Swim Technique Video

Slowtwitch Swim Video



Helpful Instructional Video. Click on the Link!

Mike Bottom, Head men’s swim coach at University of Michigan and former Head coach at The Race Club, was the first to describe three unique styles of freestyle; shoulder-driven, hip-driven and body-driven (DVD available at www.theraceclub.com). In body-driven freestyle, Mike associates this style with a straight-arm recovery, rotating the hips and shoulders more in unison.

Registration Opens for New 5150 Triathlon Series

5150 Race Series  New Series with Existing Events! Check It Out! I will be Participating in a few of them!

Clearing in Chicago Weather to get a Ride In....

Finally, some weather in Chicago that hasn't been below a whopping 20 degrees!  Today was a nice high of about 33 degrees allowing me to get out and enjoy a relaxed ride. At this time of the year, I really start to miss the warm weather, as it is always a production to get all the cycling winter gear on.  Head to toe in warm clothing and out the door I went for about a 30 mile ride.  The thing that can be scary about living in a city, is the biking routes.  There really is no room for cyclist, according to drivers.  There are bike lanes that are spread out thru the city but not much of the open road that you would expect in the suburbs.  You really need to keep your guard up.  Dodging pedestrians, cars, mailmen and women, trucks, and traffic signals. These are all obstructions that must be avoided. The ride was great, as I was able to avoid the trainer, but the route was nothing too special.  Fairly flat, with gradual climbs, but really, nothing stressful, as this week is my rest week, one that has been really needed after a hard week of training.  It was great to see people out of their houses and moving, out from the winter hibernation.  Its like the city came back to life. You really value these days, as you don't need to think about much, just ride and take it all in.  Because you know in the back of your head, that with Chicago, it may be weeks till you get this decent weather again. Ride on!

How to Plan for 2011

The ABCs of Planning Your Race Season

If you haven't started at your upcoming 2011 season, now is the time. With Winter in its middle months and Spring around the corner, you should have plenty of time to flesh out your race schedule.  Take a weekend and write down what you, as a Triathlete, are trying to accomplish. In this article, they discuss the type of events one might sign up based on their competitive edge.  I couldn't agree more with what they are saying. If you are the type of athlete that is looking to just finish a race, don't get an ego and throw out 5 Half-Ironman's, 2 Ironman's, and an Ultramarathon.  It's not going to happen......Last summer I really got the itch for the triathlon world, as I was fundraising for a specific event, and knew there was no backing out of it.  But I too, could not hold back as I was eager to start.  I entered 3 events before the specific fundraising event! Now that sounds like a I am being a hypocrite, but I already had some experience in the endurance world, having a biking background.

Things I would consider for your upcoming race schedule fall in the areas of time, budget, and personal goals.  First, how much time can you really commit to training and not burn out? "The more you bleed in training, the less you sweat in battle." True believer in this quote.  Second, do you have what it takes, in your bank account that is, to pay race entries? Transporting your bike? Getting yourself to the starting line? These are all things I have dealt with, and continue to.  And third, if you are as competitive as I am, I will be setting time goals specifically, with the number one goal of turning Pro in the near future. Consider what kind of athlete you are, and write out those goals before you start planning your season.

Read this article if you are one needing some guidance on what races to show up to, and defining yourself as a Triathlete. Cheers!

Training Indoors When Its Too Cold Out!

Here in Chicago we tend to see temperatures drop into the single digits making it a struggle to really get out there and train.  I mean, if you are like me, it seems like it is always a production to get on all the gear and motivate to get out there.  But this is why we do it! Its part of being a triathlete and training year round.  Sometimes you just need to bite the bullet and get a little windburn. I will run in low temps, but sometime getting a ride in just is not possible, nor do I think it is healthy.  Keeping the trainer as your best friend usually takes place. As boring as it is, you got to do it! It will only make you stronger....

Advice for keeping it less boring:
-Have your headphones and tunes close by
-Watch a movie/TV show
-Read (if that is possible, I know I wont be doing that)
-Close your eyes, and dream of warm weather
-Concentrate on your form

Welcome!

Hey Everyone! Welcome to the new blog! Let me know what you think.  In this blog, I will discuss the ups and downs for reaching my goal of becoming a Professional Triathlete.  This blog will also serve as a learning a tool for those of you unaware what goes on in the sport of Triathlon.  As my off-season continues with rigorous training and my 2011 breakthrough season takes place, I will document through video and written entry the progress of my goal.  So stay posted to a great year and many adventures along the way. Cheers!