cycling articles — Daily Cycle

From Zero to 70.3 – First tri of the year

Posted April 19, 2012 in racing, rob ellis, training, triathlon

I’m about 5 weeks into my training for 70.3 UK, and have just rounded off my first race of the year. The race in question was the Ringwood Triathlon, run by Results Triathlon. I feel they really need a good mention here, my first triathlon as a junior was through Results, there’s always such a great atmosphere at the events and the organiser Michelle is always on hand to answer questions with a smile and a word of encouragement. The Ringwood Triathlon comprised a 600m pool swim, 28 mile ... read more...

From zero to 70.3

Posted April 12, 2012 in health, rob ellis, training, triathlon

I’ve just called time on week 3 of triathlon training. It’s been a heavy three weeks, ups and downs, injuries and issues, but it looks like things are moving in the right direction. As anyone who’s made the transition from cycling to triathlon will know all too well, it’s really the running that’s the killer. Three runs into training and I’d already picked up a couple of issues, with the final straw coming when my gastrocnemius cramped to the extent where I could barely walk. A tri... read more...

A plunge into the unkown - Ironman UK 70.3

Posted March 16, 2012 in inspiration, racing, rob ellis, training, triathlon

I’d like to start this article by asking you to watch a quick video clip. I first came across this video 3 or 4 years ago and it’s had a deep and lasting impact on me; the true embodiment of the Ironman mantra that nothing is impossible. The Hoyt’s truly are incredible athletes, totally overcoming the limitations imposed on them by nature and showing that whoever says you can’t, doesn’t know a thing about human determination! But this article isn’t about th... read more...

Choosing running shoes

Posted December 20, 2011 in duathlon, John Wood, triathlon

People dislike running for various reasons… hurts my ankles/knees/back is a common refrain. Some of this comes down to personal imbalances and weaknesses - and if this is the case, it shouldn't be a barrier to running and enjoyment of being on your feet. But it might be worth speaking to a respectable coach or sports physio who can recommend how to strengthen the affected areas so that you can prevent the pain. There are plenty of blanket exercises that you can do to strengthen the right mus... read more...

Why do we choose triathlon?

Posted December 20, 2011 in duathlon, John Wood, racing, training, triathlon

15 years ago it was running marathons and half marathons. Now its doing all manner of triathlons, from super sprint introductory races all the way through to Ironman. What is it that drives us to take on these events, these challenges of superhuman efforts? For some it’s a drunken bet or agreement with a group of friends. For a few, it’s a different way to lose weight. Occasionally it’s to try something completely different. Possibly most importantly, it’s a challenge with yourself. Triathl... read more...

Improve your running off the bike with these brick sessions

Posted December 20, 2011 in duathlon, John Wood, training, triathlon

Note from the editor – this is the first post by our newest Daily Cycle author – John Wood (pictured above). John is an experienced cyclist, runner and swimmer as you will quickly discover. His triathlon and duathlon skills make him an excellent addition to the team. Read more about him here. Anyone who has ever competed in (or trained for) a triathlon or duathlon knows the horrendous feeling of heaviness in the quads and the jelly legs as you leave the bike rack and enter the run. Your f... read more...

10 Reasons why you should sign up for a Duathlon today

Posted December 20, 2011 in duathlon, racing, Tim Bland, training, triathlon

This weekend I took part in the London Duathlon 2011. I did the ‘Challenge’ event which is comprised of: a 10km run (6.2 miles) a 25km cycle (15.5 miles) a 5km run (3.1 miles) Here come the excuses; I was suffering slightly from a virus I had picked up the day before, it was very windy and also, it turns out that Richmond Park is somewhat hillier than you might expect. In any case I suffered immensely so was pleased with my overall time of 1hr 55mins. Thanks to those who supported me, ... read more...

Ironman UK Success by resident Daily Cycle coach – Andy Brodziak

Posted December 20, 2011 in racing, Tim Bland, triathlon

When resident Daily Cycle coach Andy Brodziak is not busy training Andy Ward or his other happy clients; he is battling his own training and races. So it’s great to see that he recently nailed Ironman UK. He managed to come in at just 2 secs over 10 hours which put in him in 8th place in his age group and more importantly – meant that he got a place for Kona. With a PB in both his swim and his bike leg and what he calls a “slow marathon” – nailing the 26.2 miles in 3 hours and 22 minutes (af... read more...

The importance of cross training and building strong bones

Posted December 20, 2011 in Amy O Halloran, female cyclists, training, triathlon

photo featured in the Daily Cycle Flickr Group – added by sharonnord I am a keen runner and a cyclist and I try to do as much of both as possible. It often leaves me wondering, however, whether doing one complements the other or not. Obviously, any form of aerobic exercise is going to help overall fitness and running is a brilliant way to build fitness with relatively short workouts. Unfortunately, the truth is that running and cycling use muscles in completely different ways and therefore i... read more...

Triathlon transition set up tips

Posted December 20, 2011 in andy brodziak, racing, training, triathlon

Editors note: Whatever level you are, if you’ve ever done a triathlon, or are even thinking of doing a triathlon or duathlon – you need to have a game plan for the transition area. When I did my first duathlon, I wasted over 2 minutes in the transition area. If I took those 2 minutes off my time, I would’ve won the race in my category. Food for thought. As a pro triathlon coach, Andy knows his stuff, so pay attention :) The following video was recorded by the coaching company (www.one-tria... read more...

Insoles and Orthotics for runners and cyclists

Posted December 20, 2011 in andy brodziak, duathlon, training, triathlon

Editor’s note: what follows is another guest post from Andy Brodziak, you can find him at www.andybrodziak.com Having worked with feet and insoles in a leading London custom footwear store for 6 years, I have been fortunate enough to meet some Olympic & Commonwealth athletes over the years in different sports which has given me some real insight into injuries. But it’s the shear number of everyday athletes that have come in, from who I have learnt the most. From rugby to golf, tri... read more...

Introducing Tom Babbington – the latest Daily Cycle Writer…

Posted December 20, 2011 in City Cycling, city cycling, Tim Bland, training, triathlon

Editor’s note: What follows is the first of hopefully many posts from Tom Babbington, a successful triathlete and coach. You can get more info from Tom and his services at www.capitalescapes.com First of all a bit about me… My name is Tom Babbington and have been active forever but cycling active for 5yrs. I begrudgingly moved to London after University due to a lack of imagination I guess and found myself a job as a Project management consultant. I quickly realized that t... read more...

Nutritional Review Series -CNP ProHydrate

Posted December 20, 2011 in racing, reviews, rob ellis, training, triathlon

CNP Professional is a company which supplies nutritional products to both British Cycling and Team Sky Pro Cycling Team. Dave Brailsford is British Cycling’s performance director and is one of the most obsessive men in the cycling world; his concept of marginal gains took British Cycling from just another small cycling nation to being a real dominant force, both on the road and on the track. Nutrition plays a very key role in cycling; it provides the energy we burn while out on the road, th... read more...

Introducing Andy Brodziak – the latest Daily Cycle writer

Posted December 20, 2011 in I Cyclist, training, triathlon

Introducing Andy Brodziak, Daily Cycle’s latest writer. We are very excited to have Andy on board as he is a professional triathlon coach. Andy finished an incredible 7th overall in the Vineman Ironman. So rest assured he is more than qualified to hand out advice on training, keeping injury free and all that glorious kit you need as a cyclist and triathlete. Andy will be discussing all these things in depth over the coming months. But his first post is a very honest account of becoming a n... read more...

Ironman’s and becoming a new dad!

Posted December 20, 2011 in andy brodziak, I Cyclist, training, triathlon

Welcome to my first article for Daily Cycle. Thought I'd highlight some of 2010's real life obstacles and see if you can apply it to your life, especially if you are just about to become a parent for the first time. In a complete medical anomaly, my girlfriend tried 5 times with IVF treatment & radical hormones to get pregnant with no luck previously, however we conceived naturally after meeting her post IVF. The hormonal changes for 9 months was quite unpredictable and I kept turning to... read more...

Valdora Tri/TT 2011 bikes – first look

Posted December 20, 2011 in Cycling Gear, cycling gear, duathlon, triathlon

Hopefully Daily Cycle is going to get the chance to review these weapons soon, but until we do here’s a quick ganda at the 2011 version of the awesome Valdora Tri/TT bikes. They are available through bikesales4u.com if you live in the UK. Here’s what they have to say about the bikes: The Valdora PHX frame is made from high strength carbon fibre composite utilising proprietary OCRR technology yields a frameset that is free of flex while absorbing vibration effortlessly. Every tube of the PHX ... read more...

Everything you know about winter cycling is wrong!

Posted December 20, 2011 in duathlon, I Cyclist, Pro riding, Pro Tour, racing, Tim Bland, training, triathlon

Photo via the Daily Cycle Flickr Group. Added by The fixed factor. Every magazine article or website I read with advice about winter cycling tells me that it’s time to take it easy and start to build my base level endurance (*yawn*). Well, I’m here to tell you that spending all winter peddling slowly in the freezing cold is not only unnecessary it’s painful, boring and most importantly – not the way to get fast on your bike. If you think that I’m going to spend 6 months, trudging out into... read more...

The anatomy of the club run, and why cycling is the best sport in the world!

Posted December 20, 2011 in I Cyclist, racing, rob ellis, training, triathlon

picture via S P I N W E L L Since the start of my cycling career, I've been one for long, self indulgent rides; a good chance to clear my head and get away from the stresses of coursework, deadlines and diagrams. However, this Sunday I went on my first ever club ride and needless to say - I'm converted! I'd joined New Forest Cycling Club in April so that I could do some of their Time Trials and I'd hoped to go along to some group rides, but a shoulder injury, A levels and a trip to Indonesi... read more...

Running, toilet stops and shiny things

Posted December 20, 2011 in duathlon, racing, rob ellis, triathlon

picture credit As a cyclist, the world of the long distance runner is somewhat of a mystery to me. Or at least it was, until this weekend. A few months back I’d been bullied into entering the New Forest half marathon by my dad, who was signing up for his 5th run of the full marathon. At the time I thought it sounded like a good idea, a chance to get back to my routes as a runner and a new challenge to work on. However, as the 26th of September began to draw closer, the fact that I&rsqu... read more...

My first Ironman Inspiration

Posted December 20, 2011 in I Cyclist, racing, Tim Bland, triathlon

Last week I discovered Daniel Molls blog runcycleswim after chatting to him on twitter. I started reading about his Ironman experience and found it fascinating. To do an Ironman is a massive achievement and whilst I definitely don’t think I could do it right now, what with being a new dad and a whole bunch of other lame excuses I could easily roll out, I dream about doing one in the future. So, in need of some inspiration, I asked Dan to write a guest post specially for the readers of Daily... read more...

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