Ethan Caldwell 
You lace up your shoes, step outside, and tell yourself today is the day you start running. Five minutes later, you’re hunched over gasping for air, convinced running just isn’t for you. I have been there, and so has almost every runner you see gliding effortlessly through your neighborhood. The truth is, nobody starts by … Read more
Choosing between a chest strap and wrist heart rate monitor could be the difference between nailing your Zone 2 training or unknowingly drifting into threshold effort. As triathletes, we rely on heart rate data to structure workouts, monitor recovery, and pace on race day. Yet many athletes do not realize that where you wear your … Read more
Every time your heart beats, it sends a signal. Whether you are training for your first sprint triathlon or preparing for an Ironman, understanding how heart rate monitors work can transform your approach to training. These devices do far more than display a number on your wrist. They decode the electrical and optical patterns your … Read more
Why GPS watches lose accuracy is one of the most common frustrations I hear from runners and triathletes. You start a training run confident in your device, only to finish and see your route looks like a drunken spider drew it on a map. The distance is off, the pace is wrong, and your elevation … Read more
GPS watches measure distance by receiving signals from multiple satellites and calculating your exact position through a process called trilateration. If you have ever finished a marathon only to see your watch display 26.5 miles instead of 26.2, you have experienced the quirks of this technology firsthand. I have spent years testing GPS watches across … Read more
Stack height is the amount of cushioning material between your foot and the ground in a running shoe, measured in millimeters. It includes the combined thickness of the midsole, insole, and outsole. Understanding this spec helps you choose shoes that match your running style, prevent injuries, and improve your comfort on the road or trail. … Read more
If you have been shopping for running shoes lately, you have probably seen the term “drop” tossed around in product descriptions and reviews. I remember standing in my local running store three years ago, completely confused when the salesperson asked if I preferred a high or low drop shoe. I had no idea what she … Read more
Carbon plate running shoes explained simply: these are advanced racing shoes built with a curved carbon fiber plate embedded within a thick layer of responsive foam. The technology has revolutionized endurance running since its mainstream debut, helping elite and amateur athletes achieve faster times with less fatigue. For triathletes specifically, understanding how these shoes work … Read more
Heavy legs after cycling are primarily caused by muscle fatigue, glycogen depletion, and lactic acid buildup in your leg muscles. This sensation affects nearly every cyclist at some point, from beginners building endurance to seasoned triathletes pushing through brick workouts. At Nautica Malibu Triathlon, our coaching team has worked with hundreds of athletes dealing with … Read more
The first time I tried to run after a 40-mile bike ride, my legs felt like they belonged to someone else. They were heavy, uncoordinated, and completely unwilling to cooperate. I stumbled off the bike path and looked like a baby giraffe taking its first steps. That was seven years ago, and I have since … Read more