Everything Multi-Sport - Sea Swimming
Karen Parnell BEng (Hons) CEng MBA CPT
Helping Triathletes & Swimmers meet or exceed their Training & Race Goals | 121 Coaching | Training Plans | TrainingPeaks | Final Surge | Clinics & Camps Spain | Sports Tech & Blog Writer
This week has been a blur with work, but I still managed to get in some time in the mountains, two rides on the new TrainingPeaks Virtual indoor bike App plus a great sea swim.
It’s still warm enough to swim without a wetsuit so it was very refreshing and immersive.
One of the TrainingPeaks Virtual sessions was a test for how I could set up a group ride. Being a test I did not advertise it but 31 riders turned up!
It was great to see so many riders enjoying our easy ride together (ok there were a few hills but nothing too stressful).
I plan to do another one soon – let me know if you would like a special invite and wear the ChiliTri team kit.
Now let’s dive in to the other best bits from swimming, cycling, running and holistics from the past week.
SWIM
Flow Endurance Magazine for FREE
Outdoor Swimmer have made this magazine available for free. It’s a good read so I thought I would share it with you. Just click here and get free access.
This $25 Swim Accessory Could be the Most Important Piece of Gear in Swimming/Triathlon
Editor-in-Chief Chris Foster makes the case that the best and most important piece of gear for open water swimmers and triathletes is actually a cheap piece of plastic.
The Best Open Turn Drill Progression | A Simple 3-Step Process
Try this 3-step progression from coach Abigail Fish if you want to improve your open turn. Learn how to do it at US Masters Swimming.
GIZMOS & GADGETS
This gadget is not really sports tech but is the best bit of tech I’ve bought recently. You may have a doorbell with camera (like Ring) already but if you haven’t this is a great (cheap) option with no subscription.
It’s a small waterproof camera with a solar panel and SD card. There’s also some cloud storage. It’s great to monitor who comes into your garden and up to your front door.
It has a mic and speaker plus a light to shine a light on any nighttime visitors. You can also sound a loud alarm to scare them away!
With the free App on your phone, you get alerts every time someone gets near to your door.
We have had hours of endless fun watching cats, dogs, foxes, Amazon delivery drivers etc.
You can get it on Amazon for around £40/ $40.
BIKE
How to Prepare for a Long Ride with Less Stress
Bicycling has got everything you need to check off your long ride to-do list.
This could be useful if you have ever gone out and forgot something (I know I have!).
The benefits and freedoms of riding slow: what slower cycling can offer the mind and body
How slow rides build strength, endurance and a deeper connection to your ride – this all sounds great to me!
Why Pros Are Ditching Long Crank Arms
Shorter cranks are the hot new trend, but do they actually make you faster? Here’s what the experts say at Bicycling.
Bjorn Riley - Inside the Dual Life of a Pro Cyclist-Artist
“Without cycling, I can’t do art, and without art, I can’t do cycling. They both complement each other in very different ways.”
For 3x National MTB Champion Bjorn Riley, art and cycling go hand in hand. We spent a day with Bjorn to see how he balances his life as an aspiring artist and professional athlete.
Training Plan of the Week (T-PoW)
I realised that I was a bit light on running plans on TrainingPeaks, so I have been padding out my offering to match the full suite on Final Surge.
So, if you are planning to race a race from 5km to Ultra Marathon we have a plan for you!
Remember if you can’t see the training plan you need then reply to this email with your requirements and I will create it free of charge and put it on Final Surge and TrainingPeaks.
RUN
Universal Marathon Training Tips You Can Learn from Speedy Runners
In this episode of “The Amazing Runner’s World Show,” Jeff and Aly talk about marathon training strategies you can apply no matter your time goal. Watch at Runners World.
16 ways to become a better runner in the menopause
Expert tips on ways to combat issues of peri-menopause and menopause for improved running performance.
Normal Runners try to Steeplechase
Inspiration or just motivation to nail your technique – whatever your sport is. Remember perfect practice makes perfect!
HOLISTICS
The Simple Practice That Can Quiet Your Mind Faster Than Meditation
A regular meditation practice can go a long way toward managing your brain's internal chatter and helping you feel a little more calm.
But when you want to stop racing thoughts right in their tracks, you might just want to stop and hum.
How to Bulletproof Your Legs Against the Most Common Running Overuse Injuries
As a runner, there’s nothing worse than being sidelined with an injury.
Learn how to avoid the most common run injuries with the help of two expert running-focused physical therapists a Outside Online.
Recipe: Nisha Katona’s 5 Spice Bengali Chicken Curry
Nisha Katona is one of my favourite chefs and her food is simple, quick but really flavoursome!
This Indian 5 Spice curry is unusual and has not onion or garlic so super quick! The recipe also includes peas which are a good source of vitamins C and E, zinc, and other antioxidants that strengthen your immune system. Get the recipe at ChiliTri.
TRIATHLON
Does the New “Exercise Pill” Let Triathletes Skip Workouts?
Scientists have developed a molecule that mimics the benefits of exercise. What does that mean for those of us who actually exercise?
Sounds too good to be true! Read more at Triathlete.
Falling in Love with Aquabike Events
Unlike traditional triathlons, which can be gruelling due to the running segment, aqua bikes offer a refreshing alternative that doesn’t leave you feeling completely spent. This is especially important for Hilary, as a knee injury has kept her from running, yet aqua bikes allow her to remain active and competitive in the sport she adores.
Double Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee confirms pro triathlon retirement
British double Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee has announced his retirement from professional triathlon, following his podium finish at the Dubai T100 Triathlon World Championship Final on Sunday.
He has decided to go out on a high – we will miss seeing you race Ali!
If you like this newsletter please share or email me at karen.parnell@chilitri.com for any ideas or feedback you have.
Enjoy the journey and the destination!
P.S
I really hope you like this newsletter as I work on it all week reading lots of articles and selecting the best ones for you. If you like it maybe buy me a coffee?
If you would like a bespoke training plan delivered via TrainingPeaks or Final Surge I can write you one for 125 euro which includes email support.
For the price of an apple a day (66 cents / 50p) you could get access to ALL of my training plans in one place!
If you would like to give some structure to your race training check out my training plans on TrainingPeaks or Final Surge
I have some great training plans at affordable prices. In the links below you will find triathlon, swimming, cycling, running and strength plans delivered to you on your tablet, phone or PC. All plans give you email support from me your coach.
If you want access to ALL training plans - Triathlon, Swimming, Cycling or Running use the NEW subscription service on Final Surge.
Can't see the plan you need? Reply to this email and I will create it for you for FREE.