Life Savers- 6 Steps to Total Transformation

bookHow do we stay on course with training, family and work when so much of life gets in the way. If you really want to make triathlon training a part of your daily routine I have found an awesome resource from the book, The Miracle Morning” by Hal Elrod. It was a total game changer for me especially when I started getting busier and busier with my daughter, work and a few health setbacks. It’s an incredibly easy read and I listened to it in the car in a week on Audible.com  I immediately started implementing the 6 Life S.A.V.E.R.S. Hal describes in the book. I have never accomplished so much in such a short time. Below is a recap of the book, but reading it will clarify a lot of details.  Hal also has a ton of resources on his website for free that you can download.

#1 Silence – Practice Silence Daily. The benefits of meditation are undeniable and scientifically proven. It really is simple and the benefits are tremendous. Improve concentration, immune function, reduce and manage stress. In as little as 2 min/ day but ideally 10-20 minutes you can have all of these benefits. I wake up and include it every morning and it completely sets up my day in the best way. Some Apps to try are Address Stress; Deepak Chopra 21 day meditation (Perfect Health is a favorite); Insight Timer, are just a few.  The Release Technique by Brendon Burchard is a very simple way to start. I also incorporate my breathing exercises while meditating, so I am actually improving lung capacity and CO2 tolerance at the same time. Try Box Breathing – inhale for 4-6 seconds, hold your breath 4-6 seconds, exhale 4-6 seconds and hold your breath out 4-6 seconds- keep repeating for as long as you have time.

#2 Affirmations – Say them OUT LOUD! When you say affirmations out loud you are literally reprogramming your brain’s subconscious or operating system. Use them for every area of your life. And say them every morning out load after your Silence.

Use this template: I am committed to (insert behavior or activity) so that I can (goal you wish to achieve) by (deadline you wish to achieve by). So, for example- I am committed to running 4 days/week, every week by the 30th of November using a speed work training program so that I can run a 23 minute 5k by August 1st, 2017. Or, I am committed to doing 5 minutes of yoga and box breathing every morning for 5 minutes by the end of the week. You get the idea. I include an affirmation for every aspect of my life: Spiritual, Relationships, Family, Business, Fitness, etc.

#3 Visualization – See your end result exactly how you want it to be. Tap into emotions, smells, physical feelings and visual displays of your exact outcome- this works for everything, not just sports! Make a vision board.

#4 Exercise – I would bet almost everyone reading this already exercises and knows the benefits. Something to consider is if you have a balance between working out and working in. Or applying an intention and or purpose for every training session. I find the more intentional I am in my training and recovery the better my results.

#5 Read – There are definitely times when I find it harder to read since I became a mom and entrepreneur, but with Audible.com this becomes SO much easier. Every car drive I am listening to a book. I also listen to podcasts and videos as well. All count towards reading and learning and bettering yourself. If you commit to 5 pages every day, that adds up to 1,825 pages or over 9 books a year!

#6 Scribing or Journaling but the S is better on the end of the acronym SAVERS. It’s great to just record your thoughts every day. Some days I write longer than others. I can self -reflect and get thoughts out of my head. I usually write down all the things I am grateful for everyday. Even the struggles because this can allow you to accept things as they are and move through them. “I am so thankful and grateful for my foot injury because it has allowed me to slow down and appreciate when I am pain free, what could have caused the injury and how to get better”

Get the book today and start your transformation. It is absolutely amazing how well this works and you won’t be disappointed. Try the 30 day challenge at TMMBOOK.com.

Wishing You Well,

Coach Erinne

Remember to reply and comment below and share with anyone you think would like to read. Also feel free to email me at Info@fullcirclecoaching.co to ask me to write about anything triathlon or health and wellness related.

Thanks for reading!

Apply Lipstick – ROCKSTAR Triathlete Beda Molina

Meet Beda Molina, Full Circle Coaching Rockstar Triathlete
Age: 50

Profession: Business owner

Why you chose FCC to help you on your triathlon/health and wellness journey? I always thought, before I chose, that FCC had a more professional approach to coaching and that would help me become a better triathlete, I now know I was right.

What is your “A” race for this season? My “A” race for this season just took place in October, Ironman® Maryland.

Please share your BIG goals: My Big goals are to raise my children into good and happy citizens, grow old with my husband doing what we love and one of those things we love is training and racing.

Tell me about your successes so far:  Success so far, completing two full distance Ironman® races, several podium finishes in other races, in a 4 year period, with no athletic experience before in my life.

What were some of your biggest Improvements in performance for each of the following?
First of all I’ve lowered my times on all three disciplines.

Swim: With my now improved technique, I’ve learned better sighting in open water and gained endurance, sometimes I feel I can swim all day.
Bike: I have improved in the use and selection of the proper gears. Also learned to turn safely and gotten stronger in climbing and in windy rides.
Run: I’ve improved my posture and proper warm up and stretching, which helps me deal with my sometimes “uncooperative” hamstring.  Also, I learned to run at a lower heart rate.
Nutrition/Health: I definitely eat better now than in the past. I was avoiding foods that were actually good for me.  Also, I’ve been introduced to foods I didn’t know before.

Please include any Personal Records and Goals achieved: Earlier this season, I was able to podium in a very competitive race. Later, I finished an insanely tough Ironman® Maryland with floods on the run with a great time.

Name 2 or 3 things that have made the biggest difference in your journey: Group swimming class, nutrition and lower heart rate when running.

What excites you the most about being involved in triathlon? To me, training and competing in triathlon is similar to a big outdoor party, with nice people. Plus competition is always thrilling.

What would you say to another person who was on the fence about joining our training program? I would definitely recommend FCC training programs and coaches. I went through a couple of different ones in past years and there’s no comparison, this is definitely the one for me.

Coach Erinne’s Notes:
Everyone who knows Beda knows she never stops smiling and dancing. I am super proud of her tenacity at completing IM MD a few weeks ago in terrible conditions where 30% of the field DNF’d (did not finish) and a large percentage didn’t even start. We were both a bit disappointed as she was going to PR by at least 2 hours under normal conditions but such is life. I have all my athletes write a pre-race plan to use like a road map for the days leading up to and during their races. Beda’s race plan was just perfect when she added that she would be applying fresh lipstick just before the finish line for the photos! I just love that! Way to go Beda, you are a true ROCKSTAR triathlete. Besitos!

P.S.  This could be you!  If you are interested in learning more about Full Circle Coaching check out our website www.fullcirclecoaching.co, or follow us on your favorite social media:

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How to Take Minutes Off Your Triathlon Transition Time Instantly

It’s all about the socks

Socks or no socks???
I don’t recommend wearing socks for short course racing or training (sprints and Olympic distance triathlons) because it slows you down.

Not wearing socks can  save you tons of time in your transitions.  Putting dry socks on wet feet while balancing on one leg is no easy task, especially when your heart rate is at 160 or higher. So, why not learn to race with no socks. It’s simple really!

Powder and JellyMy trick to not wearing socks is using baby powder and some kind of non- petroleum type lubricant.

Put your run shoes on and walk/run for just five minutes.

Notice areas on your feet where you feel any chaffing or rubbing around your heel or anywhere on your foot.  That is the place you want to take your foot out of your shoe and add a little dollop of lubricant.  Then continue running for just five more minutes, then put socks on if you are running longer.

Watch How to Video Here

Next time you go running do the same as above but run for 10 minutes. Continue adding five minutes duration onto each run with no socks.  The baby powder helps absorb moisture in your shoe from the swim and or sweat. Using a squirt of baby powder in each shoe with a little lube on all the rubbing points will help you stay blister free and allow for a super quick transition. Of course make sure you are using Riplaces to make your transition even faster. Riplaces are elastic, no tie laces that allow you to slip your running shoe on like a slipper, no tying needed. Use fullcircle to receive a 10% discount on a great pair of laces.

Happy Transitioning!

Remember to comment if you liked this blog and or have any questions you’d like me to answer regarding triathlon training, racing or heath and wellness.

Wishing you Well,
Coach Erinne

 

ROCKSTAR Triathlete Daniel Kaminstein

Full Circle Online Coaching Rockstar Triathlete Success Story Daniel Kaminstein

 Daniel 1st place overall by 6 minutes at Hot Dam Olympic distance triathlon.

Meet Daniel Kaminstein, Full Circle Coaching Rockstar Triathlete
Age: 39

Profession: Emergency Medicine Physician

Why you chose FCC to help you on your triathlon/health and wellness journey? I was looking for a coach who would help me with more than just fitness goals. I liked the approach and attitude that FCC advertised. In addition the base of oppositions in Miami means that I can train in person once a year.

What is your “A” race for this season? Hot Dam Triathlon – Evans Georgia

Please share your BIG goals: Being a great father to my three children. Becoming a more well rounded triathlete. Becoming competitive on a national level in my age group.

Tell me about your successes so far: My kids love coming to watch me race and my oldest has already raced in two kids triathlons. Top two in my age group in every race this season. Several top 5 finishes overall. First overall by 6 minutes in my A race for this season.

What were some of your biggest Improvements in performance for the each of the following?
Swim: Racing the swim rather then just using it as a warmup for the bike.
Bike: Using power to make major gains in speed.
Run: Stronger faster run off the bike
Nutrition/Health: Less carbs and more protein left me feeling much better during training and racing.

Please include any Personal Records and Goals achieved: First overall in my “A” Olympic distance race.

Name 2 or 3 things that have made the biggest difference in your journey: Power Meter. High intensity training sets.

What excites you the most about being involved in triathlon? Getting to inspire my three boys to be active.

What would you say to another person who was on the fence about joining our training program? You can be a competitive triathlete without coaching but to really make significant advances you need someone on the outside who can give shape to your training and point you in the right direction.

Coach Erinne’s Notes:
As part of Full Circle’s  VIP ONLINE Training Program, Daniel has really rocked his 2016 tri season. He reached out after the Ride On Ryan Tri, not sure if coaching would benefit him since he already placed 3rd overall. He lives in Georgia so online coaching was our only option but as you can see from his amazing results the coaching still works. Being a doctor, having a wife and 3 small sons makes the efficiency of training even more important.  Learning to train with power and intervals was the key to improving his already impressive speed. I am super proud of his results and can’t wait to see what 2017 brings as he is racing National’s in August with a goal of qualifying for World’s. Thanks for trusting the process Daniel,  you are an awesome Rockstar Triathlete!!

P.S.  This could be you!  If you are interested in learning more about Full Circle Coaching check out our website www.fullcirclecoaching.co, or follow us on your favorite social media:

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ROCKSTAR Triathlete Stephanie Prokup

Meet Stephanie Prokup, Full Circle Coaching Rockstar Triathlete
Age: 30
Profession: Speech Language Pathologist

Why you chose FCC to help you on your triathlon/health and wellness journey: After participating in my first Olympic (April 2016 St. Anthony’s), I decided to sign up for 70.3 Miami.  I decided it was time to treat myself to a coach.  I knew that being a newbie, I definitely needed
guidance in attempting a 70.3.  I am so glad I took the plunge, it has been a wonderful experience.  I found Full Circle Coaching on the 70.3 Miami page and felt that Erinne’s coaching style would be a
perfect match for me.  I started working with coach Erinne in May of 2016.

What is your “A” race for this season? 70.3 Miami

Please share your BIG goals: Disney Marathon January 2017 & Ironman® Vineman July 29, 2017

Tell me about your successes so far: Since joining Full Circling Coaching, I have lost 12.8 pounds.
I have PR’d every race since joining Full Circle Coaching: 3 sprints and 1 Olympic. I also participated
in Erinne’s swim clinic and have improved a lot on my swim technique and pace.

What were some of your biggest Improvements in performance for the each of the following:
Swim: My swim technique and pace has greatly improved. When I started swimming in March of 2015, I swam at a 2:24 /100yds pace. I recently swam at a 1:49/100yds pace during Siesta Key MultiRace Sprint.
Bike:
My bike speed has improved, I am averaging 18.0+/mph
Run:
Form has improved, heart rate training has made a difference in how I feel during my run workouts.
Nutrition/Health:
I have lost 12.8 pounds since joining Full Circle Coaching.

Please include any Personal Records and Goals achieved: I am no longer swimming for survival! I have broke the 2:00/100 yds!  Sprint PR From 1:33:29 to 1:29:14 and Olympic PR From 3:20:27 to 3:16:08.

Name 2 or 3 things that have made the biggest difference in your journey: Before joining Full Circle coaching, I had never ventured into heart rate training or even attempted intervals, tempo runs,
recovery runs, etc. I believe these things have made a big difference in performance and my workouts
in general. I used to go 100% during every bike workout previously and have learned that’s not
necessarily best practice!

What excites you the most about being involved in triathlon? The challenges that you put yourself through and the feeling of accomplishment after. Challenges can be so terrifying, but they bring out the best in yourself and are some of my greatest memories & motivators.

What would you say to another person who was on the fence about joining our training program? Erinne, is such a great coach!  She truly loves what she does.  I used to feel awful after races:
headache, lethargic, would nap on and off all day after a race, and never left the couch.  I just
completed Escape to Miami this past weekend and felt amazing.  I was on the fence of joining a
training program because of thoughts like; “I’m slow, only fast people get coaches,” “Nobody is
going to want to coach me, I have no background in any of the disciplines,” or “I’m not good
enough.”  I’m so glad I pushed those negative thoughts aside, because now I truly feel like a
“TRIATHLETE” and “ENDURANCE ATHLETE.”

Coach Erinne’s Notes:
As part of Full Circle’s  VIP ONLINE Training Program, Stephanie has had some amazing results in only a short time. She is diligent in her training and logs every workout so we can evaluate the numbers together so she is understanding why she is holding a particular cadence and or heart rate.  I am honored she chose me as her coach and so excited for the journey ahead to VineMan Ironman® in 2017.   WAY TO GO Steph, you are truly a Rockstar Triathlete!!

P.S.  This could be you!  If you are interested in learning more about Full Circle Coaching check out our website www.fullcirclecoaching.co, or follow us on your favorite social media:

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Pinch Me, I’m Dreaming!

Erinne Guthrie

Pinch me, I must be dreaming – It’s official! I’ve started my training for the ITU (International Triathlon Union) World Championships for Sprint Draft Legal Race in Cozumel Mexico, September 15, 2016

This level of competition is all new for me, as I’ve never competed at Worlds’ or even Nationals’ (even though I’ve qualified many times). For whatever reason, it wasn’t important to me to travel and compete at this level until now. I’m not sure why at the age of 45, but I am choosing to go for it! This race is totally different as it is a draft legal race on the bike, which makes it a completely different type of triathlon than the way I have been competing for 20 years. I’ve only done 1 draft legal race which is when I qualified by the skin of my teeth. I started in first out of the water and ended up 9th across the finish line. With almost zero training going into that race, my friends talked me into competing because all I had to do was get top 10 in my age group. I said I think I can do that even though it was only a few weeks after my retinal re-attachment surgery (read that story here).

So, this is real, I am going to Cozumel in a few weeks (EEK!) and I have been training pretty seriously. I have also never talked about my own personal racing as I am always focused on helping my athletes. So this is new for me as well. I decided I’m going to share my journey with whoever is interested in reading along. So, if that’s you, I will be sharing a personal blog every week or so about how my training is going and all the ups and downs of managing life, my daughter, the training and all the stuff in between!

In my first post about my journey, I wanted to specifically thank my sponsors without whom this journey would be much more challenging. Triathlon may seem like an individual sport but that is far from the truth on many levels.

So, thanks to Body Health and my favorite product of theirs called  Perfect Amino, which I cannot live without my daily 10- they completely allow me to recover and hang on to the muscle that I seem to burn so easily when training hard. I’ll explain more about how I use them in a nutrition post coming up soon (use our promo code for a 10% discount when purchasing if you want to try them, FULLCIRCLE).

Thanks to TEAM Footworks, where I have been shopping for running shoes and accessories for the last 20 years. If they don’t have it they will get it. I love Laurie, JP, Ralph and the team there, they are knowledgeable and very helpful (mention Full Circle for the best pricing).

Thanks to my amazing client Audrey Ross who I admire greatly as a successful business woman,  entrepreneur, athlete and friend who owns Miami Real Estate for supporting me on this journey.

Thanks to All 4 Cycling  and all the team at their 2 stores. I needed a new road bike to be able to compete at this race and I am ecstatic about the TREK I got. Simply put, it is the Rolls Royce of bikes for me; Look for a great post about the details of this bike coming up (mention Full Circle for the best pricing when shopping at All 4 Cycling).

Thanks to Riplaces my favorite elastic laces on the market today! I use them in my running shoes and Vibrams (use our promo code Fullcircle for 10% off your purchases).

I am filled with gratitude by all the people and companies supporting me on this journey; MOM, thanks for the plane ticket.  Marc Pro – I use this thing everyday (use our promo code FULLCIRCLE for 5% off)doTerra Essential Oils a large part of my daily health and wellness routine.

Also, a big thanks to my Full Circle Team, my coaches, In Balance Physical Therapy, The Stretching Company, Partners in Health and the multitude of fellow athletes, friends, family and colleagues wishing me well and supporting me along the way.

On top of it all, I feel super excited for this to be happening during an Olympic year and with the USA women’s triathlon team having a chance to win GOLD at the Olympics; It’s both inspiring and motivating.

Thanks for reading and wishing you well,

Erinne

ROCKSTAR Triathlete Greg Kail

Greg Kail

Meet Greg Kail, Full Circle Coaching Rockstar Triathlete
Age: 41
Profession: Entrepreneur

Why you chose FCC to help you on your triathlon/health and wellness journey: Because FCC gives me the perfect combination of triathlon camaraderie and focus on my personal goals. Even after I moved back to the Far East, I consider FCC my tri club today.

What is your “A” race for this season?Ironman® Netherlands this July and Ironman® 70.3 Miami, where I hopefully will be racing together with my FCC fellow athletes.

Please share your BIG goals: Continue to improve my athletic performance. Get closer to podium on an Ironman®, Challenge or Otillo event.

Tell me about your successes so far: In just over a year I went from a painful-barley-made-it 10 miles run (with pretty terrible results to match) to once-a-month 70.3. Along the way I’ve learned to swim, which is pretty awesome. My biggest success is the complete mental change – my entire life I was believing that sport is something, that wasn’t for me. I know now first hand experience that dedication and hard work can change that.

What were some of your biggest Improvements in performance for the each of the following:
Swim: I’ve learned to swim longer than a swimming pool length. That’s the best improvements I wouldn’t even dream of before I’ve joined FCC.

Bike: Improved technique, continuously adding on wattage, actually started enjoying the bike section on the long tri races.

Run: Run is now part of the race, rather than a discipline on it’s self.

Nutrition/Health: probably the biggest change since I have started triathlon by joining FCC is the radical, and positive, change of the lifestyle. The nutrition is a huge part of it.

Please include any Personal Records and Goals achieved:
70.3 – 5:40
10K – 43:31 min

Name 2 or 3 things that have made the biggest difference in your journey: Coach – there is almost no way a big result is attainable without one.

Lifestyle – the same old simply does not cut it. Good athletic performance calls for big changes. Luckily these changes are very positive.

What excites you the most about being involved in triathlon? I feel awesome and I am also being surrounded by likeminded people now too.

What would you say to another person who was on the fence about joining our training program? Do it!

As part of Full Circle’s  VIP ONLINE Training Program, Greg has been able to continue his Ironman® training with Full Circle Coaching and completed 3 halfs in the last 6 months with a PR at each race (5:42) on his way to the  IM® Netherlands in July.  I am SUPER proud of his dedication to train despite many setbacks due to travel and limited access to places to swim, bike and run. I am confident this soon to be Ironman®, is going to show us what he’s got many more times in the future.  WAY TO GO GREG!!

ROCKSTAR Triathlete Gerardo Cuadra

What is your “A” race for this season? Miami Man

Please share your BIG goals: To complete an Ironman before my 30th birthday.

Tell me about your successes so far:  Erinne helped me go from being almost afraid of the water to completing my first event involving an open water swim.

What were some of your biggest imporovements in performance for each of the following:

Swim: From not being able to swim 1 lap in a pool to swimming 500 meters in open water

Bike: A speed increase of several miles per hour on shorter rides

Run: PR’s in both 5k and half-marathon

Nutrition/Health: Lost 5lbs, greatly increased flexibility and reduced soreness

Achieved: 5k PR 23:02, Half marathon PR 1:58:12 and successfully completed my first triathlon.

Name 2 or 3 things that have made the biggest difference in your journey:  Erinne’s expertise has allowed me to trust in the process and I have seen incredible improvement. In addition the camaraderie and supportive environment created by the group helped motivate me for all those early morning workouts that ultimately helped me reach my goals.

What excites you the most about being involved in triathlon?  The challenge of competing and improving in 3 sports simultaneously while still being part of an incredibly positive community.

What would you say to another person who was on the fence about joining our training program?  This program can help so much more than simply improving your numbers. Erinne’s overall approach to health and training combined with a fantastic group of athletes will definitely make the experience worth it.

As part of Full Circle’s Gold Group Training Program, Gerardo was able to accomplish all these awesome goals in less than 6 months.  I am SUPER proud of this dedication and will to push through his fears of the water as well as improve his strengths by getting faster.  WAY TO GO GERARDO!!

Coach Erinne Guthrie Bio

Erinne out of water Circle

Coaching Philosophy
I have been coaching triathletes and working in the fitness industry for nearly 20 years and with each athlete, I work with I learn how individual every person is.  There is no textbook method to coaching if you look at each person as an individual. They each have different strengths and different weaknesses.  What works for one may or may not work for another.  My goal when I work with an athlete is to improve their limiters and strengthen their skills to help them achieve their athletic goals.

Each athlete I work with adds to my knowledge base of coaching, a give and take relationship is naturally developed.  I work with the most basic beginner to the most advanced athletes taking them to their next level of fitness and triathlon goals.  I cover every detail that needs attention.  I require each athlete to give as much feedback as possible throughout their journey.  I have seen hundreds of athletes achieve their goals successfully and I look forward to working with you too.  I advocate a balanced approach to training that helps endurance athletes reach optimal performance through the perfect combination of training, recovery and nutrition. 

My Personal Story:

I’m a mom, I’m a coach, I’m an athlete and I’ve spent time on both sides of the race as well as, the business and academic side of the industry.  This gives me a pretty unique perspective on training and all the possibilities.

The feeling I got from swimming through the waves in the crystal clear blue ocean, riding my bike with the wind in my hair and running hard using my body to cross the finish line was so exhilarating.  I fell in love.  I was hooked.  In 1999, I started training and joining every race I could find, this led me to become one of Miami’s first USA Triathlon certified coaches. I quit my corporate fitness job to start my own triathlon coaching company determined to coach others to success.  Triathlon is more difficult than other sports; there are three disciplines to manage and I wanted to learn for myself and my athletes how to do it best.

Burn out:

Wake up at 4:30am to train clients and myself, hand off the baby to the sitter; work on the computer; take a nap if I was lucky; get the baby; take care of the family and in bed by 10:30pm. It was a lot but worth it; I was a triathlete!! (being facetious).  That’s when it all came crashing down-it happened, my body just quit.  I was all set to win my favorite race and instead of waking up to compete and win I woke up with a fever of 105 degrees and sicker than I had ever been.  I missed the race and battled sickness for the next 18 months.  I was depressed. I could not do what I loved or even have the energy to play with my daughter or live life normally.

The doctors said I had Adrenal Fatigue- a disease of over stressing the body where your adrenal glands, which release cortisol (the fight or flight hormone) are out of sync with your body’s needs and don’t produce enough cortisol in the morning, but produce too much near the end of the day. They wanted to put me on prescription drugs but I knew there had to be a better way; so I started educating myself on natural healing methods and hired a holistic lifestyle coach.  Everything I learned was simple, easy to implement and I regained the energy and vitality I had lost. It was simple and it worked!

I spent the next 6 years studying to become a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach, Level III. These holistic guidelines are incorporated into the Full Circle Coaching method to promote performance and balance.

It is with great passion that I share my knowledge and expertise with each of my athletes.  Together we develop a balance between working in and working out, avoiding injury and burn out.

Are you ready to join Full Circle Coaching and receive the best and most complete triathlon coaching package there is? I look forward to working with you and motivating you to achieve your “TRIATH-LIFE” dreams!

 

Can I help you with Climbing on the Bike?

Can I help you with Climbing on the Bike?

Climbing hills on the bike is definitely a skill that many cyclists don’t have if they live in a flat area and only ride flat rides. Here are my top tips on how to climb better with more efficiency and use different methods of climbing to get stronger. Safety is always first!

Mental Attitude: Your mental attitude toward the climb can affect everything. The best thing is not be in a hurry to get to the top unless you are in epic fitness and have been doing hill climbs for 4-6 weeks at all out intensity. I always say, let the hill or climb come to you. Tackle it one pedal stroke at a time, stay relaxed, and use even intensity/power and breathing. If you have a full day of climbing ahead of you, you need to pace yourself and give your legs a chance to survive the day, get stronger and not have to get off and walk!

Seated vs. Standing Climbs – you want to stay seated as much as possible because your heart rate stays in control and you can keep your momentum going. There are times however when you just have to stand up to get your cadence or RPMS going a little faster, or your butt hurts, or you are almost to the top and just need to eek it out. When you stand up, stay relaxed and use your upper body and the bike to help you rock back and forth and apply pressure with your whole body on the down stroke and then again on the next pedal stroke. Doing standing repeats is a great way to just get stronger climbing on the bike as well.

Too Steep– when it’s just too steep there is a last resort to getting off and walking up the hill. Try slaloming up. What that means is don’t take a straight path up. Ride on a diagonal to the incline for 5-6 feet and then switch back in the other direction to help reduce the steepness and allow you to get your pedals turning over. This works like a charm on the biggest climb we have in Florida, Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Gearing – It can be very helpful to have a bigger cassette or set of chain rings on the back wheel if you are going to be climbing a lot (a 12/28). Also knowing when to shift is important. If you do not have a ton of fitness on climbs and want to survive a long weekend of training, I suggest riding mostly in the small ring up front and keeping your cadence 90 or above, even on the climbs if you can. Climbing in the big ring up front definitely fatigues the legs faster but you definitely want to use the big ring on your descents to power over the top and take advantage of your downhill and recovery.

Downhill – riding down- hill is fun and can provide a much needed break from the uphill climbing. Please ride downhill with caution as your bike can get a little wobbly with speed. Hold you line, communicate with other cyclists you are passing. If you want to descend fast, go in the big ring pedal hard over the top and coast with feet parallel, and tuck at the waist and squeeze the top tube with your knees. IF you are being more cautious, stay upright in the saddle to catch more wind, keep one foot down with weight on it as if standing on it, keep your butt in the saddle and feather the brakes until you get to the bottom. If you get good at descending you can take advantage of getting momentum to climb the entire next hill

without much effort. AS you get toward the bottom of the hill, grab harder gears and start pedaling. As is starts to get harder, drop 1 gear at a time and keep pedaling with a high cadence and see how far your momentum can carry you.

Position in the saddle – Be sure when you are climbing to push back in the saddle and keep your heels down. This is so you can access all the muscled in your legs.

Drafting – getting close behind another rider who is of similar ability to you up a climb can actually help you pace yourself and stay consistent in your pedal stroke all the way up. But, if they are going to fast and you can’t keep up you can blow up. SO decide early if you are sticking with the pull up the hill or ask the rider in front to slow down just a bit to keep you together. Definitely worth the draft if you can keep it.

Eating and Drinking – plan these for the flats or the gentle downhills or breaks in the ride. Being able to ride with 1 hand to drink is very important so you don’t get dehydrated during the ride.

Regrouping after a climb– it’s always polite to wait for the cyclists that got dropped on the climb and pedaling slowly at the end of a series of hills can allow the group to get back together and finish strong together. Nothing worse than seeing the group you are riding with just 200 yards ahead and not being able to bridge the gap. Always look back for dropped athletes and get the group back together.

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Erinne Guthrie is a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. Creator of Triathlon Transformation. She has been training, racing and coaching triathletes since 1997. She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, Mermaid and much much more.