Make Race Morning a Thoughtless Process It doesn’t matter what part of the triathlon season you’re in, making a list helps make race morning a thoughtless process.
If you think this is silly, most athletes are scattered brained the night before and day of a race. By being prepared and eliminating extra thinking, you will alleviate any extra stress. IRONMAN Maine 70.3 – 2018 Team RTA triathlon club continued their 2018 season with an EPIC Team Race in Old Orchard Beach, ME which is about a 5 hour drive from northern, NJ. The race is perfect for first timers and the course is ideal for those looking to PR. Our triathlon club had a countless number of both (first timers & PR’s). Destination races are always a blast! And there’s nothing more fun than traveling with a big group. RTA had about 30 athletes racing and another 40 supporters cheering. Overall, it was a perfect day for a triathlon – no wind, minimal heat and low humidity. The race was amazing and exceptionally well run. Logistics were ideal. Plenty of places to stay and a family friendly venue. The entire race and organization of the event was flawless – RTA Club member It was a total team consensus that we will be returning to this race in 2019. ***Recap video at the end***
Kidnapped in Mexico City! 25 years ago Ken was kidnapped in Mexico City on a business trip. Only by the grace of God, he escaped and survived. Needless to say, this insane experience changed his perspective about everything in life. As he reflected and knowing anything is possible, he set a goal to finish the IRONMAN Triathlon.
Training for an IRONMAN or IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon is a huge goal. However, with proper guidance from an experienced triathlon coach, anything is possible. Initially, Ken’s plan was to follow a pre written triathlon training program in preparation for IRONMAN Lake Placid. However, he decided to call an audible and hire RTA Triathlon to coach him instead. According to Ken, this decision was a game changer and made all the difference. The Next Big Challenge – IRONMAN Lake Placid Meet Jeremy – he’s a husband, father and an all around nice guy. Jeremy has a super busy life and a demanding job. He’s also a goal oriented-overachiever. Add in triathlon training and there’s a lot to manage. Sound familiar?
Jeremy came to RTA after being referred by one of his good friends and current RTA coached athlete. He was looking to conquer his next big challenge and after doing his first IRONMAN 70.3 in 2016, he decided hiring an experienced triathlon coach was a wise decision. The idea was to efficiently use his time available to train to maximize his results, given his very busy life. Meet Catherine – one of the kindest and most caring people you will ever come across.
In 2000 she had back surgery and was restricted with activities. However, as she recovered she stopped smoking and slowly started exercising. Then, 9/11 happened and she was in the mix of the chaos in NYC. Following the events of 9/11 she promised herself she would always try to be fit in case she ever needed to physically help herself or another person. In 2015 Catherine hired RTA to coach her for her first IRONMAN. She busted her butt and was ultimately successful. After a few years off, she decided to she wanted to return to Lake Placid in 2018 for IRONMAN. She wanted to test her limits again. We were fortunate to have the opportunity to help guide her and over see her triathlon training program once again. Below is a short Q & A with Catherine regarding her IRONMAN journey. Team RTA Takes on IRONMAN Lake Placid Each year a group of athletes from Team RTA target IRONMAN Lake Placid as one of their top priority races. It’s an iconic race and needless to say, our triathlon club loves it. As a result, IMLP is an annual Team Race.
This year was IRONMAN Lake Placid’s 20 year anniversary. It is an incredible venue for athletes and spectators. It’s also the longest running IRONMAN in North America. All of this, only 4 hours from northern New Jersey. Jackpot! If you’re thinking about signing up for an IRONMAN, THIS IS THE ONE! This year we had a smaller group then usual, but none the less it was still an incredible race for all those who toed the line. Next year, we expect a bigger group including many first timers. We’ve Landed On The Moon! We are absolutely THRILLED and HONORED to have been selected as a recipient of the Women for Tri triathlon club grant for the 4th time! We are looking forward to continue growing the female population in the sport we love.
Women for Tri, a program of The IRONMAN Foundation was launched by IRONMAN and Life Time Fitness in 2015. It works to increase female participation at all levels in triathlon. The program seeks to identify and diminish primary barriers to entry and mobilize triathlon advocates. The overall mission is to encourage and engage female athletes across all race distances and all athletic abilities. Want to Be a Triathlete? From the outside, triathlon can be intimidating, but in reality the sport is the combination of 3 activities most of us did as kids. Below you will learn what it takes to be a triathlete.
Wyckoff Triathlon – 2018 The Wyckoff-Franklin Lakes Triathlon is a long time running annual “fan favorite” among triathletes in northern, New Jersey. The race is often fondly referred to as “The North Jersey World Championships.” Each year it falls on the Saturday of Father’s Day weekend.
Team RTA triathlon club makes the Wyckoff Tri a Team Race each year. The local Wyckoff YMCA puts on the event. It’s a grass roots, no frills style race that’s close to home. While it’s the perfect challenge for beginners, it also tends to bring out some tough competition. Rev3 Quassy Triathlon – 2018 Team RTA triathlon club continued their 2018 season with a Team Race at Rev3 Quassy in Connecticut, which is a short drive from Bergen County, NJ.
2018 marked the 10th running of the Rev3 Quassy Triathlon located in Middlebury, CT. Rev3 Quassy attracts nearly 2,000 triathletes annually from all over the country. The event offers an olympic and half distance race along with an aquabike and relay. Rev3, the race organization, does an incredible job of putting on a world class event with the athletes as the #1 priority. It’s no wonder the race has been going on for 10 years. JerseyMan Triathlon – 2018 Each year, Team RTA triathlon club looks forward to the JerseyMan Triathlon.
If you’re looking for an outstanding local triathlon, look no further then the JerseyMan tri. This early season race, which is held every May, offers a sprint and (extended) olympic distance race along with a duathlon and aqua bike race. It’s located in Lebanon, NJ at the Round Valley Reservoir. It’s a challenging, but manageable race for athletes of all abilities. The venue is great for spectators as everything is set up for prime spectating – swim, bike, run, transitions and finish line. St. Anthony’s Triathlon – 2018 Team RTA triathlon club kicked off their 2018 season with a Team Race in Florida and it did NOT disappoint.
2018 marked the 35th running of the St. Anthony’s Triathlon located in St. Petersburg, FL. This is an iconic race and there are reasons (many of them) why this race has been around forever. The race is professionally organized and very well run. It has that “big deal” feel, but with all the perks and fun of a grass roots race. The race also attracts some great competition. For the second year in a row, Team RTA kicked off the triathlon season with a Team Race in Florida. We offered bike transport to make travel logistics a breeze. Additionally, everyone agreed the sprint and olympic distance options were perfect for early season AND allowed us all to relax a little bit more pre race. St. A’s is just enough to test your fitness, brush the dust off and catapult you into the season ahead. Women in Triathlon Proportionally speaking, the number of women in triathlon is low. This is disappointing, because given the right tools, women regularly excel in the sport. With a little inspiration, a good dose of determination and proper guidance, sky’s the limit when it comes to women in triathlon.
Technique in Triathlon is Key! (continued) By now you know why technique in triathlon is important. You also know what you must do once technique flaws are identified.
In the final part of the series we will address 3 more technique mistakes triathletes make and how to fix them. If you missed part 1, you can check it out here. And if you missed part 2, you can check it out here. Technique in Triathlon is Key! (continued) As a professional triathlon coach who regularly works with athletes 1 on 1 to improve their technique and form, I have seen a lot. I have also come to realize in many cases athletes don’t know what they are doing is incorrect. This is because they were never told how AND why they should be moving differently. In other cases, athletes know they are doing something wrong, but can’t figure out what or how to improve it. Either way, it needs to be corrected and it will make a big difference once it is.
In part 2 of this 3 part series will continue to examine the most common technique mistakes we see among triathletes and how to fix them. If you missed part 1, you can check it out here. Champions Are Made in the Off Season Are you ready for a break through year?
A great year of racing starts with what an athlete does in their off season. Regardless if you’re in a position to win your next race, continual self improvement is one of the driving factors that keep many triathletes motivated. There’s not much more satisfying then setting a new PR or completing a longer distance triathlon for the first time. The off season is the perfect time to set yourself up for success come next year. Quite simply, there’s no pressure of an immediate upcoming triathlon you want to do well at. This provides you and your coach with a great deal of flexibility in your training schedule to make significant improvements and yield serious results for next season. Below we will discuss a few ways you can take action and make the most of your off season. Technique in Triathlon is Key! Fitness is important, but proper technique is key to maximize the fitness you have. It also helps to reduce the risk of injury.
As professional triathlon coaches, we regularly work with athletes 1 on 1 with the goal of improving technique. Below you will find a few of the most common technique mistakes we see and how you can correct them. It is very important to note, in in order to permanently correct any of the elements below, it will take many reps of focusing on the one thing you are looking to improve. If you try to do more then one thing at a time, you will not accomplish anything. Stay patient and remain focused. Before you know it, it will become second nature. 3 Run Form Corrections You spend a lot of time working on your swim and bike technique, but how often do you think about your run form?
Here are three of the most common errors triathletes make on the run and how to fix them to prevent injuries and run faster and more efficiently. Each year Team RTA organizes Team Races. They are always a BLAST!
This year one of our Team Races was the inaugural IRONMAN Lake Placid 70.3. The beautiful yet challenging course set in the Adirondacks mountains did not disappoint. Team RTA had 30+ athletes racing which made it a lot of fun. With nearly 100 RTA athletes & supporters on hand we had an incredible pre race dinner at the Crowne Plaza in Lake Placid. It was the perfect pre race gathering. Race morning was a bit chilly, however it turned out to be a perfect day. Swim Technique for Triathletes The swim portion of a triathlon can be daunting. It’s also then number one reason people decide against signing up for a triathlon.
This is because swimming is highly technical and often difficult for adults to learn later in life. However, with proper guidance it can be mastered. Below I will cover 3 common swim techniques we see while working with athletes and how you can fix them. It is very important to note, in in order to permanently correct any of the elements below, it will take many reps of focusing on the one thing you are looking to improve. If you try to do more than one thing at a time, you will not accomplish anything. Stay patient and remain focused. Before you know it, it will become second nature. Bad Race? Did you just have a bad race?
Congrats and welcome to the club. Bad races happen to everyone occasionally. However, if you manage this unfortunate experience properly and stay motivated, there’s a good chance it will be the precursor to your next PR. That being said, stop sulking and stop making excuses. Pick your chin up and put on your game face. Below we will go through a process to help you learn from your bad race, stay motivated and get you on track to PR your next race. Why am I NOT getting faster?
As a professional triathlon coach, this is a question I am often asked. Athletes usually see serious performance gains the first 1-3 years in triathlon. The constant improvement makes racing a ton of fun. Then their performance plateaus. Below we will discuss 6 reasons why you may not be getting faster and how you can break through and continue improving. Each year Team RTA organizes Team Races. They are always a BLAST! Rev3 Quassy is always a favorite and this year was no different as we had ~40 athletes racing. Rev3 is an outstanding organization and Quassy is ideal location for a race and a great place to bring the entire family. Rev3 Quassy offers multiple distance races including an AquaBike and a Kids Triathlon. Below is a video recap. We hope you enjoy! For more information on Rev3 Quassy, click here.
Will you be race ready? A proper taper is one of the keys to a great performance. It is the final piece to the puzzle as it relates to training for a triathlon (or any race). If executed properly, the taper phase will allow your body to heal up, absorb fitness and be fresh for race day.
Have you ever finished a race and felt like your results did NOT reflect your current fitness and overall training efforts? Below we will discuss what, why and how to taper like a pro. What Gets Measured, Gets Improved RTA coached athletes are regularly scheduled to undergo performance testing. Tests in each discipline are incorporated into their triathlon training program. These tests are a critical part of triathlon training. They help measure progress (or lack there of) and allow us to reset training parameters for workouts. Ultimately the results closest to race day help us establish a realistic race execution plan with pacing strategies & time goals.
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