What's Your Powersong?

"What's your power song?" is a question you hear quite often nowadays. Running has gotten so popular, that it can even serve as a pickup line. Props to Nike+ for making the buzz phrase 'Power Song'.

As for me, I have none.

I prefer to run without music. Don't get me wrong, I am a BIG fan of music, but when it comes to working out, I prefer to do without. When people ask me "So, what music do you listen to when you run?" they are not expecting "Nothing" as my reply. More often than not, the follow up questions are "Why Not? What keeps you going? Don't you get bored?".

For me, working out (be it a swim, a bike ride or a run) is alone time. My mind is not at all quiet tho. Depending on the type and intensity of the workout, there can be a ton of things up in my head.

Long rides are easy - its just about enjoying the wind, the sun, and the scenery - even in the rain. Most often, I'll be chatting it up with my riding partner. Towards the end of the ride, conversations usually start shifting towards food, or about where and when the next long ride would be.

View near the top of Bugarin

Running is much more punishing. I don't think most people, towards the end of a long run, would be thinking about how much they are looking forward to their next. Probably, they are counting down the miles, hoping it will be over soon.

During runs, my mind is filled with alot of things. Most often, I am playing numbers games. I like computing pace, and finishing times. It keeps me busy. Sometimes I do multiplication tables. I haven't quite yet reached the point where I have tried to recite the periodic table of elements. Recently, I ran with my Garmin and got so bored. The damn thing did all the computation for me! I was left with nothing to do. Next time, I'm leaving the Garmin at home.


During hard runs and races, I mostly find myself thinking about technique. While struggling to keep pace, and watching my breathing, I constantly remind myself of certain things, hoping it will help me run better - 'Run in a straight line', 'Light feet', 'Keep your head up', 'Don't slouch', 'Maximize the stride', 'Pump the arms' among others.

Silence is my Power Song...what's yours?

Play it Forward

I originally wanted to call this blog 'Play It Forward', this blog being about sharing experiences, hoping that readers would be able to take something from my experiences, and learn from it. Someone had already reserved the URL, so I just ended up with Positive Split.

This year's triathlon and duathlon season is coming to an end, and has been very fulfilling. Diving headfirst into the world of triathlon is no joke, and it would have not been possible, without the help of my fellow athletes. This entry is my way of P(l)aying it forward...giving back. I am no expert, but I have learned alot the past year, and I'm hoping you would too.

Here are some of my favorite tips & tricks, which are a culmination of what I've read (in books, magazines or on the Internet), what I've learned (through my experiences) and what others have taught me.

Learning

• Research, research, research! There are a ton of sites and forums on the net, and a ton of Tri-bloggers to learn from. Also, there are always friendly people around who are always ready to give advice (sometimes unsolicited) - so don't be afraid to ask. See bottom for my favorite sites
• Experiment! Don't be afraid to try out new things. Not all you read or hear will suit you. Also, if something works for you, however alien it may be, stick with it - for as long as it will not put you, or your body in danger.

Training

• Make a plan and commit yourself to it! There are alot of training programs available on the Web. At the start of the week, plan out your training schedule, and try your best not to miss a workout.
• Resist the urge to Overtrain! Although volume can do wonders, doing too much too soon will only result in overtraining. Resist the urge, listen to your body, and take a break once in a while. If you're following your program, chances are you're doing alright.
• Mix it up! It may get boring and monotonous at times, so try and change things up. Swimming/Biking/Running the same distance at the same speed every time won't really help speed you up. Incorporate some Interval and Speed Sessions in your training program. Try Brick workouts too.
• Join a Master Swim Class, Group Ride or Running Group! There's alot to learn from these people, and you will benefit most from a few workouts with them. Better yet, join a Triathlon Team.
  
• Incorporate stretching, yoga and core workouts.
  
• Maintain a training log - Jot down your workouts, what you ate, and even what you wore - it might come in handy one day

Equipment

• Get a good pair of running shoes! Have your feet, old shoes and gait checked, and make sure you buy a shoe that's right for your foot
• Get bike-fitted, or if you already have a bike, have a bikefitter adjust your bike so that you will pedal and ride efficiently, and avoid the aches and pains that is a result of a mis-fit.
• Get a tri-suit, or worse case, a 2-piece. It will not only save time, but it will be comfortable. If you're not commited, you can start with trunks, and a top.
• Get a road bike! You MAY not need a triathlon specific bike (contrary to what most people say), especially if you are targetting short distance triathlons & duathlons (with bike legs 40km or less). Research, ask for advice, then decide. If you have to borrow a bike for your first triathlon, do so.
  

Racing

• Taper the week before the race!
  
• Relax, and enjoy the race! You've done the work, so enjoy the race. Don't be too hard on yourself, especially on your first race.
• Hydrate! Make sure you drink enough fluids (and have some Power Gels if need be). Even if you are not thirsty, drink water or Gatorade. For a Sprint Tri, have at least 2 water bottles on your bike, and make sure both are empty before you begin the run.
• Finish strong, and smile! It may be difficult, but it will be worth it.

Keep on Tri'n Hard...and P(l)ay it forward!

Favorite Sites/Blogs:

• Everything/Everyone on my Blogroll
• SlowTwitch
• Runner's World and Bicycling
• Beginner Triathlete
• Mark Allen Online
• Total Immersion Swimming
• TriFuel
• FirstwaveTri & PECA Yahoo Groups
  

Please feel free to provide your own tips & tricks :)