ironman

Up for the Challenge? Challenge USA Triathlon Comes to Our Training Playground

In the past, Atlantic City, NJ has marketed itself with the slogan “America’s Playground.” While for many, this conjures images of the blackjack tables and the beach, the playground takes on a new meaning as the Challenge USA Triathlon has selected Atlantic City, NJ as the location for its inaugural event. Now, Atlantic City will[…]

First Time Ironman: 2013 Ironman Coeur d’Alene Race Report

Note: The following is a race report from one of our athletes, Mike Shaffer, who competed in his first-ever Ironman triathlon at 2013 Ironman Coeur d’Alene, which took place on June 23. Not only was this Mike’s first Ironman, it was also his second triathlon ever. Mike put the work in, and got the results.[…]

The Road Noise Vest: Music + Safety = Endurance Athlete’s Best Friend

[Note: Road Noise provided John and I with road noise vests for our review. We agreed to review the vests and provide our honest assessment.] After months of riding indoors, the weather broke two weekends ago for a slight instant – just long enough for a 4-hour outside jaunt. Outside, people! It’s been an especially[…]

Some Basics of Threshold Testing for Swimming, Cycling & Running

Many of us have come to recognize fitness or threshold testing as 20-60 minutes of pure burning hell. It typically involves a lot of drooling, cussing, burning sensations, and squirrely-feeling body parts. For some, vomit may be involved. These assessments are not simply meant as terrible torture devices. They provide important information regarding our functional[…]

It’s not just about the scale: Race weight, body composition and your best performance

If you care about getting faster, chances are you also care about how much you weigh. And, that’s with good reason. Weight plays a key role in our performance as runners and cyclists. Some studies have shown that each additional pound has the potential to slow runners down by as much as 3 seconds per[…]

Mental Fitness Part 3: Mental Toughness Strategies for Training & Racing

In our third and final part of the the mental fitness series, we look at some specific mental toughness strategies you can use in training and racing.  Part one looked the role of our motivations, while part two considered the ways in which our thoughts influence our behaviors. In this part, we look at how[…]

Mental Fitness Part 2: The Central Governor & Self-Efficacy

In the first segment of this 3-part series of mental fitness, we discussed the role of motivation in endurance sport. But, motivation is only one part of mental toughness and fitness. In this post, we look at the ways in which our mind can help or hinder our physical performance.  No doubt many of you have set significant[…]

Mental Fitness Part 1: What motivates you?

“It is the brain, not the heart or lungs, that is the critical organ; it’s the brain” ~Sir Roger Bannister In a previous post, we talked about developing and writing goals for the coming season. While physical training is an important part of achieving these goals, it is just one element to achieving your season goals.[…]

Am I ready to go the distance? 4 Areas to consider before you sign up for your first Ironman Triathlon

There is a progression of goals in triathlon that usually revolves around two questions: How fast can I go? How far can I go? Since we’ve covered the first question in a previous post, let’s think about the second question, specifically as it relates to an ironman triathlon. If you are a triathlete, this question is[…]

How frequently can I race? 6 tips for setting up your race calendar

There can be no doubt about it: Racing is fun. And, like most things we enjoy: we want to do it. A. Lot. But, as with all things in life, moderation can be important. Too much racing can wind up being not much fun at all, leading to lackluster performance, burnout, and even injury. None[…]

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