Monday, December 7, 2009

Movement University!!!!!!


This Sunday I had the pleasure of attending Jessi Stensland’s MovementU seminar. This was truly a great opportunity for our Triathlon community. Jessi has a solid history as an elite triathlete and was trained and mentored by one of the best people in the strength and conditioning industry (Mark Verstegen: http://www.athletesperformance.com/).

Jack quickly got behind the seminar with the goal of helping Jessi improve the numbers and considering that the class filled. I was grateful to be a part of the experience. The class highlighted and reviewed the basics of proper bio-mechanics, and body position in all three disciplines. As the J & A bike specialist I find it challenging, at times, to educate customers to these often obvious strength, core and posture needs.

The highlight of the curriculum was the emphasis on each participants focus and responsibility to be aware of what each needed to do to improve posture, core contraction and consequently strength in a unified and coordinated manner. There were excellent examples and opportunity to practice implementing the posture and core stability into proper bio-mechanics, without the typical debates of bio-mechanical philosophies.

The class was a commitment of nearly the full day with great food, not catered, but prepared by both Jessi and her mother. I heard several attendees mention even the meal was a lesson in awareness of how an athlete could eat a protein dense meal without using animal protein as the primary source.

I would greatly encourage this course to any coach or athlete especially he or she who possess experience in the gym or with functional strength and conditioning. Jessi took complex movements and almost made entirely new activities from the most fundamental portions. The impact of this was a very strategic approach for the time sensitive triathlete in improving, not only performance, but injury resistance, an area where all triathletes can benefit.

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Sunday, December 6, 2009

Why hasn't anyone bought this AR4?


Alright... I'm not quite angry yet, but things have got to change around here. I mean, if your reading this post you probably have an aero helmet in your closet or have entertained thoughts of selling a kidney for a set of race wheels. Perhaps both... Yet so many of you are unabashedly riding on road bikes with the aerodynamic properties of a brick. Oh, the hypocrisy of man! It perplexes me that this AR4, a lion amongst lambs, has escaped notice.

Am I the only one who dreams of peeling off the front of a charging peloton? Am I the only triathlete that wants a road bike so fast it will blow the minds of all those roadies that clearly saw you wave, but did not wave back? I won't believe that. I refuse to believe that! It's winter now, time for base miles and cold fingers. Time to build the fitness that will carry you through next season. All the suffering, the TV shows you could of watched, the social events you've blown off to train. It was all for one purpose... To go faster! The AR4 isn't a gimmick, it's real technology that will help in this quest and I truly believe it to be one of the jewels of our lineup.

I'll start from the top and be as succinct as possible here. FELT's AR line of bikes debuted last year to much industry acclaim and have been ridden by the Garmin-Transitions pro cycling team all over the world. The bike retailed last year for $3799. This year FELT is offering an improved version of the same cycle for $3499. What did they skimp on? Literally nothing... The frame is lighter and comes with a completely redesigned Ultegra gruppo. The new Ultegra 6700 weighs 150 grams less than last years version, has carbon fiber brake levers and internal cable routing. Even the brakes are Ultegra grade (most company's will skimp on the brakes, because the average consumer only looks at the derailleurs and shifters). The frame set itself is essentially a FELT B12 time trial bike with road geometry. As a bonus, the bike is aesthetically stunning and weighs in at under 17 pounds.

Come on by the shop. I'll wax philosophical on this bike and give you more information than you probably want. Did you know that we also allow extended test rides? Take it out on your next group ride and burn everyone to the city limit sign. Just make sure to zip up your jersey so the crowd knows who your sponsored by.

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Saturday, December 5, 2009

Training Tips for the Bandera Trail Run

Now that the triathlon season is coming to a close and the Bandera Trail run draws near, it is definitely the time to ditch the road and hop on the trail. Luckily Joe Prusaitis, race director of the Bandera Trail run, had a second to give us some pointers for his race and trail running in general.

First and foremost, Joe advises runners to get on uneven surfaces by finding trails like the Greenbelt - dry creek beds and paths that will test stability. Athletes who run only on the road are able to use the same foot plant in every stride and never have a chance to use their lateral muscles. "You start finding all those muscles you never use," Joe notes, "I think of it like going skiing once a year, you just hurt like heck even though you think you're in great shape."

The Bandera Trail Run began with Joe's vision to design one of the most challenging courses in the area. "I went out there and laid out the longest possible race I could get without crossing a trail and without backtracking," he says. What resulted was a 31 mile loop that combines quad-busting climbs with enough flats to keep runners motivated. Joe recommends that all competitors come to Bandera at least once before the race to physically experience (run or hike) the course. "There really is a home court advantage," Joe notes, adding that runners can look at a topographic map and mistakenly think that the steepest hill is the hardest - which is not necessarily the case!

Running on the trail, especially in winter, sometimes requires artificial light and there is a good chance runners who are ready for the Bandera 100k will spend a portion of their race in the dark. Though many runners opt for lightweight headlamps, Joe warns against them because most shine straight down and offer little depth of vision. Hand lamps are larger and brighter. Also, though many think halogen bulbs are a better option because they're brighter, LED lights allow runners to see greater depth and they also require less battery power, which means runners don't have to carry heavy backup batteries in their packs.

Otherwise, distance trail races are "all about food and water" according to Joe, who always suggests front packs. "If it's not convenient, you're not going to mess with it." Stopping to shed your backpack and fish out your nutrition will interrupt the flow of your run much more than simply unzipping a small fanny pack. If you do carry a small pack, make sure have a good plan to replenish your nutrition at the aid stations along the course.

This is where great volunteers and supportive friends or family are a necessity. Joe suggests race support teams find out where aid stations are before the race online, take a chair and layer enough clothing for the cold weather at night. Those who come to support competitors "almost need to plan like that are running" says Joe, suggesting support teams bring more food and water than they assume they would need.

Though planning for this type of race can be complicated, don't forget to have fun and enjoy running in this special place that "just has a good feel to it," according to Joe. Good luck to all competitors!

For more information about the Bandera Trail Run, click here.

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Friday, December 4, 2009

2XU Compression Tights

2XU Compression Tights


This past week I had the opportunity to test the 2XU Compression Tights. I decided to wear them overnight to see how they aided recovery during sleep. Here are a few observations I had about the tights:

Size: When in doubt, size up. Based on the size chart I went with the Women's small. In hindsite I should have gone with a medium. I knew going in that anything with the word "compression" as the description would be a little tough to pull up. That, I could handle with no problems. I realized I should have sized up when the inseam was too short or should I say, "deposit change here". The husband said the size was fine but he is biased anyways!

Compression: I definitely felt general compression throughout my legs. If you are looking for general compression without concentrating on one area of the body then the tights are definitely the way to go. For me, my calves are the problem so I need concentrated compression in my lower leg area. So I will probably stick to Compression Socks. The tights are still a great option to help recover faster, to help improve circulation, to help reduce fatigue, and to help reduce muscle damage.
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Thursday, December 3, 2009

Pop's Picks of the Week


Hi all, Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving Holiday. All of us at the shop enjoyed a few days off and took advantage of the opportunity to spend time with our families. We returned Friday to kick-off the Holiday shopping season with Black Friday the J&A way. If you have not taken time to review our Holiday sale offerings, check-out our homepage for all the details.
We've been asked numerous times for gift ideas. I thought I would take the opportunity with this post to offer up some suggestions.

A new arrival this week is the D.R.Y. Car Seat Towel Straps. Its a simple, affordable solution to the challenge of keeping your car seats clean after a hard workout or a trip to the dog park with your furry friends. This 2"x7" strap with clips turns any available towel into a seat saver for $10.00.

Another way to cover up this problem is to give the gift of a NeatSeat. This 34"x58" hooded seat cover is large enough to completely cover any size vehicle's single seat. So what's the big difference between your towel and NeatSeat? Well its actually a micro-difference with a big impact. Advanced Microfibers breathe better and wick the moisture away from your body. The result, a more comfortable ride.

It sure cooled down quickly but its not keeping the most dedicated (or less sane) of us from working out. One apparel item that can make a difference in keeping us happy and warm on the coldest of days is a pair of wool socks. We have several styles available from DeFeet. Wool is an organic material that is a great insulator. It even works well when wet. This makes wool socks a great choice for the winter workouts.

Finally I offer up the gift idea I hope finds its' way into my stocking...The Grid™ from TP Therapy. This is not your standard foam roller. This is a Massage therapist in a portable tube. TP Therapy describes its' latest therapy tool as follows "The Grid: Revolutionary Foam Roller Features Distrodensity Zones, Matrix Technology and an environmentally friendly design. Being only 13" long and 5" in diameter, the sleek design of the The Grid makes it an excellent travel companion." I concur. But don't let its' small size fool you, this roller packs a powerful punch sure to keep your quads happy for the Holidays.

If none of these ideas strike you as the gift to give, stop by the store and have a look for yourself. You're sure to find the perfect gift for the multi-sporter in your life. And if you just can't decide, you can never go wrong with a gift card!

Cheers, Pops


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Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Movement U this Sunday Dec. 6th


Movement Efficiency + Performance

SWIM BIKE RUN with Jessi Stensland

Whether you're a coach wanting to get the most out of your athletes or an athlete interested in being injury resistant, efficient and powerful in your swim/bike/run efforts, this workshop is for you. It is about the most overlooked, yet most important thing you bring to your sport or activity: YOUR BODY, YOUR MACHINE.

Join us for a full day of interactive, dynamic classroom style education held at the top performance training centers across the United States. Your body will love you for it!
FREE REGISTRATION with code: FALL09COMP Regular Price $149

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Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Tire Repair While Out Riding

Do you know what to do if you are out on a ride and you get a big cut in your tire? If you don't, then this may help you out. If you are out on a ride and you get a cut in your tire that is big enough for the tube to poke out then there are a couple of things you can do to get back home.

First thing you need to do is take off the tire and find something to put in between the new tube and the hole in the tire. You need something that will not tear under the pressure of the tube. You can use gu or energy bar wrappers, but the best thing I have found is a dollar bill. Take your tire boot and fold it so it is at least an inch longer than the hole you are covering. Put it in the tire and then install the tire the same as you normally would. When you air it back up, make sure that it is holding the tube so you don't waste your good tube. As long as it looks good, you can put the wheel back on your bike and ride home. You will probably want to buy a new tire when you get home.

So always remember to bring something in your flat kit that can boot your tire if this happens to you.

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