Resources on the Sport of Triathlon (02)

Choosing a Wetsuit for a Triathlon
This triathlete's home page gives practical tips on how to choose a wetsuit. Her article is in bulleted format, and very easy to read and understand. She had attended a wetsuit clinic and typed up her notes, adding personal commentary. In them she says wetsuits are needed to keep warm in cold water and enhance swimming speed. The buoyancy, weight and drag of legs and hydrodynamic material helps speed up your swimming time. She discusses wetsuit construction and materials, and the differences between surfing wetsuits and triathlon wetsuits. Full vs. sleeveless wetsuits vs. two-piece wetsuits is also discussed, as is how to ensure a proper fit. She lists water temperatures that are appropriate for various types of triathlon wetsuits.

Taking a Second Look at Zoomers
This insightful article is written by a triathlete who decided to try zoomers again after dismissing them the first time and found that he liked the swimming fins. He had tried red zoomers and wondered why his blue ones were different. Dr. Hull has already answered this question. The red zoomers ones are for competitive swimmers with an efficient flutter kick. The blue zoomers are mainly for fitness swimmers or others who don't have an efficient flutter kick. He still, however, prefers positive drive fins as opposed to zoomers, though it's still an interesting article that compares and contrasts various swimming fins.

Triathlon Biking and Sports Nutrition Forums
Everything you need to know about the cycling portion of a triathlon can be found here, including forums about cycling equipment, cycling training, power training, triathlon equipment reviews and classifieds. A section about health and nutrition is included, where triathletes can talk with others about various bicycling related issues. Road racing, track racing, cycling news, mountain bikes, and regional forums are also included. A great place to get first-hand advice about bicycling products and gear.

Surviving Your First Triathlon
Straight from UCLA's triathlon team come tips from Madeleine Saran on how to survive your first triathlon. The information here is practical and useful advice for beginning triathletes. Saran suggests investing in a wetsuit, doing at least 2 to 3 brick workouts (bike followed by a run) so you get comfortable with the transition. She also advises that people stay cool by dunking water on their tri-top as opposed to dunking their heads. She offers triathlon race day tips and reminders. Tips from one of the team founders, Karl Erickson, are also included to help beginner's improve their triathlon skills.