entry level price of less than $100, a GPS watch should be a no brainer (consider what your fancy triathlon bike costs…). I am confident that you will find that a GPS watch will add a whole new dimension to your triathlon training and racing. Go for it!

I can clearly remember when I had became inspired to train for an complete my first triathlon. I would have to say it was one of the best moments of my life, and can be for you tool.

The fact that you are reading this article means that you are probably toying with the idea that doing a triathlon might be possible for you. Hold that thought, because this site is all about getting you to the finish.

If you are feeling a bit timid on the idea, let me tell you - if you can swim a bit, ride a bike (most children can), and jog around the neighborhood you can do it. With a little planning, training, and enthusiasm, you will be well on your way.

Five Key Steps to Get Started with Your First Triathlon

Getting started on the right foot (so to speak) is very important to your success. To point you in the right direction, here are five good guidelines and starting points to get you pointed in the right direction. This is where I would start my exciting triathlon adventure!

1. Devise Your Triathlon Training Plan
   Since the triathlon event is a demanding and slightly complicated endevour, I would suggest you spend a little time up front thinking about how to execute this adventure. I think the best place to start is to drop a couple of bucks and get a solid training plan. Many great coaches make a living by putting together success plans that can buy for a nominal fee.
2. Find a Good Place To Train
   I have always liked doing my basic training at a health club that has a pool. Since I am a busy person, I need to get in and get out as quickly as possible. When you have more time (like weekends), definitely get out on your bike and on the road or trail for real-world running. Some people have an open water area to swim, but the pool is usually the cleanest and easiest way to get your basic swimming training completed.
3. Assemble a Triathlon Bike (whatever you can get)
   Despite what you see on TV and the magazines, you do not need a super-charged carbon fiber triathlon bike to complete your first event. In fact, you can use any sort of bike to get the job done. I did my first triathlon on a clunky mountain bike and it was just fine. You can get into the high-tech gear game later - and the worse your gear now, the more you will appreciate new gear later!
4. Register for the Event Early
   Yes, although it is tempting, do not wait until the week before the event to sign up. First, you may find that the event you have worked so hard in preparation for has filled to capacity. That would be devastating! Second, I have noticed that when you sign up and pay the entry fee, you “commit” on a certain level - and it makes sticking to the training easier.
5. Start Training in Small Amounts
   The funny thing about inspiration is that it comes on very fast and can slowly peter out when you push it too much from the start. With triathlon training, it is best to ease into it by only allowing yourself to do short sessions of running, biking and swimming. I have noticed that if I leave the gym wanting more, then I am more enthusiastic to come back and completely avoid injury. You can ramp up your training after you let you body get used to the new stresses.

So, now you have a few tips and guidelines for getting started. These are not just random thoughts, but lessons learned the hard way. I think that the goal of your first triathlon is to have a great adventurous experience, improve the overall fitness of your body, and to fall in love with the sport for a lifetime. If you take it nice and easy, these great gifts will naturally come to you. Enjoy!