So it’s officially Spring here in the Midwest. And although I’ve kept in pretty good shape over the winter, it’s time to kick it into gear to get ready for triathlons this summer. So far I’ve signed up for two: the Kansas City Triathlon May 20th and the 2012 Corporate Challenge (short course) triathlon on June 17th. I may also sign up for the Jackson Country triathlon again as to compare race times with the previous year. I also would like to compete in the same race, Shawnee Mission … [Read more...] about Spring Triathlon Training and Yearly Goals
Training Blog
To stay accountable, I try and share my goals and progress. I decided to create a blog section to share what I'm doing to increase both my mental and physical health. Even though most articles on Fit 2 Zen will be from my personal perspective, look for posts in the blog section to be a bit more focused on my own progress.
Nike+ Sensor and iPhone: Running with Both
What started this whole “running watch review” thing was about two years ago when I wrote up an article on Free Phone Apps for Runners, particular ones that used GPS. I had just started getting back into running and went out and tested four different GPS running apps for the iPhone. If you’re still interested in something similar, check out that article. But here's my experience with the Nike+ sensor and iPhone. Since, I’ve gotten into all different sorts of running watches, iPhone apps, and … [Read more...] about Nike+ Sensor and iPhone: Running with Both
Sockless Running with the Brooks PureConnect
If you caught my article on sockless running and triathlon shoes, you know I love running sockless. At least when I’m in my Pearl Izumi Iso Transitions! In order to save them from getting too worn out before this coming triathlon season; I needed to get another pair of shoes just for training. Last week I happened across a pair of the new Brooks Pure line of shoes. I tried on the Pure Flow and Cadence but opted for the more minimal style of the Brooks Pure Connect. Trying them on in the … [Read more...] about Sockless Running with the Brooks PureConnect
What’s the Best Watch for Runners?
The question of what’s the best watch for runners is not a very easy one to answer. First of all anytime anyone always brings up the word “best” that brings in issue of differing tastes and differing opinions. What one runner is looking for in a watch might not be the same thing that another runner is looking for in their watch. However, in general there are certain traits that many runners look for in a watch, and based on those traits you can at least get a decent idea of what some of the … [Read more...] about What’s the Best Watch for Runners?
Running Sockless and Sockless Triathlon Running Shoes
2010 was my first year competing in the exciting sport of triathlons. I’m not an Ironman or really care to be. So far I’ve competed in two triathlons, both short courses. Short courses are generally (at least in my short experience) around 500-700 meter swim, 10-15 mile bike, and the run can be anywhere from 2.5 miles to over a 3K. Being a triathlon equipment geek, I went in search of some good sockless triathlon running shoes. Of course my research started online. I also started reviewing a … [Read more...] about Running Sockless and Sockless Triathlon Running Shoes
Target Heart Rate Zones and Using A Heart Rate Pedometer Watch
One of the baffling yet important things for me as a runner, triathlete or just someone concerned about my health and fitness, is the topic of heart rate. It’s sort of been an area of focus with me over this past year as I trained and competed in my first triathlons. There’s all this talk about “target heart rate zones” and which zone is best for maximum fat loss, cardio endurance, etc. It can all be a little confusing; and honestly still is a little to me. It's something I just started … [Read more...] about Target Heart Rate Zones and Using A Heart Rate Pedometer Watch
Triathon Results and Update: Triathlon Training
So I finished my last triathlon of this year more than likely, the Jackson Country Tri. As mentioned before, I did the short course and really had a great time; my triathlon training was worth it. This was a great race for me and I think I did pretty well. The weight training I had been doing really helped keep my legs strong through the bike and run. The day started off at 4:45 a.m. with me getting up and ready. I had gotten all my gear loaded up and on the car the night before. We (wifey … [Read more...] about Triathon Results and Update: Triathlon Training
Training Update 8-20-2011: Triathlon Training
So this is going to be a quick update. Tomorrow is my next triathlon so figured I’d upload my recent triathlon training data from my trusty Garmin 305 running watch. I think I’m ready to go tomorrow. I’m doing the Jackson County Triathlon short course. It’s been raining like crazy the last couple days and the lake is currently 75 degrees. So I’ll be using my Henderson 3mm Shorty for the swim portion. Hopefully it’s nice tomorrow morning, keeping my fingers crossed. As I mentioned before, … [Read more...] about Training Update 8-20-2011: Triathlon Training
Triathlon Training Update, 7-30-2011: Triathlon Training
Time for a little update and what I'm up to next as far as triathlon training and goals go. As I did "OK" in my first triathlon, I knew there was some room for improvement. As it always goes with new triathletes, especially in the swim area. As I mentioned before, I've been working through the Total Immersion program; which has been a tremendous help. Prior to starting the program, I could only swim about 5 laps in my 30 foot pool before being totally out of breath and during my triathlon I … [Read more...] about Triathlon Training Update, 7-30-2011: Triathlon Training
My Triathlon Results, Training Update and Goals
It's been a while since I've posted on the training blog and I'm sure everyone is on pins and needles wondering how my first triathlon went!! JK I'd say it went pretty well... I finished at least! I wasn't as competitive as I wish but since it was my first one there is a lot to be said about experience. For example the swimming leg, which I get into below. First, the stats. This first set is from the official chip system we were sent online and my particular race can be found … [Read more...] about My Triathlon Results, Training Update and Goals