A new triathlon race of epic size is on its way to Cape Town. It is part of the Challenge Series that will be taking part in various cities around the world and will constitute an ironman distance race of a 3,8km sea swim / 180km bike leg / 42,2km run leg.
Entries for the race opened today 31 March 2011. For more information on this race click on this link - Challenge Cape Town
Thursday, 31 March 2011
PRODUCT REVIEW - Electromax
Cipla Electromax - assists in alleviating the symptoms of excessive fluid & electrolyte loss. Electrolyte loss is a natural by-product of excessive exercise and is imperative to be replaced so as to improve recovery time. The drink can be absorbed by anyone in the family and is a pleasant tasting source of both carbohydrates and electrolytes.
Although you can drink these bottles without dilution, I have found it easier to mix in a 600ml drink bottle with water. Prior to race day, I make sure that I have one of these mixed with water and sip on it over a few hours, allowing for plenty of absorption time. It also works well after a strenuous training session or whenever you are generally feeling depleted and fatigued. Definitely store a few of these in the kitchen cupboard!
Should you not see any images, please click on the heading to take you to the blog
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
Does one need a training program?
The answer to this is simple, but first let me ask you, "how serious do you wish to take this sport?"
Surely you don't need someone to tell you that in order to prepare for a triathlon, you need to be able to compete in all three disciplines? After all, how hard can it be to put on your trainers and go for a good jog, or take a trip down to your local pool (if not the one in your back yard) or jump on the bike to do a few laps round the block, or for a "sight-see" round your neighbourhood...? That doesn't sound too complicated, too physical or that time consuming...?
However I am 99.9% sure that most of you reading this would aspire to shoot a bit higher than the scenario I have just described.
Consider this, how will you know if you are improving aside from race times? This can only be gauged in a race which would normally only constitute about 10% or less of the time you spend in training. The very nature of the sport is designed to push your limits in each discipline which in turn will rely heavily on the amount of training and preparation you have sacrificed.
My advice, if you are looking to improve in the sport of triathlon, look to start off with a program. It needn't be advanced, simply setting you off in the right direction to prepare and train accordingly, with your goals in mind. This will also take into account your typical day, be it at work, fetching the kids from school, ext... Should you wish to take the sport more seriously, your training program can be adapted to suit what you wish to achieve. As with anything, to achieve something, certain sacrifices are required, hard and smart work always pays off.
Training does come with benefits, such as meeting other people in a similar position as you, (group training) idea's and exchanging of tips and advice from others around you. One can learn more about the sport than if on your own. Consult your local triathlon club for assistance on a training program and look forward to better results in this sport...
Happy training!
Surely you don't need someone to tell you that in order to prepare for a triathlon, you need to be able to compete in all three disciplines? After all, how hard can it be to put on your trainers and go for a good jog, or take a trip down to your local pool (if not the one in your back yard) or jump on the bike to do a few laps round the block, or for a "sight-see" round your neighbourhood...? That doesn't sound too complicated, too physical or that time consuming...?
However I am 99.9% sure that most of you reading this would aspire to shoot a bit higher than the scenario I have just described.
Consider this, how will you know if you are improving aside from race times? This can only be gauged in a race which would normally only constitute about 10% or less of the time you spend in training. The very nature of the sport is designed to push your limits in each discipline which in turn will rely heavily on the amount of training and preparation you have sacrificed.
My advice, if you are looking to improve in the sport of triathlon, look to start off with a program. It needn't be advanced, simply setting you off in the right direction to prepare and train accordingly, with your goals in mind. This will also take into account your typical day, be it at work, fetching the kids from school, ext... Should you wish to take the sport more seriously, your training program can be adapted to suit what you wish to achieve. As with anything, to achieve something, certain sacrifices are required, hard and smart work always pays off.
Training does come with benefits, such as meeting other people in a similar position as you, (group training) idea's and exchanging of tips and advice from others around you. One can learn more about the sport than if on your own. Consult your local triathlon club for assistance on a training program and look forward to better results in this sport...
Happy training!
Tuesday, 29 March 2011
PRODUCT REVIEW - Mag Caps
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Cipla Mag Caps - basically assists with maintaining normal muscle and nerve function, helps to keep the heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune system and keeps the bones strong.
Magnesium is not produced by the body, so it needs to be ingested daily through the consumption of magnesium-rich foods or supplements. Eating a variety of food will help you meet and maintain magnesium requirements, and provide you with other essential vitamins and minerals.
These "fella's" really do assist me the day after a tough session. I normally take one a day (in the morning) with a Betavit multi vitamin and have peace of mind that my recovery time will be shortened so as to take on my next training session. I found this article on magnesium which further made me realise how important this mineral is to us.
Sunday, 27 March 2011
PRODUCT REVIEW - Betavit AFR
Cipla Betavit AFR - has been designed to protect the body from free radical damage. Betavit AFR is scientifically formulated with Multivitamins, Minerals and Micro nutrients with added antioxidants Beta-carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Selenium.
I usually take one of these a day to make sure that my bodies defences are at their peak. With training in the morning and the evening, not to mention a full days work in between, the body can quickly run itself down and leave you susceptible to fatigue, common colds, ext.. A healthy diet, enough rest and a sensible routine during training, certainly helps in maintaining a healthy body. After all, we all know how frustrating it is when we have to miss training sessions due to the likes of common colds.
PRODUCT REVIEW - Maxi Boost
With the changing of seasons in South Africa from warmer to cold, it would be worthwhile looking at a few supplements that Cipla Med Pro offer on the market. Over the next few days I will review those that I have found to be beneficial, especially now after months of training in the heat, our bodies become susceptible to common colds such as flu...
I must mention that these supplements are applicable all year round, but especially when the seasons start to change.
Cipla Maxi Boost - is essentially an energy booster in the form of tablets or efferfescent tablets (my preference). They contain a unique combination of B-vitamins with added Taurine, Glucuronolactone and Caffeine. Taurine acts as a metabolic transmitter and is also known to have a detoxifying effect. Glucuronolactone fights fatigue and provides a sense of well-being. This great tasting drink will assist you to restore, revitalise and rejuvenate lost energy...I found the Maxi Boost to be of great benefit especially when at work in the morning after a tough previous night session or early morning ride. Your body feels lethargic and fatigued, as it would naturally, so this fizzy drink really does pack an energy punch, that sustains itself during the day...
Saturday, 26 March 2011
New to Triathlon?
When I first started out in this sport 3 years ago, I certainly did not know which way to turn or who to speak to for advice. In fact the most advice I received was from the sales guy in my local bicycle shop, who may have been more interested in selling me a rather modest road bicycle than informing me of what I should really be looking for regarding equipment, clothing, advice, ext.
As it turned out, I decided to attempt my first sprint triathlon on my own, after all, how tough could it be? Well more on my first triathlon in another post but my point here is that nowadays, there are plenty of places/media platforms and clubs to obtain good advice from - perhaps even this article my assist you with some basic advice.
Try and locate a local triathlon club in your area and if that proves to be difficult, search for online training programs where you are able to communicate with a coach or person with relative triathlon experience... its not that difficult to find and the silly questions you think you may be asking have already been asked before by those now established in the sport, guaranteed!
I began by contacting my local club ATC Multisport now based in Granger Bay, Cape Town. This club has arguably become the largest triathlon club in South Africa and is run by passionate individuals who are able to assist with coaching, training, eventing and of course socialising! The perfect ingredients in establishing any sports club!
Should you wish to take your triathlon to a new level of intensity, you may also wish to contact online training academy's. I am coached by accredited coaches through My Training Day, based in Tokai in Cape Town. They provide coaching for multi sport athletes online and offer group training as well. My performances improved dramatically once I started to follow a training program designed for me specifically...
So there, its as simple as doing a few searches online or contacting local coaches and clubs in your area. Multi sport is one of the fastest growing sports in South Africa and around the world, whether you are going into a winter off road season in the southern hemisphere or getting ready for the warmth of summer up north. All the very best with your first triathlon, you will be bitten by the bug that is multi sport and look to better your previous race time or simply to go "one up" on your mate!
Should you be involved in a triathlon club in the US, UK, Canada or Australia, (or any other region for that matter) reply to this post for some exposure, I have noticed followers from these regions and your response could assist with new-commers to the sport, thanks - Tri Bren.
As it turned out, I decided to attempt my first sprint triathlon on my own, after all, how tough could it be? Well more on my first triathlon in another post but my point here is that nowadays, there are plenty of places/media platforms and clubs to obtain good advice from - perhaps even this article my assist you with some basic advice.
Try and locate a local triathlon club in your area and if that proves to be difficult, search for online training programs where you are able to communicate with a coach or person with relative triathlon experience... its not that difficult to find and the silly questions you think you may be asking have already been asked before by those now established in the sport, guaranteed!
I began by contacting my local club ATC Multisport now based in Granger Bay, Cape Town. This club has arguably become the largest triathlon club in South Africa and is run by passionate individuals who are able to assist with coaching, training, eventing and of course socialising! The perfect ingredients in establishing any sports club!
Should you wish to take your triathlon to a new level of intensity, you may also wish to contact online training academy's. I am coached by accredited coaches through My Training Day, based in Tokai in Cape Town. They provide coaching for multi sport athletes online and offer group training as well. My performances improved dramatically once I started to follow a training program designed for me specifically...
So there, its as simple as doing a few searches online or contacting local coaches and clubs in your area. Multi sport is one of the fastest growing sports in South Africa and around the world, whether you are going into a winter off road season in the southern hemisphere or getting ready for the warmth of summer up north. All the very best with your first triathlon, you will be bitten by the bug that is multi sport and look to better your previous race time or simply to go "one up" on your mate!
Should you be involved in a triathlon club in the US, UK, Canada or Australia, (or any other region for that matter) reply to this post for some exposure, I have noticed followers from these regions and your response could assist with new-commers to the sport, thanks - Tri Bren.
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