Don't forget that Oceanside is coming up this weekend! You can still cheer on your favorite athletes, friends and family even if you cannot see the event live via the IRONMANLIVE link at http://www.ironman.com/events/ironman70.3/california70.3 Athletes can be searched by bib number, age group, or last name.
Good luck to all competing this weekend!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Laymen's Review: Xterra Wetsuits
I got a promotional email from Xterra Wetsuits today with the following offers, good through April 14th:
30% OFF any Vector Pro x2 [Code: XT30]
50% OFF any Vortex 2 [Code: XT50]
Vector Pro x2
The anatomically engineered pattern is Xterra's claim to fame here. Suit features Yamamoto's Nano SCS skin rubber on the outside, which traps air bubbles to increase buoyancy. In addition to the enhanced buoyancy, the Nano SCS rubber has a lower friction coefficient than any other wetsuit rubber (low friction > less drag > FASTER SWIM!).
Specs from their site, www.xterrawetsuits.com:
5mm, 3mm, 2mm, 1.5mm Yamamoto SCS Nano skin rubber> Flex-Span Inner Liner> Loc Flex Collar> Hydro Slide Zipper> Glued & Blind Stitched Seams/ Phase 1. Catch Panel>/ New 5 mil Torso/Leg Panel
Sells for: $550
Vortex 2
A bit less glamorous, but no less reliable is the Vortex 2. Touted for its flexibility and durability, the suit features Duro-Flex rubber and a Quadriflex Inner liner which, as you might have guessed, stretches in 4 different directions. Amen to that!
Specs from their site:
5mm, 3mm, 2mm, 1.5mm Duro-Flex outer rubber> Quadraflex Inner Liner> Infinity Underarm Panel> New Hydro-Flex Collar> Hydro Slide Zipper> Glued & Blind Stitched Seams> Phase 1 Catch Panel.
Sells for: $350
They also have a suit rental program, so if you don't feel like dropping the dough straightaway you can try before you by! Happy shopping, jk
30% OFF any Vector Pro x2 [Code: XT30]
50% OFF any Vortex 2 [Code: XT50]
Vector Pro x2
The anatomically engineered pattern is Xterra's claim to fame here. Suit features Yamamoto's Nano SCS skin rubber on the outside, which traps air bubbles to increase buoyancy. In addition to the enhanced buoyancy, the Nano SCS rubber has a lower friction coefficient than any other wetsuit rubber (low friction > less drag > FASTER SWIM!).
Specs from their site, www.xterrawetsuits.com:
5mm, 3mm, 2mm, 1.5mm Yamamoto SCS Nano skin rubber> Flex-Span Inner Liner> Loc Flex Collar> Hydro Slide Zipper> Glued & Blind Stitched Seams/ Phase 1. Catch Panel>/ New 5 mil Torso/Leg Panel
Sells for: $550
Vortex 2
A bit less glamorous, but no less reliable is the Vortex 2. Touted for its flexibility and durability, the suit features Duro-Flex rubber and a Quadriflex Inner liner which, as you might have guessed, stretches in 4 different directions. Amen to that!
Specs from their site:
5mm, 3mm, 2mm, 1.5mm Duro-Flex outer rubber> Quadraflex Inner Liner> Infinity Underarm Panel> New Hydro-Flex Collar> Hydro Slide Zipper> Glued & Blind Stitched Seams> Phase 1 Catch Panel.
Sells for: $350
They also have a suit rental program, so if you don't feel like dropping the dough straightaway you can try before you by! Happy shopping, jk
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Your Workout, or Mine?
It's week 12 of my training program, and the challenges are mounting. Just as I start to get stronger, and build up a base endurance level, the workouts are getting harder. They're getting longer, too, I realize as my spare time dwindles away and I stop being able to stay awake for the evening news. I can't eat enough, sleep enough, and don't remember when my last mani/pedi was. And is work picking up as well? Or is it just my perception?
I was ready for those transitions. What I wasn't ready for was the added peer pressure of where to train and with whom! If every triathlete has his/her unique training program, how does anybody manage to follow it and keep their training buddies?
Changing it Up
You know you're supposed to give your legs a rest, and yet you opt for a ride or swim workout on your day off. Or perhaps you're the one who coaxes people to join your program for the day. Some schedule changes are simply needed to accommodate travel plans and other family or work-related events.
Just make sure you know your limits and also what lies ahead when you shuffle your training days. And at this point in the game, don't be too hard on yourself if you miss a day or need to take an extra rest day. Maintaining the work-life balance is arguably the 4th discipline in the sport!
I was ready for those transitions. What I wasn't ready for was the added peer pressure of where to train and with whom! If every triathlete has his/her unique training program, how does anybody manage to follow it and keep their training buddies?
Changing it Up
You know you're supposed to give your legs a rest, and yet you opt for a ride or swim workout on your day off. Or perhaps you're the one who coaxes people to join your program for the day. Some schedule changes are simply needed to accommodate travel plans and other family or work-related events.
Just make sure you know your limits and also what lies ahead when you shuffle your training days. And at this point in the game, don't be too hard on yourself if you miss a day or need to take an extra rest day. Maintaining the work-life balance is arguably the 4th discipline in the sport!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Lavacamp: April 7-10, 2008
Lieto and Wee Confirm for Lavacamp!
[Published on www.ironman.com/training, Wednesday Mar 5, 2008]
Chris Lieto, one of the world's best Ironman athletes has confirmed his attendance as a guest coach at the LavaCamp. The Lava Camp is the Official Preparation Camp of the Ironman 70.3 Hawaii race and will take place in Waikoloa, Hawaii.
Chris battled at the front of the Hawaii Ironman this past fall, eventually finishing sixth.
Bree Wee, the all-time amateur Ironman course record holder in Hawaii, also confirmed that she will be at LavaCamp to share her 'local knowledge' of racing on the course.
The LavaCamp is an exciting training and learning opportunity with LifeSport Coaching, the "Official Coaches of Ironman." The LavaCamp, as featured in Triathlete Magazine, is a perfect opportunity to improve your triathlon skills and build early season fitness in a magnificent setting.
All abilities are welcome regardless of whether you're racing in the Hawaii Ironman 70.3. Training sessions will include: Open water swim skills, riding and hill climbing, transitions, running drills, pacing, and form, nutrition, racing and season-planning strategies, and equipment technologies.
Sorry for the late forward! Act fast if you want to participate - the $595 camp only has 20 spots available.
Not So Bad: Get your 3k on in the water!
Oldie but goodie from Triathlete Magazine last October. If you're coming up on your first 70.3 distance, you'll be adding the yardage in the water like I've been. I can't believe that Oceanside is just two weeks away! Without further ado, here's Nick White's Surge Power Workout. Note, this is particularly helpful in the weeks prior to a big race; so that you can get the firing power ready to surge to the front of the pack in the swim start and avoid being boffoe'd in the face like I was 2 weeks ago!
Warm Up: 500 Yards
Drills: 400 yards as-
Repeat the following interval trio, TWICE:
1. 50 sprint, 50 race pace
2. 25 race pace, 50 sprint, 25 race pace
3. 50 race pace, 50 sprint
Cool-down: 150 yards
Nick White is a Pro Coach for Carmichael Training Systems, Inc. To learn more visit trainright.com.
Warm Up: 500 Yards
Drills: 400 yards as-
- 3 x 50 Catch up
- 3 x 50 kick-on-side with fins
- 100 yards sighting drill
- 8 x 200 as 1-4 pull with paddles; 5-8 swim focusing on high elbows and catch
Repeat the following interval trio, TWICE:
1. 50 sprint, 50 race pace
2. 25 race pace, 50 sprint, 25 race pace
3. 50 race pace, 50 sprint
Cool-down: 150 yards
Nick White is a Pro Coach for Carmichael Training Systems, Inc. To learn more visit trainright.com.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Get a Leg Up - Scenic Running Events in San Francisco
While the rest of the country is being pummeled with snow and crummy weather, and spring break is nearly upon us, why not take a trip out to San Francisco? Local athletes are quite spoiled with the year-round temperate climate and minimal rain. There are two mid-distance running events coming up here that rival eachother in terms of scenery and physical challenge. You won't get a healthier tour of the city (well, not without a bike, anyway)!
So come and enjoy these scenic, challenging, and community building events to get a real feel for how beautiful and warm San Francisco is!
Emerald Nuts Across the Bay 12k - March 16th
This race starts at Fort Baker at the foot of the Northern side of the Golden Gate Bridge, then charges uphill to where Hwy 101 takes commuters over the GGB. Catching your breath while running the bridge would be easy, if it weren't for the breath-taking view of the sun rising over the San Francisco skyline as you cross over the bay. Once over the bridge, the race charges downhill to Chrissy Field, former military air strip-turned recreational hotspot. The rest of the race is a fast, flat route along the water and a few yacht clubs, through a small park and ends at Aquatic Park, in the heart of San Francisco's famous Fisherman's Warf.
Join the 25th anniversary of this race, named the best cross bridge run in America by Runners World and benefit the Edgewood Center for Children and Families. Edgewood helps children and families take back their future by working with them to overcome severe challenges like abuse, neglect, mental illness, and family crisis. The oldest children's charity in the western U.S., Edgewood began as a refuge for Gold Rush orphans more than 150 years ago. Edgewood serves more than 5,000 children and families in the Bay Area each year through community and residential programs. To learn more visit www.edgewood.org.
Presidio 10k/10mi - April 6th
Both the 10k and 10-mile courses start and finish at Chrissy Field and cross the Golden Gate Bridge, though the 10-milers will spend more time touring the lush greenery and hilly landscape of the Presidio. The race has overwhelming community and participant support because of its close ties to the race beneficiaries, The Guardsmen and the Ashlyn Dyer Foundation.
Ashlyn Dyer was a college volleyball star who was fatally injured by a hit-and-run accident while jogging in the Presidio two years ago. Because the driver didn't stop or call for help, Ashlyn eventually passed away from her severe brain trauma. The Foundation was created in her name to raise awareness and funds for neurological research. Her then fiancé was a member of the Guardsmen, a local community volunteer organization that supports programs for at-risk Bay Area youth through indoor and outdoor education programs.
So come and enjoy these scenic, challenging, and community building events to get a real feel for how beautiful and warm San Francisco is!
Emerald Nuts Across the Bay 12k - March 16th
This race starts at Fort Baker at the foot of the Northern side of the Golden Gate Bridge, then charges uphill to where Hwy 101 takes commuters over the GGB. Catching your breath while running the bridge would be easy, if it weren't for the breath-taking view of the sun rising over the San Francisco skyline as you cross over the bay. Once over the bridge, the race charges downhill to Chrissy Field, former military air strip-turned recreational hotspot. The rest of the race is a fast, flat route along the water and a few yacht clubs, through a small park and ends at Aquatic Park, in the heart of San Francisco's famous Fisherman's Warf.
Join the 25th anniversary of this race, named the best cross bridge run in America by Runners World and benefit the Edgewood Center for Children and Families. Edgewood helps children and families take back their future by working with them to overcome severe challenges like abuse, neglect, mental illness, and family crisis. The oldest children's charity in the western U.S., Edgewood began as a refuge for Gold Rush orphans more than 150 years ago. Edgewood serves more than 5,000 children and families in the Bay Area each year through community and residential programs. To learn more visit www.edgewood.org.
Presidio 10k/10mi - April 6th
Both the 10k and 10-mile courses start and finish at Chrissy Field and cross the Golden Gate Bridge, though the 10-milers will spend more time touring the lush greenery and hilly landscape of the Presidio. The race has overwhelming community and participant support because of its close ties to the race beneficiaries, The Guardsmen and the Ashlyn Dyer Foundation.
Ashlyn Dyer was a college volleyball star who was fatally injured by a hit-and-run accident while jogging in the Presidio two years ago. Because the driver didn't stop or call for help, Ashlyn eventually passed away from her severe brain trauma. The Foundation was created in her name to raise awareness and funds for neurological research. Her then fiancé was a member of the Guardsmen, a local community volunteer organization that supports programs for at-risk Bay Area youth through indoor and outdoor education programs.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Run Like a Girl - You KNOW you Want To!
The 2008 Nike Women's Marathon & 1/2 Mara. LOTTERY is OPEN!
http://insidenikerunning.nike.com/category/events/nike-womens-marathon/
Nike Women's Marathon & 1/2 marathon, after crazy sellout last year, is moving to a lottery system like the NY Marathon to obtain its 20,000 participants. Registration for lottery is open now, and those selected will have credit cards charged and email notifications on April 1st. Race is on Sunday, October 19th.
A great scenic race that departs from Niketown in Union Square, trots along the embarcadero and over the Presidio to Golden Gate Park. Half marathoners stop there, while 26.2 continues to the pan handle and back to Great Hwy, south past the zoo, around Lake Merced for the nostalgia of the Xmas relays, and ends at the Beach Chalet.
INCENTIVE FOR WOMEN: Local heroes from fire department, dressed in full tuxedos (they clean up nicely!) on hand to present you with your green Tiffany box at the end of your race.
INCENTIVE FOR MEN: Opportunity to be one of 200-400 men running alongside 18,800 fit & fast women who will undoubtedly be checking you out, if not cat calling you, as you pass each other. And you don't have to feel guilty about it because you'll also have a Tiffany trinket to take home to your favorite fawn after the race.
***ACT NOW! Lottery registration ends March 18th.
***March 18, 2008.
***Eighteenth day, of the third month, of this calendar year.
TWO weeks from now.
http://insidenikerunning.nike.com/category/events/nike-womens-marathon/
Happy Training,
Jen
Fine Print: "Legacy Runners" - those who have participated in the first 4 years of this race, should have received a special email with a special registration site and code to get priority access - these runners should NOT register in the lottery! Post comment to me here if you are a legacy runner and haven't yet gotten your golden key. Please include your full name and email address.
http://insidenikeru
Nike Women's Marathon & 1/2 marathon, after crazy sellout last year, is moving to a lottery system like the NY Marathon to obtain its 20,000 participants. Registration for lottery is open now, and those selected will have credit cards charged and email notifications on April 1st. Race is on Sunday, October 19th.
A great scenic race that departs from Niketown in Union Square, trots along the embarcadero and over the Presidio to Golden Gate Park. Half marathoners stop there, while 26.2 continues to the pan handle and back to Great Hwy, south past the zoo, around Lake Merced for the nostalgia of the Xmas relays, and ends at the Beach Chalet.
INCENTIVE FOR WOMEN: Local heroes from fire department, dressed in full tuxedos (they clean up nicely!) on hand to present you with your green Tiffany box at the end of your race.
INCENTIVE FOR MEN: Opportunity to be one of 200-400 men running alongside 18,800 fit & fast women who will undoubtedly be checking you out, if not cat calling you, as you pass each other. And you don't have to feel guilty about it because you'll also have a Tiffany trinket to take home to your favorite fawn after the race.
***ACT NOW! Lottery registration ends March 18th.
***March 18, 2008.
***Eighteenth day, of the third month, of this calendar year.
TWO weeks from now.
http://insidenikeru
Happy Training,
Jen
Fine Print: "Legacy Runners" - those who have participated in the first 4 years of this race, should have received a special email with a special registration site and code to get priority access - these runners should NOT register in the lottery! Post comment to me here if you are a legacy runner and haven't yet gotten your golden key. Please include your full name and email address.
Monday, March 3, 2008
First Race of the Season!
It's Monday morning and although the weather forecast calls for lovely spring weather in a typically chilly city, I've opted to forgo the skirt today. Try as I may, I couldn't scrub off all remnants of my age tag on my left calf.
I have a splitting headache - took another 800mg of Advil this morning. I suppose I should be happy to not have broken my nose or been knocked out completely when being kicked in the swim leg of yesterday's race. With so many things to whine about, I just had to ask "Is it really worth it?"
The first race of the season rarely goes perfect for everyone. It's your opportunity to give that wetsuit its first good stretch, experiment on transition placement, and trigger the muscle recall of doing all three disciplines consecutively. And, contrary to my opening remarks, I had a lot of fun at yesterday's race! Here's how I still managed to have a good time - hope I'm able to share the wealth with you before you head out for your first race of the season:
1. Pick a short & sweet race for your first
You'll get one heck of a workout for the morning, and still be home in time for a good hearty breakfast! Plus, with the short distances, you won't be completely toast if you end up with cramps or a flat.
2. Check your ego at the start line - use a Fun-o-meter instead
Take this opportunity to listen to your body. Are you pushing so hard that you find yourself grimacing and sacrificing good form? Take this first race to check the mechanics of your stroke, turnover, and breathing.
3. Take note of the rest of your calendar
This is the first race of the year - so if you aren't happy with your splits, don't sweat. You've got plenty of opportunity to continue training and experimenting and practicing for subsequent events. And the best part? You've got a road map of what to work on and a goal time you know you'll be able to beat!
I have a splitting headache - took another 800mg of Advil this morning. I suppose I should be happy to not have broken my nose or been knocked out completely when being kicked in the swim leg of yesterday's race. With so many things to whine about, I just had to ask "Is it really worth it?"
The first race of the season rarely goes perfect for everyone. It's your opportunity to give that wetsuit its first good stretch, experiment on transition placement, and trigger the muscle recall of doing all three disciplines consecutively. And, contrary to my opening remarks, I had a lot of fun at yesterday's race! Here's how I still managed to have a good time - hope I'm able to share the wealth with you before you head out for your first race of the season:
1. Pick a short & sweet race for your first
You'll get one heck of a workout for the morning, and still be home in time for a good hearty breakfast! Plus, with the short distances, you won't be completely toast if you end up with cramps or a flat.
2. Check your ego at the start line - use a Fun-o-meter instead
Take this opportunity to listen to your body. Are you pushing so hard that you find yourself grimacing and sacrificing good form? Take this first race to check the mechanics of your stroke, turnover, and breathing.
3. Take note of the rest of your calendar
This is the first race of the year - so if you aren't happy with your splits, don't sweat. You've got plenty of opportunity to continue training and experimenting and practicing for subsequent events. And the best part? You've got a road map of what to work on and a goal time you know you'll be able to beat!
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