Ali’i Drive

So, I just happened to catch on Ironman’s Twitter today that Ironman has been producing a web mini series called Ali’i Drive on their Youtube channel.  I was surprised that I missed this because it really is a gem.  There are 11 videos out currently, each one is generally about 8-10 minutes long on different topics.  They are interviewing pros like Craig Alexander, Linsey Corbin, and Leanda Caves on different topics.  Here’s the video on pressure:

I thought I followed Ironman on pretty well every social media outlet that they had, but apparently not!  I just subscribed to their Youtube channel so I will make sure to pass along whatever other great pieces they put out!

How’s the winter training going??

Anatomical Adaptation Phase

Well, as I mentioned in my previous post, it is time to start the training for my 70.3, which I did this morning.  As I mentioned in that post, if you want the specifics of my training, feel free to follow me on Fitocracy or Twitter.  My plan is to maybe post workout specifics but to talk more about the generalities of my training, how it is going, and what I’m learning.

So, I had never heard of the term anatomical adaptation until a few weeks ago.  My understanding of this phase of training for any sport is that is more of preparation stage.  It is meant to get your body ready for the more intense training that is coming ahead.  I started this today and I have to admit that it is a bit tough in some ways.  Anatomical adaptation can be bruising to pride…let me give you an example.  In this phase you are typically doing low weight (like 30-40% of your max) with high repetitions.  This morning, I was waiting on the machine to do some tri pull downs and there was a woman probably at least 20 years my elder using it with her trainer.  I went and put my attachment on, and went to set my weight.  After looking at the weight, I paused and had to look around to see if anyone was looking because I had to do 10 pounds less than her!  Now, I would like to think that I can do more on the tri pull down than she can…I haven’t challenged her…yet.  Obviously I could, but that’s not the point of this phase, it is all about setting your body up for adaptation, not aggravation as mentioned in this great article.

Anyway, this may not be the most exciting thing to write about, but I think it is interesting stuff.  Starting out doing light exercises with high repetitions of the motions and exercises that your body need to grow accustomed to.  For the next 4 weeks, I will be writing about how this is going (along with other things) and I’m very excited about it.

Anybody have any 70.3’s they recommend??

Props to Speedo!

Over the next few posts I’m going to give some deserved respect to a few vendors who have been very good to me.  While working up to my first triathlon, I bought some cheaper Speedo goggles, I think they were $10 at Sports Authority.  They worked as well as can be expected for a lower end pair of goggles.  After some time, and just a couple of weeks before my first triathlon, I decided to upgrade and bought the Speedo Vanquisher Plus.  They are anti-fog goggles and that was the main quality I was looking for at the time.  My first couple of swims were fantastic, no fogging and super comfortable.  As I got into the water to swim my first tri, they started fogging up on me.  I was able to stop the fogging by spitting in them and the swim went by without a hitch.  My next couple of swims however, the fogging was really bad.  I sent a tweet to @SpeedoUSA asking them if they warrantied the goggles  They directed me to e-mail someone in their home office which I did.

After a couple of days, the following package arrived to my house…

I was totally shocked and impressed by Speedo‘s customer service.  Obviously, they care about their customers and stand by their products.  If you’ll notice in the picture, they sent me upgraded goggles from the ones I had, the Vanquisher 2.0 Plus.  In another post, I will do a review of these goggles, but let me say that they were fantastic!  I used them in my last triathlon and they worked flawlessly!   They also sent me a couple of bottles of anti-fog solution to boot!

I just want to thank Speedo for the fantastic customer service again, it was awesome dealing with them.  I’ve been very impressed with how well they use their twitter feed for interactions with customers.  They are a company that is using social media correctly, and I’m sure it is earning them business.  So, if you’re on the market for products that Speedo manufactures, BUY SPEEDO, I know I will!