Strength Training For Triathlon

by guest blogger Lincoln Davis

Strength Training for Triathlon

Strength training in endurance sports like triathlon is one favorite topic of debate. In the ideal world, the top athletes incorporate some strength workout that includes weight lifting into their training. However, in practice, everyday people who are not after award plaques find that including some form of weight lifting to an already full schedule of biking, swimming and running more of an exception than a rule. Is it really necessary? Will you benefit from it?

Misconceptions

One common misconception is that strength training is just ‘all show, but no go.’ It can look great on a man’s body form, but it does not contribute to performance on endurance races. It takes more effort to move especially in running and biking, and is just considered a waste of energy and training time. Women who race also have a misconception that weight lifting can lead to a bulky figure. It is for this reason many women do not even attempt to do any necessary weight training for a race.  

Athletes Fuel Up On Plant Protein

by guest blogger Jody Perrecone

Scott Jurek- six time ultramarathoner winner, Patrick Neshek- Minnesota Twins relief pitcher, Brendan Brazier-ironman triathlete, Mac Danzig – ultimate fighting champion, Martina Navratilova – 18 time Grand Slam tennis champion, Robert Parish – Boston Celtics Hall of Famer, Arian Foster – NFL Pro Bowl 2010 and 2011, Rich Roll - world champion ultra man, Billie Jean King – #1 ranking in tennis five times, Carl Lewis nine time Olympic Gold Metal winner and world’s fastest human, Dave Zabriskie – Tour de France winner, Timothy Bradley - WEO welterweight champion – what do these athletes have in common?  #1 - they are all world-class elite athletes. #2 - they are all vegans (don’t eat meat or dairy products).

Balancing The Vegan And Athlete In You

by guest blogger Holly VicHammond

Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to commit to a vegan lifestyle and also be an athlete. Most of the sports world subscribes to eating a substantial amount of protein as part of a training diet. Protein ensures peak physical condition, muscular repair after workouts and success in a given fitness-related endeavor. Though vegan meals might take a little more planning, it is possible to be a successful athlete who does not consume any animal products. Plant-based eaters simply have to rely on a bit more strategy. 

Whether an athlete chooses to be a vegan for personal, ethical or religious reasons, they will need to pay special attention to ensure they’re consuming the proper nutrients to fuel their workouts. Many successful athletes and famed fitness trainers, such as distance runner Scott Jurek, television fitness trainer Bob Harper, bodybuilder Mike Mahler and football player Ricky Williams, choose to live a vegan lifestyle. Clearly it is possible for athletes to eat vegan, thrive and achieve great success in their chosen sport.