Whilst I always like to be competitive, my goals are not so much focused around the places I get in future races but instead just completing the biggest and hardest races around that normal (non-triathlete) people out there couldn’t even imagine completing. The two races that I now have my heart set on are the Port Macquarie Ironman in April 2010 and then the Coast to Coast in New Zealand Feb 2011. Once I have completed these two races I will have enough experience to really know what I enjoy the most and focus on beating my times.

I originally got into triathlons when I was getting bored at the gym and knew that I had to have a change of scenery before falling back into my routine downward spiral back into laziness. Since then I have never looked back. I only started training in October (08) but jumped straight into it and competed in most of the Gatorade Series in Queensland, Australia. I must say that the Gatorade Series is a fantastic way to get into the sport offering a range of short courses which seem a lot more achievable to the beginner than something as big as an Olympic distance race. Anyone out there who is considering giving it a go but hasn’t yet plucked up quite enough courage should give one of those races a go, you won’t regret it. On average I have always finished about 25% of the way down my age group which I have always been pretty happy with due to my lack of experience and other commitments.

I finished my 08-09 season off with my first Olympic distance race at Mooloolaba, Australia. I came 371st out of 2058 finishers and completed the race in 2:23:52. I realised during this race that I much preferred the feeling of the Olympic race over the sprint distance races. It is for this reason that I really can’t wait to jump straight into the Half Ironman (70.3) Distance races next season!

Unfortunately I started triathlons with very poor core stability and inwards rolling feet. Mainly due to these factors (and some serious inconsistencies in my training) I have suffered from quite a few little injuries including bruised bones in my feet and some knee pain. I have, however, been doing heaps of core work with my club and believe that everything is finally starting to fall into place. Along with a crazy amount of core work we have done a lot of different running drills recently that really highlight just how much of a difference your posture and core strength make when running. I have to admit I was a little sceptical at first when my coach told me that various abs exercises would cure my knee pain and make me run heaps faster but now I am really left with no doubt in my mind. If there is anyone out there reading this who does not focus much on core strength work but instead believes that if you just go out there and pound the pavement you’ll get just as far I must tell you that you are greatly mistaken!

So I have booked myself into the 70.3 at Yeppoon on August 16th and have finally settled into some great, consistent, offseason training with very high hopes for beating 5:30:00 (which I am told is a very achievable goal even with my lack of experience). My coach has identified that our club in general seems to struggle the most with our run splits and so as a club we are really focussing on getting our running form perfected, or at least improved, and are putting in some high volume runs with the aim of practicing this form and getting it right before we start to increase intensity again.

I will leave it there for now but I am going to keep this blog updated with my progress towards making the jump from Olympic Distance races to Half Ironman (70.3) Distance races. If anyone else out there has any advice for me or is in a similar position themselves please let me know your thoughts and how you are going.

All the best, train safe, Dave, Age Grouper Triathlete.

Chicago-based start up Moji has created a superior alternative to leaky ice cube filled baggies and frozen vegetables, that actually makes the critical act of post-activity icing comfortable, mobile and even stylish with its truly innovative new Moji Knee cold compression (aka “icing”) system.

Being a publication focused on active living and athletics, I’m sure you understand that icing is pretty important. There’s a bunch of research that supports it as well. But surprisingly enough, even though icing is considered one of the most effective and important measures to prevent injuries (let alone rehab injuries), a ton of people who engage in daily fitness pastimes like running, cycling, working out or other popular sports like golf and tennis never ice. This is pretty surprising when you consider that every time we engage in such activities, we experience micro-trauma to our joints and tendons that can, and will, lead to injury, arthritis and a host of other painful ailments along the way. Icing is the single most effective and efficient way to keep ourselves injury free and active as long as possible throughout our lives.

Moji went out and figured out that there were three main reasons people neglected icing after workouts or activity:
1. Convenience – It’s kind of hard to take ice with you without it melting, and who wants to carry an igloo cooler around everywhere. If there’s no freezer nearby, there’s no icing.
2. Messiness – Pretty much every icing method available, from athletic icing products to good ole frozen veggies get wet, and leave a damp and uncomfortable mess. Not to mention, the typical plastic bags and pouches used for icing aren’t exactly what you’d call comfortable.
3. Mobility – (Or lack there of). Icing means you’re basically confined to your recliner or couch for 30 minutes. It’s not like you can get up and get things done while your icing.

After identifying these three primary reasons, Moji took the critical step of developing a solution that eliminates these three barriers to icing. It’s new Moji Knee cold compressions system possesses superior icing capabilities due to an innovative “Cold Cell” design and a gel that stays soft and pliable when frozen and maintains optimal cooling temperature for the duration of the icing process, not to mention that it doesn’t sweat or leak making it completely “mess free.” It’s totally mobile due to a high-tech four-way stretch fabric that’s super comfortable, and totally accommodates full movement for those who want to be able to get out and about while they are icing after an activity. And finally, the Moji Knee looks great! Like any other modern athletic apparel, Moji Knee not only looks stylish and is extremely comfortable to wear, but it’s design qualities make for superior results because it delivers cooling more effectively and maximizes compression to the area, which is critical to effective icing. Finally, they offer Moji To Go – a thermal canister that keeps the Moji frozen for up to six hours and fits conveniently into any athletic bag or backpack. So you can “Moji” anytime, anywhere.

Intro

Zone3 is a new exciting British brand created exclusively for Triathlon.
The brand has been developed by elite triathlete James Lock. Researched and formulated whilst at Loughborough University, Zone3 offers exceptional high performance racing wear designed to increase speed, enhance overall appearance and improve comfort.

What makes this brand different?

British Triathletes have been a dominant force on the world stage for several years now and invariably have been wearing brands from the other side of the world. Zone3 is one of the first British owned brands and aims to support as many British athletes as possible.

The apparel has been developed with the help from such a wide range of at Triathletes which has successfully allowed some innovative features to be built into the products which no other brands can offer.

Zone3 also buys directly from the manufacturers, so unlike many other brands, Zone3 products haven’t passed through any ‘middle men’ before being purchased by the consumer, therefore lowering prices.

The Founder:

James Lock has been a competitive athlete since the age of 10. As a junior he was a national ranked swimmer and runner and turned to triathlon when he started at Loughborough University. In 2006 he became World Biathle Champion and World Amateur Aquathlon Champion. He finished seventh in last season’s British Elite Grand Prix Series and has very strong ambitions to race at the 2012 Olympics.

Where did the name come from? Why Zone3?

Zone3 is a terminology used by a wide range of top-level coaches. Zones 1 and 2 are predominately your training paces, but it is in Zone3 that you are in racing mode! In Zone3 you are focused, powerful, controlled and striving to reach new goals.

Zone3 garments allow you to achieve the best race results possible, whether you are a novice competitor or seasoned International.

What is the aim for the season?

The aim for 2009 is to work as closely with as many Triathletes as we can. We want to visit as many clubs and races as possible to let people try on our suits and understand how great they feel and perform. None of the Zone3 products will be available to buy through the retail stores until 2010. All products will be sold directly through the Zone3 website and there are only limited numbers available so this season you have a chance to get hold of an exclusive design before the masses.

We are also launching a race team this year so are very excited to see a full spectrum of athletes from elite internationals to first timers benefiting from our unique garments. Please get in touch if you are interested in racing for the Zone3 team which would guarantee you availability of your chosen garments, as well as team discounts. You can email: James@RaceZone3.com

So, what’s available this season?

Zone3 are launching a very high spec ‘intermediate level’ wetsuit as well as an uncompromised high performance wetsuit. Both suits offer the optimum balance of buoyancy and superb all over flexibility. They also features Pro Speed™ arm and leg cuffs which make them the fastest suit in transition saving vital time on any course.

Again, for the Tri suits there is a very sleek suit designed for out and out performance and there is also a range of suits which combines similar high tech features but is aimed more at the intermediate triathlete who wants to race in comfort and style.

Both ranges utilise the most Triathlon specific fabrics in the world as which are just perfect for every discipline. These suits can’t be beaten by any other main stream Tri brand.

Zone3 is a scientific brand but is also being developed with fashion designers’ input to ensure the garments are both functional and fashionable.

Product Availability

April 2009 sees the launch of our race specific triathlon products, including high performance racing suits and wetsuits, which have taken years of research and development. By the start of 2010 we will also release a range of swimming, cycling and running products which are innovatively designed to help develop training and racing.

Our business mission is to get this British brand on the world-wide map by 2011 and by 2012 we want to be in a position to show our presence at the London Olympic Games. Currently some of the world’s top triathletes are using our wetsuits and racing suits so feel confident that we can achieve this.

If you are a member of a team or a club and would like to book in a visit where Zone3 will come to your pool and let you demo the suits, then please get in touch with James on James@RaceZone3.com