Disclosure: It’s always my policy to make you aware that this triathlon training post is sponsored by ACTIVX SPORTS. Also links contained in this post may be affiliate links, which means I get a small commision on sales made through those links. It’s a great way for you (my workout friends) to support the website and keep me motivated to continue posting.
On May 1st 2010 I did my first 5k race. It was a fun run, no chip timing, no medals, no fuss. I was hooked. Fast forward to 2016 and I’ve done 5Ks, 10Ks, a half marathon, and a few duathlons. You can see all my race recaps and finish times here. This year though I’m taking things up a notch… I’ll be doing my first triathlon! 2015 was a light racing year for me. Too busy with Yoga Teacher Training to spend time training let alone racing. However the end of 2015 saw a few changes in my work schedule. After 5 years I stopped working weekends. This has freed up some training time so I can now commit to swimming, biking and running.
Not to do things half-assed the triathlon I’m doing is the Nautica Malibu Triathlon in September. It’s a half mile ocean swim, 18 mile bike and 4 mile run. Yes OCEAN swim. The only time I really swam in the ocean was in Hawaii on vacation while snorkeling. While that was fun, it was NOT really swimming, and definitely not racing. My weakness = swimming. This week we will start swim classes (again) and commit to swimming three times a week. If you want to support our efforts remember this IS a charity event. All donations go to the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, you find our fundraising page here.
Taming the Triathlon Transition
All the running, cycling and swimming is great but one area that I needed to work on after the duathlons was the transitions. That’s the change between the swim/cycle and cycle/run. Now I haven’t done the swim/cycle transition before so that will be new, but the cycle/run I’ve done a few times in the duathlons and have read up about trying to reduce the transition time. One suggestion is to use elasticated laces, like these from AKTIVX SPORTS.
I’ve been a fan of elasticated laces for a while because frankly I’m lazy when it comes to mundane tasks like tying shoelaces. Most often I would just shove the laces inside and slip the shoes on rather than take the time to lace them up, with the elasticated laces I can slip the shoes on and it takes 5 seconds to pull the tab and done! In the package you get 2 laces, 2 locking mechanisms and 2 of the non-slip lace clips. All match perfectly, talk about color coordination!
I received a pair of the sour apple green ACTIVX SPORTS elasticated shoe laces that matched my new Reebok Running Shoes perfectly. Now ordinarily I would have got the cool grey but the green just popped and I think you’ll agree that the green just makes the Reebok shoes look so much cooler! By the way, the shoes are super comfortable. I’ve been wearing them (and the laces) for two weeks and LOVING both. These are my first forray into Reebok running shoes in a long time (long time Brooks running shoe snob) but these have been great for workouts, running and walking, definitely recommend.
You can see a full video review on my youtube channel, where I share installation of the laces which is super quick and easy. Having the elasticated laces makes getting running or cycling shoes on/off really quick and easy which is what you want in a triathlon transition. Now, if only they could make me run faster too!
What do you think of elasticated laces? Would you try them? They’d be great for kids or older adults too! If you’ve done a triathlon what other tips would you suggest for taming the triathlon transition time?
Cara (@StylishGeek)
I absolutely admire women (and men) who can train and do a triathlon. The most I have done is run a half-marathon and it was really hard! So I can just imagine how training must be. Thanks for sharing your encouraging post!
Di Hickman
I did a 1/2 marathon and it was so tough! I’m doing the sprint triathlon which is short & sweet!
Megan McCoig
I think elastic laces are a great idea. Mine are always coming undone when I’m working out, and doing them back up again makes me hot and bothered! Great post:)
Di Hickman
Glad to help!
Bernadette Callahan
My 14yr old son wants to do a triathlon. He wants to start training this summer and hopefully be ready by the end of the year.
Di Hickman
Awesome! Sprint is the way to go initially. Then increase the distance from there!
alexandria
That’s so inspiring that you can do all those! I could never. Even a short run would probably kill me.
Di Hickman
I do all this with a genetic disease, and in my mid 40’s! No Excuses!
Laci
A triathlon is huge good for you !!! I would de half way through but it dors indeed intregiue me.
Di Hickman
I can’t wait to be on the ‘done’ side rather than the “training for” side 😉
Toughcookiemommy
We are actually reading a book in my class about a character who participates in triathlons. It’s amazing the level of endurance that these athletes have in order to compete in these events.
Di Hickman
For sure! The full distance IronMan scares the bleepers out of me!
Louise Bishop
I may just have to give the laces a try. I never untie my shoes because I am too lazy. This might be a good compromise to breaking down the back of my shoe trying to get it on while it’s still tied.
Di Hickman
hahaha I’m the same very rarely untie laces. so these just seemed like a no brainer!
Amber Nelson
What an awesome goal! I would love to try, but I don’t know how to swim!
Di Hickman
We took lessons in 2014 when my hubby signed up for his first triathlon. I thought I could swim at the time, but upon taking lessons I realized I was just not drowning lol!
Eva / Kid Minds
I have never heard of elasticated shoe laces, but I think it’s such a good idea! This green color does make your shoes look cool! Can’t wait to hear about your first triathlon experience in September! Keep us posted!
Di Hickman
Doesn’t the green just make the shoes look amazing? To think that years ago I just wore black or white lol!
Rebeka
Kudos to you for preparing for a triathlon, that is great! Those are really neat shoe laces. I had no clue they even made those. I’m sure my mom, who is a runner, would appreciate these. xx Rebeka
Di Hickman
Totally! Great for running as the elastic allow for the swelling of the feet.
Tabitha
Laces you don’t have to tie!? I’m so in! I hate tying my shoes too so I think this is a brilliant idea and I am super impressed with how dedicated you are!
Di Hickman
Thanks Tabitha! I hated tying shoelaces too. Now I don’t have to 🙂
ashley lee
Those laces are awesome. I did not realize they made those type that you could just put in any shoe. My toddler needs them! I hate having to tie and untie her converse all the time! HA!
Di Hickman
Perfect for kids!!! I think it’s the future really. In 20 years we’ll be wondering why we ever used regular laces!
Onica (MommyFactor)
Having elasticated laces is a great idea. Stopping to tie laces takes so much time. This is way easier.
Di Hickman
Yes it does. Plus some just don’t want to stay tied!
jill conyers
My husband loves his lock laces. Every time I read a post about a tri I consider signing up. It’s the swim that stops me. Good luck with your training. Keep us updated.
Di Hickman
Do it Jill! We took swim lessons two years ago. Plus there are triathlons that are in dams & reservoirs etc (ie: not in the ocean).
Blythe A.
I’ve never tried these elasticized laces but think they are a great idea. I hate it when I’m working out and my laces decide to come undone. Good luck running, biking and swimming in your triathlon.
Di Hickman
Thanks Blythe! I agree shoelaces coming undone are so annoying!
Michele
I do not think I could ever do a triathlon! That is is awesome that you are into that. It’s super inspirational! Great post
Di Hickman
Thanks Michele, It’s my first. My hubby has done two already.