In the pursuit of physical excellence and endurance, triathlon training demands unwavering commitment and peak fitness. As we explored in our piece titled ‘Training for Your First Triathlon’, even a novice can get themselves in shape for a triathlon. That said, there are barriers that can prevent this.

Smoking, however, presents a formidable obstacle to those aspiring to conquer the challenges of a triathlon. All your endeavors can be in vain if you are a smoker, and the habit is not easy to quit – fewer than 1 in 10 smokers in the United States are successful in quitting every year.

In this article, we delve into the detrimental impact of smoking on triathlon training and explore viable cessation options. As we dissect the adverse effects of smoking and the pathway to quitting, the goal is to empower individuals to break free from the shackles of tobacco and unleash their full athletic potential.

The Detrimental Impact of Smoking on Triathlon Training

Smoking and athletic performance are fundamentally incompatible, with the adverse effects of tobacco extending far beyond the respiratory system. In the United States, where approximately 14% of adults smoke cigarettes, a significant number of potential triathletes are unknowingly impeding their own progress.

Firstly, smoking directly affects lung function, diminishing the cardiovascular capacity vital for triathlon success. The inhalation of harmful substances in tobacco smoke, such as carbon monoxide and tar, restricts the airways and reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. In a sport where efficient oxygen utilization is paramount, compromised lung function places smokers at a severe disadvantage. Research has shown that quitting smoking leads to notable improvements in lung function, contributing to enhanced endurance and overall performance.

Secondly, smoking hampers the body’s ability to recover and repair essential components of effective triathlon training. The presence of toxins in cigarette smoke interferes with the natural healing processes, increasing the risk of injuries and delaying recovery between intense training sessions. Triathletes, who often engage in strenuous and repetitive activities, need optimal recovery to prevent burnout and enhance long-term athletic progression.

Additionally, smoking has been linked to decreased muscle strength and endurance. The toxins in cigarette smoke contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation, impairing muscle function and delaying the development of endurance capabilities. For triathletes, this translates to slower swim times, compromised cycling efficiency, and reduced running speed – all critical elements of a successful race.

Lastly, the negative impact of smoking extends to cardiovascular health, a cornerstone of triathlon training. Smoking elevates blood pressure, increases heart rate, and heightens the risk of cardiovascular diseases. In a sport where the heart’s efficiency is paramount, the consequences of smoking can be particularly detrimental. By quitting smoking, individuals pave the way for improved cardiovascular health, enabling them to tackle the rigorous demands of triathlon training with a stronger and healthier heart.

Navigating the Path to Cessation

Recognizing the need to quit smoking is the first step toward unlocking one’s full athletic potential. In the United States alone, where one in nine adults smoke, according to AP News, embracing a smoke-free lifestyle is a shared journey for countless individuals. Various cessation options are available, ranging from behavioral therapies and prescription medications to innovative alternatives like nicotine pouches.

Behavioral therapies, such as counseling and support groups, provide valuable tools for individuals looking to quit smoking. By addressing the psychological aspects of addiction, these interventions empower smokers to identify triggers, develop coping mechanisms, and gradually distance themselves from the habit. Engaging with a support network can significantly enhance the likelihood of successful cessation.

Prescription medications, including nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products like patches, gums, and lozenges, offer pharmacological support to manage withdrawal symptoms. NRT provides a controlled release of nicotine, gradually weaning the individual off tobacco while minimizing the harsh effects of withdrawal. These options are often recommended and prescribed by healthcare professionals based on the individual’s specific needs and health considerations. Among the most popular in the past were patches, which fix to the skin. they’re discreet, with products such as NiQuitin CLEAR barely being visible when fixed to the upper arm. However, they’re not ideal for swimming as part of your training.

An emerging and noteworthy alternative in the quest to quit smoking is the use of nicotine pouches from brands such as ZYN, On!, and Velo. Unlike traditional smokeless tobacco products, nicotine pouches offer a discreet and convenient way to satisfy nicotine cravings without the harmful effects of combustion and inhalation. These pouches, placed under the upper lip, release nicotine gradually, providing a controlled and customizable approach to managing cravings. As demonstrated by the ZYN nicotine pouches available on Prilla, they come in different strengths to satisfy heavy smokers and light smokers, and flavors many will find palatable, such as mint and citrus. Like with any cessation method, it’s crucial for individuals to consult with healthcare professionals to determine the most suitable option based on their health profile and preferences.

The journey to quitting smoking is unique for each individual, and success often hinges on a combination of strategies tailored to personal preferences and needs. Whichever path is chosen, the key lies in the commitment to breaking free from the chains of tobacco, allowing aspiring triathletes to embrace a healthier, more vibrant lifestyle.

Conclusion

In the dynamic world of triathlon training, where every breath, step, and stroke counts, the detrimental impact of smoking cannot be underestimated. Recognizing the profound influence of tobacco on lung function, recovery, muscle performance, and cardiovascular health is crucial for those seeking to excel in the sport. By navigating the path to smoking cessation, individuals unlock their true athletic potential, fostering a journey of improved endurance, resilience, and overall well-being. Whether through behavioral therapies, prescription medications, or innovative alternatives like nicotine pouches, the path to a smoke-free life empowers individuals to not only conquer the challenges of triathlon training but also embrace a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle.

The post Unleashing Your Potential: Overcoming the Hurdle of Smoking in Triathlon Training appeared first on Triathlon Gear Expert.

As noted in a study on runners’ influence by the Social Networks, online social networks can increase exercise rates simply through receiving kudos — via a virtual thumbs-up — and positive comments on their posted sports sessions. This peer influence extends beyond the online realm and in person, driving more people to be more consistent with exercise.

With more triathlon races returning, the need to work out with other athletes is ever-growing. Training can take as much as 30 to 40 hours a week which can easily take a toll on your motivation if you’re doing it alone, making working out as a group all the more appealing. In this article, we will visit the benefits of training for a triathlon as a group:

Improve safety

Practicing for a triathlon entails pushing your body beyond its usual limits. It can sometimes be dangerous to cycle long distances alone, which is why many people participate in group rides. Road.cc’s cycling survival tips notes how sometimes, it’s possible to get dropped or get left behind when part of a high-intensity chain gang training ride. If you’re still in the early stages of your cycling training, it may be best to choose a more sociable ride or group with a “no drop” policy, where someone will always accompany the slowest member. This can ensure that you always have someone to help if you need to stop due to equipment failure or health reasons.

Build accountability

Even with the strongest of wills, training can be a struggle. CNBC points to studies that show that men, in particular, are often averse to asking for support as they don’t want to look bad in front of their peers. However, better results can happen with additional accountability. WeightWatchers’ custom fitness and weight loss plans for men highlight how users stay on track with their diets and overcome challenging fitness regimens by bonding with fellow members who are undergoing a similar journey. Furthermore, those who are part of a community can easily track their activity within a mobile app or website accessible 24/7, allowing them to stay on top of their progress and even share their updates with other members. These groups can help spur everyone to work harder, serving as a great source of inspiration and building stronger accountability.

Encourage competition

On top of having accountability, being able to train as a group can foster friendly competition that can spur you to work harder. A study on the Sport Journal found that even less competitive people and non-varsity athletes benefited from group situations. Athletes who participated in a competitive trial had faster sprint times than those who had a solo sprint trial, showing that there is some influence on performance outcomes. By working with other athletes, you can also learn from others and model your exercise routine after them. This can help you build greater confidence in your abilities as you improve, which is vital in sustainable training.

Fosters support

While most athletes specialize in one type of marathon, triathlons often require triathletes to go beyond their comfort zone and practice their weakest exercise areas. Our post “The History of Triathlon 1974 to Present Day” notes how the longest triathlon variation is the Ironman Triathlon. This triathlon involves swimming 2.4 miles, cycling 112 miles, and running 26.2 miles, all of which takes an average of 12 hours and 49 minutes. The training needed to make this distance and time can sometimes be daunting and overwhelming, so it helps to have someone work with you or cheer you on to help you keep going with your training sessions.

Triathlons may award individual winners, but those who train in groups win valuable relationships that go beyond the event — so don’t be afraid to work with others when preparing for your next triathlon stint.

The post The Benefits of Training for a Triathlon as a Group appeared first on Triathlon Gear Expert.

The good news is that, with a sensible training program and the right basic equipment, even a relatively unfit novice should be able to complete a sprint or Olympic distance triathlon with just a few months of preparation.

While it’s beyond the scope of this guide to provide you with a detailed training schedule to follow, we can give you the broad strokes so that you know what you need to do to get ready for your first triathlon.

Swimming – Triathlon Training for Beginners

Essential equipment: swimsuit, goggles, swim hat, wetsuit (if doing an outdoor swim), kickboard, pull buoy – maybe even a reasonably priced triathlon watch.

Swimming is arguably the most technical discipline in triathlon.

Unless you have a background in water sports, you may have never swum anywhere close to the distance you are training for. You may not even be a technically proficient swimmer.

Because of this, most beginner triathletes will benefit from swimming lessons and should include technique work in every swim training session.

Triathlon is hard enough without wasting energy by swimming inefficiently. A good supplement is also recommended. There are specific women’s fat burners and mens supplements available.

While the rules of triathlon do not stipulate which stroke you should use, front crawl, also known as freestyle, is your best choice. It is the fastest and most efficient stroke you can use.

You could use breaststroke or even backstroke, but you’ll waste a whole lot of energy if you do. Instead, make mastering freestyle your main swim training goal.

Aim to hit the pool 2-3 times per week, preferably on non-consecutive days. Start each swim with an easy warm-up that includes drills to improve your stroke. Good options include arms only, legs only, and catch-ups.

As far as your swimming workouts go, resist the temptation to just dive in and plod up and down the pool. Instead, focus more on interval training.

With interval training, you break your workout into shorter, more manageable chunks. This is very useful when you need to practice your technique as well as improve your swimming fitness.

For example, if you try and swim half-a-mile, you might complete the distance, but your stroke will probably fall apart midway through your workout.

This will not only make your workout harder than it needs to be, but it also reinforces your already improper technique.

But, if you break that half-mile down into eight 100-meter intervals, you should find that you can concentrate and maintain your technique more easily.

In addition, because you are swimming relatively short distances at a time, your average speed will be higher. This all translates to a much more productive workout.

You still need to include longer, continuous swims in your schedule, but only to give you the confidence that you can complete the distance you are training for.

Gradually increase the length of your longest swim so that, a couple of weeks before your race, you know you can cover the required distance relatively comfortably.

Also, if you are training for an open water swim, make sure you do at least a few workouts in a similar body of water.

You need to become accustomed to the differences between pool and sea/lake/river swimming. For example, when swimming in open water, maintaining a straight line is much harder.

Cycling – Triathlon Training for Beginners

Essential equipment: bicycle, cycling shorts, jersey, shoes, helmet, sunglasses, gloves, waterproof jacket, water bottle, and repair kit.

Cycling is the most expensive part of triathlon, both in terms of financial cost and workout time.

Heading out on your bike invariably means clocking up at least an hour of training, and more often closer to two.

You’ll also have to contend with things like bad weather and other road users. In the winter, you may also have to face training in the dark.

Because of this, a lot of triathletes have to make do with just one or two bike rides per week, doing their longest or even only ride during the weekend.

That might sound like too little cycling, but it isn’t.

There are several things you can do to develop your cycling fitness without actually riding your bike, such as hitting the gym and working on your running fitness.

Before you set off on your first cycling training session, make sure that your bike is set up correctly.

That means adjusting saddle height, saddle angle, and handlebar height. While aerodynamics is a factor, you should put your focus on comfort and safety.

Low handlebars and aerobars might increase speed but, if you finish the bike stage of your race feeling knotted and sore, you’ll lose any time gained when it’s time to run.

As cycling is usually the longest part of any triathlon, when you do ride your bike, your main focus should be the length of your training session.

Get used to spending time on your bike. This will develop local muscular endurance, aerobic fitness, and also help you develop proper pedaling technique.

Pedaling technique? Yes! There is more to riding a bike than stomping down mindlessly on the pedals. Instead, each pedal stroke should consist of four different but seamlessly blended phases:

1. Push forward
2. Push down
3. Pull back
4. Pull up

This is a lot to think about and takes some practice to master, but you’ll have plenty of time on your lengthy bike rides.

If you can only ride once a week, work on increasing your mileage until you can comfortably ride the distance you are training for.

If you want to ride further, limit yourself to about 10-20% over that distance.

Riding further will not do much for your cycling fitness. Instead, once you know you’ve got the distance cracked, focus on riding faster.

If you can ride more than once per week, make those additional training sessions short and sharp.

Use these rides as speed work and an opportunity to practice your pedaling technique.

Short time trials, such as ten miles, are ideal for mid-week bike training. A workout on a stationary bike can also be useful.

Running – Triathlon Training for Beginners

Essential equipment: running shoes, socks, shorts or tights, singlet or t-shirt, sweatshirt or similar, waterproof jacket, sun hat, sunglasses.

Running should be the cornerstone of your triathlon training. It is the most accessible of the three disciplines and will also have the most significant impact on your fitness.

As your running performance improves, so too will your swimming and cycling. Running is also less weather and equipment dependent.

Most beginner triathletes should try and run three times a week, preferably on non-consecutive days.

Because running is also the highest impact and therefore the most biomechanically stressful of the three triathlon disciplines, it is crucial that you make every run count.

This means no “junk miles” – the common term for just going out and plodding without purpose.

Instead, you should do:

• One short, fast run per week
• One hill or interval run per week
• One long, slower-paced run per week

This will keep your training varied and interesting, and also help increase your fitness more effectively than running at the same speed for the same distance week after week.

Putting it all together

As mentioned at the outset, we can’t provide you with a detailed training plan within the confines of this short article. However, we can give you a template for how your training week could look.

Throughout your training, gradually increase the length and intensity of your workouts to improve your fitness. Use the 10% rule to avoid doing too much too soon.

This means never increasing the length of any one workout, or your weekly workout volume, by more than 10%.

For example, if your longest run is four miles, and you run nine miles per week, your next longest run should be 4.4 miles, and your weekly total no more than 9.9 miles.

This simple progression will ensure you continue to get fitter but are less likely to suffer overuse injuries.

Sample program:

*Brick session – cycle immediately followed by a run.

Running after cycling takes some getting used to so, as you get closer to your event, it is essential to practice this skill. And yes, it’s perfectly normal for your legs to feel like they are made of stone!

Training your first triathlon can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to take over your life! In fact, with no more about six hours of training per week, you should have no problem completing a sprint or even an Olympic distance event.

You probably won’t set any records on your first time out, but that shouldn’t be your goal. Save record-setting for your next event!

The post Training for Your First Triathlon – A Beginner’s Guide to Swim, Bike and Run appeared first on Triathlon Gear Expert.

A lot of triathletes dismiss sprint triathlons, believing that anything under an Olympic-distance race is a waste of time, and are best left to beginners.

However, and in contrast to this opinion, sprint triathlons aren’t only suitable for novices.

Even card-carrying Ironman finishers can benefit from this shortened race distance.

Training for a sprint triathlon can have a significant knock-on effect on your performance over longer distances.

Such a short race means that you’ll need to up your speed, and you definitely can’t afford to lose time in the transition area.

Sprint triathlons also take a lot less out of your body than longer races.

If you enjoy racing, peppering your season with sprint events will allow you to race more often.

The more races you can get under your belt, the more experience you’ll accumulate, and a better triathlete you’ll become.

Once you are triathlon fit, there is nothing to stop you from just turning up for a sprint triathlon and competing.

You’ll probably perform reasonably well. But if you want to clock up a good time, some specific training will help.

With all triathlons it is what you do in the weeks and days leading up to a race that is just as important. Preparation is key.

• Eat well – nutrition is very important. Make sure you protein, carb and fat macro’s are well thought out.
• Train hard – train specifically for the type of race you are going to compete in.
• Sleep properly – getting a good night sleep is of utmost importance. If your partner snores then take steps to remedy the problem – or sleep in another room!

Here are some tried-and-tested training tips for sprint triathlons.

Swimming Training Tips for Sprint Triathlons

As always, the swim is the first event in a sprint triathlon. In Olympic distance races and longer, it pays to take it easy during the swim to make sure you have plenty of energy for the bike and run stages.

In sprint races, the swim is so short that you really can’t afford anything but a fast swim.

Intervals all the way

Swimming 750 meters should be well within your capabilities, and swimming longer distances won’t increase your speed.

Because of this, when training for a sprint triathlon, your primary focus should be interval training. 

Interval training allows you to swim faster than your average race pace. This not only increases your fitness, but it also conditions your muscles to maintain a faster pace over longer distances.

You still need to include over-distance training in your swimming sessions, but the best way to accumulate this distance is with intervals. Good interval training sessions include:

• 4 x 400 meters
• 8 x 250 meters
• 1 x 800 meters, 2 x 400 meters, 2 x 200 meters, 4 x 100 meters 
• 1 x 500 meters, 1 x 400 meters, 1 x 300 meters, 1 x 200 meters, 1 x 100 meters

Build some strength and power

If you want to swim faster, you need to increase your strength and power.

This doesn’t mean bulking up like a bodybuilder, but you should try and improve muscle performance. There are some specialist supplements you can take to pack on muscle and then cut body fat. SARMs are particularly good for this. They are natural and won’t get you a competition ban. You can bulk up with Ligabulk and the use a fat cutting SARM like Cardalean – a natural alternative to Cardarine GW501516.

One swimming-specific way to do this is with hand paddles and fins.

Both increase water resistance, so you have to work harder to move your body through the water. Tethered swimming and drag belts are also useful.

While these strategies are effective, do not overuse them. Swimming with hand paddles and fins can affect your swim stroke, and not necessarily for the better.

Tumble turn like a pro

If your race involves a pool swim, learning and mastering the tumble turn can save you a lot of time.

It’s beyond the scope of this article to teach you how to tumble turn but, without a doubt, it’s a skill worth perfecting if you want to clock a fast swim time.

Cycling Training Tips for Sprint Triathlons

The bike phase is the longest, which means it is where you can make up or lose the most time.

At 20km, this is not a big test of fitness or endurance, and that means you should be able to really power around the course.

Included time trials in your training schedule

Time trials are solo races where your aim is to ride as fast as you can.

A once-weekly time trial will help you to assess your current speed and fitness while delivering a fun and productive training session.

Time trials should be short, preceded with a warm-up, and followed by a cool down. For example, ride five miles at a comfortable pace, ride ten miles as fast as you can, and then ride another five miles to cool down.

During the time trial, you should do your best to ride as hard as you can – right on the threshold of blowing up.

Try and pick a route that allows you to ride without interruption, so no traffic signals or road junctions.

Focus on all the things that will enable you to ride as fast as possible, such as holding a good aerodynamic position and gear selection.

Become a hill master

Hills provide an excellent opportunity to pass any riders ahead of you, both on the way up and on the way down.

The best way to become a hill master is to ride them more often. A lot of triathletes avoid hills in training especially beginner training, and that’s why they struggle with them on race day. Do the opposite – seek out hills and ride as many as you can. 

One way to develop both your climbing and your descending speed is to do hill repeats.

Find a long, moderate to steep hill and, after a warm-up, ride up it as hard as you can, and then turn around and descend as fast as you can. Repeat as many times as desired. 

Strengthen your legs

More leg strength will help you push your pedals around faster and with more force.

Again, there is no need to take up bodybuilding, but some well-chosen leg exercises will help. Good options include:

• Squats
• Lunges
• Step-ups
• Box jumps
• Leg presses

Two 30 to 45-minute gym-based strength training sessions per week will have a big impact on your leg strength and cycling speed.

Running Training Tips for Sprint Triathlons

With the end of the race in sight, the run is your last chance to make up time. It’s only 5km, but, after a hard bike stage, your legs may be feeling heavy.

Also, 5k is short enough that you can really push the pace – tired legs be damned!

One-kilometer turnarounds

One-kilometer turnarounds are one of the best speed and endurance workouts for a faster 5km.

The premise is simple, even if the execution is very punishing. After a warm-up, place two cones 100 meters apart on a flat field or stretch of quiet road.

Run as fast as you can between the cones, clocking up ten lengths or 1000 meters.

Slowing down, turning, and then accelerating again really takes its toll on your legs, lungs, and heart. This workout is a killer!

Rest 3-5 minutes and then go again, aiming to complete your next interval in about the same time as the one before.

Do six sets to total 6km, and then jog for a few minutes to cool down.

Brick it

Running after cycling is one of those things that only triathletes understand. The sensation of going from cycling to running ranges anywhere from uncomfortable to painful to just plain odd.

In a sprint triathlon, you don’t have time to ease yourself into the run with an easy half a mile or so.

Instead, you need to set off at a fast pace and maintain it right to the finish. Brick sessions, where you run immediately after cycling, are a must.

Head out and do a tough bike ride for 40 to 60 minutes and then, on completion and without resting, run hard for 15 to 20 minutes. A once-a-week brick session will do wonders for your sprint triathlon performance.

Do some fartlek training

Fartlek is Swedish for speed play. A fartlek session involves running at a range of intensities and for a variety of distances, usually selected at random.

For example, you might jog for five minutes, run as fast as you can for one minute, walk for two minutes, sprint for 30 seconds, run hard for four minutes, jog again for two minutes, and continue in the same vein for 30-40 minutes.

A lot of triathletes are guilty of always running at the same speed during training.

Then, when race day arrives, they can’t understand why they can’t run faster. This is the fitness law of specificity in action – you are fit for what you do.

If you want to run faster in races, you need to run faster in training, and fartlek is one way to do this.

Putting it all together – mini-training triathlons

If you really want to boost your sprint triathlon performance, you should also include some mini triathlons in your training. For example, swim 400 meters, cycle 12km, and run 3km.

Focus on your speed, not just in the pool or on the road, but in your transitions too.

Experiment with different transition setups and strategies to find what works best for you.

Once you have discovered your best transition strategy, stick with it on race day. Mini training triathlons are ideal weekend workouts.

Wrapping up Training for Sprint Triathlons

Sprint triathlons might be popular with novices, for many of whom finishing is their primary goal.

But, that doesn’t mean they intermediate and advanced triathletes can’t enjoy them too.

With longer distance races, you have to think about pacing and energy conservation.

You’ll also need to plan things like hydration and re-feeding. You may even have doubts about whether you’ll finish the race at all. It’s a lot to think about

With sprint triathlons, your only focus is going fast, and that’s very liberating. Finishing the race is never in doubt.

Over in about 90 minutes or so, sprint triathlons are fun, and training for one will also improve your performance over longer distances.

The post Training Tips for Sprint Triathlons appeared first on Triathlon Gear Expert.

Between 1901 and 1934 there were several variations of the triathlon, with some interesting twists.

The first triathlon involved a canoe! In this article we will be taking a look at the history of the modern triathlon, an event that combines swimming (usually in open water), cycling, and running.

1974 – 1980 – The History of Triathlon

The triathlon as we know it today can trace its routes back to San Diego in 1974, where the San Diego Mission Bay Track Club created the first triathlon race on the 25^th September. This race had been the brainchild of Track Club members Jack Johnstone and Don Shanahan. 46 racers took part in that first race.

The sport proved very popular and numbers increased year on year throughout the 1970s. In 1978 the first Ironman Triathlon was completed in Hawaii. The ironman came out due to an argument about which of the three sports required the most endurance.

There were three main races held in Hawaii each year, a 115-mile cycle race known as the Around Oahu Bike Race, the Honolulu Marathon (26.2 miles), and a 2.4-mile swim known as the Waikiki Rough Water Swim.

All three races were combined to create the Ironman triathlon, the cycle race was cut by 3 miles to 112 miles, and the races between 1978 and 1980 were held in Oahu, before being moved to the Big Island in 1981.

Triathlon races were solely focused in the United States for the first six years of its existence, but that all changed in 1980 when the first European triathlon was held in Pilsen, Czechoslovakia. Triathlon had truly become international.

1981-1990 – The History of Triathlon

Triathlon competitions continued to be held in America and Europe, with the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium hosting events in 1981, and Nice, France hosting an event in 1982.

In this time, the structure of triathlon races was not defined, and several races (such as Nice and Hawaii) were much longer than usual. Interestingly, this is one aspect of triathlons that has not changed over the years. Many races vary in terms of the length of the cycle race, run, or swim. Though usually, the ratio is similar.

In 1985 the first triathlon governing body was set up in Europe. It was named the European Triathlon Union (ETU), its main purpose was to stand up to American triathlon representatives. This is because the European countries feared that America would dominate any World Triathlon Federations in the future.

France had recently been recognised by the French Olympic Committee, it was the first nation to do so and this gave it power within the ETU. The French Triathlon Federation set the standards for all European Triathlons.

In 1989 the International Triathlon Union (ITU) was formed, this was a landmark moment and marks the exact moment where triathlon stopped being an amateur sport and began to work towards professionalism.

1991-1999 – The History of Triathlon

The 90s saw many deals made as the ITU made great strides towards getting triathlons into the Olympics. However, the 90s also saw a schism in the sport when the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) was formed in 1991. They owned the Ironman races, while the ITU owned regular triathlon races. This schism led to a lot of tit for tat conflict in the 2000s.

In 1991 the ITU was recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the sole governing body for triathlon. This paved the way for triathlon to be invited to the Pan American Games in Argentina (1995). In 1996 it was invited to be in the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

2000-Present Day

In 2000 the first Olympic triathlon event occurred, with Simon Whitfield of Canada and Brigitte McMahon of Switzerland winning gold medals in the men’s and women’s races. 2002 saw triathlon being welcomed to the Commonwealth games in Manchester, and in 2004 Hamish Carter of New Zealand and Kate Allen of Austria won gold in the men’s and women’s races in Athens.

2012 saw the rise of the Brownlee brothers from Yorkshire, England. Alistair Brownlee won gold while his brother Jonathan won bronze. Alistair would follow up his 2012 win four years later in Rio de Janeiro with another gold medal while Jonathan won silver.

2016 saw the first ever Paralympic triathlon, known as a paratriathlon. The paratriathlon involved five different classifications and contained a 820 yard swim, a 12 mile cycle, and a 3.1 mile run. Athletes in the PT1 classification used a handcycle during the cycling stage and used a racing wheelchair rather than running.

In 2020 the Olympic games will be held in Tokyo, where there will be a mixed relay version of a triathlon. Two men and two women will perform a 300m swim, an 8km cycle, and a 2km run. They will then tag a teammate who will also perform the swim, cycle, and run. For a total of four rounds.

Standard Distances for Triathlon

There are four distances that can be used in triathlons, though individual triathlon distances can vary. There is a sprint triathlon, an Olympic triathlon, a Half-Ironman triathlon, and an Ironman triathlon.

• Sprint Triathlon: The shortest version of a triathlon, the sprint triathlon involves a 500-yard swim, a 13-mile cycle, and a 3.2-mile run.
• Olympic Triathlon: The Olympic triathlon is a bit longer, but as each course is different in length this can vary quite a bit. An Olympic triathlon involves a 930-yard swim, a 24.8-mile cycle, and a 6.2-mile run.
• Half-Ironman Triathlon: Also known as Ironman 70.3, the half-ironman triathlon has been around since 1979, though the first officially verified Ironman 70.3 was held in the UK in 2001. The Half-Ironman Triathlon is exactly what it says it is, half of the distance of an Ironman triathlon. A half-ironman triathlon involves a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile cycle, and a 13.1-mile run.
• Ironman Triathlon: The longest triathlon variation is the ironman triathlon. An ironman triathlon involves swimming 2.4-miles, cycling 112 miles, and running 26.2 miles.

The post The History of Triathlon 1974 to Present Day appeared first on Triathlon Gear Expert.

There are hundreds of fat burners to choose from but only a few are specially formulated for women. Women do not need as higher dose of the active ingredients and can be more susceptible to the side effects of too much caffeine.

This is why it is important to buy a fat burner especially formulated for the female body.

LeanBean is ideal for all women and especially female athletes and triathletes. Read my LeanBean review.

What is LeanBean

A non stim fat burner brought to the market by Ultimate Life Ltd – a company that specializes in producing quality supplements for women.

Ultimate Life claim that the ingredient profile is designed to deliver exactly what a woman’s body needs for healthy weight loss.

The LeanBean ingredients have been carefully selected making sure that the right quantity and dose is included in each serving.

LeanBean is perfect for a broad spectrum of women from female athletes to stay at home mums. The nutritional balance is just right for a female metabolism

The caffeine content is non existent – a wild contrast to male fat burning supplements – as women are more prone to over stimulation.

Some of the standout ingredients are green coffee, Glucomannan and turmeric.

Whilst reviewing the ingredients within LeanBean our in house dietitian confirmed that the formula is not only safe for women but ideal for optimum performance.

There are many LeanBean reviews on the web. The overriding majority are very positive with many women posting their weight loss results on social media.

Wether you are based in the United States, Canada, UK or Australia this female fat burner should be high on your list for purchasing consideration.

Here are the ingredients of each LeanBean capsule

LeanBean Ingredients

There is full disclosure from Ultimate Life with regard to ingredients. The formula is not proprietary. All quantities and ingredients are listed on the product label

There are 11 main ingredients:

1. Konjac Fibre – this better known as Glucomannan. Glucomannan is an appetite suppressing agent. It has been widely studied [1] and arguably the goto ingredient in the wellness sector. There is 3000mg per serving of Lean Bean – the exact recommended daily dosage.
2. Choline – Another essential ingredient for any supplement that burns fat. It has been shown, according to studies [2], to help breakdown fat and help process energy by delivering fatty acid to cells.
3. Chromium Picolinate – a trace mineral described as a building block for a healthy diet. It helps regulate glucose (sugar) and blood sugar levels. This should be important [3] to female athletes.
4. Vitamin B6 And B12 – B vitamins are also essential, especially for anyone on a meat-free or plant based diet. They play an important role in the prevention of fatigue and tiredness. B vitamins also help support muscle function.
5. Chloride – An electrolyte to help keep you hydrated. Sometimes the body can become depleted of minerals, Chloride is an electrically charged mineral that can keep you hydrated.
6. Zinc – is great for the immune system and to reduce inflammation. Zinc can support healthy muscle tissue and also essential for recovery. It can also help to normalize carbohydrates and fatty acids within the metabolism.
7. Green Coffee Bean Extract – Chlorogencic Acid, arguably [4] the key ingredient and a must have in any fat burning product. It is also high in antioxidants. Helps to regulate the metabolic rate and burn fat for energy.
8. Turmeric – also known as the “Golden Goddess’ and used in place Caffeine Anhydrous (many male oriented fat burning pills use Caffeine Anhydrous – but can cause side effects). Turmeric has many benefits and has been studies extensively by many of leading authorities.
9. Garcinia Cambogia – a natural fruit that is high in Hydroxycitric acid that help reduce hunger cravings and prevent snacking on the wrong kinds of foods.
10. Acai Berry – a detox agent that is also high in antioxidants. Acai’s benefit to weight loss is largely unsupported by evidence.
11. Piperine – this is the conduit, the ingredient that helps with the absorption of the other ingredients. It is basically black pepper extract.

What are the Benefits

Having an excellent formula is all very well and good but how can it benefit you. What kind of results can you expect by taking LeanBean

Most reviews on LeanBean do not go into great detail as to what you could expect. So I hope to address this. Customer feedback is the main factor in my mind – it highlights in the real world what women have experienced and what their weight loss results have been.

Here are the main areas of interest.

Appetite Suppression – Reduced Cravings

Cutting down on the amount of food you consume a day can be hard. It is very difficult to avoid being hungry when you are used to consuming a set amount of calories per day.

Appetite suppressants are the type diet pills that is often prescribed by doctor and physicians. Phentermine is most commonly prescribed weight loss medication. There many brands that include phentermine as a main ingredient – there are generic phentermine-over-the-counter brands such as Adipex and Adipex-P.

Ingredients such as Glucomannan are responsible for reducing the need to snack and also eat too much. Glucomannan ensures that you ill feel fuller quicker during your meal. This is great for reducing portion size and helping you last longer between meals.

I am so pleased to have found LeanBean. I have tried many supplements in the past and just could not get on with them. This fat burner is perfect for me”

JuLIE – UNITED STATES

Energy Boost

Wether you are a triathlete, athlete or just an occasional gym goer you will welcome the additional energy that LeanBean can provide. Your workout sessions can be greatly improved.

Reduced Fatigue

One of the major reasons why diets fail is fatigue. Eating less calories a day can make you feel listless and tired. One of the common benefits that many LeanBean customers reports is virtually no fatigue!

Does it Cause Side Effects?

The natural ingredients within the formula have been dosed for the female body and should cause any unwanted side effects or after effects.

There is very limited amount of stimulants and limited known allergens.

If you do notice any adverse reaction then stop taking immediately.

How Can I Get LeanBean?

The official website is the sole stockist. You cannot buy Leanbean from anywhere other than the official website.

You may find some Amazon listings advertising it – even offering discounts, special offers or coupon codes but please avoid temptation. There may be other reviews offering incentives as well.

The official website (written by Ultimate Life) state:

Lean bean is NOT sold on Amazon, Beware of Fakes

Where is the Best Place to Buy it?

As stated above it is the official website that is the only authorized place to buy that you get authentic LeanBean with a full money back guarantee.

Some tips to get the best out of the fat burner

High Intensity Cardio

If you train at the gym and concentrate on your upper and lower body and also your core you will also need to add in some cardio.

You will have a layer of fat on your abs that is very hard to burn off. Light cardio will not do it as well as some high intensity cardio exercises.

If you lift weights try to avoid having long breaks in between reps (and looking at your phone). Keep the sweat on.

2 – Cycle Your Supplements

It is not ideal to take or use supplements al the time. For best results (not just lean Bean but for all supplements) cycle them. Plan a 2 week abstention every 2 months or so.

3 – Using More Than One Product at a Time

If you are a triathlete or an athlete then using several products simultaneously is in vogue. This is called stacking. Always seek professional advice before you do this as some product may not interact too well.

4 – Taking at Different Times 

Although Ultimate Life suggest taking LeanBean on their recommended schedule – 2 capsules with the 3 meals. You can stagger them so long as you do NOT take more than the recommended dosage.

For example if you are trying out intermittent fasting and skip breakfast you take 3 with lunch and another 3 with your evening meal.

What is the Price of LeanBean?

How much does Leanbean cost? – It is at the premium end of the market. It is a quality and effective women’s fat burner and this is reflected in the price.

There are discount options from the official website enabling customers to take advantage of multiple month purchases. The Bikini Body Bundle for example costs $185 which equates to a little over $46 per bottle (it’s buy 3 and get 1 free)

It is available to buy in many countries. Here are a few examples. These are single bottle purchases.

US$59.00 – USA
UK£39.00 – UK and N. Ireland
AU$75.00 – Australia
CAD$59.00 – Canada
EUR€44.99 – Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain

Results – Before and After

There are many weight loss success stories from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and mainland Europe. The before and after pictures and results are provided by all kinds of women – not just athletes.

• Hannah – UK

Hannah had put on a stone (14lbs) in weight after giving up smoking. She was snacking more to fill the void caused by not smoking. She was introduced to LeanBean from a friend who had read some good reviews and decided to give it a go.

Within 2 months Hannah had the lost the 14lbs (1 stone) that she had put on.

• Samantha – USA

Samantha had a problem with over eating and was researching ways to control her appetite. She discovered Leanbean after reading many positive reviews and decided to try it. She goes on to say it was one of the best decisions of her life so far.

• Margarita – Australia

I have literally come down from a size 16 (Australian Size), down to a size 14 this month. I am so pleased. She goes on to say she owes her weight loss to the best fat burner she has ever used.

Top FAQ’s

Does LeanBean Really Work

It’s hard to disagree with the hundreds of positive LeanBean reviews. Couple this wth the fact there is very few bad customer reviews.

Whether you are a seasoned triathlete or just want to lose a few pounds then this is a very option for burning body fat and suppressing appetite.

If you order today you be well on the road to reaching your weight loss goals in a month or two.

The post LeanBean Review – A Female Fat Burner for Women Triathletes appeared first on Triathlon Gear Expert.

Best Triathlon Watches

For a sport that wasn’t even in the Olympics until the year 2000, triathlon has become one of the most popular outdoor sports around.

There are many reasons behind this, it has a fantastic community, combines three popular sports, and though many people would be loathe to admit it, triathlon also allows you to purchase some seriously cool technology!

What other sport requires high quality running shoes, a top of the range bicycle, and the best neoprene wetsuit?

We can confidently say none. But the cool technology doesn’t stop there, triathlon watches are the new must-have item for anyone who is serious about conquering the triathlon.

In this article we will first give you an idea of what makes a good triathlon watch, and we will then give you a list of the top ten triathlon watches for 2023.

What Makes a Good Triathlon Watch?

There is a difference between a triathlon watch and a regular sports watch.

For starters, a triathlon watch has to be waterproof, or at the very least highly water resistant.

One of the major parts of a triathlon takes place under water! If you are planning on wearing a sports watch for triathlon training or competition, then please ensure that it can withstand a prolonged period under water.

Remember that triathlons often take place in open water too, which means that your watch should be able to cope in salt water as well as regular water (not to mention chlorinated water).

Of course, some triathlons can be performed using a swimming pool, but these are rare.

Another factor that separates triathlon watches from regular watches is that they require a bigger screen surface and proper lighting.

This is for when you are in the water or when you are cycling.

During these times it is not as easy to bring the watch up to your face and concentrate. You need to be able to read the relevant data while holding on to your handlebars, or while you are getting a face full of water during the open water swim.

One thing that really stands out in the triathlon is the number of things that you have to remember.

Unlike long-distance running, triathlons usually try to take up as little space as possible (due to triathlons having three disciplines).

This means that you are often expected to perform multiple laps of a certain distance.

It is here that triathlon-specific watches come in handy. They are designed to measure laps, save that data, save race routes for you, and use GPS technology to ensure that you have a good idea of where/how far you have travelled.

Battery life is also vitally important, while most triathlons last a few hours, an Ironman triathlon can last the best part of a day.

Finding a watch that can use GPS for hours at a time while also tracking running, swimming, and cycling data without running out of battery is often a challenge.

You need a watch that specialises in triathlon, and one that is able to provide an excellent service for running, swimming, and cycling.

Many watches out there are perfect for running, but how many are also good at measuring swimming distance? Very few. Even fewer would also be able to give you cycling-related data.

In this article we have picked out ten triathlon watches that we think will be ideal for your needs.

We have chosen them for their effectiveness, durability, and we have also chosen watches that suit a range of different budgets.

This article should hopefully allow you to find the ideal triathlon watch that suits your specific needs. Let’s get started then.

Top 10 Triathlon Watches Compared

Below are ten of the best triathlon watches of 2023. We will look at the pros and cons of each and give you as much relevant information as we can, before offering a summary of each watch.

Triathlon Watch #1 Garmin Forerunner 735 XT Review

The Garmin Forerunner 735 XT came out in 2017 and took the triathlon world by storm, here was a watch that every triathlete would fight for. Today, the 735 XT is slightly outshone by the newer version (Garmin Forerunner 945) which is also included in this list, but the 735 is certainly well worth its spot on this list. For starters it is now half the price of the Garmin Forerunner 945 while still delivering many of the benefits.

Garmin is an American company based in Kansas that was founded in 1989. Their first customer was the US Army, and they are now one of the biggest names in the GPS world. Their sporting watches consistently top review articles, and there is a reason for that. Somehow, Garmin has managed to standout in a crowded field as the best sports watch makers.

This watch has many amazing features that help it stand out from the crowd, it is a seriously impressive piece of kit! Firstly, it is a great price. While it is still (like any triathlon watch) an investment, it is much cheaper than a lot of the watches on this list.

For that price you get a really good battery life. It can last for 14 hours in GPS mode, which is longer than even the toughest of triathlons is going to need it for. It also charges fast between uses and can last for 11 days if just being used as a normal watch.

As you would expect from a Garmin product, the GPS is very reliable with accurate route tracking and fast GPS acquisition. GPS rarely loses connection, and even then, it is only under heavy cover – which is true of almost all GPS devices.

But this watch isn’t just an effective GPS device, it offers so much more. This watch is a great activity tracker which can be used for day-to-day use. Counting steps, working out calories burned, and measuring your heart rate.

It also works as a multi-sports watch; this is essential for the triathlon. Let’s say that you started your triathlon with the swim, you could set your watch to swim mode. Once the swim ended you could tap a button and the watch would swap to cycle mode (just as you are during the race). Your swim data would be saved but the watch would now track cycling activity. Once your cycle finishes, you’d press the same button and the watch would start tracking your running data.

You can also set your phone and watch up so that you receive notifications on your watch when you receive a text message or call. This isn’t actually as helpful as you’d think though as there is no way to respond unless you have wireless headphones – which are not a great idea while in the middle of a triathlon but may be good while you are on the go.

The watch also looks amazing, and has a very large, well-lit screen. This means that you should be able to clearly read it even in fading light or while on your bicycle.

Pros:

The amount of benefits that this watch offers are incredible

• Excellent value for money – This watch will compete with any watch and is much cheaper than many of the top watches in this field.
• Quality Design – Comfortable to wear, looks amazing, very durable, and the screen is large and well lit.
• Top Notch Analysis – Watch can estimate Vo2 max, your lactate threshold, and can also give you an idea of how well you are performing during a race. Watch keeps amazing data from each sport and presents it clearly.
• GPS – The GPS is outstanding and should provide you with an excellent surface wherever you are racing.
• Amazing Battery Life – 14 hours in GPS mode is seriously impressive!

Cons:

There aren’t many cons to purchasing this watch, but here are a few that we can think of

• No heart rate measurement during swimming – the watch does not allow you to measure your heart rate while swimming, you have to buy specific swim straps to do so.
• Waterproof setting on 5 ATM – ATM is a measure of how deep you can dive before the watch begins to become damaged. 5 ATM should be more than enough for a triathlon, but several watches on this list have double the ATM rating, which makes 5 ATM seem a little low in comparison.
• Cannot Respond to messages – There are several watches that send you notifications when your phone receives a text. But most of them allow you to reply. This watch doesn’t. A minor complaint, but what is the point in getting notifications for messages that you can’t respond to?

Summary

The Garmin Forerunner 735 XT is a superb timepiece that is ideal for any triathlete. It is well priced for a triathlon watch (though regular sports watch owners may be in for a surprise), and absolutely delivers on every aspect of what a triathlon watch needs to do. Great battery life, excellent data analysis, beautiful design, and great durability. The GPS is remarkable, and you should get everything that you need to from it.

Triathlon Watch #2 Garmin VivoActive Black Review

While many of the watches on this list are on the expensive side, this next watch is definitely more of a bargain. It’s another Garmin watch (expect a lot on this list) but this is certainly the least expensive of them. Is it as good as the Garmin Forerunner watches? No, but at around one third of the price of the Garmin Forerunner 945 you wouldn’t expect it to be.

What the Garmin VivoActive watch does offer though is a superb watch with many of the functions required to complete a triathlon race and get all the data you need. You’re not going to get the exact data that you would from a forerunner, but you can expect decent mile splits during your runs, and the watch also offers swimming and cycling modes (as well as golf and activity tracking modes).

While the Garmin VivoActive does not specifically describe itself as a triathlon watch it does track your swims as well as your cycling. For swimming, it is waterproof (though just 5 ATM) and is great for swimming in a pool. It has a Pool Swim setting which allows you to input the length of the pool which will allow the watch to estimate calories burned as well as distance travelled etc … Sadly, the watch does not measure heart rate while you swim, but like the Garmin Forerunner watches you can purchase a swim strap that allows this, but it is a separate cost.

Pros:

• Excellent value for money – This is sold at a decent price for a triathlon watch
• Powerful Battery – The battery will last up to 10 hours in GPS mode, or 3 weeks when it is in normal watch mode.
• Ultra-thin design – This watch is very light, and you’ll barely notice it when it is on your wrist, this can make a big difference during a triathlon where every marginal gain is important.
• Great App Support – There are apps for swimming, running, and golf, as well as activity tracking apps
• Excellent Activity Tracker – Not only does it measure your activity passively; it also actively reminds you to move around if it feels that you’ve been inactive too long during the day.

Cons:

• Aesthetics – While this is a well-designed watch, aesthetically there is some work to do. Maybe we’re being a little harsh, but it feels a bit clunky compared to other Garmin watches
• Not a Triathlon Watch – Technically, this is a sports watch rather than a specific triathlon watch. This doesn’t mean that you can’t use it for triathlons, but it doesn’t allow you to transition from swimming to cycling to running in the same way that a triathlon watch will.
• No Open Water Mode – While it is good at tracking your swimming while in the swimming pool, the watch is not designed to measure your swimming in open water. This probably won’t affect your training as most triathlete’s train in pools, but it will be an issue for competition use.
• Display is a bit dim – Not a big issue by any means, but the screen can be a little dim at certain times, making it difficult to read while cycling or swimming.

Summary

The Garmin VivoActive black is an excellent sport watch that will provide excellent support for your triathlons. It is a shame that it doesn’t track your swims in open water, and it definitely could look a little nicer. But overall this is a great watch that will improve your training, provide you with great data, and is a solid choice all round.

Triathlon Watch #3 Suunto Spartan Sport Watch Review

Suunto have an incredible range of sports watches, and there are three on this list alone. The Suunto Spartan range is their middle-priced range of watches. They are high in quality, but don’t come with the eye watering price tags of some of their top of the range models. The Suunto Spartan Sport watch is a truly excellent triathlon watch with a lot of impressive features.

Suunto is a watch company that is located in Vantaa, Finland and has been around since 1936. Suunto means “path” in Finnish. The company became famous in the 70s thanks to its popularity with divers, Jacques Cousteau being a famous follower of their range. They are now known for the high quality and amazing durability of their watches and are particularly popular with triathletes.

The first thing that you notice when you look at the Suunto Spartan sport is the lovely simplified design. The screen takes up a lot of space, and all of the data that you need is beautifully presented on it. The watch has a very accurate heart rate monitor which it can take during swims just as well as it can during a run or cycle.

The watch has a waterproof rating of 10 ATM which means that you can dive to 100m in this watch and see no ill effect. The watch also allows you to swim in swimming pools as well as open water and can give you excellent data for both. This is great news for triathletes as you can train and compete in any water and get the information that you require.

The battery is decent, and should suit any regular triathlete, with 10 hours of GPS life available. However, longer triathlons such as an Ironman may not be possible, as they average over 12 hours 30 minutes. Still, 10 hours of battery life while in GPS mode is pretty impressive, and perfect for regular triathlons.

Pros:

• Very Durable – This watch can withstand pressures at 100m under water, and is built to survive any of the rigours that a triathlon can throw at you.
• Many Sports Covered – The watch can support over 80 different sports, making it perfect for cross-training, and it allows interval training for all of these sports
• Aesthetics – This may be one of the most beautiful watches within this market. That’s just our opinion but see for yourself. The presentation is superb.
• Perfect for Open Water – Being highly waterproof is fantastic, but the fact that it can also record data while you swim in open water is great news. It can also track your heart rate while you swim, without requiring you to purchase additional equipment.

Cons:

• Battery Life: Look, we know that 10-hour battery life in GPS mode was posted as a benefit in the previous watch, but 1) the Garmin VivoActive was not designed specifically for triathlons so would not have considered ironman triathlons, and 2) this is a more expensive watch!
• Some software issues – Updating your workouts can sometimes take longer than you would expect them to. It can sometimes take a while to reach the workout/function that you want, which is annoying as watches already take longer to navigate than other technology.
• GPS not as good as Garmin – This is not surprising as Garmin are industry leaders, but Sunnto is a little behind here when it comes to accuracy and the effect of lots of cover on satellite.

Summary

The Suunto Spartan Sport Watch is a fantastic watch, and Garmin have a lot of competition from this company. The watch looks beautiful and delivers a great package. When it comes to water, the Sunnto Spartan Sport is the best watch we’ve reviewed thus far. Allowing you to track your heart rate while you swim is a great benefit. The software lets it down a little bit, but hopefully updates will improve this. If you are an ironman triathlete then you may find the battery a little low, but regular triathletes (or very fast ironman triathletes) will be perfectly happy with how long it lasts.

Triathlon Watch #4 Garmin Forerunner 945 Review

The Garmin Forerunner 945 is the most expensive triathlon watch on this list; it is also the best product. There are so many cool features that help this watch stand out, that we have to say that Garmin may have just created a new yardstick that all future triathlon watches will be measured against. If you have the money, then buy this watch!

There are so many cool features that this watch provides that we could spend the rest of the article just naming them. The watch has the best GPS of any watch we’ve reviewed, it has an amazing sleep analysis mode, and even has the ability to coach you on your running form. The maps system is awesome. Fully coloured maps combined with the aforementioned GPS will allow you to find great running trails near you and will also be able to show you where you are if you get lost.

Pros:

• Full colour maps – This is such a cool feature, the maps look beautiful and  you can edit in your own routes onto them to follow.
• Music storage for Spotify – Obviously not a good feature for race day, but with the use of wireless headphones you can now listen to your Spotify playlists during your training. Meaning you don’t need to carry your phone or an MP3 player.
• Temperature tracker (great for very hot races) – This feature may never come in handy, but if you train in very hot climates (or are competing in a desert-based triathlon) then using this to track your body temperature can be very useful, this is because it will allow you to moderate your training if you are likely to be suffering from overheating.
• Altitude measurements – Very accurate altitude measurements, which allow you to gauge how high or low you have travelled as well as distance.
• Amazing Battery life – The battery is very good, it allows 10 hours in GPS mode with music, but you can extend the battery life to 60 hours if you put it in UltraTrac mode.
• Measures respiration rate – Without respiration rate, calorie measurement can be nothing more than an intelligent guess. The Garmin Forerunner 945 is able to measure your respiration rate, which has many benefits but improved calorie estimation is one of them.
• You can purchase items with your watch – Provided your bank is one of the participating banks, the watch is able to purchase items in the same way that Apple pay works. This is such a cool feature, imagine finishing your run and being able to purchase a bottle of water without needing to bring your wallet with you.
• Measures running form – Yes that’s right, if your running form is bad then your watch will be able to tell you. The watch measures your cadence, stride length, and ground contact time to give you feedback on your running style.

Cons:

• Very expensive – That’s about the only con we can think of, but it’s quite a big one unless you have a seriously large budget for triathlon watches. If not, then be prepared to wait a couple of years for the price to drop or consider the Garmin Forerunner 735 XT instead.

Summary

Without a doubt, the Garmin Forerunner 945 is the best triathlon watch available to buy. Sadly, it is also the most expensive. It is a big investment and you should definitely ensure that the investment makes financial sense to you. This watch will still be amazing and relevant in five years’ time, probably in ten years! A must-have for any triathlete who takes their runs seriously, but a luxury for most amateur triathletes.

Triathlon Watch #5 Coros Apex Premium Multisport Watch Review

Here is what we know about Coros the company. It was founded in 2015 and … that’s it. The company has not made any of that information easily available. This really is a shame, because knowing more about the company can help us to review products and give you a better idea of the background to these expensive timepieces.

Luckily, the Coros Apex premium multisport watch is a great triathlon watch. There is no question about that. It has an incredible battery life with 100 hours in UltraMax GPS mode, 35 hours in full GPS mode, and 30 days in regular mode. That battery life puts even the Garmin Forerunner 945 to shame!

The watch is also fully waterproof to a depth of 100m (10 ATM) which again is better than the Garmin Forerunner 945 – though we should point out that no triathlete is going to need to be 100m underwater at any part of the race! It is also well-priced, almost half the price of the Garmin Forerunner 945.

Obviously, it is not going to have as many features as the Forerunner but considering the price it really does offer many advantages to the savvy purchaser. The watch tracks elevation, activity, it works with Strava to save your data, it can notify you of text messages or missed calls, and it works in open water as well as swimming pools. It is great with cycling and has a decent map system.

Pros:

• The Battery is immense – seriously, 35 hours in full GPS mode is even going to keep an ironman triathlete happy. Even a slow ironman triathlete should still have battery to spare!
• Waterproof – 10 ATM is a superb level of waterproofing for a triathlon watch, and you can be confident that even the roughest of open water swims should not affect it in the slightest.
• Price – Considering how well it competes with the top watches on this list, it is surprising how great the value for money of this watch is.
• Map system is excellent – the map and GPS system combine effectively to help you ascertain where you are, how far you’ve travelled, and where you need to travel to. Information about elevation is also available thanks to the altimeter.

Cons:

• Doesn’t save data – You have to use the third-party app Strava to save your workout data as Coros does not provide its own software. This isn’t too big a deal, and once you’re set up you won’t even notice the difference.
• HR Monitor – Not always as accurate as you’d like, but then wrist measurements of heart rate are not as effective as regular heart rate monitors. This is an issue that affects all but the very best triathlon watch.

Summary

If you cannot afford (or refuse to pay for) the Garmin Forerunner 945, then the Coros Apex watch is a seriously good substitute. It will provide you with many excellent features and you’ll hardly notice what you’re missing out on. Well worth considering.

Triathlon Watch #6 Polar Vantage V Multisport Watch Review

Polar is another Finnish company that sells triathlon watches. Founded in Kempele, Finland in 1977 by Seppo Seynajakangas, Polar was created to provide the first accurate heart rate monitors. It is now world-famous for it and has branched out into similar technology such as watches. The Polar Vantage V multisport watch is a great continuation of Polar’s tradition for innovation.

While this watch is definitely on the upper end of the scale when it comes to price, there are some excellent features that make this a sensible investment for many triathletes. Firstly, the battery is very good. 40 hours of battery life while in GPS mode is insane. Secondly, the heart rate monitor is second to none, giving you the most accurate reading that you could expect from a wrist monitor.

The watch also tracks running power, gauges intensity, and uses this information to assess your current physical state and recommends the appropriate amount of recovery.

Pros:

• Most Accurate HR measurement – this is probably not too surprising considering that Polar is the number one company for heart rate monitors. But this watch really stands out from the crowd here.
• Fantastic Battery – The battery will last for 40 hours while in GPS mode, this is seriously impressive and should suit ironman triathlons perfectly.
• Tracks running power – Watch is able to track how much power you are putting into your running which means that you will have really specific data regarding your intensity.

Cons:

• Surprisingly expensive – Not that the watch isn’t worth paying for, but compared to others on this list we’re surprised that it isn’t a little cheaper
• Low Waterproof Threshold – 3 ATM should be good enough for open water swimming, but this is by far the lowest waterproof setting of any of the watches on this list.
• Difficult to read screen in poor light – For some reason this watch does not have a very efficient backlight, making it hard to read during poor visibility.

Summary

The Polar Vantage V multisport watch is a very good, high-quality triathlon watch. Sadly, the high price point is a big issue, and the low waterproof rating is also a shame. If you are more interested in getting your recovery right, then this may well be the watch for you.

Triathlon Watch #7 Suunto Spartan Ultra HR Reviewed

Another Suunto watch, this time we’re looking at the Suunto Spartan Ultra HR. The watch comes in two models, one has a heart rate monitor, one does not. The model with a heart rate monitor costs significantly more than the one without so we’ll focus on the non-heart rate monitor model.

The first thing that stands out when you look at the Suunto Spartan Ultra HR is the fact that it has a seriously good battery. It can last for 26 hours while still accessing GPS. Okay, this may not be as long as the Polar Vantage V Multisport watch which has 40 hours, but 26 hours should be more than enough for most triathletes!

It is fully waterproof up to a distance of 100m underwater (10 ATM) meaning it is durable enough to survive any swim you’ll encounter. It also has a great map feature, can give you up to date weather warnings, and provides 80 sport modes that you can track.

The main downside is clearly the price and in this case the lack of a heart rate monitor. This is one amazing watch and will really suit ironman triathlons.

Pros:

• Decent Battery Life – 26 hours of battery while being able to access GPS is really good
• Very Durable in Water – 10 ATM is one of the best rating you could hope for in a triathlon watch
• Many sports modes – 80 sports modes that you can follow is more choice than you could ever need!

Cons:

• Very Expensive – If you want the heart rate monitor included then this will be the most expensive watch on this list. Without the heart rate monitor it is still expensive, but nowhere near as much
• No Heart Rate Monitor – This is such a vital part of triathlon training that it seems crazy to buy a watch without one.

Summary

The Suunto Spartan Ultra HR is one seriously good watch, and perfect for the longer duration races such as Ironman triathlons. It is very durable and has decent software. The high price for a watch with heart rate monitor included is a shame as this is a pretty standard feature in triathlon watches.

Triathlon Watch #8 Suunto 5 Multisport GPS Watch Reviewed

What’s great about the Suunto 5 multisport watch is how many amazing features have been packed into a watch that is very competitively priced. Obviously, it is not going to compete with the top of the range Garmin Forerunner 945, but then again, it’s basically half the price. Yet it still delivers one of the best swimming experiences with open water GPS, stroke count, stroke efficiency, and pool workouts as well.

It also has a battery that can last for 40 hours while the GPS is turned on, this is seriously impressive and puts similar watches to shame. This watch ticks a lot of boxes for triathletes, with excellent running, cycling, and swimming functions and a great battery. There may be a few less bells and whistles than other models, but if you aren’t looking to break the bank to purchase a watch this could definitely be the right choice for you.

Pros:

• Amazing Battery Life – 40 hours with GPS enabled? Perfect!
• Superior Swim Tracking – This watch records so many different things during a swim, it also has open water as well as pool related features.
• Great Price – Considering that this watch is so good for triathlons, it is amazing that it doesn’t cost about $100 more.

Cons:

• Waterproofing issues – Unlike the majority of watches on this list, the Suunto 5 is only rated 5 ATM which is quite low. This may affect durability while in water.
• Dim Light – The watch suffers from poor visibility due to a dim backlight, as most triathlons and training is performed during the day this shouldn’t be too big an issue
• Software issues – Sometimes the watch crashes during updates etc …

Summary

An excellent triathlon watch at a very reasonable price, we were particularly impressed by the swimming features and the battery life. For this price point you wouldn’t expect to find much better. The low waterproof rating is a mild concern, but in all honesty no triathlon is going to require you to dive to the depths at which this watch will fail so it shouldn’t be an issue.

Triathlon Watch #9 Garmin Fenix 5 Sapphire

Yes, that’s right, ANOTHER Garmin watch, this time the Garmin Fenix 5 Sapphire. This watch is definitely at the upper end of the price range and is just a bit cheaper than the Garmin Forerunner 945. It should therefore be judged as such. This watch more than meets these standards.

The battery life is excellent, with 24 hours of battery life in GPS mode and 60 hours of battery in UltraTrac. The screen is large and well lit, making it an easy task to read while out and about. The attention to detail when analysing your stats is remarkable. For example, it can measure your lactate threshold, cadence, and stride length while you run.

There are similar stats available for open water and pool swimming, for example you can measure your stroke number during a swim, your swim style (breaststroke, butterfly etc), and lap efficiency. The watch is 10 ATM waterproof so can handle depths of up to 100m.

Pros:

• Excellent swimming analysis – This watch is really good in the water and keeps a lot of data regarding your swim which is excellent.
• Battery life – 24 hours of battery life when in GPS mode is superb, UltraTrac also allows GPS access and will last for 60 hours, meaning that even the most extreme triathlon should be survived by your watch.
• Running analysis is thorough – While swimming analysis is excellent, the running analysis is a step above.

Cons:

• Expensive – This watch represents a huge investment, and you have to pay even more if you want all of the features. For the most dedicated (and richest) triathletes only.

Summary

The summary for this watch would be; superb but highly priced. We’re not sure if this watch represents the best use of your funds. You could get very similar results for about $100 cheaper if you pursued a Suunto watch, alternatively you could go all in and spend an extra $100 to get the best watch on this list (Garmin Forerunner 945).

Triathlon Watch #10 Timex Ironman Classic 100 Watch

How could we have a list of the ten best triathlon watches without including at least one Timex Ironman Classic watch? This is the brand who started it all. Timex is the oldest watch manufacturer on this list, it was founded in 1854 in Middlebury, Connecticut, USA by Thomas Olsen. The name Timex is actually a combination of Time magazine and Kleenex tissues (two brands that Olsen respected). We’re not sure how useful that fact is, but it never fails to raise a smile.

The Timex Ironman Classic 100 watch is by far the lowest price on this list, it represents a seriously good deal and anyone who has a more modest budget will finally have a watch that they can afford without having to re-mortgage the house!

Compared to the other watches, this model is very basic. However, it is one of the most waterproof on this list (10 ATM) and has a battery that should last ten years. Timex watches are famous for their durability. It has a large watch face which makes it easy to read, and even has a 100-hour stopwatch, as well as a 99-lap counter.

Pros:

• Durable – Timex watches should survive anything that a triathlon can throw at them, and then some!
• Bargain – This watch is by far the cheapest on the list, and that does not mean a huge drop in quality. It is still a great watch but won’t break the bank.
• Waterproof – Safe at depths of up to 100m, this watch should survive any pool or open water swimming.

Cons:

• Basic – Don’t expect GPS, multisport features, running analysis, maps, or wifi with this watch. It is just a standard watch that is great for keeping track of your race time.

Summary

If you are looking for a timepiece that will survive water, cycling, and running, while keeping accurate time and not being damaged by water, then this Timex Ironman Classic 100 watch is a great choice. A perfect starter watch for budding triathletes who don’t want to invest a tonne of money while they start out. A classic that all triathletes should have some memory of.

The post The Top 10 Triathlon Watches for 2023 appeared first on Triathlon Gear Expert.

The Triple deca ultra triathlon – 71 mile swim/3400 bike/780 mile run is the hardest of all the triathlon distances

Triathlon Distances

If you are reading this, you have the itch to do a triathlon. The sport where you get to do three disciplines, as if one wasn’t enough of a challenge.

Fantastic! Welcome to all like-minded, challenge craving fanatics. Fortunately, there is a distance out there for all of us.

One of the best aspects of triathlon; it can be a rewarding physical and mental challenge to any person, at any skill level, at any distance.

Before we get into it, where was this idea of triathlon born? What crazy, awesome person came up with this epic human feat.

This idea for a multisport race, now known as triathlon was the brainchild of a group of endurance runners who wanted to mix up their cross training.

The first recorded triathlon took place in 1974. Mission Bay in San Diego was the location of the first event including a 500-yard swim through the bay, followed by a 5-mile bicycle and 2.8-mile run.

Four years later, John Collins, a San Diego local, combined three of Hawaii’s long standing endurance events into a single triathlon-style competition (now known as Ironman) that attracted the attention of sportscasters and television with the amazing efforts of the courageous humans who took part. ( source: USA Triathlon)

Whether you are reading as a newcomer to the sport or a seasoned veteran, the common denominator here is the shared desire to push our bodies and minds in a way that takes structured training, preparation, patience, and persistence. It’s not easy and that is what we love about it!

The topic of triathlon can easily become overwhelming, as there are countless aspects of the sport to learn and attempt to master.

No matter how much experience a triathlete has, there is always something to learn and improve on, which makes triathlon such a great lifelong sport. Wherever you stand, you have to start somewhere!

Depending on your personality and to what degree you want to challenge yourself, let’s dive into the distance options of swim, bike, and run.

Super Sprint

First you want to “try-a-tri” distance. The distance that requires the least training and preparation to finish. However, a great place to begin to see if the sport is everything you imagine.

Typically, the swim will be around 300 meters, the bike is about 8k ( 5 miles), and the run is about 1.2k (2k).

If you are coming from a minimal athletic background, you don’t have much time to train, and you just want to see how it feels to complete a three disciplined sport, this will be your go-to distance.

The super sprint is often a great way for a child who is interested in doing their first triathlon too.

Sprint

The most common and most widely participated distance of triathlon and another great place to start as a beginner to the sport.

Expect to swim 750m (.47) in some body of open water (bay, beach, lake), bike 20k (12 miles), and run 5k (3.1 miles). Although this is a “shorter” distance for the sport, you will need to train and prepare your body to be able to compete at a strenuous level for an average of 70-90 minutes of duration.

Olympic or 5150

Most events will offer the Olympic distance, which is also often referred to as an International or 5150.

This is something to look into once you have done a few sprint distances, you have a solid base of training in all three disciplines under your belt, and are ready to be racing from 130-150 minutes or more depending on the course.

The swim will be 1.5k (.93 miles), the bike will be 40k (24 miles), and the run will be 10k ( 6.2 miles).

Half Ironman

Half Ironman – Now we are talking serious talk. In this distance, you will begin to see more competitive triathletes and most certainly not many newcomers to the sport participating in this distance.

Some eager souls may jump into it cold turkey, but it is very rare, as this distance requires double, maybe triple, the amount of training required for a sprint triathlon. It is not an easy endeavor, however it is extremely rewarding to do and finish. A goal worth working towards! At this distance, the preparation is key to get to the start line.

Many love this distance and it seems to be a crowd favorite in the world of like-minded triathlon fanatics. A strategic nutrition plan will need to be practiced and put in place in order to keep your body functioning optimally, this is not the triathlon to wing it.

As many will tell you, this distance is pleasurably painful in a different way compared to the sprint and Olympic distances. It is more about maintaining mindset and form to get you to the finish line.

Get ready for 1.9k (1.2 mile) swim, 90k ( 56 mile) bike, and 21.1k ( 13 mile) run. Age groupers can expect to be out there 5-6 hours. The cut off time to finish the entire race is 8 and a half hours. However, this cut off is nothing to worry about, it is more than enough time to finish the race.

Full Ironman

First thing that comes to mind? KONA. The big dogs. We welcome all the crazies with open arms!

Now we are REALLY talking some serious triathlon talk. If you have made it this far, kudos to you and ALL the intense, hard work put into this distance. It is no joke.

However, the strength gained both mind and body from this distance experience is incomparable. The swim is a 3.8k ( 2.4 mile) swim, 180k mile (112 mile), and 42.2k (26 mile). The cut off to finish an Ironman is 17 hours.

Ironman athletes require anywhere from 20-30 hours of training a week to get to the starting line and finish an Ironman.

It is a process getting to this distance and it required some sense of “all in” both mind and body. It takes time to adapt to the body to these types of miles, especially the 26 mile run.

Triathlon ULTRA Distances

Next up, the ULTRA distances of triathlon. You mean there are longer triathlon distances?! Yes, the bar continues to be raised.

• Double ultra triathlon – 4.7 mile swim/220mile bike/52.4 mile run
• Triple ultra triathlon – 7.1 mile swim/340 mile bike/78.7 mile run
• Quadruple ultra triathlon – 12 mile swim/560 mile bike/131 mile run
• Deca ultra triathlon – 24 mile swim/ 1100 mile bike/ 262 mile run
• Double deca ultra triathlon – 47 mile swim/2200 bike/524 mile run
• Triple deca ultra triathlon – 71 mile swim/3400 bike/780 mile run

Cue **JAW DROP** I know, it is hard to comprehend a human body traveling these distances but it has been done.

Deca Triathlon

Let’s chat about the Deca Triathlon – IRONMAN TIMES TEN!

The race takes weeks. As you can try to fathom, it is beyond brutal. We are talking about sleep deprivation, hallucinations, blood, sweat, and tears.  

Each leg is a “Deca” aka 10 times longer than a normal ironman, with 24 miles of swimming, 1,120 miles of biking, and 262 miles of running. Want to take a guess where these athletes started? Yes! With the shortest distance of triathlon.

Have you heard about Ultraman?

It is a three-day, 515 km (320 mile) multisport race held annually on the Big Island of Hawaii.

This includes a total of a 6.2 mile swim, 261.4 mile bike, and 52.4 mile run over the course of three days and three stages.

Entry is limited to 40 participants and is by invitation only. This event was founded in 1983 and is held annually on the traditional Thanksgiving weekend.

If you have yet to participate in a triathlon or need a little inspiration and push to get out there, just go watch one of these events at any distance and see people of ALL backgrounds defy their perceived limitations.

Wherever you stand at this very moment, there is always room for more challenge and growth.

Whether that is choosing a longer distance of triathlon to race, or maybe adding a couple more races to your calendar a year, it is a great hobby to get involved with.

All around the world, there are communities of triathlon fanatics who train, push, and support each other in and out of the sport.

Triathlon is a community who celebrates finishing the race. Although times and splits are great for tracking improvement and setting new goals, simply just getting out there and DOING IT is what it is all about. You don’t have to be glued to your Garmin Forerunner triathlon watch.

Did You Know?! Triathlon WOW Facts

• Going under 8 hours in the full ironman distance was once compared to breaking the two hour time in a marathon. This was once deemed impossible. With several individuals now under the 8 hour mark, the bar continues to be raised. Jan Frodeno is currently the fastest man with a time of 7:35:39 from Challenge Roth in 2016.
• The youngest full ironman finished in the world is just 13 years old, Hunter Lussi competed and broke an Ironman world record and won the 2.4 mile swim portion a year later in the same event.
• Hiromu Inada is 85 year old and is officially the oldest man to complete a full Ironman.
• The slowest finish time ever recorded at the Ironman Triathlon World Championship was 26:20:00 set by Walt Stack, 73, in 1981.( Source: Ironman)
• Over the years, 88 different countries have been represented at the championship

You gotta start somewhere. We as humans are capable of so much more than we realize. Get out there! Do it!

Top 3 FAQ’s on Triathlon Distances

The post How Long is a Triathlon Race – Distances and Types appeared first on Triathlon Gear Expert.

Nutrition for peak human performance can always rattle the brain.

We all want to be our best but sometimes that desire gets a little out of hand and thinking too much about this can get us in trouble.

Often, people feel the pressure to stray away from their normal eating patterns just before donning their wetsuits because an article recommends a certain way of eating.

DON’T FALL VICTIM TO THIS.

I am here to tell you to KEEP IT SIMPLE. 

Pre Triathlon Nutrition

Changing our regimen before race day can either result in a massive gut bomb leaving us unable to perform or bonking before the last, most difficult part of the race.

Both are extremely disappointing as we all know how much effort goes into getting ourselves on that start line.

There are endless articles out there on what the best or proper way of fuelling before a triathlon event is.

I want to begin this one with stressing the fact that each person’s body and needs are very individual. Some people prefer to supplements (such as a fat burner) to get them an advantage on race day while others prefer a smoothie.

We all have different eating habits and genetic make up which makes one person’s usual someone else’s never.

What may work for one athlete, may not work for another.

It is a game of trial and error.

As a frequent researcher and reader of all articles related to sports, nutrition, and performance, as it pertains to triathlon, if one article recommends eating a bagel and a banana 2 hours before the whistle blows and I don’t normally eat these foods in my day to day regimen of training, will I eat these foods? NO WAY.

Food – Pre Triathlon Nutrition

Yes, we do want the focal point of our pre race meal to be carbohydrates. No surprises there! Carbs are our friends before race day, just don’t let the nerves get to you and go overboard.

The point here is to keep it simple and familiar. Don’t stray away from your norm. If you are training your first triathlon ever, start thinking about a pre race food routine you can stick to.

That way, as race day approaches, you know exactly what to do and exactly what will work to take away some of the stress and nerves. Compare a race to one of your hardest training days, what worked then? 

Start developing your plan around this.

 You want to be sure your glycogen stores are filled two days prior to your event. The night

before a race is not the time to “load” up, especially for those who have more sensitive digestion.

If anything, eating a bigger breakfast and lunch the day before race morning is the way to go.

This way you ensure full digestion and your glycogen stores are topped off and ready to rocket.

If you think about the amount of stress you are going to put your body through during the race, you don’t want any extra energy going toward digestion.

Although you may not realize it, if you eat something out of the ordinary or anything more than usual, your body will spend more energy on digestion than keeping your body firing top notch on all cylinders.

 Keep this in mind!

Simple Day before race plan

• Bigger breakfast/Lunch- 80 percent of the calories you consume in your pre-race meal should come from carbohydrates. Keep your protein and especially your fat and fiber consumption low.
• Early Normal/Simple dinner- only about 60 to 80 grams of carbohydrates, a serving of protein and healthy fats.
• Snacks-easily digestible whole foods that are carb focused and low in fiber and fat.

Simple Morning of sample plan

• If possible eat 4 hours before toeing the line to ensure proper digestion. Keep it light and eat just enough carbohydrates to top of your stores. Think around 300-500 calories.

Hydration – Before a Triathlon

It seems the sports drink industry is geared more towards palatability than osmolality. What can our bodies actually absorb and use when it is under the stress of a triathlon race?

This is another area that can be overwhelming, as there are countless sports drinks with all sorts of different nutrition make ups.

I am here to remind you again, keep it simple.

There are some great resources that break down the body processes and truths about proper hydration techniques.

One that I have found the MOST beneficial and has proven reliable both through experience and science is Dr. Stacy Sims. 

A little introduction to the article linked above. It is worth a read.

“If you’ve ever been confused standing in front of a sports drink display, you’re not alone.

Dr. Stacy Sims, an environmental exercise physiologist and nutrition scientist specializing in sex differences of heat and/or altitude stress, recovery, genetics, and nutrition to moderate adaptive responses for performance.

Stacy is a senior research fellow at The University Of Waikato and the author of ROAR, which helps women understand and work with their physiology for better performance.

That’s not to say that there’s no information in here for men.

Stacy passionately explains the why’s and when’s of fuelling, hydration and more for both men and women.

She will help you re-evaluate your fuelling and hydration strategy to provide more optimal results.”

Dr. Stacy Sims zones in on the fact that our guts are already compromised during high intensity efforts such as a triathlon race.

The goal is to top off our electrolyte stores the week before the event, so when we arrive on race day our bodies are fully prepared for a hammer sesh and our guts are at ease.

What happens when we try to load the electrolytes and salt tablets directly before or during a triathlon?

We need fluid before food from a functionality and physiological standpoint. 95% of fluid absorption takes place in the small intestines.

Our intestines, as I am sure you can attest to, are very tempermental, especially when under hypoxic and heat stress during a triathlon.

The goal is to maintain blood volume during a race. 

If we are to throw down an entire gel pack filled with sugar and electrolytes at once, this triggers fluid to come into the gut rather than out of the gut,  which causes the dreaded GI stress.

In conclusion, keep it simple, keep it familiar, and start developing a plan that is individual to you and the foods you consume on a regular basis.

The post What to Eat Before a Triathlon – Pre Race Nutrition appeared first on Triathlon Gear Expert.

The ITU stands for the International Triathlon Union – it is the internationally recognized governing body set up in 1989 to over see and host both men’s and women’s Triathlon events across the globe.

There are a series of races that culminate in the eventual winner and the Grand Final race. Athletes compete with the goal of obtaining points that crown the eventual winner the ITU world champion.

*ITU World Triathlon Series

The post Current World Champions appeared first on Triathlon Gear Expert.