Triathlon
Triathlon training and racing tips, teams, clubs, rules and governing bodies.
10 Steps for Swimmers to Improve Their 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 to become a better swimmer?" Here is a "top ten" list of steps for swimmers to improve their triathlon swim. These could go a long way in helping you achieve your goals, whether you are a beginner or trying to go pro.
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 to become a better swimmer?" Here is a "top ten" list of steps for swimmers to improve their triathlon swim. These could go a long way in helping you achieve your goals, whether you are a beginner or trying to go pro.
2008 Olympic Triathlon Slots on the Line this Weekend for Team USA Triathletes
It is only fitting that the first triathletes to earn a spot on the 2008 US Olympic Team are doing so this weekend on the same course they will race in Beijing, China 11 months from now. The results of the International Triathlon Union BG 2007 Beijing World Cup on September 15-16 will guarantee one male and one female triathlete a spot on the 2008 USA Olympic Team at the Beijing Olympic Games in August 2008.
It is only fitting that the first triathletes to earn a spot on the 2008 US Olympic Team are doing so this weekend on the same course they will race in Beijing, China 11 months from now. The results of the International Triathlon Union BG 2007 Beijing World Cup on September 15-16 will guarantee one male and one female triathlete a spot on the 2008 USA Olympic Team at the Beijing Olympic Games in August 2008.
About Open Water Swimming
Just one part of a triathlon, these links will help you do it better.
Just one part of a triathlon, these links will help you do it better.
About open water swims & workouts
Ways to prepare and complete swims outside of the pool.
Ways to prepare and complete swims outside of the pool.
About swimmers kicking like runners
Do you have the dreaded runner's kick? Have no fear, there are things you can do to beceome a better kicker and a better swimmer. Even the worst of kickers can develop an adequate kick for freestyle, which is all you need for a triathlon swim.
Do you have the dreaded runner's kick? Have no fear, there are things you can do to beceome a better kicker and a better swimmer. Even the worst of kickers can develop an adequate kick for freestyle, which is all you need for a triathlon swim.
About Swimming and Running
Did you know there are aquathletes - swimming and running athletes? If your body allows you to run and swim, this is a great way to cross train, adding some extra variety, training gains, and scenery to your workouts. Can't run, swimmer? You can still add some walking to your training mix. Swimming has some good things for runners, too.
Did you know there are aquathletes - swimming and running athletes? If your body allows you to run and swim, this is a great way to cross train, adding some extra variety, training gains, and scenery to your workouts. Can't run, swimmer? You can still add some walking to your training mix. Swimming has some good things for runners, too.
About Swimming in the Triathlon
The first part of triathlons is the swim (if it is run in a standard order). This may help you get through it successfully.
The first part of triathlons is the swim (if it is run in a standard order). This may help you get through it successfully.
About Tri Gear
The tools of the trade, from wetsuits to bicycles.
The tools of the trade, from wetsuits to bicycles.
About Tri Governing Bodies and Rules
The rules of the sport, and the groups that make them.
The rules of the sport, and the groups that make them.
About Triathlon Swimming - Tips and Tactics for Triathletes
For a triathlete, a fast triathlon swim takes more than great swimming technique. It also takes a smart triathlon race plan, and these tips and tactics can help a triathlete get faster race results, from the swim through the transiton regardless of their overall swimming ability.
For a triathlete, a fast triathlon swim takes more than great swimming technique. It also takes a smart triathlon race plan, and these tips and tactics can help a triathlete get faster race results, from the swim through the transiton regardless of their overall swimming ability.
About Triathlons and Cross Training
The About.com Running Guide can help triathletes with everything from workout ideas to equipment choices.
The About.com Running Guide can help triathletes with everything from workout ideas to equipment choices.
About Triathlons from About Bicycling
Another leg of a triathlon; the About.com Bicycling Guide has a wealth of information to help you improve.
Another leg of a triathlon; the About.com Bicycling Guide has a wealth of information to help you improve.
American Triathlete Laura Bennett Finishes Third in Beijing Test Event
Second alternate in 2000. First alternate in 2004. Olympian in 2008. The third time was the charm for American triathlete Laura Bennett (N. Palm Beach, Fla. / Boulder, Colo.), who claimed the first spot on the 2008 US Olympic Team with a third-place finish at the ITU BG Beijing World Cup in Beijing, China. Bennett, who earned the spot by being the first American to finish, accomplished the feat on the same course she will now race for an Olympic medal in 2008 at the Beijing Olympic Games.
Second alternate in 2000. First alternate in 2004. Olympian in 2008. The third time was the charm for American triathlete Laura Bennett (N. Palm Beach, Fla. / Boulder, Colo.), who claimed the first spot on the 2008 US Olympic Team with a third-place finish at the ITU BG Beijing World Cup in Beijing, China. Bennett, who earned the spot by being the first American to finish, accomplished the feat on the same course she will now race for an Olympic medal in 2008 at the Beijing Olympic Games.
Americans Earn 21 Medals at 2007 Aquathlon World Championships
A strong contingent of American athletes represented themselves and their country well at the ITU Aquathlon World Championships in Ixtapa, Mexico on Saturday 12 May 2007. Team USA grabbed a total of 21 medals at the event, including 12 gold, 6 silvers, and 3 bronze. Among the totals were 19 medals earned by age group athletes on the 2.5k run, 1k swim, 2.5k run course. Sarah Groff (Boulder, Colo.) and Kelly Cook (Marietta, Ga.) finished first and second, respectively, in the women's elite race.
A strong contingent of American athletes represented themselves and their country well at the ITU Aquathlon World Championships in Ixtapa, Mexico on Saturday 12 May 2007. Team USA grabbed a total of 21 medals at the event, including 12 gold, 6 silvers, and 3 bronze. Among the totals were 19 medals earned by age group athletes on the 2.5k run, 1k swim, 2.5k run course. Sarah Groff (Boulder, Colo.) and Kelly Cook (Marietta, Ga.) finished first and second, respectively, in the women's elite race.
Athletes, experts consider the best ways to taper
Some ideas on how to taper (the easing-off period) in the weeks preceding the race. How you taper can hinder or benefit your race performance as much as your training does.
Some ideas on how to taper (the easing-off period) in the weeks preceding the race. How you taper can hinder or benefit your race performance as much as your training does.
Beginner Triathlon Links
A collection of links to information for the new (and semi-new) triathlete.
A collection of links to information for the new (and semi-new) triathlete.
Bennett, Reed Lead Americans at 2007 Mooloolaba ITU World Cup Triathlon
Laura Bennett opened the 2007 ITU World Cup campaign with an eighth place finish in Mooloolaba, Australia. For the American men, the top finisher was Matt Reed in 27th place.
Laura Bennett opened the 2007 ITU World Cup campaign with an eighth place finish in Mooloolaba, Australia. For the American men, the top finisher was Matt Reed in 27th place.
Buying a Triathlon Wetsuit for the Swim Leg of a Triathlon
Wearing a triathlon wetsuits should give you a potential or an actual swimming speed boost. You do not have this free swim speed boost in a non-triathlon wetsuit or without a triathlon wetsuit. Want to be a faster swimmer in a triathlon? Get a triathlon-type, swim-specific wetsuit.
Wearing a triathlon wetsuits should give you a potential or an actual swimming speed boost. You do not have this free swim speed boost in a non-triathlon wetsuit or without a triathlon wetsuit. Want to be a faster swimmer in a triathlon? Get a triathlon-type, swim-specific wetsuit.
Excited All Over Again: Getting Back Into Swimming Workouts
So, Triathlon is on your mind again, and you're revving up your training to prepare for the next racing season. Swimming has been on the backburner during the off-season, and some of you may be a bit disoriented about how to begin. No need to fear. You're in an enviable position to re-discover your swimming with a clear and open mind. You have the opportunity to refine your swim technique and develop good habits for those oh-so-many pool laps ahead while you initiate your base training.
So, Triathlon is on your mind again, and you're revving up your training to prepare for the next racing season. Swimming has been on the backburner during the off-season, and some of you may be a bit disoriented about how to begin. No need to fear. You're in an enviable position to re-discover your swimming with a clear and open mind. You have the opportunity to refine your swim technique and develop good habits for those oh-so-many pool laps ahead while you initiate your base training.
Find a Triathlon
A database of tri's and other multi-sport events in the USA and other countries.
A database of tri's and other multi-sport events in the USA and other countries.
HerTri.com
The Womans Triathlon Site - Specific information for women triathletes.
The Womans Triathlon Site - Specific information for women triathletes.
How Many Swims a Week?
How frequently should you do a swimming workout? Here are a few things to ponder.
How frequently should you do a swimming workout? Here are a few things to ponder.
How to Master the Top 5 Challenges to Breathing in Freestyle Swimming
The most common question I hear in the triathlete world 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.
The most common question I hear in the triathlete world 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.
Important Swim Workouts for a Triathlete
Important swim workouts for a triathlete involve race simulation, swimming skill proficiency, sustainable swimming speed, and time to recover after a swim. These factors, along with the athletes experience and goal race distance, will help a swimmer balance the types of swimming workouts done in the swimming pool (or lake, river, or ocean) among emphases of technique sets, endurance sets, strength sets, and speed sets.
Important swim workouts for a triathlete involve race simulation, swimming skill proficiency, sustainable swimming speed, and time to recover after a swim. These factors, along with the athletes experience and goal race distance, will help a swimmer balance the types of swimming workouts done in the swimming pool (or lake, river, or ocean) among emphases of technique sets, endurance sets, strength sets, and speed sets.
Ironman-distance Triathlete's Training Patterns
A survey-based research project that looked at annual training patterns and ironman-distance triathlon race results showed a few things that triathletes may want to consider when laying out their training plan for the year. It appears that some elements of training are often similar among successful triathletes.
A survey-based research project that looked at annual training patterns and ironman-distance triathlon race results showed a few things that triathletes may want to consider when laying out their training plan for the year. It appears that some elements of training are often similar among successful triathletes.
John Becker's Triathlon Site
First hand information for triathletes as well as links to training and coaching sites.
First hand information for triathletes as well as links to training and coaching sites.
Keep it Simple: Go long, Go easy, and Go fast
Ruth Kazez has some simple ideas that make sense.
Ruth Kazez has some simple ideas that make sense.
Know what to do, and when, and how often
One of the greatest puzzles of triathlon is creating the right blend of training to achieve optimal performance without the occurrence of injury. Rod Cedaro, M.Sc. has ideas on how to accomplish the mix.
One of the greatest puzzles of triathlon is creating the right blend of training to achieve optimal performance without the occurrence of injury. Rod Cedaro, M.Sc. has ideas on how to accomplish the mix.
Mind, Body, & Soul Triathlete Site
Need a little help? Here you will find all you will need to get training for your first triathlon today. From beginners programs and simple running routines to dieting and gearing up for your first, you will be able to do better than just crawling over the finish line - no matter who are.
Need a little help? Here you will find all you will need to get training for your first triathlon today. From beginners programs and simple running routines to dieting and gearing up for your first, you will be able to do better than just crawling over the finish line - no matter who are.
Potts, Swail Sweep Triathlon Golds for U.S. at 2007 Pan American Games
It was an American sweep of the gold medals as Julie Swail and Andy Potts won Pan American Games triathlon titles in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Sunday, July 15 2007. Swail, the 2007 USA Triathlon Elite National Champion, won in a time of 1 hour 57 minutes and 23 seconds. Andy Potts (Princeton, N.J. / Colorado Springs, Colo.), the 2007 USA Triathlon Elite National Champion, led for most of the men's race, crossing the line in a time of 1 hour 52 minutes and 31 seconds.
It was an American sweep of the gold medals as Julie Swail and Andy Potts won Pan American Games triathlon titles in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Sunday, July 15 2007. Swail, the 2007 USA Triathlon Elite National Champion, won in a time of 1 hour 57 minutes and 23 seconds. Andy Potts (Princeton, N.J. / Colorado Springs, Colo.), the 2007 USA Triathlon Elite National Champion, led for most of the men's race, crossing the line in a time of 1 hour 52 minutes and 31 seconds.
Runner's Web Duathlon & Triathlon Links
Good resources for multi-sport athletes.
Good resources for multi-sport athletes.
Sara McLarty's Elite USA Triathlon Update from Australia
Several members of the USA Triathlon National Teams program have spent the past month in Australia preparing for the 2007 racing season. Last year’s USAT U23 National Champion Sara McLarty reports on the team’s progress after the first weekend of racing, which included the opening ITU BG World Cup event in Mooloolaba. US Triathlete Sara McLarty shares some of her experiences from Australia.
Several members of the USA Triathlon National Teams program have spent the past month in Australia preparing for the 2007 racing season. Last year’s USAT U23 National Champion Sara McLarty reports on the team’s progress after the first weekend of racing, which included the opening ITU BG World Cup event in Mooloolaba. US Triathlete Sara McLarty shares some of her experiences from Australia.
Shaping Up for a Triathlon Swim
Ask yourself how important it is to win the swim portion of a triathlon compared to how you will perform overall. The longer the race, the less likely it is that the winner of the swim is the winner of the triathlon. But if it takes all you've got just to get through the swim, you are going to face a big challenge completing the bike and run. This is a training plan I recommend for Olympic distance or longer triathletes.
Ask yourself how important it is to win the swim portion of a triathlon compared to how you will perform overall. The longer the race, the less likely it is that the winner of the swim is the winner of the triathlon. But if it takes all you've got just to get through the swim, you are going to face a big challenge completing the bike and run. This is a training plan I recommend for Olympic distance or longer triathletes.
Sleeves or Sleeveless Wetsuits for a Triathlon Swimmer?
A reader asked for some wetsuit buying ideas. "I'm a good swimmer. It's my strength in triathlons. I'm doing an IronmMan race, and the water temperature is supposed to be about 70 degrees. Would I be okay in a sleeveless wetsuit? At what temperature do you recommend wearing a suit with sleeves? Who makes the best wetsuit"
A reader asked for some wetsuit buying ideas. "I'm a good swimmer. It's my strength in triathlons. I'm doing an IronmMan race, and the water temperature is supposed to be about 70 degrees. Would I be okay in a sleeveless wetsuit? At what temperature do you recommend wearing a suit with sleeves? Who makes the best wetsuit"
Slowtwitch
A guide to multi-sport events, results, training, and equipment.
A guide to multi-sport events, results, training, and equipment.
Starts, Turns, and Sighting in an Open Water or Triathlon Swim
Swimming in a triathlon can be an unpleasant experience. Your swim is going to be disrupted by dozens (or hundreds) of other triathletes churning the water. The mental focus, so simple during a pleasant lap swim at the local swimming pool, becomes almost impossible. Visibility sucks, there is no wall to push off, and the 10 degree drop in water has completely taken away your breath. So... what's the best way to deal with this difficult aspect of open water swimming? Train the way you race.
Swimming in a triathlon can be an unpleasant experience. Your swim is going to be disrupted by dozens (or hundreds) of other triathletes churning the water. The mental focus, so simple during a pleasant lap swim at the local swimming pool, becomes almost impossible. Visibility sucks, there is no wall to push off, and the 10 degree drop in water has completely taken away your breath. So... what's the best way to deal with this difficult aspect of open water swimming? Train the way you race.
Swim Tech - The Swim Column
The Extreme Tri site's swim column for triathletes; good articles on training and technique.
The Extreme Tri site's swim column for triathletes; good articles on training and technique.
Swimming in a Triathlon
The first leg of a triathlon is the wettest, even on a rainy day, but it should also be the most enjoyable and relaxed part of the race. A good swim can lead to a great race. Some tri's are short, some are long, but all require you to swim. From my perspective as a competitive swimmer, coach, and triathlete, the swim is not the hardest portion of the event, but it is critical to perform the swim leg of a triathlon correctly to set up a successful bike and run leg.
The first leg of a triathlon is the wettest, even on a rainy day, but it should also be the most enjoyable and relaxed part of the race. A good swim can lead to a great race. Some tri's are short, some are long, but all require you to swim. From my perspective as a competitive swimmer, coach, and triathlete, the swim is not the hardest portion of the event, but it is critical to perform the swim leg of a triathlon correctly to set up a successful bike and run leg.
Swimming Tips
Some great ideas for swimming in tri's, from the Hulaman website.
Some great ideas for swimming in tri's, from the Hulaman website.
Tapering
How to polish and fine tune your training for the big event.
How to polish and fine tune your training for the big event.
The science of race fueling, part two
More ideas on eating for the long races, by Dan Empfield.
More ideas on eating for the long races, by Dan Empfield.
The science of triathlon fueling, part one
Ideas on eating for the long races, by Dan Empfield.
Ideas on eating for the long races, by Dan Empfield.
Tips to Help a Swimmer Survive the Start of a Triathlon
The start of a triathlon can be nerve-wracking, tiring, intimidating, frustrating, and even discouraging (why do we do this sport??). But don't let all this get to you! The start for everyone is a crazy cluster of splashing, starts and stops, physical contact, and swimmers trying to separate from each other. Here are some tips to deal with what some consider being the toughest part of any triathlon.
The start of a triathlon can be nerve-wracking, tiring, intimidating, frustrating, and even discouraging (why do we do this sport??). But don't let all this get to you! The start for everyone is a crazy cluster of splashing, starts and stops, physical contact, and swimmers trying to separate from each other. Here are some tips to deal with what some consider being the toughest part of any triathlon.
Top 6 Swimmer's FAQ’s on Triathlon Swims
What questions do triathletes frequently ask about the swim portion of a triathlon? Should I wear a wetsuit? May I swim another stroke besides freestyle? Where should I line up at the start of the swim? Should I use a heart rate monitor? How often should I "sight"? How often should I breathe during the swim? TriSwim Coach Kevin Koskella reviews the his top 6 FAQ's from swimmers on the swim leg of a triathlon.
What questions do triathletes frequently ask about the swim portion of a triathlon? Should I wear a wetsuit? May I swim another stroke besides freestyle? Where should I line up at the start of the swim? Should I use a heart rate monitor? How often should I "sight"? How often should I breathe during the swim? TriSwim Coach Kevin Koskella reviews the his top 6 FAQ's from swimmers on the swim leg of a triathlon.
Top Ten Newbie Triathlon Mistakes
They say the best way to learn is to make mistakes. As a newbie and Clydesdale, in my first year of competing in triathlons, I've made my share of mistakes. Here is my Top ten list of newbie triathlete mistakes. (Roman Mica/Everyman Triathlon)
They say the best way to learn is to make mistakes. As a newbie and Clydesdale, in my first year of competing in triathlons, I've made my share of mistakes. Here is my Top ten list of newbie triathlete mistakes. (Roman Mica/Everyman Triathlon)
Training and Racing Tips for Open Water Swimming
Good ideas for you to follow for ocean, lake, and river swims.
Good ideas for you to follow for ocean, lake, and river swims.
Training Diary - eTrain
A free Excel based training log program based on the SERIOUS plan.
A free Excel based training log program based on the SERIOUS plan.
Training Diary - Training Bible
TrainingBible.com is a web-based scheduling and log system based on Joe Friel's "Training Bible" series of books.
TrainingBible.com is a web-based scheduling and log system based on Joe Friel's "Training Bible" series of books.
Transition Times
Downloadable triathlon magazine, web search facility, classifieds, race calendar, and photos.
Downloadable triathlon magazine, web search facility, classifieds, race calendar, and photos.
Travel with your bike
A guide to traveling with your gear - planes, trains, and automobiles.
A guide to traveling with your gear - planes, trains, and automobiles.
Tri-Umph! Classics
Get ready for action and work toward an awesome goal when you train for an AARP Tri-Umph! Classic, a swim-bike-run event for people 50+.
Get ready for action and work toward an awesome goal when you train for an AARP Tri-Umph! Classic, a swim-bike-run event for people 50+.
Triathlon Basics
The "bare bones" of triathlons; a good place to start.
The "bare bones" of triathlons; a good place to start.
Triathlon News
The stories of Triathlon from around the world, from trifind.com.
The stories of Triathlon from around the world, from trifind.com.
Triathlon Transition Tips, from Triathlete.org
Getting in and out of the transition area makes all the difference in a sprint race, but smooth race transitions also help in Ironman distances.
Getting in and out of the transition area makes all the difference in a sprint race, but smooth race transitions also help in Ironman distances.
Triathlon's Early History
Jack Johnstone with the story of perhaps the very first organized triathlon in the world.
Jack Johnstone with the story of perhaps the very first organized triathlon in the world.
Triathlonlive
The site of genuine Ironman races, from the qualifiers to the world championships in Kona.
The site of genuine Ironman races, from the qualifiers to the world championships in Kona.
Triathlons and Overtraining - Don't Do it!
Many coaches subscribe to the "no pain, no gain" philosophy. More is better, faster is better, tighter intervals are better, etc. This is not my method! Overtraining can be worse than undertraining.
Many coaches subscribe to the "no pain, no gain" philosophy. More is better, faster is better, tighter intervals are better, etc. This is not my method! Overtraining can be worse than undertraining.
Trifuel Articles and Tips
A variety of articles to help you become a better triathlete.
A variety of articles to help you become a better triathlete.
Trisite.com
Looking for news and race reports on triathlons and triathletes? You can find many of them here, along with gear and training ideas.
Looking for news and race reports on triathlons and triathletes? You can find many of them here, along with gear and training ideas.
USA Triathlete Jarrod Shoemaker Punches Ticket to 2008 Beijing Olympics
US Triathlete Jarrod Shoemaker knew he would have to have the race of his life to earn a spot on the 2008 US Olympic Triathlon Team. The 25-year-old did just that, earning the first spot for the U.S. men with an 11th place finish at the 2007 ITU BG Beijing World Cup on Sunday. No one was close to champion Javier Gomez of Spain, who finished in 1:48:41. Australian Courtney Atkinson outsprinted Bevan Docherty of New Zealand to claim second.
US Triathlete Jarrod Shoemaker knew he would have to have the race of his life to earn a spot on the 2008 US Olympic Triathlon Team. The 25-year-old did just that, earning the first spot for the U.S. men with an 11th place finish at the 2007 ITU BG Beijing World Cup on Sunday. No one was close to champion Javier Gomez of Spain, who finished in 1:48:41. Australian Courtney Atkinson outsprinted Bevan Docherty of New Zealand to claim second.
USA Triathlon
The place to find things on triathlons from the Official U.S. governing body.
The place to find things on triathlons from the Official U.S. governing body.
Wetsuit Technology & Speed, from Future Dreams
Different brands and styles of wetsuits claim to make you faster. What is it that each one is really saying, and which one may be right for you?
Different brands and styles of wetsuits claim to make you faster. What is it that each one is really saying, and which one may be right for you?
What is the Least Training Needed to Complete Your First Triathlon?
Ruth Kazez thinks it is about 5 hours a week, and she tells you how to plan your week to get the least amount of training accomplished to help you finish your first triathlon. Everyone needs to start somewhere, and this is a great way to begin.
Ruth Kazez thinks it is about 5 hours a week, and she tells you how to plan your week to get the least amount of training accomplished to help you finish your first triathlon. Everyone needs to start somewhere, and this is a great way to begin.