Topics specifically related to triathlons
Every summer, triathletes show up at my pool in full-blown panic. They’ve started triathlon swim training and signed up for their first race months ago, but as race day gets closer, they realize: “I don’t think I can finish the swim.” My heart goes out to them. I’ll do everything…
Many adult swimmers head to the pool with good intentions: swim a few laps, get a workout in, and maybe try to go a little farther than last time. While this routine builds general fitness, it doesn’t always lead to measurable improvement. Without structured swim workouts, it’s easy to plateau…
As a swim coach it pains me to say: No triathlon was ever won in the swim leg. But a triathlon can be ruined by a bad swim. If you feel like your swim mechanics are a performance limiter, start working on your swimming mechanics now rather than in the spring. …
The Balance-Streamline-Propel (BSP) Pyramid is about as a close to a unifying icon that the Total Immersion school of swim coaching has in its repertoire. Terry Laughlin, the founder of Total Immersion Swimming, referred to the elements of the pyramid for over 30 years. When he created the icon several…
John Collins, the founder of IRONMAN said, “Swim 2.4 Miles. Bike 112 Miles. Run 26.2. Brag for the rest of your life.” We believe the same is true for those who finish a Half IRONMAN or a triathlon. And if you’re like many of us, one triathlon or one IRONMAN…
We’re less than 4 months out from the Chicago Triathlon. It’s a truism that the swim doesn’t make your triathlon performance but it can sure break it. After all, if your swim is more like a “near death experience,” you won’t have much energy left for the longer biking and running…
We’re officially 6 months out from the Chicago Triathlon, and we know many of you are debating signing up for your first tri… “Oh, I should sign up…” “But I don’t like to run.” “Lake Michigan is cold!” “What if I get a flat tire?” We say: Tell your fears…
Last night, I helped coach the last of Lifetime Fitness’ free open water swim clinics for the Chicago Triathlon coming up this weekend. The water temperature in the lake, in the 70s last week, has dropped into the low 60s. Many of the swimmers I led into a sprint distance rehearsal…
I was doing one of the long distance swim training practices that I’ve been writing for my triathletes yesterday, and the main set called for a 1,500 yard aerobic swim. It was a recovery week, so I thought a longer swim would help work out the kinks and help to…
I was checking out my company’s Facebook page this morning and saw that my office manager had posted an article entitled “3 Reasons You Should Be Doing More Kick.” To preempt any comments such as “I’m a triathlete. I thought that I wasn’t supposed to kick.”, I thought I would put…
