




07
Not long ago, if your neighbor had told you she was training for a triathlon, you might have looked at her crossed-eyed and with one eyebrow raised. Once thought of as an endurance sport for athletes who had both an unnatural pain threshold, and oodles of time on their hands, triathlon has in recent years become a sport for anyone who likes variety, has a few hours each week to dedicate toward training, and enjoys challenges small and large. No longer a sport just for the guys, the proliferation of female participants in triathlon events proves its growing popularity: in the late 1990s, women made up 15% of the field. Today, they comprise about 40% of the field. (stats from USA Triathlon). The growth spurt can be partially attributed to the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, women’s triathlon was covered for the first time. This was also the most-watched Olympic Games in history.
Tri it inside!
Training for a triathlon is a tremendous undertaking. You can gradually build up your confidence for longer events by starting out with sprint-distance indoor events. Several nationally known health clubs host indoor triathlons in a range of formats: 10-min swim, 20-min bike, 15-min run, or 10 min swim, 30 min bike and 20 min run. Indoor triathlons are fixed time events: you swim, bike and run for the designated time, and whoever gets the farthest in that time wins. Because these events are mostly comprised of “triathletes in the making’” versus the hardcore crowd, you can sample each tri component with less intimidation. Typically, the entire event lasts about 45 minutes (not including transitions from swim-to-bike-to-treadmill). Events are held Nov-April.
Here is a short list of gyms (Chicago-area, and national), that host indoor triathlons:
Life Time Fitness (Nationwide)
Wheaton Sport Center (Chicago)
Fitness Formula Clubs (Chicago)
The Chicago Tri Club website has a list of numerous indoor events. Check it out!
The Cleveland Triathlon Club has an indoor tri series, as well as numerous listings for indoor training classes and events to help you stay in tip-top shape during the off-season.
If you like to combine competition with a cause, TriToHelp.org is a National Indoor Triathlon series that helps raise money for epilepsy research. Visit their website for a complete event schedule.
05
Did you give yoga a shot once upon a time, only to walk out mid-class, scratching your head and wondering, what was I thinking? It is possible the style you tried didn’t match your personality, athletic ability, or just moved at a pace geared more toward advanced yogis than beginners. It isn’t uncommon to feel lost during your first several classes, but there is a way to ensure you don’t feel too out of place: pick the right style of yoga first.
Before you write off yoga for good, try a class that is a better match for your personal style. I’ve compiled a short list of the most common yoga styles. Hopefully you will find one that sounds intriguing, and if so, I encourage you to give yoga another try.
YOGA DECODED
Ashtanga: An athletic type of yoga that incorporates a fixed series of poses. It is challenging, and will build both strength and stamina. If you want a workout and you like to know what is coming next in a routine, this format is for you.
Bikram: This type of yoga can be summed up in one word: Hot! Rooms are heated to around 105 degrees. If you have pre-existing health problems or you are pregnant, it is a good idea to get your physician’s approval before participating in this class. Also, bring lots of water, and a towel to mop up the puddles of sweat that are a trademark of Bikram. This class is ideal for those already in top shape who are looking for a new challenge.
Hatha: Ideal or beginners, this slow-paced class focuses on simple breathing techniques and meditation. If you need to relax at the end of a long day, Hatha will leave you loose, limber and stress free.
Iyengar: A more precise form of yoga that focuses on alignment. You’ll hold your poses longer and use props, such as straps and blocks, so that you can finagle yourself into position. This is an intense format, best suited for those who want to work on the nuances of alignment.
Kundalini: Chanting and specific poses that release energy stored at the base of the spine are the hallmarks of this style of yoga. It is both mentally and physically challenging (i.e., not for beginners!)
Vinyasa: Similar in style to Ashtanga, Vinyasa yoga is less predictable. The word Vinyasa means, “breath-synchronized movement,” so in this class instructors will cue you to flow through selected poses on the exhale or the inhale. Poses follow a fluid pattern, giving you the benefit of a slight cardiovascular workout too. Give Vinyasa yoga a try if you like Ashtanga, but tire of the repetition.
Do you have a favorite style of yoga, or one that you tried and either loved or disliked? Please share!
01
May I complain about the Ohio weather a second longer? It’s the pits. But this cool tool from Virtual Active could have us “winter haters” running in prettier settings, like Yosemite, sooner than later. Say wha?
Check this out…with Virtual Active, you can preview a library of fun, scenic places to run (bike, hike) that have been filmed live. Beginning today (March 1), you can download a free, 30 min sample on iTunes! Grab the freebie while you can…prices are regularly $9.95.
How fun would it be to fake run through Yosemite while you’re on the hamster wheel? Apparently the technology they use to film these real-life adventures makes the video experience very smooth and realistic.
If any of you try it out before I do, let me know what you think!