MIND OF MACCA
Although we find ourselves on the same course with the pros, we know they’re different. Nothing illuminates those differences more than this raw essay by 2x IRONMAN World Champion and 2x ITU World Champion Chris McCormack.
In this fascinating read he provides a rare glimpse into what motivated and influenced his stellar career. For athletes like Chris triathlon was not “recreation”, it was a job where only winners got paid.
Learn more about his insatiable need to not to lose, why he was often viewed as a cocky bigmouth, and what’s truly important if you want to perform at your highest level.
FATTER IS FASTER
At least for bike tires. After years of believing narrower was better, research is finally confirming that wider tires are faster. It turns out that wider rims and tires deliver a wider contact patch, which reduces rolling resistance and the associated fatigue caused by road surface buzz. It’s no wonder why many pros are stepping up to 25c – or even 28c – tire widths.
GOOD EVENT NEWS (FOR A CHANGE)
Despite the relentless stream of canceled and rescheduled events, we got some good news this week from California Triathlon. In 2021 it will be expanding its race series into 20 major markets. Cal Tri Events have always been refreshingly affordable, fun and flawlessly executed… so we’re eagerly awaiting our return to racing.
We’ve also learned of another virtual race series hosted by the leaders in off-road triathlons. The Rally Around XTERRA Planet Challenge invites athletes to collect stamps in their XTERRA VR Passports by uploading mileage from swims, bikes and runs. This is a cool way to spend the next 30 days, it supports a great cause and, best of all, it’s free!
FASTER WITH FINIS
FINIS recognizes the unique needs of our sport, and has developed a line of innovative products that will make you a better, faster and more efficient triathlon swimmer.
We especially like their new Slide Dryland Trainer stretch cords. Its clever design provides constant (not variable) resistance throughout the swim stroke cycle. Perfect for keeping freestyle tone now, it’s also ideal for pre-event warmup when we finally return to racing.
TriathlonWire readers get a 20% discount by using the coupon code TRIWIRE20at checkout.
LORANG THE STANDARD
Behind most great athletes is a great coach. What’s unusual is when both the men’s and women’s IRONMAN world champions are coached by the same guy.
Luxembourg sports scientist Dan Lorang has quietly trained Jan Frodeno and Anne Haug for many years.
Triathletes of all levels will benefit from Dan’s valuable insights shared in his interview with 220 Triathlon Magazine. Apply his philosophy and process to your training for better results.
QUICK HIITS
- Does Coffee Dehydrate?
Sports nutritionist Asker Jeukendrup dispels some common myths and provides practical advice about our favorite morning drink. - Positive Experience
Our featured Tweet comes from @stevemagness who recently commented on a study that suggests EPO relieves severe COVID-19 symptoms. Who will be the first pro triathlete to claim a TUE? - USA Triathlon Distributes Relief Funds
USAT Foundation recently announced the 40 recipients – including race directors, coaches and tri clubs — that would receive grants from the COVID-19 Relief Fund to help shore up their businesses and support the sport. This initiative was funded primarily through its Virtual Run-Bike-Run held back in April and May. well done!
