Triathlon Juice (TRIJUICE) - triathlon news & resource site - Swim Archives

New Front Crawl Stroke Builder iPhone & iPad App

2012-01-17T14:24:38Z

The Trilife, a leading coaching company in the UK, recently released a new FREE* front crawl / freestyle swim app. Stroke Builder, an app for the iPhone and iPad and available on Apple iTunes, is a comprehensive guide to swimming front crawl / freestyle and correcting faults using swimming drills.

The app is an invaluable tool for developing swimmers and coaches with the use of high definition video clips narrated by Great Britain Olympic coach Dan Salcedo while other coaches Andrea Whitcombe and Thom Phillips demonstrate the drills and good swim techniques.

Novice swimmers should start with the stroke builder section which will lead them step-by-step to developing an efficient front crawl. Intermediate swimmers will benefit from the fault fixer and drills database to help them fix issues with their stroke and provide variety to their training sessions. Coaches can use all the sections as a demonstration tool to show correct technique to their swimmers.

To get you started the free app contains the first 4 videos. The rest of the content is offered as In-App purchases. This content is split into 3 sections: Stroke Builder, Fault Fixer and Drills Database, so you can choose the section that suits your current level of swimming or get all 3 to complete this comprehensive guide to front crawl / freestyle.

The app suggests drills to develop an efficient and relaxed front crawl stroke so that novice athletes can swim their race distance comfortably without feeling exhausted.

]]> Full App Features:

• Stroke Builder - this section of the app provides a 10 part step-by-step guide to developing your front crawl stroke. The free app includes the introduction and first chapter - "Introduction - The Perfect Stroke" and "Reducing Resistance - Body Position".

• Fault Fixer - analyses the 24 most common front crawl faults providing answers to fixing them. The free app includes the first fault - "Body Not Streamlined".

• Drills Database - a collection of 20 swimming drills clearly demonstrated by former elite triathlete Andrea Whitcombe with details of when to use them. The free app includes the first drill - "Catch Up".

• Every section contains video and supporting text from the expert coaches of thetrilife.com.

The Stroke Builder iPhone and iPad app is FREE an available on iTunes here.

About The Trilife
thetrilife.com is a leading coaching company in the UK, delivering swim, bike and run coaching via online training programs, training day camps, overseas camps and one-to-one sessions. The highly qualified coaching team that includes Richard Jones, Bill Black and Andrea Whitcombe provides coaching for athletes of all levels of fitness and ability from first time triathletes through to seasoned professionals and elite performers. Visit www.thetrilife.com for more details.

Related Posts:
• TriEssential Upgrades Triathlon iPhone App

Review: Life in the Finis Fast Lane with Swimsense

2012-01-03T21:59:45Z

When it comes to swimming in a triathlon, I'm like the slightly above-average golfer - I'm always looking for a tool that will take a second or two off every lap in the pool. As the weather finally gets colder, I will have more time than usual to focus on my catch and glide in the local YMCA pool. This season will be different. I'll be working with a new coach - one strapped to my wrist: the Finis Swimsense watch. And I bet it will take more than a second or two off my T-time this year!

For those triathletes who have lived in the cave for a year, this watch was probably one of the most innovative core products to hit the market in 2011. In 2012, it was finally time for me to give it a try. The watch is a truly remarkable tool. The internal accelerometers not only keep track of your laps, but also can actually count the type of laps you swim and compute your DPS and pace. I had to try it to really understand its capabilities.

On January 1st, I met Ken, my training buddy at the normal 5:45 a.m. time at the YMCA. I was surprised at the number of people that day who chose not sleep in on the official holiday. I used the watch for the first 45 minutes. Ken used it for the last 45 minutes of the workout.

]]> The screen on the watch itself is extremely intuitive. I didn't even need the manual to figure out how to configure the watch and start it. The watch does require that you set the dimensions of the pool. In our case, we were swimming the short course in 25-yard lanes. I realized very quickly that it is necessary to pause the watch during recovery periods to keep accurate counts of your laps. Both of us found the buttons on the watch easy to use in the pool.

Though you can pull up the history of your workouts, the wealth of information really comes when you upload the data to the Finis website. The site offers a very creative interface that visually depicts the timing, length, pace, and recovery periods for each workout, for each set, and for every lap within each set. I could see how my pace changed within each set and also tell where I took too long to recover.

The information is exceptionally valuable for a self-coached athlete. I'm also guessing that coaches working remotely will find the information very useful to help their athletes improve times. Better yet, the cradle and software worked flawlessly on my MacBook Pro.

Find more information on the Finis Swimsense watch at: www.finisinc.com/swimsense

Author: Paul Tyler

Paul Tyler is the founder of Triessential.com and a contributor here at TRIJUICE. Triessential offers an iPhone application that provides training tips and motivation every day throughout the entire year. Follow Paul on Twitter @triessential
www.triessential.com

Relates Posts:
- Swimsense Monitor, New Swim Training Tool from Finis

Tri Dynamic & Tanja Slater to Offer Swim Improvement Clinic

2011-12-12T18:58:05Z

Tri Dynamic has teamed up with former Elite Triathlete and Pro Cyclist Tanja Slater from upandactive.com to offer a Swim Technique Clinic including video analysis on SAT 21st January 2012. The clinic will be limited to a maximum of just 12 places to ensure that each participant receives lots of personal attention and coaching. The venue for the swim clinic will be the brand new £20M complex at Lancaster University Sports Centre with its new 8 lane 25m competition pool.

If you are a triathlete who has been struggling with your swim technique this clinic is a great opportunity to make big improvements next season resulting in faster swim splits and more energy for the rest of the race. You will learn about applying the correct swimming technique, have your stroke analysed under and over the water and receive individual feedback and coaching from Tanja Slater. Video analysis of your stroke is the best way to understand your current technique and position, enabling you to make big improvements in speed and efficiency. This Swim Clinic will teach you how to train smarter rather than just putting in endless miles in the pool.

More Info on Tanja Slater
Tanja is a former GB Elite Pro ITU Triathlete and a former Professional GB Cyclist. She finished top 10 in 2 European Triathlon Championships and competed in two World Cycling Championships supporting Nicole Cooke to medals in both races and won a stage in the Ladies Tour de France.

Stepping down from Elite racing she is now concentrating on full time coaching & teaching. As a front pack swimmer in Triathlon she knows how important it is to swim faster, swim more efficiently and with more confidence. More recently Tanja has won the pink jersey in the women's section of the London-Paris on two occasions. She is now a full time Coach and runs UpandActive. Visit www.upandactive.com

]]> What is included on the Tanja Slater Swim Clinic:

• Coaching from former Elite triathlete, PRO cyclist & front pack swimmer Tanja Slater
• 1 hour swim session including underwater filming and drills
• 2 hour classroom session and individual video analysis of your swimming stroke with key areas to work on helpful pointers to continue working on from Tanja Slater
• A further 1 hour swim session to get back in the pool and try out what you have learned under the guidance of Tanja Slater

Each participant will be emailed footage of their swim stroke after the clinic so you have a record of your technique and areas to work on. Tri Dynamic & Tanja Slater will be organising optional follow up clinics which will help you progress your swim technique leading in to the new racing season.

Price £60 (Club members) £65 (Non Club Members)

For MORE INFO and TO BOOK visit www.tridynamic.co.uk

Swimovate and Speedo to Develop the AquaCoach Watch

2011-07-07T17:44:38Z

July 06, 2011 - Swimovate Ltd, developers of the Pool-Mate swimming computer, are delighted to announce an exclusive partnership with Speedo to develop the AquaCoach watch, providing swimmers with comprehensive information to maximise their workout in the pool.

The four-year agreement will allow the world's leading swimwear brand the rights to use Swimovate's Lap Counting technology in their watch products.

The Speedo AquaCoach is certain to be the perfect complement to Speedo's Swim Fitness collection, which includes Speedo Aqua-Active swimwear and a comprehensive range of training aids engineered to enhance the effectiveness of swimming as a regular workout.

Offering swimmers comprehensive details of the effectiveness of their workout, including number of laps swum, speed comparisons with previous sessions, and the number of calories burned, the Speedo AquaCoach product is designed to help achieve a greater understanding of their swim in order to improve their performance. Available in Red, Black or Blue colourways, Speedo AquaCoach is resistant to water at depths of up to 100m and boasts a 50 swim session memory.

]]> Lisa Irlam, CEO of Swimovate said: "We are delighted Speedo has incorporated our lap counting technology into the Speedo AquaCoach, and it is exciting to be working in partnership with the world's leading swim brand. The watch is very impressive with a large display and buttons that can be pressed under water and looks fantastic, and we're sure it will prove hugely popular among consumers."

Sean Hastings, Vice President of Product and Marketing at Speedo International added: "Speedo is passionate about innovation in swimming, and Swimovate has proved to be an ideal partner during the development of the AquaCoach. The result is a product which provides clear benefits to our key swim fitness consumer, allowing them to enjoy their regular swimming workout with tangible evidence of its effectiveness."

About Swimovate:
Swimovate Ltd is a UK company run by swimmers and triathletes developing innovative, affordable electronic training products for sports in particular swimming.

They are dedicated to finding workable solutions to training issues athletes of all abilities have. The Swimovate team have extensive experience in electronic and software design, development and manufacture worldwide.

www.swimovate.com
www.speedo.co.uk

GOAT Gear Introduces Aquaspotter, New Swim Safety Product

2011-07-07T11:45:00Z

Open water swim training for a triathlon can be tricky if you are on a body of water with boat traffic even if you have someone with you in a boat, kayak or canoe tagging along or you have to go solo for your training swim. You would rather focus on your stroke, breathing or sighting than making sure you are visible to people around you in the water. Now there is a new product from GOAT Gear that will give you added visibility while you're out training in the open water for your triathlon.

Visibility doesn't have to be a drag. The new Aquaspotter by GOAT Gear is a revolutionary patent pending product that provides unparalleled visibility for triathletes, open water swimmers and snorkelers alike. Unlike other products serving similar purposes, the Aquaspotter adds virtually zero drag to the swimmer and no tether dragging behind you to tangle in your kick. A brightly colored flag sits atop an 18" lightweight pole which is attached to a comfortable neoprene belt which allows boaters, jet skis and other surface watercraft to see you easily. In addition you will instantly become more visible to snorkeling guides, lifeguards and other observers on shore.

The Aquaspotter allows triathletes, snorkelers and open water swimmers to Get Out and Train and not have to worry about being invisible to recreational watercraft and people on shore. It's not bulky, so you can easily bring it with you for your swim and store it afterwards. The flag pole is detachable for easy transport and storage.

]]> One of the side benefits the new swim safety training Aquaspotter device offers is the ability for coaches, trainers, and instructors to visualize swimmer's hip rotation, thus potentially improving the swimmers efficiency and speed.

Aquaspotter Includes:
- Large 8x6 inch bright orange flag for increased visibility
- Highly water resistant pocket
- Comfortable neoprene stretch belt to prevent chafing
- Weather proof and hand-washable material
- Secure buckle
- 2 slide adjusters to ensure a snug fit
- Sized 27" to 40"
- Removable lightweight flagpole

GOAT Gear, LLC was born when Scott Greenstone spent a year training for the 2010 Lake Placid Ironman Triathlon. During his long hours of swimming, biking and running, he found himself wishing for training products that just didn't exist...yet. Early inspiration nearly struck Scott in the form of a boat during one of his training swims in the Gulf of Mexico. As a lone swimmer in a large body of water, he realized he needed a way to be more visible to the motorized craft that share those waters. Research ensued and development began on the flagship product: the GOAT Gear AquaSpotter for open water swim training. The unique name for this company is short for Get Out and Train Gear.

You can find more information on the new AquaSpotter and stay up-to-date on some future products at www.getgoatgear.com

New York City Triathlon Implements Time Trial Swim Start

2011-07-05T22:08:57Z

The Nautica New York City Triathlon, an Olympic Distance triathlon event which takes place in August has announced that it's implementing a time trial start for the swim portion of the race. That's good news for those athletes with an initial fear of the swimming discipline, even with a wetsuit on. Each year over 3,000 athletes brave the waters of the mighty Hudson River before biking along Manhattan's West Side highway before finishing with a run through New York's famed Central Park.

The reasons for instituting a time trial start for the Nautica New York City Triathlon from race organizers are:
• Less congestion in the water - no washing machine effect.
• More streamlined swim start.
• More even dispersion of athletes on the bike.
• Everyone starts sooner, which means everyone finishes earlier - key on a hot day.

The event which is now part of the 5150 Series has safety on its mind. Back in 2008, a 32-year-old man competing in the race died after being pulled unconscious from the Hudson. Autopsy results proved to be inconclusive, so it's hard to say what the cause of death was.

For some triathletes mass swim wave starts can be terrifying, they don't want to experience the washing machine effect with arms and legs all over the place. For others the thought of a mass wave of swimmers coming at them from behind can lead to panic attacks in the water. So the news of the swim time trial start is good news for them and everyone else racing that day.

Unlike some other triathlon time trial starts which have one person going every 3 seconds the New York City Triathlon will implement this method: 20 athletes will enter the water every 10 seconds. The time trial start will be faster than the wave start format used in past Nautica New York City Triathlons. All athletes will enter the water continuously until the last Age Group in each transition has crossed the start mat. There are no assigned times, so each athlete must be attentive and responsible for being in place when their Age Group turn arrives.

]]> Instructions:
• All athletes will be grouped with their assigned Age Group or Division.
• Age Groups/Divisions will be filed as a group onto the Start Barge. Athletes will enter the water 20 ATHLETES EVERY 10 SECONDS.
• Due to tide shifts, jump start only. No diving. Diving is grounds for Disqualification.
• Timing mats will be located at the entrance to the Start Barge AND at the starting edge of the Start Barge.
• All athletes will receive a Champion Chip net time from the moment they cross the mats at the edge of the Start Barge until they cross the Finish Line timing mats. The swim time split will start at Start Barge timing mats and will end at the Swim Exit Barge timing mats.
• Transition Yellow athletes enter the water first. There will be a 20 minute gap between Transition Yellow and Transition Red athletes.
• Any athlete missing their assigned Age Group start will be held until the last wave in their corresponding transition (yellow transition/red transition) start group.
• Any athletes missing the last wave in their corresponding transition start group (yellow transition/red transition) will not be permitted to start the race. No refunds. No race. No crying. No exceptions.

Be sure to check the event website (www.nyctri.com) for additional information or updates regarding the new time trial swim start.

Making the Swim Matter - Swim Workouts for Triathletes Review

2011-06-17T18:46:57Z

How many triathletes look at the swim as just a giant obstacle course before the real race begins? I even put myself in that camp at times. Unlike running or biking, hours spent in the pool do not necessarily translate into lower times in the water. Gale Bernhardt & Nick Hansen offer a good solution to that problem through the release of the second edition of Swim Workouts for Triathletes. The book links training objectives with workouts in the water that will drive improved performance at your "A" race this season.

Straight off the shelf, the book met two key needs for me. First, I really like to mix and match my training schedule around work demands and specific race objectives. Almost all triathlon plans include good swim plans, but they are often hard to separate from the rest of the program. When I have purchased books focused only on swimming, the workouts usually are geared to members of swim teams, not endurance-focused triathletes. Bernhardt and Hansen have given me workouts that are perfect for triathlon training in a structure that allows me to match them with my race goals.

Second, I really don't want to feel like a monk copying by hand every workout the night before I swim and saving the paper in a sandwich bag. I frequently get to the pool and realize I either copied the wrong workout or I forget to annotate all the abbreviations. The physical layout of Swim Workouts for Triathletes with waterproof pages and a built-in stand makes it exceptionally easy to take straight to the pool.

No review of a training book, though is complete without a true field test. Ken, my training partner and I followed the Olympic/Half Triathlon training plan for three week in the second version. Miriam Weiskind has used the first version extensively on her way to several podium finishes already this year. The three of us sat down this week and talked about the book. Here's the discussion:

Paul: You took third place in your age group this spring at Lavaman in Hawaii. How did the first edition help you improve your swim this year?

Miriam: As part of my early season prep work, I spent a great deal of time in the pool strengthening my swim. Swim Workouts in a Binder was a great tool in allowing me to pick the perfect workout whether it being an endurance or speed workout. It also does a fantastic job of offering two different volume options depending upon what distance race you are training for.

]]> Paul: Ken, we just did one of the Endurance Zone 2 workouts this morning. I still feel the buzz. I liked having one longer and one shorter version of the same workout on a page. That way, we both could focus on the same goal, but roughly end at the same time. What do think so far about the program?

Ken: Hours of random drills with pool toys don't lead to faster times, in fact training like this actually regressed my swim times. The book provides structure to my workouts by adding in a few drills with a higher volume of fast drills, which will lead to faster race times. Also, I like the variety of distances to suit my time available. Rarely was I pushing myself hard enough or swimming fast enough on my own. As you say Paul, unless there's no buzz in the shoulders, it's a wasted workout and that's what I was doing.

So, in a nutshell, this is a great tool for any triathlete looking to drop time on the swim. I am still trying to figure out how get the pages to dry, but I'm sure I find the solution. Swim Workouts for Triathletes: Practical Workouts to Build Speed, Strength, and Endurance by Gale Bernhardt and Nick Hansen published by VeloPress is available is bookstores now.

Author: Paul Tyler

Paul Tyler is the founder of Triessential.com and a contributor here at TRIJUICE. Triessential offers an iPhone application that provides training tips and motivation every day throughout the entire year.
www.triessential.com

Related Posts:
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80 Swim Workouts for Triathletes by Gale Bernhardt

2011-05-04T13:15:43Z

VeloPress Updates Triathlon's Most Popular Swimming Resource, Swim Workouts for Triathletes

The most popular swimming resource in triathlon is now new and improved. Swim Workouts for Triathletes, 2nd Ed. is the best-selling collection of swim workouts in triathlon. This waterproof book that triathletes can take to the pool will help them make every lap count. The book is now available in bookstores, tri shops, and online. Triathletes and swimmers can download 5 free swim workouts at www.velopress.com/swim.

It's no secret: Most triathletes are weak swimmers. Too many triathletes neglect their swimming form and rely on unfocused workouts. The result is lost time on race day.

Swim Workouts for Triathletes features 80 freestyle swim workouts with the structure, variety, and drills triathletes need to become more efficient swimmers. Each workout is designed around a specific goal--endurance, speed, form, force, muscular endurance, or anaerobic endurance--making it easy to prepare for any race and improve all-around swimming skill.

Triathletes can pick and choose workouts, slotting them into their current training, or begin one of the four new swim training plans from these accomplished swim coaches. Triathletes who take Swim Workouts for Triathletes with them to the pool will strengthen their swim and become better triathletes. The second edition of Swim Workouts for Triathletes includes:

• Waterproof, spiral-bound pages with big, high-contrast lettering for easy reading through goggles
• The 10 best drills for improved freestyle performance
• 30-minute sessions to fit a quality workout into a busy day
• Open-water workouts to get ready for race day
• Beginner & advanced swim sets for each workout
• 4 training plans for sprint, Olympic & half-Ironman®, Ironman®, and general fitness

]]> Swim Workouts for Triathletes, 2nd Ed.: Practical Workouts to Build Speed, Strength, and Endurance
Gale Bernhardt and Nick Hansen
Spiral-bound waterproof paper with 4-color interior
5" x 7", 120 pp., $29.95, 978-1-934030-75-2

About Gale Bernhardt:
Gale Bernhardt is one of the most experienced and accomplished coaches in triathlon. She coached the U.S. triathlon teams for both the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece, and the 2003 Pan American Games, and she has served as a world cup coach for the International Triathlon Union development squad. Gale holds the highest certifications offered by USA Triathlon and USA Cycling. She is author of four VeloPress books for cyclists and triathletes.

About Nick Hansen:
Over the course of his coaching career, Nick Hansen has been at the helm of some of the nation's most prestigious swimming programs: U.S. National Team swimming coach, University of Wisconsin head coach, University of Arizona assistant coach, and masters swim coach. Nick holds a graduate degree in exercise physiology and formerly served at the University of Wisconsin Sports Medicine Clinic.

About VeloPress:
VeloPress is an endurance sports and fitness publisher with books on cycling, triathlon, running, swimming, nutrition and diet, yoga, and the histories and personalities of our sports. VeloPress is the book-publishing division of Competitor Group, Inc., which publishes VeloNews, Triathlete, Inside Triathlon, and Competitor magazines and produces the Rock 'N' Roll marathon and half-marathon series, TriRock triathlon series, and the Muddy Buddy adventure race series. Learn more about VeloPress books at www.velopress.com.

Related Posts:
• New Sage Rountree Book, The Athlete's Guide to Recovery
• Matt Fitzgerald's Racing Weight Quick Start Guide
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• New Book Unlocks Speed for Time-Crunched Triathletes
• 50 Swim, Bike and Run Workouts for Busy Triathletes

Check out the TRIJUICE Triathlon Book Store at: www.trijuice.com/triathlonbooks.htm

Product Review: Swimsense vs. Pool-Mate Pro

2011-03-31T13:20:52Z

Biking and Running gear and gadgets for training in the sport of triathlon have advanced significantly compared to products in the swimming arena. That changed over the last year with some new and innovative training gadgets being released for swim training. Triathletes can now track and monitor even more stats during their triathlon training with new products from Swimovate and Finis.

Both the Pool-Mate Pro and the Swimsense Performance Monitor capture critical performance data during your swim workouts. Both products strap onto your wrist like a watch and use various technologies to monitor your swim workouts in the pool. After your workout you can download the data onto your computer and analyze your performance data, including laps, strokes, speed and various other indicators.

Here is an article reference if you have been thinking of adding one of the above products to you collection of training tools. Ray over at DC Rainmaker did some very extensive analysis and comparison on the Finis Swimsense Performance Monitor and the Swimovate Pool-Mate Pro swim training products. Check out what he has to say...

The two watches aim to solidify themselves in the still young market of swim technology, in particular though the area of recording devices. Over the past 3 months I've had a chance to swim workout after workout with both watches - in some cases wearing both watches at once. In doing so I've become very familiar with the intricacies of each device, its software, and their platforms in general. In doing so I've put together a pretty comprehensive comparison of the two and how they line up in virtually every category applicable.

]]> Here is a quick comparison chart of the major features he put together to visualize the products side-by-side.

The primary goal of purchasing either of these devices is to be able to collect data. After all, if you didn't want to collect data, then a cheap watch from a department store would do just fine. So what does each watch gather?

He does an awesome job covering in-depth the following product features and functions:
• Basic use in the water (usability)
• Accuracy (Distance/Laps/Lengths)
• Display Quality/Readability in the water
• Battery Life
• Data Gathering
• Charging/Data Download Dock/Cradle
• Software (vendor/3rd party)

Click the link below to read the full product review from Ray at DC Rainmaker and see why he states this in summary:

"This is one of the very few cases around these parts where I can't say there's an absolute clear winner."

- The Swim Watch Battle: FINIS Swimsense vs. Swimovate Pool-Mate Pro

Triathlon Wetsuits: Fit is Everything

2011-02-17T05:15:00Z

You are looking for a new wetsuit? After all is said and done, you want to buy the best fitting wetsuit that you can find. Why? Because, fit is everything in a triathlon wetsuit. The best fitting wetsuit for beginners and everyone else is going to be the most comfortable, the warmest, the fastest, and perform the best for you.

Full-Sleeve or Sleeveless?
If you take the time to find the best fitting wetsuit, you will always be better off with the full sleeve suit. Full sleeve suits are faster, warmer and actually fit better than sleeveless wetsuits (read on).

I would be lying if I said that a sleeveless suit did not free up the arms and make for more freedom for the arms. However, by solving one problem, you create a bunch of others. Many people don't get a good seal at the arm holes and they get a lot of water leakage and then they are carrying around an extra 5 - 10 lbs of water with them on the swim. Also, I have seen more serious cases of neck rashing on sleeveless suits than on full sleeve suits. A full sleeve suit anchors the neck down and it will tend to move with your body. On a sleeveless suit, the neck now moves independently creating more friction and the potential for more neck rash issues.

Take the time and find a great fitting full sleeve suit.

3 Keys To Great Fit

1. All brands fit a bit differently. Find the brand that fits you best. For example. Nineteen is cut a bit longer in the torso, fuller through the torso and wider through the shoulders. Also, our ElleSystem for women is a true anatomically correct women's fit that has been well thought out and designed specifically for the woman triathlete.

]]> 2. Find the right size. A wetsuit is an intimate fitting garment. It needs to fit you like a second skin. Tight is good - so tight that it's restricting, is not so good. This is where shopping for a new wetsuit at a reputable triathlon store, with the help of a good sales-person who really knows wetsuits is very helpful. Many triathletes, left up to their own devices on this front, often buy a wetsuit one size too big. A good sales-person who knows wetsuits can give you the confidence to get the right size, that it will work for you in the water. A word about size charts: We try to make the Nineteen fit chart as accurate as we can. It's very weight-centric. That means, that if you fall in a weight range, and you are not crazy tall or short - that's your size.

3. Get the wetsuit fitted to you properly. This is a three stage process that you must go through when trying a new wetsuit on for fit, and every time you swim in the suit. Many triathletes skip right over this, and then complain that there wetsuit does not fit them - but they have not fit the wetsuit to themselves:
A) Hike the wetsuit up as high as you can at your waist - uncomfortably so. Like you are giving yourself a wedgie!!
B) Put each arm on and start working the rubber up the arms (one arm at a time). Do not do the zipper up yet. Keep working the rubber up the arms. If the rubber starts to move up and away from your wrist that is OK. You want to have the rubber worked up the arms so that you can grab a small fist of rubber in your hand between the point of your shoulder and your neck. It's OK if for now, the rubber is a bit lumpy along the line of your shoulder. That will go away. Now get the zipper done up. It's OK if you need help with this.
C) Stand up tall with the zipper done up and then do a formal Japanese bow - keeping your upper body straight, bend at the waist. Once bent over look back at your groin area and you will see rolls of rubber. Grab the top roll and then as you slowly start to stand up straight, work that role of rubber hand over hand, up over your stomach and chest to your collar bone. Repeat this several times until the rolls in the groin area are almost gone.

If you are in the right brand, the right size and you have properly fitted the wetsuit to you, you should now be able to swim, and it feel like you are swimming without a wetsuit, only warmer and faster!

A word about wetsuit rubber: Many of the mid and high-end wetsuits are made with a higher grade of smooth-skin rubber. Many of us in the business use Yamamoto 39 rubber. This is a wonderful material that is light, very buoyant and flexible, and often has a surface treatment that makes you as hydrodynamic in the water as a shark! The down-side to this amazing material is that it's very delicate. It is particularly susceptible to finger-nail cuts and other abrasions. You need to always be very careful when trying on, and putting on wetsuits made from this kind of rubber.

I hope this helps you find the best fitting triathlon wetsuit, because remember - it's all about fit!

Author: Steve Fleck

Steve Fleck is the Sales Manager for Nineteen Wetsuits. He did his first triathlon in 1981 using a borrowed rusty 10-speed bike, that only had five working gears! And back then, there were no wetsuits!
www.nineteenwetsuits.com

Swimsense Monitor, New Swim Training Tool from Finis

2011-02-08T15:50:02Z

Some triathletes will be extremely happy to see this new swimming gadget because now they can track and monitor even more stats during their triathlon training. The new Swimsense Performance Monitor from Finis is a ground breaking training tool, which captures critical performance data during your swim workouts. The monitor straps onto your wrist like a watch and uses accelerometers, magnetometers and patent-pending proprietary algorithms to identify your swim. We hate to make the comparison but it's like the Garmin for the pool.

When you are done with your swimming workout, you can analyze your performance on the device with pace times, distance (meters/yards/laps), stroke count, stroke rate, distance-per-stroke and calories burned across all four major strokes. Later you can upload the performance data to the Finis Swimsense Training Log for additional analysis and a historical overview.

In the past the only way to monitor our progress or performance was with the clock. Yes, we could manually count our laps during a set but that becomes a burden as the distance increases, while trying to monitor the clock and pay attention to the distance. Now there is something that can automatically do that and tell us how consistent and efficiently we are doing it.

]]> Swimsense Performance Monitor Features and Benefits

Performance Reporting:
Analyze laps swum, times, total distance, pace, stroke count; stroke rate, distance-per-stroke, calories and SWOLF efficiency scores in all four strokes

Motion Sensors:
Automatically capture your swim workout as soon as you hit the start button.

Custom Settings:
Set unique pool sizes, meters, yards, gender and weight

Swimsense Training Log:
View all workouts and analyze your progress over time. The visual dashboard shows you a snapshot of your workout with the ability to dynamically frill down into details. Create goals and see visual a representations of your progress or create workout plans and compare how you actually did during the sets.

Swimsense Dock:
Sync your Swimsense with the training log and charge its Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery. The USB connection allows you to use it on your PC or Mac.

Another great feature for those that are familiar with or use TrainingPeaks for their training. Finis announced that Swimsense workouts will be compatible with TrainingPeaks, the largest endurance training log. Updates will seamlessly transfer to your Training Peaks account. The software update was supposed to be available late January 2011.

The Swimsense Performance Monitor is available for purchase from Finis or other online swimming related stores for $199.99.

Additional Information:
- Swimsense - A Triathletes New Best Friend

About Finis:
Founded in 1993 in Northern California, FINIS was founded by John Mix and Olympic Gold Medal Swimmer Pablo Morales. Understanding that improving one's technique is the secret to swimming faster and enjoying the sport more, the duo went on to introduce truly innovative tools to the swimming community. This dedication has resulted in truly innovative products such as: the Swimmer's Snorkel which is recognized as the paramount tool to improve a swimmer's technique, the SwiMP3 that uses bone conduction technology to play music instead of using ear buds, and the Z2 Zoomers fins.
www.finisinc.com

Triathlon Blurbs: TYR, blueseventy, Ingrid Loos Miller, Scott, K-Swiss

2010-09-03T12:35:05Z

This edition of Triathlon Blurbs! features the newly announced and legal swimskins from TYR and blueseventy just in time for those going to Kona or for WTC and USAT triathlon races next year. A few other new triathlon related products for you to check out include a new book from Ingrid Loos Miller, a fast new bike from Scott and some lightweight racing flat from K-Swiss.

Item: TYR Torque Pro
Details: TYR again is leading the way in triathlon innovation with its new WTC and USAT legal speed suits, the TYR Torque Elite and TYR Torque Pro. This means you can swim faster without your wetsuit at all the triathlons you participate from now on, including the Ironman World Championships in Kona. With two-layer technology, Torque's inner core and outer shell coating work together to create the most synergic, fast, and repellent swimskin on the market. Includes Composite knit fabric for superior fit and flexibility, a durable coil zipper with lanyard and silicone beaded leg grippers.
MSRP: Pro - $350.00, Elite - $250.00
Website: www.tyr.com

Item: blueseventy PZ3TX
Details: The new blueseventy PZ3TX is a fully WTC and USAT legal swimskin for all non-wetsuit races starting September 1, 2010. The highly advanced PZ3TX swimskin combines hydrophobic fabrics with welded seams along with biomechanically engineered compressive properties to drastically reduce wave drag and increases performance. The result is a speed suit that will set the standard for triathlon in the new era of textile regulations.
MSRP: $TBD (pre-orders for Kona)
Website: www.blueseventy.com

]]> Item: Weight Management For Triathletes
Details: The fourth element in the sport of triathlon is nutrition and is a key element in your success in the sport. Ironman: Weight Management for Triathletes by Ingrid Loos Miller is a guide for triathletes who want to reduce and manage their weight while living a multi-dimensional life. This guide provides practical information and tools that help triathletes of all levels in their quest to improve body composition for performance and aesthetics.
MSRP: $18.95
Website: www.ingridloosmiller.com

Item: 2011 Scott Plasma 3 Premium
Details: The new Scott Plasma 3 is a fifth generation aerodynamic time trial/triathlon design with refined features from four previous generations of aero bikes, in addition to the most advanced wind tunnel design to date. The Scott Plasma 3 Premium is Scott's top end Tri specific frameset/fuselage designed for use with traditional (non-Di2), mechanical drivetrains such as SRAM Red, and Shimano Dura-Ace 7900 mechanical. Cable routing is internal and aerodynamic.
MSRP: $3,999.95 (Frameset)
Website: www.scott-sports.com

Item: K-Swiss Blade-Light Race
Details: The new K-Swiss Blade-Light Race shoe is a thoughtfully designed racing flat for triathletes. The shoe is an ultra light super cushioned racing shoe, featuring the new cutting edge Blade-Light technology, engineered to shave minuets off your triathlon run time. Anatomically placed K-EVA "blades" are aligned to the angle of impact and critical flex points for ultra-light, super cushioned, and amazingly flexible. The shoe features a Velcro strap for getting through transitions quickly.
MSRP: $85.00
Website: www.kswiss.com

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Blueseventy Limited Edition Timo Bracht Goggle

2010-07-02T13:30:45Z

blueseventy has produced a limited edition version of the hugely popular 2010 Hydra-Vision goggle as part of their link with reigning European Ironman Champion, Timo Bracht. The German superstar Commerzbank triathlete will defend his European title this weekend in Frankfurt, wearing exclusive goggles bearing his name and team colours.

Hydra-Vision goggles are favoured by triathletes such as Bracht because of their all round visibility and excellent low profile dynamics in the water. The split yoke strap makes them ideal for rough open water starts, and those bearing Bracht's name will be tough to catch this season.

Bracht, 34, was 6th in Hawaii last October, and could claim his third European title if he wins in Frankfurt this weekend. He's one of just ten athletes to have broken eight hours for the ironman distance, although repeating that in Frankfurt will be tough this year with 5km of extra cycling added to the bike course due.

He said: "Swimming is not usually my biggest strength in a triathlon. I find it tough, but with this new goggle swimming is fun, even for me!"

www.timobracht.de
triathlon.commerzbank.com
www.blueseventy.com

USA Triathlon Adopts New Wetsuit Regulation

2010-06-21T16:54:47Z

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Following extensive research and consideration, USA Triathlon announced today that beginning in 2013 use of wetsuits exceeding five millimeters in thickness will not be permitted at USAT-sanctioned events.

The new regulation, which falls under Article 4.4 Wetsuits of the USA Triathlon Competitive Rules, states: "Effective January 1, 2013, any swimmer wearing a wetsuit with a thickness measured in any part greater than five millimeters shall be disqualified."

"Our board has been considering this issue and the impact it might have with our athletes for some time," said USA Triathlon CEO Skip Gilbert. "The overall feeling is that it makes perfect sense to align with the guidelines set by our international federation and multisport enthusiasts around the world. This is a standard that is good for the athlete community and our sport overall."

By implementing this rule change, USA Triathlon falls in line with the international standard of five millimeters recognized by the International Triathlon Union (ITU) and other National Governing Bodies.

]]> The adoption of this rule is designed to eliminate any competitive advantage gained by enhancements in wetsuit technology in recent years. Studies have shown there is a marked and measurable performance benefit to the use of certain wetsuits, specifically added buoyancy effectively reducing passive drag. These performance benefits have led to an increased, and artificially induced, reduction in physical demand required during the swim leg of a triathlon and an increase in speed.

USAT recognizes that there may be wetsuits currently available on the market that are greater than five millimeters in thickness. Consequently, the organization has implemented a phase-in period of the rule to allow the use of wetsuits that currently do not meet the thickness requirement. This announcement of the new regulation serves as notice that the rule change will come into effect in 2013.

USAT recently solicited feedback on the wetsuit thickness issue from its certified race directors via a comprehensive survey. The majority of those surveyed supported USA Triathlon's adoption of this rule.

About USA Triathlon
USA Triathlon is proud to serve as the National Governing Body for triathlon - one of the fastest growing sports in the world - as well as duathlon, aquathlon and winter triathlon in the United States. USAT sanctions 3,100 races and connects with more than 133,000 members each year, making it the largest multisport organization in the world. In addition to its work with athletes, coaches, and race directors on the grassroots level, USAT provides leadership and support to elite athletes competing at international events, including World Championships, Pan American Games and the Summer Olympic Games.
www.usatriathlon.org

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• Ironman Announces U.S. Rule Amendments for 2011 Season

Triathlon Blurbs: TYR, 3T, Inviscid Design, Trix Gear

2010-03-16T13:25:35Z

Here are a few new items now available for you or soon to be for your triathlon swim, your triathlon bike and to wear after your race. This edition of Triathlon Blurbs! features items from TYR, 3T, Inviscid Design and Trix Gear.

Item: TYR Hurricane Wetsuits
Details: TYR enters the triathlon wetsuit market with its new Hurricane series wetsuits. Introduced last year at Interbike, they are now available for purchase. They have three suit options that will cater to any level of competition and meet your competitive level, and fall within your budget. The suit's outside is made exclusively of the lightest Yamamoto Nano SCS rubber. The combination of super stretchy rubber with the soft jersey fabric on the interior makes for a superior fit and feel.

Features
360° Core Stabilization System (not available on Category 1)
Free R.O.M. Zones
Speed Wrap Paneling
Graded Force Catch Panels (not available on Category 1)
Form Fitting Wrist Cuffs
Quick Release Ankle Cuffs

MSRP: C1: $290, C3: $450, C5: $625
Website: www.tyr.com/hurricane

Item: 3T Aura Pro TT Bar
Details: 3T has unveiled its new Aura Pro TT Bar. It's their entry-level carbon-fiber aerobar complete with extensions. The Aura shares its basic architecture with their Mistral, but its basebar has a simplified top skin and top-mounted extension clamps. This means it lacks the multiple elbow-rest positions of Mistral, but is lighter. The Aura comes with S-bend extensions as standard, but owners can customize their front-end fit by swapping in any of 3T's range of extensions. The Aura is positioned as a super-value entry point to 3T's race-proven range of time trial bars. The new Auro Pro is legal for UCI, USAT and WTC events. Weight: 598 grams, Width: 40, 42 cm
MSRP: $350 (Available June 2010)
Website: www.thenew3t.com

]]> Item: Speedsok-Silver Edition
Details: The Speedfil SpeedSok is a perfect accessory for those with a Speedfil Hydration System. The Speedsok fits securely over your Speedfil Hydration and provides an easy solution for maintaining cold fluids on your ride. This Silver Edition neoprene sock is specially coated with a silver heat reflective material to keep fluids even colder than their standard covers.
MSRP: $24.99
Website: www.invisciddesign.com

Item: Fashion Friendly Tri Inspired T-Shirts
Details: What do you get when you cross a triathlon obsessed husband with a graphic designer wife? Marriage met on middle ground and some pretty inspired tri lifestyle t-shirts. Frustrated by lack of fashion friendly tri inspired t-shirts during their seven plus years participating and spectating the team takes on the need and launches their online store. They have both Men's & Women's T-Shirts in a variety of sizes. Their designs include: Obsessive Compulsive T, Kona Slots, Fish N Chips, Paper Doll and their newly released Catch A Tiger
MSRP: $24
Website: www.trix-gear.com

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