Carrie Jesse, a USAT certified Triathlon coach & US Masters Swimming coach, contributed this article. Carrie specializes in helping beginner athletes conquer the open swim.
I admit it. When the outside temperature rests in single digits for multiple days in a row, the last thing I want to do is jump into a pool. Even when the pool is inside, heated, and a hot tub is readily available, I can’t quite commit to leaving my warm bed for an early morning swim.
The age-old question for any committed athlete, "when"? It is NEVER EVER "IF". It is always when.
Successful executive age-groupers have figured out how to fit their training into a 60+ hour work week. What is the trick? We explored the topic years ago in this post, and we detailed a training plan for a Half Ironman Triathlon.
Editor’s note: This blog was contributed by Joel Ankeny, a fifth generation bike racer. He has notched two top 5 finishes in the Nightmare Tour of Lancaster County, completed a double century (200 miles), and most recently placed 4th in the 2010/11 Mid-Atlantic Cyclocross Regional Championship B race. (Picture to right courtesy of Joe Mallis)
Tamara Turkisher contributed this blog. She is an insurance agent, dog lover, foodie and exercise enthusiast.
From Yoga to Bootcamp
I workout religiously and I like routine. My “normal” 6 days a week sweat extravaganza includes a Hot Vinyasa Flow Class, and/or a Yoga Sculpt Class (heated Yoga combined with Weight Training and Cardio), and/or Barry’s Bootcamp, which is a combination of Cardio/Treadmill intervals with weight training etc. It works for me.
YOUR first one! So you’ve decided to take the triathlon plunge? You won’t be the only triathlete newbie in the starting area. Race participation has increased more than 300% over the last five years and continues to grow. Athletic-Minded Traveler will help you:
- pick the race distance
- gear up
- create a training plan
- & avoid mistakes
As NIKE once encouraged, “Just Do It”
Yoga has been around for thousands of years and first originated in India. Pilates is a relative newbie having been created in the 1920s by Joseph Pilates as a way of rehabilitation. Both offer health benefits, but which is better yoga or pilates? In today’s world physical results rank high as a criterion, but what about the mental and spiritual aspects? Consumers want an exercise experience that is physically challenging, that is a sound value, and creates tangible results.
After we recently published "Century Bike Rides for Beginners", we received requests for training advice.
Of course, we all know how to run. But for those contemplating their first 5K or 10K race this year, or even those who want to take their fitness walking up to the next level, there are a few good tidbits to keep in mind. (Click here for our post on best marathons for beginners.)
Finding a computerized bike in a hotel gym without pedal straps is a pet peeve. Any bike provider--health club, hotel, community center, etc.--should offer working straps attached to both pedals.
BUT, if you ride a stationary bike often and want to spice up your pedaling a bit, try removing the plastic straps and go through your entire workout strapless. You will notice that your toes, ankles and calves, must work a little harder on the upsweep and your quads must push a little more on the down.
