Spring Training in Threes
By Yitka Winn
The start of the Victoria Marathon with the Parliament Building in the background. Photo by Simon DesRochers
With the long, sunshine-filled days of summer stretching ahead, you might be giving some thought to ramping up your fitness level this spring. Like a supportive friend, the Northwest is here for you, offering up an impressive smorgasbord of landscapes, shops, clinics, events, coaches, and steady motivation to get you moving this year.
After scoping out the options, we present you with this compilation of resources, ideas, and best picks for newbies and seasoned athletes alike. Happy training!
Bicycling
Most of us learned to ride a bike when we were young, and loved it then – so we promise that integrating two-wheeled motion into your adult life doesn’t have to be an intimidating process. Go ahead and relax into that saddle, start pedaling, and don’t forget to enjoy the scenery.
3 Local Ways to Learn:
www.thebikery.org: Seattle’s nonprofit community bike project
www.gracieswrench.com: Portland biking lessons and workshops
www.rei.com/expertadvice/cycling: Kent-based REI’s online Expert Pages
3 Good Reads:
Mastering Cycling, by John Howard
The Complete Book of Road Cycling & Racing, by Will Peveler
Bike Snob, by Eben Weiss and Christopher Koelle
3 Great Events for Newbies:
April 16: Tulip Pedal, Skagit County, Wash., http://www.skagitems.com/news/tulip-pedal-2011-date-set/
July 31: 18th annual Tour de Kitsap, http://www.westsoundcycling.com/
Sept 11: Tour de Lab, Portland, www.tourdelab.com
3 Ways to Get Started:
1. Pick up our 2011 edition of NW Cyclist for more in-depth resources to get you in the saddle and/or purse the hundreds of events in this annual calendar edition you are holding!
2. Attend a beginners’ bike maintenance class at your local bike shop.
3. Show up for a recreational group ride with a local cycling club.
3 Gear Bonuses:
Chamois butter, panniers, cycling gloves
Running
The past year has seen a huge resurgence of interest in running, not only for the sake of fitness, but also as an antidote for the modern, technology-driven, primarily indoors lifestyle. With minimal equipment necessary, running is a great way to get fresh air, increase your fitness, and stay strong.
3 Local Ways to Learn:
www.runningevolution.com: Seattle running training and coaching
www.runningmindfully.com: Portland running training and coaching
www.chirunning.com/learn-it/workshops: ChiRunning form workshops, various cities
3 Good Reads:
Running for Mortals, by John Bingham
Running Anatomy, by Joseph Puelo and Patrick Milroy
Born to Run, by Christopher McDougall
3 Great Events for Newbies:
Year-round, Multiple Cities: Komen Race for the Cure 5K, www.komen.org
May 27: Seattle: Magnuson Series 5K, 10K, 15K, and Walk, www.magnusonseries.org
July 9: Terrebonne, Ore.: Smith Rock Sunrise Summer Classic 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon,www.smithrockrace.com
3 Ways to Get Started:
1. Get your gait analyzed on a treadmill at a specialty running store to find the right shoes.
2. Follow the “Couch to 5K” training plan at: www.c25k.com
3. Find a running route (or map a new one) at www.mapmyrun.com
3 Gear Bonuses:
Moisture-wicking socks, hydration belt, GPS or footpod-enabled watch
Triathlon
If you’re looking to take your fitness to a new level in 2011, we can’t imagine a better way than to cross-train your way into triathlete shape. Don’t think it has to be Ironman or bust: there are plenty of less intimidating options to get you started.
3 Neighborhood Shops to Visit:
Speedy Reedy Triathlon, Seattle: www.speedyreedy.com
Athlete’s Lounge, Portland: www.athleteslounge.com
Northwest Multisport, Corvallis, Ore.: www.northwestmulti.com
3 Local Ways to Learn:
www.tnmultisports.com: Seattle triathlon training and coaching
www.teamintraining.org: Nationwide team coaching for first-time triathletes
www.geckotriclub.com: Portland club welcoming to newbies
3 Good Reads:
The Triathlete’s Training Bible, by Joe Friel
Slow Fat Triathlete, by Tim Anderson
Powered from Within, by Margreet Dietz
3 Great Events for Newbies:
July 17: Deschutes Dash Weekend Sprint Duathlon and Triathlon, www.deschutesdash.com
Aug. 14: Seattle Danskin Triathlon, www.danskintriathlon.net
Aug. 27: Lake Sammamish Triathlon, www.buduracing.com
3 Ways to Get Started:
1. Sign up for an account at: www.beginnertriathlete.com for free training plans, nutrition logs, monthly newsletter, and discussion forums.
2. Check around for local triathlon clinics put on by races at local retailers.
3. Start by trying a “brick” workout: Bike for a set distance, and follow it up with an easy run.
3 Gear Bonuses:
Wetsuit, heart monitor, transition gear bag
