Category: Triathlon

Sunday Q&A: Trismarter’s Regina Hammond Talks Smart Training

The first step in taking part in a triathlon is just trying. Regina Hammond of Trismarter grew up swimming and running competitively, later competing on a national level in cross country while setting school and divisional records. She continued running competitively while at Ithaca College, where she graduated in 1996 with a degree in Television and Psychology.

Today she is triathlon coach with Boulder, Colorado-based Trismarter. Regina talked to KineticShift about how those looking to do a triathlon can go the distance. Continue reading Sunday Q&A: Trismarter’s Regina Hammond Talks Smart Training

ITCA Opens Online Training, Certification for Triathlon Coaches

Those looking to get certification for triathlon coaching need look no farther than the web. The International Triathlon Coaching Association (ITCA) just announced its online triathlon coaching program in conjunction with Polar and USA Triathlon (USAT).

The program offers aspiring coaches education, certification and business training for the three-event sport that includes swimming, biking and running. The ITCA-run program is an online, self-paced certification program that provides a blueprint for triathlon coaching. Coaches can go on to offer one-on-one coaching, group coaching, online coaching and triathlon camps and clinics. For many coaches there is also potential to create training videos and book publishing to support a coaching business. The program gives coaches the tools to get set up and off to the races. Continue reading ITCA Opens Online Training, Certification for Triathlon Coaches

Cervelo P5 Makes Big Debut

While the athletes are the serious, Cervelo proved once again it is worthy of the Ironman competitions. The new P5 made its debut at the Ironman Melbourne last week and it brought several riders to excellent showings including two podium positions with Rachel Joyce (current ITU Long Course Champion) and Frederik Van Lierde (winner of the 2011 Ironman Nice and Abu Dhadi) placing 2nd and 3rd respectively. The P5 also made its debut appearance in the 7km time trial stage of the Criterium International  with Garmin-Barracuda’s Dave Zabriskie finishing 7th in the time trial stage.

Continue reading Cervelo P5 Makes Big Debut

Hands On: CEP Running Compression Socks

Compression technology has been gaining ground among athletes. Cyclists in the Tour de France (and all other bike races) use compression garments for recovery. Garments are also being worn for wear during competition and training. Runners and triathletes are also wearing the tight-fitting garments on runs and in competition. I was looking forward to trying a pair of Running Compression Socks after picking up a sample at SIA Snowshow in January. Yes, it’s taken me a while to test and then get my thoughts down.

I got the hot pink sock in a medium. The circumference of your calves determines the size. That’s where you get some of the real compression benefits. On the Classic model of the Running Compression Socks there’s fairly uniform compression up the leg and additional texture compression throughout the foot. Continue reading Hands On: CEP Running Compression Socks

Body Wrench P3R Helps You Strengthen, Recover

Strength training and recovery are important to endurance athletes. A new tool, Body Wrench P3R, offers both. It’s a bar that you attach swiveling balls to via stainless steel pins and axles so you can use the balls to roll parts of your body for resistance or massage. Continue reading Body Wrench P3R Helps You Strengthen, Recover

Sunday Q&A: Talking With Jesse Kropelnicki on the QT2

Getting ready to do a triathlon? Jesse Kropelnicki can offer some tips on going the distance. He is an elite/pro level triathlon coach who founded QT2 Systems, LLC, a leading provider of personal triathlon coaching; TriathlonCalculator.com; TheCoreDiet.com, a leading provider of sports nutrition; and Your 26.2 a marathon training company.

He is the triathlon coach of professional athletes Caitlin Snow, Ethan Brown, and Pedro Gomes among others. His interests lie in coaching professional triathletes using quantitative training and nutrition protocols. You can track his other coaching comments/ideas via his blog.

Jesse talked to KineticShift about technology and training. Interview with Jesse after the jump

Kick Back Quad Sleeves Combine Compression and Ice

Compression and ice are well known treatments for recovery, but also work well for endurance training and events. It’s also difficult to combine the two, though 110% has a line of garments that have a compression layer plus a layer that you can tuck ice packs in for cooling. The newest item in the line is the Kick Back Quad Sleeves.

Kick Back Quad Sleeves is a compression sleeve that goes over your quads, or thighs. While the sleeves work well for recovery, they can also be used during longer, hotter competitions. 110% company founder David Green said he used the Kick Back Quad Sleeves during the Brazil 135, a 135 mile run that has that grueling combination of heat and climbing over 30,000 feet over the course of the 135 miles. “The sleeves provided incredible stability to my quads, especially on the downhill. It wasn’t until I temporarily removed them that I realized how critical they were in helping me finish this incredible challenge,” he said in a statement.

The sleeves combine zoned, gradient compression with 360 degree pockets to insert reusable ice packs. You can use the Kick Back Quad Sleeves for training, race day or recovery so you’re ready for the next day’s events. They’re able to be worn with other garments, such as under shorts, and serve athletes well for spot treatment to help quads and hamstrings.

Kick Back Quad Sleeves sell for $100 and include re-usable ice packs with an insulated carrying sleeve.

110% Official Website

QT2 Systems Triathlon Calculator Predicts Finish Time in App

QT2 Systems has released an app for the iPhone and iPod Touch that works as a calculator to project an individual’s triathlon race performance. In turn, the app helps create personalized training ranges.

Race outcomes are based on seven key inputs from training. The tool then estimates race distance and course types. The app also gives you race pacing and training zone recommendations to get you to reach your goals.

“Triathletes put a great deal of time and focus into their race preparations, and should always be well aware of where they stand, with regard to their racing goals,” said Jesse Kropelnicki, founder and developer of QT2 Systems.

The app was developed in cooperation with Triessential.com to help convert proprietary algorithms developed over 10 years of coaching. The formulas were then worked into an iPhone app.

The QT2 Calculator is available on iTunes for the iPhoen and iPod Touch for $1.99.

QT2 Systems Official Website
Triessential.com Official Website
QT2 Calculator on iTunes
QT2 Systems Triathlon Calculator

Triathlon American Conference: Who is Trying Triathlons?

This week Active Network and Triathlon American released the findings of new comprehensive study of men and women who participating in the sport of triathlons. This study was released at the Triathlon American conference, which was held at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego, California.

Key findings of the study include the identification of four groups of triathlon participants based on experience and motivations — the newcomer, the practitioner, the veteran and the lapsed triathlete. According to group these segments define a triathlete’s willingness to travel, the types of races they prefer, what keeps them in the sport and what they hope to get out of their participation.

“We believe this report will provide race organizations better direction into how to re-engage lapsed athletes, support the growing segment of female participants, and involve a triathlete’s friends and family in the triathlon experience in order to increase participation,” said Dave Alberga, chief executive officer at Active Network in a statement. “Additionally, it will provide brands targeting this growing audience with information not readily available until now.” Continue reading Triathlon American Conference: Who is Trying Triathlons?

OGIO Designer Bags Goes for Endurance

Designer sports bag and apparel company OGIO just released its OGIO Endurance Collection. The line has bags that address the needs runners, swimmers, triathletes, cyclists, downhill mountain bikers and other athletes in endurance sports and competitions.

The seven-bag line is built to provide organization, protection and comfort for athletes taking part in high-intensity workouts and competitions. The line is made with lightweight yet sturdy materials that protect gear, yet make it light enough to carry to a race or location to workout.

Continue reading OGIO Designer Bags Goes for Endurance

Cervélo Offers More Details on the P5

for a larger image click on the photo

Earlier this week we got a few details and video on the Cervélo P5 triathlon/time trial bike. Now the full details are available on the highly-anticipated bike.

As we mentioned, the frameset features a BBright bottom bracket. The frameset also includes skin surfaces tuned for each AeroZone to optimize airflow and make the P5 aerodynamic. Cervélo reports the new P5 frameset shaves up to 30 seconds in a 40-kilometer time trial. A compliment to the BBright bottom bracket, ComfortPly technology removes unnecessary material to reduce vibration and improve ride quality.

Continue reading Cervélo Offers More Details on the P5