BJ Christenson recently spoke with TriHive about his 11th place finish at the Ford Ironman USA triathlon in Lake Placid, New York on Saturday July 20, 2008.  Christenson finished in 09:23:35, clocking the fastest overall run split of the day (2hr 56min 13sec).

Click HERE to listen.  (16.2mb mp3 file)

Popularity: 21% [?]

Popularity: 25% [?]

Years ago while shopping for my first triathlon wetsuit I stumbled across the Aquaman wetsuit.  I was naïve in how wetsuits were built, however one thing struck me as unique with the Aquaman.  The zipper.  Traditionally triathlon wetsuit zippers zip up starting at the bottom.  The Aquaman’s zipper zips up beginning at the top.   One thing that made sense to me without ever actually swimming in a wetsuit was that pulling a zipper down to the small of my back would be cumbersome.   I’m not the most limber person in the world, and getting the zipper down would prove to be a challenge.  Unfortunately, at the time Aquaman had very few models, all of which were out of my price range.

Fast forward 8 years later I’ve battled many a wetsuits heading into T1, trying to pull the zipper all the way down.  Aquaman still has the zipper you pull up to release.  And, to my surprise, the Aquaman wetsuits are now labeled as Profile Design.  Same great design.  Brand new name.

Profile Design has added five wetsuit models to its arsenal:  Gold Cell, Metal Cell 2, Bionik 2, Bionik Sleeveless, and Blitz.  The range of models gives triathletes of all levels (and budgets) an opportunity to race in a Profile Design wetsuit and experience its unique benefits.

I tested the Gold Cell and Bionik 2 wetsuits.

Gold Cell

This is the Ferrari of wetsuits.  I’ve often wondered if wetsuit brands within the same price range differ much.  With the Profile Design wetsuits, I can easily say “yes they do.”  The Gold Cell separates itself from the pack.

Typically, the inside of a triathlon wetsuit has a cloth-like texture over the rubber on the inside.  I’ve often wondered why this area isn’t the smooth, slick surface found on the outside of the wetsuit.  Gold Cell puts the concept into action.  The complete inside of the wetsuit is slick, just like the outside, minus the arms and calf panels.  Why is this good?  The neoprene gets even closer to your skin and doesn’t allow much water to pool in these areas.  This means you’re carrying less weight and you don’t lose buoyancy (sponge effect eliminated).  You will also find that you stay warmer in the frigid lake.  If you swim the early or late season events in our region, you’ll know this is a welcome bonus.  And if that is not enough, the slick material makes it much easier to pull off in T1.  I was amazed with the ease of removal when taking it off at the pool.  Clumsy would previously define my T1 experiences, mostly due to wetsuit wrestling.  No longer will I be the laughing stock of the transition area.

Bionik 2

A wetsuit similar in design as the Gold Cell, but without the high tech slick surface on the inside.  Swimming in the Bionik 2 was very similar to the Gold Cell.  It was easy to move my arms through the stroke.  I didn’t experience any chaffing around the neck or arm pits.  I didn’t feel the warmth that I did with the Gold Cell, however it was comparable to most other wetsuits.  Getting out of the suit was pretty standard, as wetsuits go, except that I had more flexibility to maneuver my legs. You may know what I’m talking about.  Do you ever fell like bending down or running IS NOT an option once you are zipped up?  These two suits (and the Metal Cell 2) offer more flexibility behind the knees allowing you to have more mobility.  If you don’t think this is a big deal, think about this while making your way to (and in) T1 during a race.

Utah based professional triathlete Heath Thurston swears by Profile Design (by Aquaman) wetsuits.  He bought his first one several years ago because he felt it was the best suit on the market.  The wetsuit helped him be the third swimmer out of the water at the 2007 Ford Ironman Florida.  We asked him what he thought about the suit.  His thoughts are listed below.

It is obvious that Profile Design wetsuits are built by triathletes looking to make the triathlon experience even better for other triathletes.  Wetsuits are a big investment.  If you are going to spend hundreds of dollars on a piece of equipment that will likely last you many, many years you must give the Profile Design wetsuit a chance.

www.Profile-Design.com

I was introduced to Aquaman wetsuit brand about 4 years ago when managing a local tri shop.  Emmanuel Millet manages Aquaman’s U.S. distribution and is over www.AquamanTri.com.  He wanted us to carry the suits in the shop.  I never even actually tried the suit out or wore it.  I saw the Metall Cell material on the inside of the suit.  Up to that point I had used an Orca mainly and a Nineteen.  I had also tried on Zoot and a couple of other brands.
When I did finally get my Metal Cell wetsuit it was not from any sort of sponsorship from them.  I wasn’t quite pro yet and didn’t really have the race results to earn a sponsorship like that.  So I forked out just as much as everyone else has to.  When I was able to race in it for the first time, it was amazing.  The Metal Cell material on the inside of the suit makes the suit so unbelievably comfortable. It molds to your body for an amazing fit that I had never felt with any other wetsuit till then.  Most of the other suits were stiff and floated me up almost too much in the water. This put me in the water perfectly it almost made me feel like I wasn’t even wearing a suit, which I would prefer anyway.  But because everyone else wore them I also need to.  It helped keep up the pace and speed.
So, all I can say is that without being coherced through sponsorship obligations or any other kind of offers through Profile Design wetsuits by Aquaman, these suits are the best on the market today. And the new Gold Cell suit is unbelievable, which I was able to test out at Oceanside 70.3 last month.

Heath Thurston

Popularity: 27% [?]

Dear Mr./Ms. Politician,

It’s obvious that we are in a fuel crisis. Gas is well over $3 per gallon and will continue to rise with no end in sight. This is sad and frustrating. I’m sure you remember the days of $1 per gallon. It really wasn’t that long ago that we enjoyed those prices. Now they are just a distant memory.

Because of the rising cost of driving I’ve decided to ride my bike into work nearly every day. I really don’t mind and I’m quickly ironing out anything that resembles a hassle. My wife waved the incentive of an iTunes download for each day I make the ride. The small gesture keeps me focused on getting out of bed on time. I’ll finally complete my Dokken library (see “Heavy Metal”) AND my 25 mile daily journey is a bit easier to bear.

I’ve noticed many other cyclists on the road during the morning and evening commutes, donning backpacks and/or panniers, which I can only assume hold their work cloths and toiletries. If you think about it, bike commuters are killing three birds with one stone: saving on fuel costs, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and keeping the air a bit cleaner. I could get into specifics on how each of these elements benefits society, but such an editorial would consume my publication. They are obvious benefits that I’m sure you are well versed in.

I’d like to propose a tax deduction for commuters choosing bicycles over automobiles. These individuals deserve a tax break for the reasons listed above.

Now, you may be wondering how such a deduction would be offered. One method I can suggest is to give a tax break for the amount of miles an automobile is NOT driven annually. The fewer miles driven, the bigger the tax break. I realize that those relying on public transportation and/or carpools would also benefit from this method. However, they would deserve such a reward too for making the commute better and being friendly to mother earth.

Another suggestion to track and reward would be by measuring how many miles a cyclist rides per day for their commute. A special IRS approved cyclometer could be developed and purchased by those interested in the deduction. I’m not an engineer or manufacturer, but I believe there are many smart cyclists who could develop such a device for a low cost.

Come to think of it, maybe my proposed system would utilize both methods of tracking. It may seem complicated, but complication is the IRS’s middle name. Like many other annual tax law changes, tax preparers would begrudgingly learn how to calculate this deduction. However, I doubt many would complain about such a great tax law.

Please take my proposal to heart and consider it for the future. Our country needs an incentive to ditch the cars and hop on their bikes.

Sincerely,

Alex McKinley
Publisher
TriHive

Popularity: 47% [?]

Have you ever looked up at a mountain you are about to climb and thought, “How in the world am I going to get up there?” Maybe you’ve felt the same way about triathlons. The desire to get to the top is there, but you have no idea which trail to take. The best trail to start out on is the beginning trail or the sprint distance. For a beginning triathlon program, you can spend as little as 2 hours a week training.

At the IceBreaker Triathlon in American Fork, Utah on March 29th, I asked a few first time triathletes the best advice they’ve been given. Here is what they told me: For your first triathlon it’s a good idea to have one goal: to finish. After the race, evaluate your performance and choose one thing to improve for the next triathlon, supposing there will be one. Focus on becoming more comfortable with your weak sport. Just go out there and have fun. Cheer for those around you as you pass each other.

Those are great suggestions, but may not help you climb that mountain. A map will help you get there and below are suggested trail markers that will take you to the top.

1. Set your goal: pick a sprint distance triathlon you want to compete in that is between 12 and 20 weeks away. Less than 12 is not enough time to prepare and more than 20 can cause burnout without proper training. If swimming is not your strength, you may want to consider the type of swim you will be most comfortable with: pool swim versus open water swim.

Now you have at least 12 weeks to become acquainted with the course which is usually found on the triathon’s website. Do it. Come race day, know the course.

2. Determine how much time you can devote to training. Write down how many hours each week and how many hours each day you have to train. Think about all your commitments: family, work, and other responsibilities. Sometimes it’s good to get your family involved so they understand what you are doing and so they can support you. Hey, maybe they’ll want to start training with you! Many triathlete coaches suggest the minimum number of hours for a beginner sprint triathlon training program is two. Seven to eight hours is the most you will need to spend, but you can train more than that as well; as long as it is done correctly.

3. Gather your tools. If you aren’t involved with any of the events, you will need a few basic items to get started. As you get into the sport of triathlon, you may want to invest more in your gear, but here is a list of basic items that you really can’t do without.

Swim: swimsuit, cap, goggles, wetsuit (if swimming in cold open water)
Bike: bike, helmet
Run: shoes

It would probably be a good idea to have something to bike and run in. You can either throw on a tee shirt and shorts or spend a bit more and get a tri suit.
4. Decide what training program is right for you. Have you already been working out? Are you coming off the couch? Do you come from a running (swimming or biking) background? The answers to these questions will determine what type of training program you choose. If you already workout several times a week, you may want to choose the beginner advanced, however, if you are coming off the couch you will want to start with the very beginner program and keep the intensity low at first. If you come from a running background and want to focus on swimming because that is your weak link, then you may want to choose the swim emphasis program.

5. A few more questions: Are you overweight? Do you have previous injuries? BEFORE STARTING TO TRAIN, you probably should consult your doctor, especially if you are overweight or have health problems.

If you are committed to loosing weight and understand the benefits then climbing this mountain is still within your grasp. Individuals interested in a total conditioning program (which could include weight loss) can contact the author for a free DVD.

6. Start training! There are many theories and training programs out there. A basic program should include training for each sport at least 2 times a week with usually no more than 4. Rest and patience is important… you are training for three events and cannot workout at maximum intensity every time. Doing this will lead to over-training, fatigue, sickness, and injury. Below is a simple beginner program format where X equals time.

7. Eat right and drink at least 64 oz. of water throughout the day.

Stay on course, follow the trail markers, and discover success. This road map will take you to the top.

Happy training!

Jamie Lambert
2007 National Age-group Championship Qualifier
Exercise, Nutrition, and Triathlete Consultant
Total Health & Fitness
jamie.lambert@thfonline.com

Popularity: 52% [?]

I still can’t believe I’ve been writing about “wetsuit lubrication” products. For years, it seemed like we had all we needed—PAM cooking oil or a deodorant type stick that slicked us up before the swim. I have to admit that the PAM was my preference, however the buttery smell left me slightly hungry throughout the swim. TRISLIDE not only disarms the hunger senses, it takes wetsuit lubes to a new level.

TRISLIDE is a silicon spray in an aerosol can that leaves a very thin layer of liquid silicon on your skin. I appreciate its runny consistency, as a small spray can go a long way. My problem with PAM is that it leaves a heavy, oil feel on your body, leaving an uncontrollable mess of the cooking spray all over myself. Everything you touch turns into an orgy of PAM-your goggles, your sun glasses (if you’re still fiddling with your T1 setup), etc…TRISLIDE isn’t like this. Yes, it could leave leave fingerprints and lube all over, however it wipes down very easily and doesn’t linger on your body all day long.

TRISLIDE is basically void of any scent. I can smell a hint of something fruity, but it’s practically non existent. This is good, because a heavy fragrance is the last thing you want to think about will swimming across a lake.

TRISLIDE retails for $12.95
Visit www.TRI-SWIM.com for more information.

Popularity: 43% [?]

A new entry into the wetsuit lube market is Suit Juice. Suit Juice easily sprays on the body with an easy pump bottle. When rubbed on your body you’ll quickly notice its gel feel. The consistency is slightly thicker than some competitors, but it’s not an annoying oily feel like PAM.

The scent of Suit Juice is different. They say it’s odorless, but there is a mild scent that is slightly noticeable. Honestly, it didn’t do much for me but I don’t think it would make me sick or deter me from purchasing the product. I really had to put my nose close to an application point to notice anything.

Suit Juice touts that it “removes damaging body oils and acids from the inside of your suit, thus prolonging the usable life of neoprene, latex and rubber.” It’s not an issue that I’m too concerned with, but it’s a nice selling point if you plan on keeping your wetsuit for many years.

Suit Juice is a great option for triathletes looking for wetsuit lube alternatives.

Retail - $8.99

www.moosejuice.com

Popularity: 42% [?]

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

The old adage “the more things change, the more they stay the same” will hold true for TriHive in ’08. After two great years of keeping Utah’s triathletes informed, we’ve decided to make a few changes for the future.

The first change, and most noticeable to readers will be our quarterly distribution. No longer will we publish seven issues a year. Resources are limited in creating TriHive, and the six back-to-back summer issues is an incredibly tough order to fulfill, especially when you weigh the work involved against the benefits. Don’t get me wrong, I love you guys! However, the extra breathing room between issues will be welcome, especially as I try to have a tri life of my own.

Second on the plate of changes is our increased distribution. We’ll now cover triathlon in the mountain west. This means Idaho, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming. And, TriHive will be distributed in bike shops, running shops and swimming shops in these regional states. This will create more opportunities for more writers and more exposure to regional races.

The regional expansion was a “no brainer,” as we’ve covered regional events since our inaugural year. The annual exodus of Utah triathletes leaving the Beehive State to Burley, Idaho cannot be ignored. Silverman Triathlon’s Frank Lowery quickly became friends with TriHive and we offered unique Web coverage of the Silverman ’06 event. In ’07 BBSC Endurance Sports joined the Utah tri scene and TriHive became more aware of its Nevada events. Throw Vikingman and the new Boise 70.3 into the mix. There’s no doubt Utah triathletes will support these events. Add the sparse Wyoming events in for good measure.

I’m sure you’re well aware of all of the events that have invaded our region. You’re likely to have already registered for a race or two out of state. It’s time to share the TriHive love with our neighbors!

We welcome stories from our neighboring states, and look forward to sharing triathlon with you. For Utahn’s, things will likely feel the same. However, more is changing.

Yours in Tri,

Alex McKinley

Popularity: 39% [?]

If you are like me, you dread leaving the pool smelling like chlorine for the rest of the day. When going to bed after a night time swim my wife will often comment about how I smell like the pool. I wish it were the smell of a Calvin Klein fragrance, however, swimmers are often stuck with the chemical smell for at least a few showers. This is not all! My skin is always dry as a bone after leaving the pool. I’m often itchy and irritable from head to toe because of the chlorine (and whatever else is going into the pool).

TriSwim products have solved these problems for me. Since July, I’ve used TriSwim’s body wash, shampoo, conditioner and lotion. These products are designed to relieve the swimmer’s body from the brutal chlorine and replace the chlorine smell with a mild citrus scent.

I highly recommend the products. The days of walking around smelling like chlorine are gone, and I feel like I’m proactively taking care of my body’s exterior. No longer do I smell like the pool and my hair doesn’t feel dead. And best of all, my skin isn’t irritable whenever I stretch, or turn to the side (i.e. any movement). This stuff does its job. I used the four products religiously, and my body has been much happier since.

The days of the public pool damaging my exterior are gone. If you face the same dilemmas I did, give TriSwim a shot. The shampoo, body wash and lotion retail for $10.99. The conditioner retails for 13.95. Visit TriSwim online at www.Tri-Swim.com for retailers.

Popularity: 18% [?]

Chariot CX2

An excellent and versatile jogger that supports the runner and biker. This jogger was easy to run with and had many extra features to add to the jogger, to hide the child from the sun, wind and rain. I think I liked this jogger mainly for biking because with running on a sidewalk it took up a lot of room and was harder to run with than a regular jogger. I liked the fact that you could have one or two children in this jogger which makes a big difference when you have two kids, but when you add another child it just makes it that much harder to push. It has very nice and durable tires which can help with bumpy terrain. Overall this was a great jogger if you are looking for one that can accomplish the run and the bike ride.

Popularity: 17% [?]