Aerodynamic has great significance in cycling, with bike companies and professional riders spending a lot of time in the wind tunnel.
Based on a question asked by a fan, Specialized identified if having a beard actually slows down riders. Following testing, it was found that not having a beard saved less than one second over 40 kilometers – so keep the facial hair if you want, because it’s not slowing you down!
Injuries happen along the way, whether during training or on race day, and it is demoralizing to be sidelined with a major injury. Using kinesiology tape is a popular technique that aids in injury recovery and can be used during intense training – or on race day – to help make sure your body effectively holds together. Instructional video available after the jump: Read more… »
Here is a quick Livestrong video that discusses loosening your hamstrings using heat:
This quick blog post is a special request from a runner with occasional hamstring issues looking for stretching and strengthening techniques. Full discussion available after the jump: Read more… »
A cycling friend from across the pond recently shared a news link to the Global Cycling Network, a fantastic site focusing on cycling videos. The site has a collection of interviews, product reviews, training tips, and other great information that you may find helpful.
Here are 10 basic cycling tips aimed at beginner riders and the types of things they should avoid while out on the road.
I know this is a story that is better suited for publication in the spring, but it’s important and wanted to share it with the Alameda Runners community.
As I increase my writing presence for Wenger and The Clymb, I welcome any contributions for similar websites and tutorials.
The time trial and team time trial are important stages for overall general classification (GC) contenders looking to capture major races. It takes a special rider — and a special bike — to excel in the race against the clock, with bike manufacturers always pushing the boundaries.
Prior to stage two, a video featuring HTC-Highroad and their Specialized S-Works time trial machines was posted online. It’s a quick little video that shows a brief glimpse into what the team time trial is all about:
Team HTC-Highroad finished in fifth position on stage two, five seconds behind Team Garmin-Cervelo, and put in a solid effort.
The so-called “race of truth” can help riders such as Cadel Evans and Levi Leipheimer climb the rankings, while pure climbers often lose huge chunks of time on the TT course.
Many cyclists and triathletes are uncomfortable when they have to use aerobars, but it can be an important skill to work on. Ted decided to use clip-on aerobars to help train for Vineman 70.3, but can’t wait to take them off after race day is over.
When I first started training last December, trying to figure out how to breathe while running seemed to give me some problems. If you have trouble breathing, there are a couple of easy tips and recommendations you can follow.
First and foremost, I recommend asking an experienced runner. Even if he or she isn’t a coach or personal trainer, it’s likely anyone who has run a few half marathons and marathons can teach you how to breathe. Reading and watching tips online is helpful, but chatting with an average person who knows exactly what you’re going through can provide invaluable support.
If you are in the mood for some reading material and a video clip, I found the right thing for you. This blog on the Fitness Depot site focuses on how to breathe when running — and includes a couple of video clips for you to watch.
If you don’t have time to read the short list and watch the videos, here is what I think is the most important step: “One last thing — try not to over-think your breathing! It’s best to try to slow down, relax, and let yourself fall into your body’s natural rhythm.”
Editors note: Practice breathing deeply. I do a lot of hilly half marathons here in the San Francisco East Bay area where I see a lot of people laboring up the hills. You are laboring anyway, take a few deep breathes to get that oxygen to your legs. It may feel painful when you take the deep breathes but you will climb better in a few steps.
If you want to learn recovery running advice, who better to learn it from than one of the best runners in the United States? Marathoner Josh Cox, who currently holds the American 50K record, knows something about recovery (especially after longer, faster tempo runs).
Recovery runs are an interesting topic that some athletes simply avoid. I’m working on a standalone article related to recovery running, but will just post a few helpful links for you:
A Trail Runner’s Blog — This is a great blog. If you don’t read it already, I strongly recommend occasionally reading this blog. Anyway, the blog entry discussing post-race ideas and recovery tips is a solid one.
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