Jon's Jibber-jabber

I had been looking for a BTA (between the arms) hydration system for a little while.  The usual suspects such as the Xlab Torpedo, Profile Design HC, and the Speedfil A2 were on my list.   I did decide to use the standard Speedfil mounted to my downtube but also wanted a BTA for water that could be easily refilled.   I decided to go with the Nathan AP Pro after seeing it on sale at my local bike shop.  My wife uses Nathan hydration belts for running and I am very familiar with the company due to their running accessories.  But they are known for running, not cycling.  I'll be honest.  I bought it simply because of Andy Potts.   The AP Pro actually stands for Andy Potts, the pro triathlete and primary seller of this product.  According to what I have read, Nathan worked with Potts to design it and much of its design comes from what Ports specifically wanted in a BTA.  Hey, if it works for Andy, why not give it a try? Additionally, it...

As some of you may already know, 2015 Ironman Maryland was my last race of that distance (Ultra, Ironman, Iron-Distance, Full, or whatever you call it).  I chose to "retire" from that distance for a number of factors.  Chiefly among those are time commitment and focus.  I want to be good at something and frankly, the middle distances are where I excel.  I am an Ironman completer but I could be a short course "compete-r".  I've put together some thoughts on all of the distances here.  I hope you enjoy.   First let me say that one of the biggest things that annoys me about the tri community in general is the need to trivialize certain distances.  There are constant references to "stepping up" from sprint to Olympic or from half-Iron (70.3) to Ironman.  The question "but when are you going to do an Ironman?" is even heard in the pro ranks.  We plaster the distances with the equivalent of ranks or degrees (such as Masonic degrees or military...

Leroy Jethro Gibbs has rules. Robin Lefler has laws.  And if you get those references without Google, then good for you.  As I head into taper, I have been reflecting back on what I've learned this season and through the Ironman Certified Coach course (which I Beta-tested and liked earlier in the year).  Below are a few of my own rules (more like suggestions) to think about during training and planning.    1.  Fit training into life, not life into training.  This is my golden rule of training for recreational athletes.  For most participants, endurance sports are a hobby.  We do not make our living through these sports.  There are exceptions.  My wife does make a living as a race director.  Others may have coaching businesses built on endurance activities.  However, 99% of those participating in running, cycling, or triathlon events are not doing it as an exclusive means of income.  I have seen too many athletes forge...