What are the characteristics of a mentally “peaked” athlete, and how do you obtain them?

Arm motion is very important in running. The arms work to counter-balance the hips and can even provide lift and bursts of power to the stride.

Once the swelling and pain are decreased, early controlled movement has been shown to improve healing and put you back on the road quickly.

We are pleased to announce a new partnership with Train Strong, an outdoor fitness program designed for athletes of all ability levels. Train Strong is now the official general fitness program of Sport Factory. Train Strong is a boot camp style of workout that incorporates exercises ranging from plyometrics to body weight exercises, all done in a group setting.

I recently had an athlete ask me if he could “load” his body with water prior to an event just as someone would load carbohydrate. The answer to this question is “no” and “yes.”

Judging from the amount of email I received after my article “Drafting Dilemma” was featured on Active.com, there are a lot of triathletes out there with strong feelings on the subject and, I appreciate your responses. I do suggest you voice your opinions to your local race directors and to USAT. I would like to respond to one frequent suggestion I received— “why not make drafting legal if everyone is doing it anyway?”

On the surface this certainly would solve the problem, but it would not create the even playing field desired. In fact the opposite would occur. Many triathletes are not familiar with “draft legal” ITU triathlon. This is an entirely different sport, and it is the format for Olympic (not the distance, the international competition) triathlon. Making drafting legal would change the entire face of triathlon as you know it. You would have alliances, teams, and individuals working together. Tactics and strategy would be a major component of the sport, and the sole athlete would stand little chance of placing against a group racing tactically.

Crashes are infrequent in triathlon when compared to other cycle sports. In road racing crashing is an accepted part of the sport, and cyclists rarely go a season without some road rash. Having inexperienced riders in tight packs at higher speeds is a formula for disaster in my opinion. The added danger and liability involved would make race fees go up as well. And you could hang up that $5k tri bike you just purchased. Draft legal rules require a safer and more stable road bike with traditional cowhorn bars; although short clip on aero bars are allowed (no bar end shifters.) Tri bikes are made for aerodynamic efficiency and are less stable, especially while braking or cornering. They are not designed to be raced in close quarters bumping shoulders.

Draft legal is more exciting, but a lot more daunting, especially for beginners. The great thing about triathlon is that anyone may compete in one. Making drafting legal would turn away beginners intimidated by the peloton. Unfortunately there are no easy answers here. - Coach Matt Russ

The warm up allows you to address form and technique, while the main set works on speed.

The Cateye Double Wireless has a host of features and is one of the more well thought out cycle computer designs I have come across.

Joe Flenniken and daughter cross the finish line together.