Respro® Sportsta™ Mask

Here in Arizona there are huge dust storms that will be arriving soon this summer.  The literal walls of dust are picked up and carried all over.  It makes driving and seeing very difficult. Visibility is drastically reduced.   It is in these dust storms, or "haboobs" ,a fungal disease known as Valley Fever is carried.  I try not ride or run when these types of storms are present. I have been packing along just in case a Respro® Sportsta™ Mask, to help keep my lungs and respiratory system healthy while out training.  Whether running, road or mountain bike riding. I have used it several times while out mountain bike riding, as the dust off of the wheel of the person in front of you and sometimes your own tires kick up this dust. The device simply covers your mouth and nose filtering the air while allowing you to breathe normally.  The soft neoprene is attached behind your neck with a Velcro enclosure.  The devices are made in the U.K.  Of course drinking while out training while wearing this device is impossible.  However, I suggest if you need to take a drink while wearing it, simply stop remove the mask, drink, and carry on.   Around the nose there is a metal clip, keeping the mask securely tight around your nose. You will notice on the mask there are two valves in the front, these are where exhales air escapes from, however as you inhale, the air you bring into your lungs is totally filtered.

Using the Tech Paddle to increase my EVF

I am making good progress in the pool.  Getting faster and more comfortable every time I'm at the pool.  At the beginning of the summer I started using the Tech Paddle device to help my muscle memory on keeping a good EVF (Early Vertical Form).  Your hand and arm pulling back during the freestyle stroke will only move you forward in the water when it is vertical.  Using the Tech Paddle helps you create getting your arm in that position and your muscle memory.

The paddles are hand specific (right and left) are are easily worn with the Velcro strap. I have been incorporating them into my swim workouts for about 50 percent of the time.  A little awkward to get used to or maybe it's just my stroke it so messed up, but I have noticed that after only swimming two weeks with them I am getting faster in the water.  When I am wearing them in the water I focus on good hand and arm position.  Here is a short video of myself using them.  They are now part of my swim bag of tools.

Podium Cycling's Foam Rollers

 Podium Cycling makes foam rollers to help stretch tight muscles from the legs to the back.
I have used both the Level 1 Roller,  18 inches long, spiral shaped, as well as the Level 2 Roller,  13 inches long, with more ridges to roll deeper into muscle tissue.  The Level 2 roller is better suited for traveling due to its size while both rollers are 5 inches in diameter.  Both rollers help with stretching and recovery while massaging your muscles. I recommend for first time users to gradually ease into a recovery or any program using them.  I look forward after a hard workout using the rollers to aid in my recovery.  The foam roller works on removing trigger points, or small knots in your muscles along with flushing away lactic acid.  I use the roller on my lower body (hamstrings, calves and quads) then move onto working it on my upper and lower back. All this is done while laying on the ground either on the carpet or a matt.  Those with sensitive backs may find it uncomfortable and should take caution, as the devices are made to help you, not hurt you. The rollers help increase your flexibility while also improving your core strength. The Podium Cycling foam roller can also help with the redevelopment of muscles and restore the motion to joints in the body.  The foam rollers are designed to not break down which will give you many sessions of muscle recovery.

Check them out at www.podiumcycling.com

Officially signed up for my next race

I have officially entered the Mesa Sprint Triathlon happening on Oct. 12 of this year.

Training up to this point has been pretty unfocused.  Signing up makes it real.  The race is a sprint distance of a 400 yard swim, 12 mile bike and a 5k run.