Heart Rate Variability – What It Tells Us About Athletic Health
Heart Rate Variability is a measure of the time interval between heartbeats and shows how the heartbeats are uneven. The metronome-like cadence characteristic of a drumbeat is not evident here. Even if your average heart rate is 60 beats per minute, it is not literally correct to say that your heart beats once per second. […]
Dealing with Overtraining
Signs of Overtraining Overtraining syndrome (OTS) occurs when the body becomes overwhelmed with too much intense exercise and not enough rest. Being aware of the signs can help you catch it before it becomes a big issue. After a tough workout, we’re all fatigued. But if you’re feeling perpetually fatigued to the point that it […]
Triathlon and Mental Toughness
Mental toughness is the capacity to remain resolute in the face of difficulties, maintain focus for long periods, and recover from setbacks. In the context of triathlon training racing, it is about pushing through physical discomfort, confronting issues that arise unexpectedly, such as mechanical failures or bad weather, and keeping your mind sharp throughout the […]
Practical Steps to Effective Cool-Down Routines
When you work out, your muscles undergo stress because the activity causes microscopic tears in them. Without a proper cool-down, lactic acid will build up, leaving you with stiff and sore muscles. Cool-down exercises help to flush out the waste products, hence making tomorrow’s session easier. Your heart is pumping rapidly, sending blood to the […]
Yoga Poses for Athletes
The most obvious yoga benefit is enhanced flexibility, which can prevent injuries and improve performance. Yoga targets core strength, which is vital for maintaining proper form during long bouts of activity. It aids in mental focus, promoting a calm and centered mindset. Top Yoga Poses for Flexibility The Down Facing Dog is a pose […]
Nutrition Plans for Triathlon Training
Endurance training requires sustained energy to complete long sessions effectively. Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are important nutrients that contribute to maintaining high energy levels. Carbohydrates are the primary energy source, providing quick and readily available fuel for the body. With proteins aiding in muscle repair and fats offering prolonged energy release. Training for a triathlon […]
The Benefits of Altitude Training for Non-Professional Athletes
Altitude training involves exercising or residing at high elevations, typically above 7,000 feet, though benefits can start at 5,000 feet. The primary reason for doing this is that the air at higher altitudes contains less oxygen. Your body responds by producing more red blood cells to carry oxygen, enhancing aerobic capacity when you return to […]
Injury Prevention Techniques for Long-Distance Athletes
Understanding Common Triathlon Injuries Runner’s Knee, scientifically known as Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, primarily occurs from the stress of repetitive knee flexion and extension, which is common during the running segment of a triathlon. This condition results in pain around or behind the kneecap where it connects with the lower part of the thigh bone. This […]
Balancing Triathlon Training with Life Commitments
Laying out clear goals for both your triathlon performance and your personal life is vital. What’s your big race ambition? Is it finishing, setting a personal best, or perhaps securing a podium spot? Identify what’s non-negotiable in your personal and professional life. Being upfront about these objectives with yourself and loved ones guides you in […]
Adapting Your Training for Different Weather Conditions
Heat With sweat rates increasing to cool the body, the risk of dehydration elevates. It becomes necessary to do so with solutions that replenish electrolytes lost through sweat. This approach helps maintain the balance of electrolytes in the body, which are vital for muscle function and preventing cramps, a common issue in hot weather training. […]