That first plunge into cold water hits different. Your chest tightens. Your breath catches. Every instinct screams to get out. I remember my first cold water swim like it was yesterday: 58-degree water at Zuma Beach, heart racing, hyperventilating, wondering if I had made a terrible mistake. But I kept at it. Within a few … Read more
Standing at the starting line of a 15-mile training run, I learned the hard way that what to eat before a long run can make or break your entire workout. I had skipped breakfast, thinking coffee would carry me through. By mile 8, my legs felt like concrete and my stomach was growling louder than … Read more
Drafting in open water swimming can save you 20 to 38 percent of your energy expenditure while helping you swim faster with less effort. Whether you’re training for your first triathlon or looking to improve your open water race times, mastering the art of drafting is one of the most valuable skills you can develop. … Read more
You are staring at your plate the night before your big race, wondering if that extra scoop of pasta will help you PR or send you sprinting for the porta-potties instead of the finish line. I have been there more times than I can count across three triathlon seasons and countless running events. Figuring out … Read more
Crossing the finish line of your run is just the beginning of your recovery journey. As a triathlete training for the Nautica Malibu Triathlon, you know that what you eat in the minutes and hours after your run directly impacts your performance in tomorrow’s swim, tonight’s bike session, or next week’s brick workout. What to … Read more
Standing at the edge of Zuma Beach, staring at the Pacific before your first open-water swim, the question hits you: is your wetsuit thick enough? I have made that same mistake. After three years of competing in the Nautica Malibu Triathlon and coaching dozens of athletes through their first ocean swims, I have learned that … Read more
Do energy gels actually work? After completing three triathlons and coaching dozens of runners through their first marathons, I can give you a definitive answer. Yes, energy gels work remarkably well when used correctly. They deliver a concentrated dose of carbohydrates that your body converts to glucose within 15-30 minutes, helping maintain your blood sugar … Read more
Standing at the water’s edge on race morning, you check the temperature one more time. The reading flashes 77 degrees Fahrenheit. You have exactly 15 minutes before your wave starts, and you’re wrestling with a critical decision that could affect your race results, safety, and even your eligibility for awards. This is the reality every … Read more
After bonking at mile 18 of my first marathon despite drinking water at every aid station, I learned a painful truth. Water alone isn’t enough for endurance athletes. That’s why electrolytes matter for endurance athletes in ways that can make or break your performance on race day. Electrolytes are essential minerals that carry an electrical … Read more
Learning how to put on a triathlon wetsuit correctly can make the difference between a smooth race day and a stressful transition experience. I remember my first open water swim – I spent 15 minutes wrestling with my neoprene wetsuit, only to realize halfway through the swim that I had never pulled it high enough … Read more