If you are looking for a training device for developing endurance and upper body strength for the swim portion of your triathlon event here is something new to check out. Speedo has introduced a new, technically advanced pull buoy flotation device for use in your swimming training drills.

"A pull buoy is a foam flotation device that is placed between a swimmer's legs to provide support while practicing different strokes. It is used to elevate the legs and properly position the body in the water. Pull buoys allow swimmers to focus on their arm movements and build upper body strength. The pull buoy should be positioned between the upper thighs, near the crotch, for proper body alignment." [via eHow]

The new Speedo Fillable Pull Buoy has a unique feature of variable buoyancy to suit different training drills. The variable buoyancy is done by filling the pull buoy with water to vary the flotation and drag. The variable buoyancy in the pull buoy promotes proper body position during key swim strength training sets.

Zipp and CycleOps Power have partnered to introduce the first and fastest disc wheels with PowerTap technology. PowerTap is the leading power measurement technology in cycling. It measures torque/velocity 60x per second and is scientifically accurate (+/-1.5%).

Zipp will offers the PowerTap technology on three disc wheels, the Sub-9 Disc, the 900 Tubular Disc and the 900 Clincher Disc. PowerTap equipped disc wheels add only 120 grams to each disc with no compromises in strength, stiffness, or aerodynamic performance.

Zipp Sub9 Tubular PowerTap Disc (700c)
The Sub-9 is the first disc to achieve negative drag in the wind tunnel (-80 grams of drag at 15 degrees of yaw) when paired with the Zipp Tangente Tire. The toroidal bulge creates a more comfortable and compliant ride. MSRP for Sub-9 with Wireless PowerTap and pro pack: $3,500 USD

RacerMate has release its 3rd CompuTrainer Interactive Real Course Video. The just released training DVD is for the Ironman Arizona bike course.

RacerMate filmed in high definition video a number of Ironman courses on race day. The new CompuTrainer Interactive Real Course Videos will allow you to see and experience the bike portion of the race while riding indoors. These videos are sure set to take training and race preparation to an entirely new level.

Previous releases include the Ironman World Championship Hawaii and Ironman Coeur d'Alene course training videos. The next scheduled releases include Ironman 70.3 St. Croix by the end of March followed by Ironman Lanzarote in early April.

Prices for the videos in the new series will be: $99.95 each or $79.95 (each for 2 or more per order)

Whether you are a beginner or seasoned veteran, valuable insight and training can be gained by attending a triathlon camp or clinic. Attending a training camp gets you hands-on coaching, feedback, technique tips and the ability to ask questions on the spot. Triathlon camps vary, some camps are catered toward specific triathlon events, some have special guest coaches while others are offered in exotic locations. Here are some of the companies providing triathlon training camps in 2008.

Coach Troy's Training Camps
Winter 2008 Training Camp - 7 days (Cost: $945)
March 21 - March 28, 2008 - Tucson, AZ, USA
Winter 2008 Training Camp - 4 days (Cost: $595)
March 21 - March 25, 2008 - Tucson, AZ, USA
www.coachtroy.com

The camp is intended for triathletes and cyclists who want to work on their endurance base, shed some winter pounds and to start gaining some momentum going into the new season. Perfect for athletes from colder climates, this early March training camp comes at the perfect time to kick off your pre- season training for 2008!

Summer 2008 Training Camp (Cost: $395)
June 12 - June 15, 2008 - Lake Placid, NY, USA

Triathletes doing Ironman Lake Placid will enjoy the in-depth preview of the swim, bike and run courses while cyclists will greatly enjoy the 'time in the saddle'. In addition, there will be a lectures on various topics including a race course and strategy overview.

Solvang Triathlon Camps
Advanced Base Camp (Cost: $950)
March 31 - April 6, 2008 - Solvang, CA, USA
www.solvangtriathloncamps.com

Experienced professionals Peter Reid and Chuckie V have teamed up to offer this Advanced Base Camp in and around Solvang. This camp is open to intermediate Half Ironman/Ironman athletes and pure cyclists who are looking for a challenging week of training in a beautiful part of the world.

Mid-Atlantic Multisport
Triathlon Boot Camp (Cost: $475)
April 4 - April 6, 2008 - Springfield, PA, USA
www.midatlanticmultisport.com

The camp is designed for age-group athletes with some experience who want to improve their performance and enjoyment of the sport by learning how to make the most of their limited training time. The staff includes Mid-Atlantic Multisport Head Coach Bill Hauser and six-time Ironman champion Ken Glah.

After a successful venture to France in 2006 Epic Camp is now set to make its second trip to Europe with Epic Camp Italy this June. Led by 1988 Hawaii Ironman Champion Scott “Terminator” Molina and 2002 UltraMan World Champion Gordo Byrn the camp will wind its way from Verona towards the Dolomites. The pictures route will take in several of the famous Giro D’Italia climbs.

Athletes can expect the usually rigorous regime of swimming, biking and running every day. Scott Molina comments that “This camp has been many years in the making for me as I’ve followed the Giro since the early 80’s. The area that encompasses Stelvio Pass holds a particular fascination for me for the trail running as much as the cycling. There seems to be so much to explore in the Dolomites that even a week in those mountains will be just scratching the surface. I’m looking forward to some Epic days out there“.

Epic Camps have become renowned for not only improving athletic performance through the high volume prescribed but the almost impossible training regime takes athletes mental strength to new levels. "We have found that Epic Camp is the most effective way to train the humility, and mental fortitude, necessary for a fast Ironman." This camp will be no different “there is no easy way!”

The first CompuTrainer Interactive Real Course Video DVD from RacerMate has been released. The first video training DVD in the new series is from and for Ironman Coeur d'Alene.

For a true interactive experience RacerMate filmed in high definition video a number of Ironman and Ironman 70.3 courses on race day. The new CompuTrainer Interactive Real Course Videos will allow to see and train for the bike portion of the race while riding indoors. Unfortunately it will only create a whole new indoor bike training experience for those who own a CompuTrainer bike trainer. These videos are sure set to take training and race preparation to an entirely new level.

Prices for the videos in the new series will be: $99.95 each or $79.95 (each for 2 or more per order)

Santa Rosa, CA (December 10, 2007) - TriChic, a company dedicated to female triathletes, has announced dates and locations for its fourth annual TriChic Triathlon Camps, March 6–9, 2008, Clearwater, Fla., and April 24-27, 2008, Calistoga, Cal. The professionally-coached, women-only training camps are limited to 35 participants.

“Unlike most camps, TriChic programs are designed for women,” says Brenda Gilchrist, president, TriChic. The company provides thoughtfully planned, coached workouts, gourmet box lunches and a group dinner, welcome packages, and enjoyable locations like California’s wine country and sunny Florida. World-class, professional coaching and challenging training are definitely part of the plan.

Long-time coach, speaker, author, and former professional triathlete, Terri Schneider, developed the camps’ in-depth swim, bike, run, and transitions training, and seminars on nutrition, racing strategies and sports psychology. “The TriChic coaches are accomplished in so many ways and will educate and inspire the women to hopefully have their best season ever.”

New Book Celebrates Overachiever Mentality of Fastest Growing Adult Athlete Group – Triathletes

“Overachiever’s Diary” Provides Swim Training Insights Based on World Contender U.S. Army Triathlon Team Regimen

Upper Nyack, New York - Triathletes are the fastest growing competitive adult athlete group in the world. Now, a new book aims to help beginner and seasoned triathletes tackle one of the most challenging portions of a triathlon – the swim.

Overachiever’s Diary: How the Army Triathlon Team Became World Contenders, celebrates the competitive drive of all triathletes by chronicling the rigorous swim training methods of some of the greatest overachievers in the world – the West Point cadets of the Army triathlon team. Based on the team’s training regimen, Overachiever’s Diary also provides critical information, more than 100 photos, and insights that will help any swimmer improve performance and increase confidence in the water.

“It’s not about mindless sets, or swim ‘toys’ like kickboards,” author and Army triathlon swim coach Louis Tharp said. “Overachiever’s Diary is about testing psychological and physical limits in the practice environment so you can improve your performance and achieve victory in competition.”

Overachiever’s Diary brings to life the story of the internationally recognized Army Triathlon team through the informative, inspiring and often humorous emails of coach Louis Tharp, a competitive swimmer, World Masters and Gay Games medalist. Under the direction of Coach Tharp and other coaches – and thanks to the determination of the cadets – the Army triathlon team, in 2007, took home an individual gold in Age Group Nationals, placed fifth overall in Collegiate Nationals, and earned an individual bronze medal in the International Triathlon Union World Competition in Hamburg, Germany.

New Training Logs Feature More Space for Every Training Detail

Boulder, CO, USA (November 19, 2007) - Cyclists and triathletes can begin logging next season's training today with the newest generation of training diary from VeloPress. Updated with feedback from coaches and athletes, The Cyclist's Training Diary and The Triathlete's Training Diary make it easier than ever to gain insights into performance.

The VeloPress training diaries are the best way for cyclists and triathletes to consolidate training data, track progress, redefine goals throughout the season, and record the way their bodies respond from day to day. Designed as companions to Joe Friel's Training Bibles, the new editions make space for every training detail, with charts to organize race results and fitness indicators, physiological test results, and more. With a training log that's personalized, portable, and easy to review and update, athletes can gain new insights into their performance.

Endurance athletes of all ages and ability levels invest countless hours in tough rides and workouts so they can race farther and faster from year to year. Whether they work with a coach or train independently, cyclists and triathletes rely on their training log to tell them when to push harder and when to back off. With all of the recent technological advancements in training, it is more important than ever to have a place to consolidate training data and track progress.

If you are looking to improve your swim times in shorter distance triathlon races Speedo has introduced a new swim fin designed for speed training. In general training fins are a great training tool for swimmers and triathletes.

The short blade hydrodynamic fin design balances propulsive force while maintaining kicking tempo while the convex blade curvature and pass through vents promote optimum speed and six beat kick when training. The blade curvature and ridges create more pressure on the upkick creating balanced propulsion and muscle work. The open heal design offers greater ankle flexibility and comfort and it's lightweight and pliable footbed material provides an ideal fit and comfort.

Sizes:
• S = Green (mens sizes 4-6)
• M = Blue (mens sizes 7-9)
• L = Grey (mens sizes 10-12)
• XL = Black (mens sizes 13-15)

Speedo Speed Training Fin - MSRP: $39.99

Coach Troy Jacobson has released another new 'Virtual Reality' training ride DVD. This time Coach Troy heads to the high desert of Tucson, Arizona for some incredible training climb rides.

From the Spinervals "On The Road" virtual reality series comes On the Road 3.0 - Tucson Training Rides (MSRP: $34.95). Filmed in a 'Virtual Reality' format, you'll feel like you're actually riding with Coach Troy, on his wheel, as you see the incredible desert scenery of Tucson Arizona whisk by.

DVD Description:
Workout A - will take you from the base of Mt. Lemmon to over 5000 ft above sea level as you climb towards scenic Windy Point at around mile 14. Get ready for a tough 'threshold building' workout as you ride tempo up the mountain for over one hour! Then do the bonus chapter up to Summerhaven or turn around and join Troy for a quick and breathtaking descent down the mountain as your cooldown.

Workout B - is a varied workout for aerobic development and power building and will have you ride up the front side of famous Gates Pass Road into the breathtaking beauty of the Saguaro National Forest where you'll buzz around McCain Loop Road. Then the suffering really happens as you climb up the backside of Gates Pass which kicks up to over a 14% grade!

Visit www.spinervals.com to order your copy of this new DVD from Coach Troy Jacobson.

In the sport of triathlon and others sports, hydration is key especially in the hot days of summer. Our performance and well being is directly related to how well we replenish our body with fluids. In my previous post "Triathlon Training or Race Day Hydration Gear" I talked about specific gear you can use while you are out training or racing to keep yourself hydrated. The post did not talk about what you should do to keep yourself well hydrated, like what you should drink, how much should you drink and so on. There are is a lot of information out there, but sometimes it just too technical for the average triathlete to follow.

The Running Wild with Coach Joe blog has put together a simple, non-technical, list that covers the basics of hydration. Here is preview of the "Ten things runners and triathletes need to know about hydration" post, make sure to check out his post for the rest of the list:

1. You need to be well hydrated before you start your run or workout. If you start partially dehydrated, it only gets worse from there.

Ten things you need to know about hydration [via Running Wild with Coach Joe]

Joe English is the author of the Running Wild blog as well as Head Coach of American Endurance Sports Coaching and the Team in Training Marathon Program in Portland, Oregon. He is also the running coach for the Portland Triathlon Club. He is also an expert level marathon runner and triathlete and also runs ultra-marathons.

Coach Troy Jacobson releases a new 'Virtual Reality' training ride DVD. While it's a little too late for this year’s 2007 Ironman USA Lake Placid triathlon, scheduled to take place on July 22, 2007, it's just what you need to have to train for next year’s race if you can get a entry once registration opens.

From the Spinervals "On The Road" virtual reality series comes On the Road 2.0 - Lake Placid Training Ride (MSRP: $34.95). Filmed in a 'Virtual Reality' format, you'll feel like you're actually riding with Coach Troy, on his wheel, as you see the scenery whisk by. He coaches you along the way on proper gearing and technique in a training session designed to make you a faster and stronger on the Lake Placid course.

DVD Description:
Enjoy incredible scenery as you ride on Troy's wheel as he coaches you on proper technique, gear selection and intensity during this high aerobic endurance training ride of about three hours in duration. As this ride covers much of the race course for the famous Iron distance event in Lake Placid, you'll hear tips and suggestions on race day nutrition, pacing strategy and more!

Starting in Lake Placid, the ride takes you down the hill to the town of Keene then over rolling hills to the sleepy town of Jay. The climbing really starts on the way to Wilmington, with an out and back section on Haselton Road that shocks the legs. Once back in Wilmington, the last leg of the ride includes a 14 mile uphill jaunt back to Lake Placid with the incredible White Face Mountain and the Au Sable River on your right side. Overall, this is a cycling workout for the record books and a fantastic training workout!

Visit www.spinervals.com to order your copy of this new DVD from Coach Troy Jacobson.

The race course map for the inaugural Ford Ironman Louisville taking place on August 26, 2007 in Louisville, Kentucky has been posted on the events website (link). According to the details the race will start and have both of its transitions’ at Waterfront Park and will have the finish line at Fourth Street Live, an entertainment and retail district located on 4th Street, between Liberty and Muhammad Ali Boulevard, in downtown Louisville, Kentucky.

Athletes will see and experience much of the greater Louisville area during the race, from swimming in the Ohio River to transitioning at Louisville’s Waterfront Park. The bike portion of the race will take them along to the river before they experience the rolling hills the area has to offer on their way to the cities of LaGrange and Oldham. The run will take athletes past a variety of Louisville’s well-known sites including Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby before finishing at Fourth Street Live.

If you missed this past weekend’s TV coverage of the XTERRA World Championship then you missed seeing Melanie blow away the pro women's competition with a commanding eight minute lead over second place finisher Danelle Kabush. With this win Melanie McQuaid becomes the first pro male or female to win the XTERRA World Championship triathlon title three times. An amazing accomplishment if you’ve seen the brutal bike and run course this race has. This was one of the quotes she had in the XTERRA World Championship press release on ww.xterraplanet.com.

"Today all the preparation I put in during the last month came together and I felt like when I asked my body to do something it responded," said McQuaid

Trifuel has a new article posted in which Melanie offers her top 10 tips for XTERRA success. Here is preview of what she has to say in the article:

10. Start a swim program
Starting a swim program means enrolling yourself in coached practices. Because swimming is such an incredibly technical sport, hacking out miles and miles with a bad stroke is not as effective as less distance with more efficiency. You need someone to help you improve your stroke mechanics first and foremost, so enlist the experts at your local pool, YMCA or triathlon club.

Article [via Trifuel]

So many times people ask me, “Kris, should I use a coach?”, and after I give them my philosophy on the matter they follow up with, “how do I choose the right coach for me?” I will address the first question today and the second in part two of this article.

After the question of whether someone should use a coach leaves their lips, I usually fire back with my standard answer, “even Lance Armstrong has a coach.” Most people understand that a new person to our sport, a “newbie”, will benefit from the knowledge and guidance of a coach, but it’s those of us who have been in the game for a couple years who can truly benefit from coaching.

A newbie is like a sponge, reading triathlon magazines, books and blogs. They watch videos, Tivo races and talk tri anytime they can. A newbie benefits by being steered away from the fads and gimmicks of triathlon. A coach also becomes a safe place to ask questions that might be thought of as “stupid”, but as we all learned a long time ago, there are no stupid questions. It is easy for a newbie to buy into the idea that all you need is a sweet $10,000 bike and you will shave 15 minutes off your 40k bike split. A newbie doesn’t usually know how to balance three sports, strength train and still make it to the dinner table on time. A coach will take this gentle little newbie and watch over them, guide them and help make sure they don’t run themselves into the ground. With a solid game plan geared around the newbie’s race schedule, a coach will build a balanced program consisting of easy days, hard days and rest days.

As for the grizzled veteran who claims to know everything already, I say “are you sure?” It is true the learning curve in triathlon is steep and in only a few years of training and racing an athlete can learn quite a bit just by being involved in the sport, but sometimes it’s how people apply that new knowledge that hurts them. A coach will research new techniques and equipment as part of their job. They weed out the gimmicks and incorporate the things that really work into your training program. I once had a client who read that track workouts were the only way to get fast running. I told them, this is true, track workouts help to build speed. They insisted on doing only track workouts during their training and nothing else. I advised them that a good running program has a balance of easy recovery runs, longer endurance runs and speed workouts (track workouts). I worked hard to convince them that research and practical experience has shown this is the way to truly get faster without getting injured. It took awhile, but they came around. I would hate to think what would have happened if they had just went out and ran fast track workouts three to four times a week. Planter fasciitis, bone spurs, stress fractures and just plain old burn out would have been the outcome.

Training for a triathlon whether it's a sprint or iron-distance race should include more than just working on our Swim, Bike and Run skills, it should include Strength and Conditioning training. Often times this element is absent in our routine due to the amount of time we spend focusing on swimming, biking or running and/or the on a lack of time in our schedule. Now Coach Troy Jacobson has a solution for us with a new DVD series.  StrEndurance 1.0 - 12 Week Strength Development Program for Endurance Athletes

This workout DVD contains SIX workouts or 'phases' to be done over a 12-week period in addition to a maintenance routine for when the ‘build’ phase is completed. Workouts are short (20-30 minutes), high intensity and include basic exercises like push ups, crunches, squats, etc. These exercises are designed to increase your muscular strength and endurance

You will need the following workout accessories to do the workouts:
   • Floor mat
   • Dumbbells
   • Stabilty ball

Visit www.spinervals.com to order your copy of this new DVD from Coach Troy Jacobson. MSRP: $39.95

Learn how to build your own training plan and structure your season with one of triathlon's most experienced coaches.

Boulder, CO - January 29, 2007 - Gale Bernhardt will present a workshop on how to build a personal training plan that will help triathletes meet their goals this season. Bernhardt is a USA Triathlon elite coach and was coach of the 2004 U.S. Olympic Triathlon Team.

The workshop will draw from Bernhardt's 30-year career as an elite triathlon coach and from her new book, Training Plans for Multisport Athletes, 2nd ed., which will be available for sale at the event. A Q&A session will follow.

Saturday, February 17, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Peloton Cycles
1310 East Eisenhower Blvd.
Loveland, CO 80537
(970) 669-5595
www.peloton-cycles.com

Did you make a triathlon related New Year's resolution, like to compete in your first triathlon, or achieve a podium finish, or decide to tackle a new distance this year? If so, then here is an idea to help you achieve your resolution, check out a Triathlon Training Camp. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned veteran, valuable insight can be gained by attending a triathlon camp or clinic. Reading a training book is only so good. Attending a training camp gets you hands-on coaching, feedback on your form or technique and the ability to ask questions on the spot. Besides, they offer a way to meet new friends that share the same passion for the sport of triathlon and learn from their experiences.

Training camps vary in length; typically they are 2 - 6 days. They are offered by an experienced coach or a set of coaches or a company that has specific ties to triathlon. All types of training camps are offered, like race specific camps that are geared to a specific race, for example Ironman Arizona. There are training camps that focus on training for a actual triathlon distance, from a sprint to an iron distance race. Then there are skill level camps for beginners to elites, women only camps and specific only camps that focus on a particular element involved in triathlon, like swimming, biking or running. Some camps even have special Pro Triathletes as guest trainers.

Triathlon training outdoors in the winter can be a challenge for those of us who have to deal with snow and ice. It would be much easier for us to stay home and hibernate or make it to gym and use a treadmill, but that's no fun. Outdoor winter running can be refreshing, exhilarating, scenic and peaceful under most circumstances. The problem is we have many excuses not run outside in the winter besides the "it's too cold" excuse, like "the trails are snow packed but my feet are getting wet" to "the sidewalks are like an ice skating rink". Depending on the conditions, it can turn out to be a short run if you don't have the proper equipment to stay warm, dry and accident free. Here are a few options to look at for winter running shoes.

Brooks Adrenaline ASR IV [MSRP: $90.00]
This water resistant trail shoe features an aggressive outsole for rugged runs. A perfect fit for snowy or slushy conditions. The nylon upper fabric is treated with a durable water repellent that provides outstanding weather protection. The silicon-based cushioning system dynamically dampens the shock and stabilizes the foot. The outsole is made from a high-density carbon rubber for increased traction and durability. The shoes are lightweight, only 10.1 ounces for the women's version while the men's version weighs 11.9 ounces. Men's and Women's styles are available in a wide range of sizes.
http://www.brooksrunning.com/

adidas Winter Trainer [$110.00]
This is an exclusive item in the Sahalie catalog, an all-season outdoor retailer. These unisex water resistant trainers by adidas have several features that make it perfect for outdoor winter training. They are described in the catalog as a high performance, mid-cut running shoe with a water resistant, winterized gaiter made of waterproof material on the outside and a specialized sole made for the cold. The only shoe of it's kind, with deep traction grooves and rubber teeth that actually increase in grip the colder it gets. You'll be able to dig in and push off just as you would running on a clear summer day. Each shoe weighs 17.9 ounces and they come in 3 different colors: Blue, Merlot, Terra Cotta
http://www.sahalie.com/

The North Face Ultra 103 XCR Trail-Running Shoes [MSRP: $110]
These lightweight and waterproof trail running shoes are perfect for all weather conditions. The Gore-Tex XCR waterproof, breathable membrane uppers keep the water out while the shock absorbing cushioning in the heel and the forefoot offer the ultimate in foot and joint protection. The UltraTAC Rubber Outsole traction system grips in wet and dry conditions. They offer a Men's and Women's style and they come in various sizes.
http://www.thenorthface.com/