This is a great video about running with proper technique, how to limit over-pronation and avoid shin splints. The guy might be a little long winded and boring but the material is great. Watch all the way through and feel free to comment 
Forefoot vs Heel Striking and Over-Pronation from Jeff Kline on Vimeo.
This is probably the number one question we get asked from people that are new to the world of triathlons. There are plenty of beginner triathlon training programs available but many individuals don’t feel like they will be ready on race day without doing more. Here are a couple of questions to ponder:
A person that is literally getting off the couch to participate in their first triathlon would be advised to have a physical evaluation from their doctor. Any new exercise routine will put stress on the body and the last thing you want is any complications. A true beginner triathlon training program will be a lot more about building a fitness base than about specific training.
Second, the amount of training you will need to finish your first triathlon depends on how soon it is and how long of an event. A healthy, but non active person will need about twelve weeks of training just to finish a sprint triathlon. Less fitness means more general fitness training and a beginner program may be appropriate.
Lastly, a person that only has a few hours a week to train will want to spend the most of it generating a solid level of fitness. This can be easily accomplished with a beginner triathlon training program. So the answer… Base it on your answer to the three aspects above…
It is the major downfall of almost every sport that a person enjoys. It is the inevitable offseason that happens every year. Sticking to a triathlon schedule when there are very few races around the area can be fairly aggravating. The last thing you want to do is become a couch potato for the winter and lose all the ground that you gained during the year. Instead of this option, making a triathlon schedule that includes some offseason events will keep you prepared for the spring. Stay focused on keeping up a level of activity, even if it is not specific to your normal triathlon training program.
What can this include? Many triathletes take up skiing or snowboarding during the winter because this keeps the core muscles of the body in shape throughout the season. It will not be exactly the same as pounding the pavement or swimming laps in a pool but a little rest from a rigorous training routine can also keep a person from burning out on the sport. You can still keep up going to the gym for cycling, swimming or running and may even be able to take these outside when there isn’t any snow on the ground.
Many triathletes schedule winter vacations to warmer climates that may have triathlons that go on year round. There are plenty of hotter spots that feature Christmas Day triathlons and more during the holidays. Don’t forget that you don’t have to stick to triathlons either. Compete in some smaller runs or rides that keep up your fitness, enthusiasm and drive for next season. If possible, find a training partner that doesn’t mind slipping on a stocking cap and gloves for that wintery run!
Tags: triathlon schedule
It has long been debated how much focus should be given to all 3 triathlon sports. The reason is because training for triathlon events is so time consuming. Many people focus on being really proficient at one main leg of the race, usually whatever sport they already had a background in before starting triathlon training. This can be very detrimental to an overall good performance in a triathlon. Instead, giving more time to legs of the race that a person is not proficient at will yield the best results. Think about it in this manner: How much improvement does a world class athlete make by practicing every single day of the week? Usually a fraction of seconds off their time. This is because they have done the majority of the training upfront. It is better to spend time making major improvements in all three legs before honing specific skills. Most new triathletes will see major time improvements by mastering basic techniques in all three triathlon sports before developing specific skills. Remember, the majority of time you will save in a race is getting relatively proficient in each leg of the race, not just mastering one.
Tags: triathlon sports
