Well, here we go...the first official post for 2014! Kicking off the year with some good old rock and roll and common sense!
We have a new year but still the same rantings you have become accustomed too over the time of my blog. As always, I will continue to recap my exciting (sarcasm) training and continue my typical rants about triathletes who may take things just a tad too far at times! Now I know some may not like my rants or rules but quite often they are to help people not offend like today's rant/new rule. As like past rules, this one was inspired by another picture posted on the internet and it just baffled me. After reflecting on my education, Exercise Science, and doing some actual research I had to post the latest rule for triathletes. Here is my public service announcement:
Rule # ? - If It Seems To Good To Be True - It Probably Is
This rule was inspired by a picture posted on the internet(s) of someone training with one of these "Altitude Mask" that was advertised in Triathlete magazine. The entire premise was that using the filters in the mask would simulate altitude training... Really??? And because it is endorsed by a top pro, it must be true....WTF people??? Wake up! Are we, as triathletes, that gullible that we believe that something that cost $80 will be the answer to great racing! Now Triathlete magazine is not that innocent either. I know they need to make a dollar and someone bought this ad space but they should know better as triathletes are known to go overboard especially if it is in print! Without being too scientific, as stated above I studied Exercise Science/Physiology, trust me when I say it will not work like they advertise it. Plain and simple, it cannot simulate altitude training as it does not change the make up of the air you breathe. It just restricts the amount of air you can take in and causes resistance to your breathing. Basically it may strengthen the muscles involved with breathing (mostly so you don't asphyxiate yourself) but it does nothing to the lungs. Like they say, the answer is not in a pill just as much as the answer is not in a mask!
Just go out and ride, run and swim more!
This public service announcement was brought to you by reality!
New Training Totals
Week
Bike - 4 rides/ 145 miles/ 6.76 hours/ 21.4 mph
Run - 3 runs/ 28.5 miles/ 3.53 hours/ 7:26 per mile
Swim - 2 swims/ 2 miles/ 1.01 hours
Total - 9 workouts/ 175.5 miles/ 11.30 hours
2014
Bike - 2 rides/ 77 miles/ 3.58 hours/ 21.5 mph
Run - 2 runs/ 19.25 miles/ 2.38 hours/ 7:25 per mile
Swim - 2 swims/ 2 miles/ 1.01 hours
Total - 6 workouts/ 98.25 miles/ 6.97 hours
Goals This Week
Bike - 4-5 rides/ 145-165 miles
Run - 3 runs/ 25-28 miles
Swim - 3 swims. 2.5-3 miles
Total - 11-12 hours
People will often ask what am I on to complete my training?
What am I on?
I will be
on my bike 7-10 hours a week, in the pool 1.5-3 hours a week
and on the roads running 2-3 hours a week in 2014......and of
course caffeine,moose tracks and beer for recovery! No mask wearing here either!
Kona 2014!
(In case wondering, I will race for caffeine, ice cream or beer!)
