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PB Triathlon Editor Get efficient and go faster

Recently I was up in China, I was invited to coach the Chinese National Coaches via an IOC Olympic Solidarity Grant. One of the things that was obvious was a real lack of understanding of progressions that will help athletes get faster - you've got to walk before you run. They certai… Continue

Posted by PB Triathlon Editor on July 4, 2008 at 9:30am — No Comments

PB Triathlon Editor Racing and training overseas

It is becoming increasingly affordable and practical to travel further these days. For the lazy winter trainers or compulsive/addictive athletes, the lure & motivation of travelling beyond the countries borders can be highly motivational & beneficial. You get the stimulation of a new environment, you avoid running into too many familiar faces and get to step outside your comfort zone. Here I'll cover some of the more important aspects of what you may want to consider if looking at an eve… Continue

Posted by PB Triathlon Editor on July 1, 2008 at 8:10am — No Comments

PB Triathlon Editor How to sabotage your Ironman

Mastering the Ironman… may be a big ask, but there are definite ways to make your Ironman training enjoyable and ways to make your Ironman day an awesome one. Conversely, there is also a host of ways to ensure you smash yourself to bits during your training, maybe not even make the start line an… Continue

Posted by PB Triathlon Editor on July 1, 2008 at 8:00am — No Comments

PB Triathlon Editor Race day preparation & warm up for olympic and sprint distance triathlons

When racing the shorter distance triathlons, proper transition set-up and warm-up are essential to having a successful race. Just by following the few simple steps below, you can have a more successful and enjoyable race. Make sure to arrive early on race morning. This will give you ti… Continue

Posted by PB Triathlon Editor on June 26, 2008 at 1:00pm — No Comments

PB Cycling Editor Being prepared for cycling

I've found over the years that the concept of being prepared, especially for people new to training, is often a difficult concept to fully grasp. For some people being prepared is based on a series of assumptions, "I'll be right" - whilst for others it is a more thorough approach. Now… Continue

Posted by PB Cycling Editor on June 22, 2008 at 12:30pm — No Comments

PB Running Editor Running efficiency

Concentrating on good running form to help get you to the finish line in a more efficient manner. Sticking with the theme of efficiency, in this article I want to focus on Run Cadence, the number of times your feet hit the ground per minute. Below is the formula that determines your ru… Continue

Posted by PB Running Editor on June 18, 2008 at 1:26pm — No Comments

PB Triathlon Editor The need for speed

Here are three quick and efficient workouts that can be done in an hour or less. These are especially good for short course racing: Swim This workout is done at race pace or slightly faster. 300 yard warm up 6 x 50 on 10 seconds rest (this is to get the blood pumping) 1 x 200 on 20 seco… Continue

Posted by PB Triathlon Editor on June 18, 2008 at 1:00pm — No Comments

PB Triathlon Editor Strength, Speed and Power Progression to Peak

Proper race peaking requires that you be at your best fitness level of the season at precisely the same time as your goal race(s). This means exact timing and performing the right work outs at the right time. Performing mostly high intensity work too early in the season will slowly degrade yo… Continue

Posted by PB Triathlon Editor on June 16, 2008 at 10:06am — No Comments

PB Triathlon Editor Ironman training mistakes

The five biggest mistakes athletes make when training for an Ironman: 1. Too Much Advice You’ll get lost of advice along the way. Most of it will be useful but chances are you’ll get so confused that you will end up like the hungry donkey. 2. Not Enough Respect There's no suc… Continue

Posted by PB Triathlon Editor on June 16, 2008 at 9:30am — No Comments

PB Triathlon Editor Free speed

Have you ever heard of FREE SPEED? Well just in case you haven’t, let me explain. It’s the middle of the season and you have been training & racing hard. You have a few more races coming up and I’m sure you’ve been wondering if it’s possible to get any faster. Normally it takes 5-6… Continue

Posted by PB Triathlon Editor on June 8, 2008 at 6:30pm — No Comments

PB Cycling Editor How to survive road hazards

Cycling is a unique sport because its arena is the open road. That’s the same place frequented by traffic, potholes, snarling dogs and absentminded pedestrians. But sometimes we’re our own worst enemy. Inattention and poor technique can put us on the pavement as fast as any hazard. Us… Continue

Posted by PB Cycling Editor on June 5, 2008 at 9:18am — No Comments

PB Cycling Editor How to find time for cycling

We shouldn’t feel excessive admiration for pro racers who log 600-mile weeks. They have plenty of time to ride and recover—that’s their job. The real heroes are people like you, who find time to ride while still having a life away from the bike. Full-time work, family commitments and… Continue

Posted by PB Cycling Editor on June 5, 2008 at 9:12am — No Comments

PB Triathlon Editor Learn from triathlon pros

How Top Pros Make Sure Their Training Counts: 1. Every Session Counts Don't do junk miles. Make sure all sessions have a clearly defined purpose. Remember garbage in = garbage out 2. Preparation Being mentally prepared for each session will help you to get the most out… Continue

Posted by PB Triathlon Editor on June 4, 2008 at 9:00am — No Comments

PB Triathlon Editor Should I Take One Year or Two to do Ironman?

What do icebergs and Ironman have in common? It is what you don't see that determines their true size! On the surface, the Ironman is a simple sporting event that involves swimming, biking and running. Yeah Right! We know that it is a beast of a triathlon, it is a huge day that is about putt… Continue

Posted by PB Triathlon Editor on June 2, 2008 at 8:10pm — No Comments

PB Cycling Editor Training effectively for time trials

All three energy systems must be trained to produce the optimum performance in cycling time trials, but particular emphasis must be placed on the aerobic system. Training sessions can vary from long continuous rides - which is as aerobic as you can get - to the other extreme of 10 to 20 seconds of effort, at an all out intensity, with two or three minutes of rest/recovery between efforts. Sessions consisting… Continue

Posted by PB Cycling Editor on June 1, 2008 at 6:51pm — No Comments

PB Running Editor Mental aspects of running

How much of what runners achieve is determined by the mind? Who knows what percentage of athletic success is mental ability? Good running psychology or mental edge comes from focus, confidence, and concentration. Exercising the body is only one part of success - you also can and should exercise your… Continue

Posted by PB Running Editor on May 31, 2008 at 8:38am — No Comments

PB Running Editor Negative racing

If you want to go faster, feel stronger, and pass more people at the end of a race then you need to race negatively. I know it sounds a littler errrr, negative, but it is the key to a personal record. Let me explain. Racing negatively or negative splitting your races has been around for decades. Mos… Continue

Posted by PB Running Editor on May 31, 2008 at 8:29am — No Comments

PB Triathlon Editor Pacing and avoiding race day predictions

No athlete likes to be passed during a race. A natural reaction is speed up and attempt to keep pace with the person whose dust you are now eating, but in doing so you just got pulled out of your game and put into theirs. Most likely you have no idea of their performance potential, pacing, or strat… Continue

Posted by PB Triathlon Editor on May 30, 2008 at 8:44am — No Comments

PB Triathlon Editor Returning to Ironman: the holy grail

Wow, here I am on the other side of Ironman New Zealand 2004 - 9hr 40min, 30th overall, stayed focused through the event and pushed hard when it hurt at 32-36km (20-23mile) on the run. 11 years on from my last Ironman NZ and I've finally come back. I've got to be happy with that right? Well I'm your typical athlete, never fully satisfied with what I do, always wanting more. If I hadn't punctured... if I hadn't dropped my drink at 40km (25 mile)... maybe if I had changed my 2nd last week of train… Continue

Posted by PB Triathlon Editor on May 30, 2008 at 8:40am — No Comments

PB Running Editor Marathon tactics

A lot of runners get fit and set themselves up nicely for the event with great training. There are plenty of great articles written on how to do that. What I want to look at is how to make your training count on the day!

Race Pressure Pacing. It is just too easy to… Continue

Posted by PB Running Editor on May 24, 2008 at 8:30am — No Comments

PB Triathlon Editor Transitions, the fourth discipline

My favourite part of a triathlon (except for the finish) is the last kilometer on the bike, through T2 and the first kilometer on the run. I find it a real buzz coming to this point. The crowd is there, everything is happening, there may be other people in transition too and it can be… Continue

Posted by PB Triathlon Editor on May 20, 2008 at 8:30pm — No Comments

PB Triathlon Editor Race week tips

Here are a few race week tips that may help you in your upcoming race: Swim Wetsuit • Make sure the zipper works and add a little lubricant to make it zip and unzip easier. • See if there are any holes in the suit itself • Remember body glide or Pam – spray this on your lower legs, wrists and back of you neck. This will help you from getting burns.

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Posted by PB Triathlon Editor on May 19, 2008 at 9:30am — No Comments

PB Swimming Editor The role of a coach

I believe the role of a coach is to create the right conditions for learning to happen and find ways to motivate the athletes. Most athletes are highly motivated and therefore the task is to maintain that motivation and to generate excitement and enthusiasm. No matter what age group and l… Continue

Posted by PB Swimming Editor on May 18, 2008 at 8:51am — No Comments

PB Cycling Editor Sports medicine tips for cyclists

Andy Pruitt’s name has become synonymous with sports medicine for cycling. As director of the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine in Boulder, CO, Pruitt has made a career out of treating world-class riders such as Lance Armstrong and George Hincapie. In 1996, Pruitt served as chief medical officer for… Continue

Posted by PB Cycling Editor on May 18, 2008 at 8:38am — No Comments

PB Cycling Editor How to hydrate for better performance

If it’s the summer cycling season, it’s probably hot where you live. Cyclists and other outdoor athletes are the first to notice rising temperatures. And the hotter it is, the faster you lose fluids when you ride. Fluids are crucial to your performance and sense of well-being. We’re really just b… Continue

Posted by PB Cycling Editor on May 18, 2008 at 8:00am — No Comments

PB Cycling Editor Essential techniques for roadies

Pro-athletes develop simple techniques that become automatic. A three-point shooter’s follow through or a golfer’s silky stroke are techniques they’ve honed until they no longer think about them. Pro-cyclists, too, develop characteristics that separate how they look on a bike from the rest of us. It… Continue

Posted by PB Cycling Editor on May 14, 2008 at 4:30pm — No Comments

PB Cycling Editor How to ride in a paceline

Solo rides are a great part of the cycling experience. Nothing beats cruising along and looking at the scenery, or attacking a climb at your own pace and intensity. But riding with a small group can be even more fun. You cover ground faster, meet people, and experience the thrill of shared effort. P… Continue

Posted by PB Cycling Editor on May 14, 2008 at 3:30pm — No Comments

rodney_tri Structured training for great base phase

When starting out your season a decent base needs to put into place, so as to help avoid burnout during the more stressful parts of your training. Here is a swim session that can be used, more will be added as each week goes on: Warm up- 400m freestyle Drill set- 4 x 50m single arm (1st 25m Single arm every 6 kicks, 2nd 25m normal freestyle) change arm every 2nd 50m. Remember to keep elbow high and placing arm straight out in front of shoulder. Kick set- 4 x 50m freestyle kick (1st 25m all o… Continue

Posted by rodney_tri on May 14, 2008 at 2:02am — No Comments

PB Triathlon Editor Bikram yoga for triathletes

For triathletes, the number 26 is more likely to remind them of the number of miles in a marathon, not the number of positions they need to learn to practice Yoga successfully. However, with more and more sports people advocating Bikram Yoga, age-groupers are joining the ranks of celebrities and elite athletes signing up for classes in the “Ironman of Yoga.” The style, developed by Bikram Choudhury, runs through 26 poses from the classical Hatha Yoga Series. The heated room that the session tak… Continue

Posted by PB Triathlon Editor on May 13, 2008 at 10:30am — No Comments

PB Swimming Editor Do you suffer from cramping calves?

Cramping calves while swim training is an issue that affects most triathletes at some point. As a swim coach working with swimmers and triathletes I hear of this issue a lot but invariably it is always triathletes rather than swimmers suffering. Open water swims in cooler temperatures can bring this problem on quicker. Usually it is the calves tensing up but sometimes it might be the arch of your foot. It might even reach your toes. Usually the problem arises towards the end of a tiring swim se… Continue

Posted by PB Swimming Editor on May 13, 2008 at 9:00am — No Comments

PB Cycling Editor Fluid intake for cycling

A fluid strategy is important not only for performance but also for safety and enjoyment. Without a good fluid plan you won't be able to make the most of your training. A common theme coming out of the round Taupo ride was people running out of fluid late in the ride. Not wanting to lose contact with their bunch, riders wouldn't stop to grab needed water. How much fluid do you need? Everyone is different, if you live in a cold climate and are going to race in a warmer one then not doubt… Continue

Posted by PB Cycling Editor on May 10, 2008 at 10:00am — No Comments

PB Triathlon Editor Exercising while pregnant

If you are an athlete who is pregnant or considering becoming pregnant in the future, you may have some questions about exercising during this special time. Whether you are a competitive athlete or a couch potato who all of a sudden believes you should start exercising; you can go ahead - if your doctor gives you the ok. It has been shown that pregnant women who exercise regularly have in general a healthy pregnancy and an easier and shorter labour. … Continue

Posted by PB Triathlon Editor on April 27, 2008 at 7:35pm — No Comments

PB Triathlon Editor Quick start guide to triathlon

Triathlon, it's a goal for many to complete a triathlon - fortunately they are not all as long as Ironman! Here is the quick start guide: Swim For a lot of people the swim is often the area that creates the most fear of triathlons. A 400m swim can be very off putting to non-swimmers. If you haven't swum for a few years/decades or never, start slowly (see the programme). Choose an event that caters for beginners, there are many that have swims in pools and others that have swims in shallo… Continue

Posted by PB Triathlon Editor on April 27, 2008 at 7:31pm — No Comments

PB Triathlon Editor Beyond beginner

With so many beginner events on the scene and numbers of participants on the rise over the past few years, it's often asked, why the numbers of female participants making the leap into competitive sport still relatively low? Granted, numbers are probably better here in New Zealand than in many other countries, but when it's compared with the men's scene in many sports, we are coming up short of our potential! There are a number of reasons for this and I've seen many of them whilst coaching many… Continue

Posted by PB Triathlon Editor on April 27, 2008 at 7:30pm — No Comments

PB Triathlon Editor Beginner's guide to Ironman

First step is make the goal more than doing a certain time or beating another person. Finishing the event should probably be your number one goal and there are few people who I would recommend having a more difficult main goal and stick to it! Expand and flesh out your goal, be a bit more spec… Continue

Posted by PB Triathlon Editor on April 27, 2008 at 7:28pm — No Comments

PB Running Editor Running performance and the weekly big picture

To improve as a runner or indeed to maintain good fitness through running requires a lot more than just hitting the pavement and the hills. You need to look at the big picture of performance. There is more to performance than training. Your Health and Fitness are affected by other factors which you need to take into account when planning your training programme as recovery, life stress and more play an important role. If running is not your full time job then you do need to ensure balance in yo… Continue

Posted by PB Running Editor on April 27, 2008 at 7:22pm — No Comments

PB Running Editor Training schedules for 5k

This six week programme involves sharper work done in zones 4-5 and is designed for racing in the second part of the season after Monster early season training. Unless indicated otherwise, all distances are in miles: Week 1 Monday: 6 Progression Tuesday: Off Wednesday: 4 x 1200 at Zone… Continue

Posted by PB Running Editor on April 27, 2008 at 7:16pm — No Comments

PB Running Editor Integrate trail running in base for injury prevention

The shoes we run in today are great for reducing impact. There are a myriad of devices, gels, air channels, etc., designed to lesson the compressive loads on the joints and body. One drawback, however, is that if you do most of your running on even, paved surfaces the lower leg muscles and joints do not have to work as hard to stabilize. Joint stability and integrity is crucial for injury prevention. This is where trail running comes in. … Continue

Posted by PB Running Editor on April 27, 2008 at 7:08pm — No Comments

PB Running Editor Choose the right running shoe

When it comes to choosing your running shoe there can be a vast array of choices and it can be very difficult to decide what is best. Coach Brendon from Endurancecoach.com takes a look at the best way to ensure that you get the right shoe. Before you go charging off to the local mall and corne… Continue

Posted by PB Running Editor on April 27, 2008 at 7:00pm — No Comments

PB Running Editor Run ahead

Every physical running experience we have is a second creation. The 1st creation takes place in our minds prior to the run. This is both a powerful & frustrating realization. By acknowledging the truth in this statement we have to take full responsibility for the level of satisfaction that each run provides. We need to also happily see that our thinking can and most often does predetermine the value of each training session or race. The great wizard Merlin, from Arthurian legend said, “I kno… Continue

Posted by PB Running Editor on April 27, 2008 at 6:30pm — No Comments

PB Running Editor Deep water running

Having had several minor injuries over the time that I have competed in triathlon and running (18 years) and having tried water running while recovering, I wanted to know just how effective water running is compared to biking for maintaining running ability? What types of injuries can water running be useful for? Firstly, what is water running? Well basically it is a 'running action in deep water'. The key to running is to mimic land running as close as possible or as specific as possible.… Continue

Posted by PB Running Editor on April 27, 2008 at 11:44am — No Comments

PB Running Editor A guide to fluid intake for the marathon

Without a good fluid plan you won't be able to make the most of your training. A loss of only 2% of your body weight will decrease your performance by 10%. If you want to achieve your personal goals in the marathon then having a good fluid strategy (that you have practiced in training) is important. How much fluid do you need? Everyone is different, if you live in a cool climate and are racing in warmer ones, then not doubt you will need to drink more than usual. If you practice drinking… Continue

Posted by PB Running Editor on April 27, 2008 at 11:42am — No Comments

PB Running Editor Mental aspects of running

How much of what runners achieve is determined by the mind? Who knows what percentage of athletic success is mental ability? Good running psychology or mental edge comes from focus, confidence, and concentration. Exercising the body is only one part of success - you also can and should exercise your mind.Consider the following techniques to help you achieve that mental strength:… Continue

Posted by PB Running Editor on April 27, 2008 at 11:40am — No Comments

PB Running Editor Thinking on your feet

So you've downloaded the latest and greatest training plan or better yet got one personally designed for you and are all set to break your PB. Getting the most out of your body requires more than just blindly following the plan. You'll have to think on your feet. I see it all the time - if it's down on paper then it must be the right thing to do. If things are going to plan then your training program is likely to be close to what's required, it's just when you are either going better or worse t… Continue

Posted by PB Running Editor on April 27, 2008 at 11:30am — No Comments

PB Running Editor Training schedules for 10k through to 15k

The premise is that this six week programme involves longer runs and is designed for racing in the second part of the season after monster early season training. Unless indicated otherwise, all distances are in miles: Week 1 Monday: 8 Easy Tuesday: Off Monday: 6 Progression Wednesday: 4 x 800; zone 5, zone 4, Tuesday: Off zone 5, zone 3 Wednesday: 6 x 1200 in Zone 6 Thursday: Off Thursday: 4-6 Easy Friday: Off Friday: Off Saturday: Race Saturday: 12 Long Sunday: 5 Recovery Week 2… Continue

Posted by PB Running Editor on April 27, 2008 at 11:30am — No Comments

PB Running Editor Intervals - a better understanding

Two of the most common misunderstood features in training are Intervals and Tempo runs. I want to look first at Intervals. I will look at how most programs “talk” about intervals and also how most people “do” intervals; both of which are usually wrong. Then I will give suggestions on how to do them right and what to look for in an interval program. The Wrong way of TALKING about intervals Most books/programs will give a set of intervals that are to be done on the track. They will give th… Continue

Posted by PB Running Editor on April 23, 2008 at 7:29pm — No Comments

PB Running Editor Racing using a heart rate monitor

Using a HRM is an untapped utility in racing. You can turn yourself into a Race-Bot by figuring out how to use one. First you have to know your HRmax. Then many factors go into using a HRM efficiently. When I first started using a HRM I was very confused about all the information on using one. It didn’t make sense. So I started using a HRM during my races and workouts to really figure out what was happe… Continue

Posted by PB Running Editor on April 23, 2008 at 7:24pm — No Comments

PB Running Editor Training with a heart rate monitor

Heart Rate Monitors (HRM) offer an incredible potential for optimizing workouts and racing. However, the problem is that not a lot of people have done good research on how to really use them. I decided a few years back that I really wanted to figure how to use a HRM for training and racing. Every book I read was confusing and always seemed to leave things out. So I went to it and figured out what seems to work. Based on my own studies here are some suggestions on how to use a HRM for Smart Runni… Continue

Posted by PB Running Editor on April 23, 2008 at 7:21pm — No Comments

PB Running Editor Training schedules for marathon

This programme is designed for racing in the second part of the season after Monster early season training. Unless indicated otherwise, all distances are in miles: Week 1 Monday: 6 Progression Tuesday: Off Wednesday: 4-6 Easy Thursday: 8 x 1200 at Zone 6 Friday: Off Saturday: 14 Long Sunday: 6 Recovery Week 2 Monday: 6 Progression Tuesday: Off Wednesday: 4-6 Easy Thursday: 4 x 1.5 mile at Zone 7 Friday: Off Saturday: 12 Long Sunday: 6 Recovery Week 3 Monday: 6 Progression… Continue

Posted by PB Running Editor on April 23, 2008 at 7:00pm — No Comments

PB Running Editor For running speed, hit the hills all season

A healthy dose of hill running should be included in your workouts each week. Hill work is some of the most productive training you can perform. There is no doubt that runners who regularly hit the hills get faster. However, you should vary your hill routines, throughout the season just as you should vary your training. Because hill work is more stressful, progression is important. Outdoors vs. Treadmill I am often asked if running outdoors is more productive than running on the treadmil… Continue

Posted by PB Running Editor on April 23, 2008 at 10:16am — No Comments

PB Triathlon Editor Triathlon overtraining

Most coaches will subscribe to the "no pain, no gain" philosophy. More is better, faster is better, tighter intervals are better, etc. This is not the Tri Swim Coach method! Especially with the sport of Triathlon, it is easy to overtrain your body. Most of us belong to groups, whether it's a masters swim team, bike club, or running group, and there will always be pressure to keep up. It may be underlying or it may be outright, but no doubt, that pressure to go faster is always there. Overtrain… Continue

Posted by PB Triathlon Editor on April 22, 2008 at 9:36am — No Comments

PB Swimming Editor Will having a "long stroke" help in triathlon swimming?

There is some debate going on in the triathlon world about whether it is important to have a long stroke in freestyle, and if so, how can this be developed? Being long means extending your arm and gliding with each arm stroke. It also means getting more out of your stroke while saving energy (ideal for triathletes). Don't get me wrong, you can achieve a lot with a shorter stroke- in fact you could go very fast this way. However, for most people, especially the beginner crowd, this stroke is jus… Continue

Posted by PB Swimming Editor on April 22, 2008 at 9:28am — 2 Comments

PB Swimming Editor Why count strokes?

You may have had coaches that make you count strokes throughout the workout, either by mixing it into drill sets, the main set, or at the end of workout. Some coaches recommend making a habit of always keeping track of your stroke count. As a coach of distance swimmers and triathletes, I believe stroke counting is a necessary part of most swimming workouts. If you stick with it and do it on a consistent basis, stroke counting in swimming is an excellent way to increase your DPS (Distance Per St… Continue

Posted by PB Swimming Editor on April 22, 2008 at 9:24am — No Comments

PB Swimming Editor Swimming and shoulder injuries

Most sports come with injuries to accompany them. Although swimming is, by most standards, not a sport associated with high risk of injury, it does have it’s own problems. By far the biggest source of sidelining swimming injuries is the shoulder. I was a competitive swimmer for 14 years, sometimes doing double workouts and 15,000 meters per day. I swam mostly freestyle and backstroke. I never had a shoulder problem until my college years. I had been training with pull buoy and paddles throughou… Continue

Posted by PB Swimming Editor on April 21, 2008 at 8:00pm — No Comments

PB Swimming Editor How to master the top 5 challenges to breathing in freestyle

The most common question I hear about the mysteries of swimming efficiently usually involves something with breathing. In freestyle, it is the first step to get your body position right. Then, for many, you throw in breathing and everything goes haywire! This has to do with lack of balance, using your head instead of your core to breath, and a few other factors. Here are the top 5 challenges in learning how to breathe in freestyle, along with the remedies on how to get over these: 1. Not ge… Continue

Posted by PB Swimming Editor on April 21, 2008 at 7:57pm — No Comments

PB Swimming Editor Do you have runner's kick?

Can you point your toes and straighten out your feet? When you kick on your back, do you tend to go very slow, stay in one place, or even go backwards? Do you have a tough time with swimming drills because your kick is not propelling you forward fast enough? Do you wear fins in workouts just to "keep up"? Did you start out as a runner and pick up swimming later to become a Triathlete? If you answered "yes" to any of the above, you may have Runner's Kick! Have no fear, there are things you can d… Continue

Posted by PB Swimming Editor on April 21, 2008 at 7:55pm — No Comments

PB Swimming Editor 10 steps to improving your triathlon swim

As technical as the sport of swimming can be, it is tough to narrow down the answer to the often-asked question, “what should I concentrate on?” So, I came up with a “top ten” list of steps to improving your swim for a triathlon. These aren’t necessarily in any order, but should go a long way in helping you achieve your goals, whether you are a beginner or trying to go pro. 1.Hand Entry Slice your hand into the water right about at your goggle line, and drive it forward. Many swimmers at… Continue

Posted by PB Swimming Editor on April 21, 2008 at 7:48pm — No Comments

PB Swimming Editor Benefits of bi-lateral breathing

One of the most common wonders of the swimming world is; should you use alternate-side, or bilateral breathing? Throughout my swimming career, I had always breathed to my right side only until a year ago. Why? Because breathing on my left side felt awkward and uncomfortable! This is the reason why most swimmers will breathe only on one side. Last year I had an experience that made me change my ways. I was getting a massage and my therapist noted that my left lat muscles (back) were much more de… Continue

Posted by PB Swimming Editor on April 21, 2008 at 7:44pm — No Comments

PB Swimming Editor Are fins useful in training?

One of the most common questions I hear as a coach is, "Should I use fins?" The answer depends largely on your goals, your skill level and the type of fins. Often times, especially in masters swimming, swimmers wear fins merely to keep up with other swimmers in their lane, or to advance to the fast lane and make tighter intervals. If you are strictly swimming for fitness, and do not care about your stroke technique, swim time, or energy conservation in a race, then this is a perfectly acceptabl… Continue

Posted by PB Swimming Editor on April 21, 2008 at 7:30pm — No Comments