8 tips for Triathletes over 50
Here is a great article from the Australian Triathlon Magazine with 8 tips for older triathletes. These are tips I follow. 8 Training Tips for Older Triathletes.
Triathlon Tuesday 5th Edition
Here is this week’s edition.
5 Ways For Beginner Triathletes to Get Faster – From the Trainingpeaks.com blog. As a beginning triathlete I found these practical tips useful. I will be reviewing these tips as I go through my year in review and plan for next year.
Nautica Malibu Triathlon - All of my races have been in Ohio. I decided to pick an A race that was completely different. This will allow me to race with my older boys and completely get out of my comfort zone. Open water ocean swim sure isn’t the state park! Are you getting out of your comfort zone?
Kinetic Cyclone Trainer - Here in the Midwest it is tough to ride outside year-round. I rely on this wind resistance trainer for early morning and poor weather rides. I can quickly put my bike on and off and is extremely stable. It does not have a power meter or electronic resistance adjustment.
Stages Power Meter – I just installed this power meter on my Cervelo and I’m enjoying the data. I will have a detailed review later on this power meter but for less than $600 this single side meter is working for me. The power and cadence data has been helpful for me as I train for my last race of 2016.
Triathlon Tuesday 2nd Edition
Here are Four Triathlon books on my shelf that I find invaluable as I start out in my triathlon hobby:
1. The Well Built Triathlete by Matt Dixon
Matt’s book focusing on training. He builds on his training philosophy of four equal pillars of Training, Recovery, Nutrition and Strength. He has specific training plans and approaches for each pillar.
2. The Triathlete’s Training Bible 3rd Edition Joe Friel
This book is the bible of triathlon and should be on everyone’s bookshelf. Joe’s book is a comprehensive reference guide on everything you need to know about triathlon including, gear, training approaches, execution form for the swim bike and run, and nutrition. If you were going to only buy one book I would recommend this one. Joe is also the founder of trainingpeaks.com
3. Triathlon Training Fundamentals: A Beginner's Guide To Essential Gear, Nutrition, And Training Schedules by Will Peveler, PhD
This book is for the true beginner. It starts with all the basic information you need to get started successfully. Will breaks down the swim, run and bike along with all the gear and training philosophies.
4. Triathlon 2.0 Data-Driven Performance Training by Jim Vance
Jim worked closely with Joe Friel during his competitive triathlon career and is now a coach. Joe’s book focuses on gathering and interpreting all the data we capture during our training. He distills all this data down to actionable information that allows you to personalize your training.T
Training Article Strength Training Article The One Hour Workout for Speed and Power - I find that dedicated, focused time for strength training is hard when you are spending so much time training the run, cycle and swim. Dedicated strength training is critical and here is a one-hour session I found that really pushes me.
The Garmin 920XT is the training watch I use. This watch handles anything a triathlete can throw at it both in and out of the water. Here is a post on some unique features of the 920XT you may not be aware of. The accessories I have:
- Heart Rate Monitor (included)
- Triathlon Heart Rate Monitor – gathers heart rate in the water and then transfers when out of the water. It does not provide real time heart rate monitoring.
- Quarter Turn Bike Mount Used to mount the computer without the strap onto a bike mount. I sue this on top of my between the arms water bottle mount. You don't need this for the bicycle mount kit below.
- Quick Release Mounting Kit
- Bike Speed Sensor and Cadence Sensor - This is needed if you want to use your bike on a trainer and want to track speed, distance and cadence.
- Garmin Forerunner Bicycle Mount Kit Allows you to mount your watch, with strap, to your bike.
Foam Roller Recovery Tools – I use two different foam rollers for recovery. One is the smooth 36-inch roller and the other is the intense 12 inch rumble roller that really gives a deep message. Foam rolling really help loosen my legs and back. I foam roll regularly. Here is a post I wrote on foam rolling.
6 Additional Features Available With the Garmin 920XT
I train with the Garmin 920XT. Along with the top-level features, options and benefits I thought I would highlight some of what I consider the second tier features and benefits. Here are six features you may not know about.
1. Track Steps – I wear my watch all day and track my steps. It also sets a goal for you each day based on the number of steps you historically walk. Your goal is updated daily. Kayak paddle strokes are even counted as steps if you paddle for exercise.
2. Metronome – Using a metronome can help increase your run cadence. No need to get a separate app for this, this feature is built right in.
3. Auto Pause – This feature automatically stops the watch when you stop or your speed drops below a certain level. Now you don’t have to be that guy…. jogging in place at the stoplight.
4. Sleep Tracking – Enable the sleep track mode and if you wear your watch to bed your key sleep metrics will be tracked.
5. Action Camera controlled – You can control your Garmin VIRB camera from the watch. Pair the device with your watch and you can control the camera through the watch timer or manual functions.
6. Phone Notifications – Pair the watch with your compatible Bluetooth phone and get notified when messages are received on your phone. You can set when notifications are on and off.
I actually found these features by reading the manual. I recommend downloading the PDF version of the manual from Garmin. With this document the Table of Contents and Index are hyperlinked to the specific section. I hope this helps you get the most out of your Garmin 920XT.