YOUR PRIORITY UPGRADES

Last week we asked you to name the one piece of triathlon gear or apparel you plan to upgrade this year before your priority race.

After sifting through 6,789 responses, here’s what you told us:

  • 27% plan a wardrobe change.  The most popular upgrade planned by TriathlonWire readers is a race apparel refresh.
  • 18% dream of a new ride.  Over 1,200 of you want to upgrade your bike.  Unfortunately, with inventory still sparse, you might have to wait until late summer to make that major purchase.
  • 14% will buy new racing shoes.  We expected running shoes to be higher on the wish list.  Maybe you already have racing flats that haven’t gotten much use lately?

If you have an idea for a future TriathlonWire reader survey, let us know… we’d love to hear from you!

HIPS AND HANDS

Understanding — and feeling — the connection between the hips and hands is a critical key to unlocking faster freestyle.

It’s a matter of timing.

Watch this short video from the gurus at GoSwim.tv to understand how a long, smooth stroke integrates hip rotation with hand entry and causes the body to function as a singular unit for optimal power, efficiency and speed.

DOUBLE THE RUN

For many triathletes replacing a single long run with a run double is an effective way to increase the quality of training while reducing the chance of injury.

The coaches at RunnersConnect outline the pros and cons of daily doubles.  Of particular interest: glycogen content, fat oxidation, and enzyme activity increase when training twice a day.  This means you can get fitter faster.

If you’re interested in experimenting with a double daily run, then check out these three optionsfor structuring your 2x workouts.

ENGINE ROOM

Have you ever heard a triathlete say that they don’t need strength training for their legsbecause they do so much cycling and running?  Big mistake.

If you want to run faster, you must strengthen your gluteal area… sometimes called the runner’s engine room.  Strong hips and butt muscles are the powerhouse of the run.

For actionable tips for improving hip and glute strength, check out this enlightening article on TriathlonHacks.  Not only does it prescribe the most effective exercises for triathletes, but it also identifies  common mistakes frequently made by endurance athletes when strength training.

MEET ME AT THE SUMMIT

For triathletes who want to accelerate their return to peak performance, check out TheTriSummit, happening right now.  This free online conference features an all-star cast of hosts and presenters who will help you get back to your first starting line as healthy and fit as possible.

Topics include aerodynamic tactics for “free speed”, how to personalize your nutritional periodization for optimal results, tips on a smart return to racing without injury, and much more.

There’s never been a better opportunity to hang with the legends of triathlon and learn from the best in our sport. Join us at TheTriSummit today!

And did we mention that it was free?

FRESH TAKE FOR FASTER SWIM

The crew at Wattie Ink knows a few things about faster triathlon.  In this article they share some interesting insights and practical advice to help you improve your swim.

While the swim represents only a small percentage of your overall race day, neglecting swim training is not advised. Being swim fit sets you up for a great day.  If you’re a slower, inefficient swimmer you’ll squander energy in the early stages of your race that you’d otherwise need for a strong finish.

Their POV on longer intervals and the proper selection and use of training equipment will help you reach the next level.

Don’t forget: TriathlonWire readers receive 20% off their purchase of swimming gear at FINISwhen using the promo code TRIWIRE at checkout.

RETURN TO EFFICIENT TRAINING

Hopefully by now you’re registered for a race and have a target to aim for.  If so, then it’s a great time to revisit the fundamentals of effective triathlon training.

IRONMAN-certified Coach Conrad Goeringer outlines 6 principles to successfully balance the demands of family and work, while still achieving your triathlon goals.

His advice on how to allocate your time will improve your training efficiency and allow you to realistically focus on what will produce the greatest gains.  Follow these steps and you’ll be training smarter, not just harder and longer.

QUICK HIITS:

  • Joy of Racing
    After a year of lockdown, we forget about the simple pleasure of crossing a finish line.  Enjoy Bob Babbitt’s post-race interviews from CHALLENGE:Miami.  They capture the joy of racing and will reignite your enthusiasm for your first race of 2021!
  • Pedal Power
    For 3 decades Speedplay Pedals have been one of triathlon’s most iconic pieces of gear. The company was purchased by Wahoo in 2019 and this week released its updated product line including the first dual-sided pedal-based power meter.  We expect to see plenty of these roaring up and down the Queen K in October.
  • Passages
    It’s with deep sadness that we share news of the death of Dick Hoyt.  Together with his son Rick, who is wheelchair bound due to cerebral palsy, they completed over 1,100 racesincluding 32 Boston Marathons. Dick and Rick are members of the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame. They completed 257 triathlons – including the Hawaii Ironman twice – paving the way for push-assist teams.