Spring Time Training Reminders! Week 1

Spring Time Training Reminders!   

Every year, as we enter spring, triathletes find themselves fired up to get outdoors and enjoy training in the fresh air again. Often, small things can become big challenges during this time of transition. Over the next few weeks, we will review a few key areas to keep in mind so your return to outdoor training goes as well as possible!



Week 1:  Return to outdoors!

The first two sports you can do outdoors are cycling and running—unless you are a consistent polar bear swim club member! I hope you are not the latter, so let's look at the first things to check out for cycling and running as we head into the outdoor season.

• Number one is about safety and gear readiness for outdoor training.  What does that mean?  It means ensuring your gear is mechanically sound/ready to support your workouts safely.

• On the bike, that means that after months of indoor training, you want to get things cleaned and tuned up for spring.  Check cables for rust (if your bike still uses them), charge shifter batteries, swap out brake lever batteries, check brake pads and tires.  If you do not do your own work, get your bike in the shop sooner rather than later, as bike shops fill fast this time of year, meaning slower bike return times.  This process ensures your bike will work well and be safe to ride!

• On the run, check your shoes for wear and replace them if needed. Also, check your socks—they can get really beat up over the year, and often, adding a new set to the quiver in the spring is a good move. 

• For both activities, check your clothes. Make sure the items you may not have used much, like lighter gloves and caps, vests, shorts, knee warmers, arm warmers, and lightweight tights, are all ready to go. If something needs replacing, now's the time.

• Consider lighting. While the days are growing fast, having a flashing light on your bike can help cars see you. For another month or so, the mornings are darker, potentially meaning morning runs could benefit from having a lightweight headlamp. This helps reduce the risk of falling and helps keep you safe.

Those steps ensure your gear is ready for action as you hit the roads outdoors! 

Will Kirousis, MS, CSCS, CISSN
Tri-Hard | Director
USA Cycling Certified Coach

USA Triathlon Certified Coach
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

Certified Sports Nutritionist

508.633.2708 | will@tri-hard.com | www.tri-hard.com | @willkirousis

Max Performance organizes multi-sport events throughout New England with an emphasis on organization, communication, energy, and enthusiasm!