Moving to Charlotte NC

Seems like it’s been forever since I’ve posted but there’s a good reason for that. I just moved to Charlotte, NC. So amongst all the training I’m trying to keep up with, I also had to go through all the logistics of moving, starting a new job, finding a ace to live, etc etc.

I got here yesterday and moved into temporary housing. I’m very pleased with what I’ve seen so far. As I was out looking through houses and neighborhoods, I saw many many people out riding and running. There was quite a bit more than what I usually saw back in Lexington, KY.

I also found a track nearby that ill be able to use for my test workouts. I’m thrilled about that. I never found one back home. Well that’s about it for now. If you know anything about the Charlotte tri scene, please let me know. I’ve been doing research online but it’s always best to hear first hand from someone who has experience. Ill be starting masters swim on Tuesday so I should meet some people there that can help out hopefully.

Once I get my Internet connection back up and going, ill try to fill you in on a few more details and ill try to ramble a little less 🙂

WTC posts new 140.6 and 70.3 Age Group Ranking system

This is an interesting development. Starting this year, all 140.6 and 70.3 racers will receive a numerical score similar to what the pros get (as far as I can tell from the info provided). There will be bonuses for top finishers overall and top AG finishers. At the end of the year, your top 3 races will be averaged (I’m assuming that it’s only 70.3 and 140.6 races here also) and competitors will be ranked globally. They apparently tested this program in Europe last year and have decided to roll it out globally this year. They give “Ironman All World” designation to those

Ankle mobility exercises

I’ve not seen an exercise like this before.  I found it on Kinetic Revolution’s page here.  Here’s the youtube vid of the stretch.  Very interesting:

 

 

Bike interval sets to help bike speed

Triathlete.com had an article by Gordo Byrn that suggested three sets to help improve bike speed.  Below, I listed each of the intervals and my thoughts on them.  Gordo has significantly more experience than I on this subject, but it just seemed that some of the ideas didn’t quite fit with what I thought should be done, so I put my comments after I explained what he said briefly.  The workouts are as follows:

1. Big gear intervals.  Essentially high force low cadence.  He suggests 8 minute intervals with 2 minutes rest repeated 5x.  He also suggests a starting point of 60 RPM for your cadence.  I’ve done these for several years and found them to be very helpful.

Even those at the top don’t always expect to perform their best. Only peak at the right time

A story about Ryan Lochte and how far from world record times he performs at regular swim meets.  It’s hard to not expect to be at your best for every race, but this just goes to show that even the best in the world don’t do that, so why should we?  Here’s the link.