By Mark Kwiatkowski The long run is an integral part of the running process, no matter if your long run is 5 miles or 20, the physical and mental benefits it brings are undeniable. But there’s more that goes into a long run than just the run itself, and these four tips to get you and your mind right for a long run, are things I have learned the hard way through years of distance running training. 1. Plan your Running Strategy. I sit down the day or night before and create a rough plan of how I want my run to go; usually this starts with planning out my running strategy consisting of what my ..read more

How to Choose a Wetsuit Some triathlons will have an open water swim, and depending on the water temperature, a wetsuit may be required or optional for race day to increase additional warmth in the water. A wetsuit can not only help warm you up, but it will help you float and stay on top of the water and often will allow you to swim faster due to the extra buoyancy. It is important to note that there is a difference between racing wetsuits and surfing wetsuits, so if you have any additional questions regarding what to look for in a wetsuit, please do not hesitate to reach out. Size/Fit A sw ..read more

Training vs Racing Shoes There are many different types of running shoes, and it is important to note that each athlete will have a specific pair/type of shoe that works best for them. There is a wide variety of shoes, ranging from minimalist to max cushion/support, and each type of shoe has a different purpose. While researching shoes and determining what works best for you, the two types of shoes that most triathletes will lean towards are everyday trainer shoes and racing shoes. Everyday trainers are meant to be shoes that take the majority of your training time and give the most comfort/su ..read more

Blood Lactate Testing and Vo2 Testing: what’s the difference and how they can help your training The biggest bang for your buck as an amateur athlete comes through performance testing to determine your heart rate zones and how your body works within those zones. Here at Playtri have over 20 years of experience coaching and administering performance testing to help athletes improve their training and reach their goals. Because of this long history, we have a lot of real-world application and data that supports the importance of performance testing for amateur athletes. Howe ..read more

Road vs Tri Bikes: Choosing the Right Ride for You! Trying to decide between a road or tri bike? Read on to understand the benefits of each style, and which is best for your goals.  Road Bikes Road bikes are extremely versatile, and designed to handle well on pavement both solo and while riding in a group. These bikes have a curved handlebar with a variety of positioning options, and a sloped seat tube that positions the rider slightly behind the pedals. The rider is generally in a more upright position, and better able to manage turns and obstacles on the road. Road bikes are sti ..read more

Why Bike Fit is so Important Whether you are new to cycling or have been cycling for a long time, a bike fit is one of the best investments into your cycling that you can make. It is a critical component of reaching your potential on the bike. At Playtri, we combine over 20 years of coaching and over 20 years of bike fit experience to help you achieve increased speed, endurance, and comfort on the bike. When an athlete asks me about how they can get faster on the bike, the first thing I ask in return is about their bike fit. If you haven’t had a bike fit or you haven’t had a bike fit in ..read more

How to travel with your bike One of the greatest experiences is riding your bike on roads that are far from your normal training grounds. Traveling with your bike opens up a world of possibilities, the challenge of unfamiliar terrain, and the thrill of adventure. Whether you plan to go by plane, train, or automobile, this article will help you figure out the necessary steps to plan for your trip accordingly. The easiest way to travel with your bike is by car. You can choose to put your bike inside the car or on the outside with a reliable bike rack like one of these. Personally, my firs ..read more

How to Stay Motivated while Training Indoors Wintertime is here, and that means that inclement weather plays a factor in how you can complete your workouts. When cold and rainy weather forces you to stay inside for training, it is important to figure out ways to stay motivated. Indoor training can be a daunting task, but with some careful planning and creative workouts, it is possible to effectively train indoors for some of your most focused sessions of the week. Training Space When it comes to indoor training, the space in which you train is crucial to the success of your sessions. This may ..read more

Why You Have to Get Your Bike Serviced When Training Indoors! If you only cycle indoors, you might think you’re exempt from bike care and maintenance. After all, how much damage could indoor riding really do to your bike?    Did you know riding your bike indoors can be just as hard on it as riding outdoors? Much like the outdoor elements, your corrosive sweat can take a toll on the condition of your bike. Because there is significantly less airflow over your body when riding on the trainer, more sweat accumulates and drips onto the bike regularly. This will affect performance on almo ..read more

Maximizing Triathlon Performance: Off-season Strength Training with Playtri Triathlon is a demanding sport, requiring a harmonious blend of swimming, cycling, and running prowess. A vital, yet often overlooked component in a triathlete's regimen is strength training. At Playtri, we understand the integral role strength training plays in enhancing performance and preventing injuries. With over two decades of coaching experience, our approach is grounded in deep expertise and a commitment to quality. Strength training for triathletes is not about building bulky muscles; it's about enhancing endu ..read more