Holy Cow!!!!! Do you want to see a bunch of committed-to-cause sort of people get their feathers ruffled? Ask a group of coaches about Peaking and Tapering. I learned more in one day of e-mail threads than I ever did in class. No, not about Peaking and Tapering, but about the USAT, it's coaches, its expert consultants and mankind, in general. I wish I could say it was all good, but it was quite the opposite. There were those who knew very little and readily admitted it and those who knew far less than they thought and took ... << MORE >>

Today's blog is not unique or original, but it's inspired by a recent experience surrounding local organic farming. We have heard the statement "You reap what you sow" so many times that it may have lost it's impact. Often times it is used in response to something bad happening to someone who we believe deserved it. However, "You reap what you sow" came to mind last week as I was listening to a Holy Granola (Credit my wife with that.) exalt the virtues of his farming and eating choices. It's not important where you stand on that subject ... << MORE >>

Below, is an e-mail reply from Bob Seebohar, the USAT’s main dude for Sports Nutrition. This was in response to a question posed on the USAT Coaches distribution list regarding ideal race weight and some of the literature out there.

 

On a personal note, I am hearing Bob load and clear. I have always maintained a much better weight and athletic performance when I ...

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How do we define "Sport". Is it like Art? We cant really define it, but we know it when we see it? Maybe sport doesnt have to have finish lines, stopwatches or scoreboards. Maybe a sport doesn't even have to have winners or losers, awards, runners-up and so on. But it seems to me that the one thing sport does NOT need is judges. Sure it needs Officials, Referees and Umpires. Someone to enforce, as objectively as possible, the measurable rules of play. Did the ball go through the uprights? Yes or No. Yes? Well then its worth ... << MORE >>

This winter sucks!
I rode outside two days in a row!
That makes 4 times since Halloween.
Holy cow, I was slow!!!!
It feels good to be back in the water on regular basis.
Holy cow, I am slow!!!
That's not news...............................
I am having my web-site re-built by an alleged professional.
Look for the new-improved version in mid-March.
Trying out a pair of demo rims by SRAM
The Border Town Horse Monkeys rock!!!!
Endurance Sports ... << MORE >>

O.K., it's the middle of winter in Nashville and open water swimming and all it's challenges is not at the forefront of our thoughts. But, frankly, I was looking through a list of  "blog topic ideas" that I write down for just this very moment........When I am lacking inspiration to write, but need to keep my 6 blog readers engaged. So, rather than the umpteenth article about strength training, base training, form drills etc., I am going to discuss a matter that probably needs addressing. That being, the increased number of drownings, near drownings and sudden deaths at ... << MORE >>

It is said that you should blog frequently to keep your readers engaged. Now, I agree with that, but even I run out of things to say/write and, whatever it is that I do write, I want it to be worth reading. So, I'd rather write less often and bring you a quality topic than to just fill a page with the same triathlon BS that can be found in 500 other blogs and web pages.Sometimes, in an attempt to bring you a quality read, it's as simple as reflecting on a recent thought or conversation. Other times, I rack my brain to bring something original to the page. That can cause me to overlook something simple and meaningful. This time, it finally dawned on me that in my attempt to bring you quality, I was overlooking the obvious topic..................Quality. Quality as it applies to triathlon training.

What is a "quality" workout? Most of us would agree that our track workouts, fartlek runs, main swim sets and weekend long ride are quality efforts. Here-here!! I couldn't agree more. But, when did flogging become a synonym for quality? As type-A's that we are, it seems that is we aren't going at either warp speed, or ultra distance, we doubt the benefit of our efforts. There is no question that we have to put in the miles and the hard efforts, but the quality of these efforts can be exponentially enhanced with the addition of other "quality" training. Quality in the form of drills, recovery runs, off-days, CORE training, easy spins, massage, nutrition and hydration. Quality doesn't have to be only in the form of burning lungs or miles of boredom. Most of you can count on the fact that you are doing the hard work and putting in the miles, but be sure to give yourself license to rest and recover.

As a coach, I seldom have to prod my clients to hit the track or saddle-up for a weekend ride, but with rare exception, they are reluctant to go easy or take a day off. Rest and recovery is a major part of a quality training program. So, the next time you think in terms of quality training, be careful to consider what sort of quality you need. Maybe it's solid effort at the track.......................or an evening in front of the TV, stretching.    

Regards,
'Swami

Okay, so I haven't written a book or been paid by a magazine to wite a column, but recently, after a year of trying to design my own plan templates (They weren't bad, but.....) and be my own web-master, I have waved the white flag and joined the masses by signinig on with Training Peaks and GoDaddy. Now, the web-site renovation wont happen until Feb or March, but effective immediately, client plans are now posted on Training Peaks.So, what does that have to do ... << MORE >>

2nd ANNUAL TRISWAMI BREAKFAST BOWL

Thanks to all who answered their alarms and joined Mrs. Triswami and me at 8a on 1/1/2010 for the 2nd Annual Breakfast Bowl. We had a good time and hope that you did, too. A couple of folks used the mancave for a trainer workout and few others took a nice 'hood walk, while most of us ran a 6 mile loop. Others did none of the above and enjoyed a cuppajoe until we returned. ... << MORE >>

We have all had those races that went just rght and we have had those those that went to hell in a handbag. And, for those of us who have been racing for ages, we have had those same experiences irespective of our level of fitness. Countless times, following a good workout or great race l have thought "Man, if I could bottle that up and pop the top every time I toed the line......!!!" .
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