If you are sick and tired of spinning your bike wheels inside or bored with the solitude of solo cycling, then it’s time to hit the roads, streets and trails and join group riding. Cyclists of all levels will benefit a unique group energy that welcomes, entertains and motivates. Together you’ll improve fitness, push limits of distance and tackle terrain you never thought you’d attempt. Remember, a group ride is NOT a race and a smart … [Read more...]
As an athlete preparing for the three disciplines (swimming, cycling, running) of the triathlon, you have multiple training options. But when time restraints, inclement weather or injury place restrictions on a proper workout, the mounting frustration may send you off the deep end… and that’s exactly where you belong. Pool running or aqua jogging is an optimal cross training activity that can be accomplished in any community or backyard … [Read more...]
Old man winter isn't very nice to runners and cyclists, especially the latter as wind resistance in sub-zero temperatures is brutal. There comes a time when you just have to admit defeat and hang up the wheels – or do you? Some people hit the local gym and ride the stationary bikes, but once you've rode a high quality bike for any length of time it's almost sacrilegious. Wouldn't it be nice if you could simply ride your own bike all year … [Read more...]
It is not hard to understand how soothing, nurturing touch can help your baby. It offers you the well-needed one on one time with your baby and brings you more in tune with their cues and comforts. Infant massage, as with all massage, is a relaxing process, but unlike adult massage which is designed to manipulate, infant massage is a form of communication that also offers the following benefits: Gentle touch releases oxytocin, the … [Read more...]
Training alone has its advantages, one of them is the ability to push yourself to the next milestone and the feeling of pride once it's been eclipsed. This builds mental toughness which is crucial in tacking obstacles and setbacks that one experiences along the way. Another school of thought is that when you train with other people, natural competitive tendencies will help you exceed the threshold that you would normally set for … [Read more...]
In running, cycling, swimming, or any other competitive sport it's what you do in between events and during the off season that directly impacts your performance. Those that put the hard work and sweat in will always reap the benefits over those that don't. Aristotle said it best “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.” To excel in a sport you need to be in top condition both mentally and physically … [Read more...]
Rice? You’re kidding, right? RICE is an acronym for the treatment of many soft tissue injuries. Sometimes, you may push yourself past the ‘hurt’ but you must also learn to recognize the difference between hurt and injured and treat all injuries seriously. Of course, medical diagnosis is crucial for full treatment of any injury but the RICE rule is great to have under your belt at the onset of discomfort. R – Rest I – Ice C … [Read more...]
Contrary to Aesop, ‘slow and steady” will finish the race but, unless you get caught up in one of those nasty tortoise/hare scenarios, you probably won’t win with slow and steady. That being said, your goal may be to finish the race and there is nothing wrong with that. The fact that you have set your goal and are on your way to achieving it is to be applauded. However, many runners, especially those with a race or two already under … [Read more...]
You may be concerned that your child spends too much time in front of the television; that’s a valid concern, given the childhood obesity epidemic. But you can break your kids’ TV habit or at least reduce the number of hours they spend in front of the tube. One step is to put the television in a room where it requires a deliberate decision to watch. That means putting it in the basement, for instance, instead of in the living room where … [Read more...]
You’ve set your goal to run a marathon or another distance race. Once you are properly outfitted, it is time to plan your training schedule. Work with a trainer or mentor to gradually build up your speed and stamina by establishing when you should run and how frequently. If you are planning to run in a specific race, make sure that your training schedule includes two or three shorter races to prepare you for dealing with both the adrenaline … [Read more...]