Spring as finally arrived – brisk mornings and warm evenings.  The sun is rising earlier and setting later and races are getting closer. 

Now’s the time to check on your equipment.  Inspect and try on your wetsuit.  If you need repairs, contact Blown out Wetsuits on the west coast.  They are the best around.  You should have gotten your bike tuned up by now.  A general inspection, cleaning, lube and tightening and adjustment of all components.  Check your cables, brake pads, chain and tires.  Have your Derailleurs adjusted too.  You should allow a week or two after your tune-up before your first race.  This will give you a chance to have any further adjustments made well before your first race.

Training should be more focused.  Base phase should be over.  Long course triathletes need to continue long rides and runs on the weekends.  All should be well into strength building – hills.  Use the hills to increase leg strength running and cycling.  Don’t worry about speed yet.  Your strength work will improve your speed.  An occasional race – running, cycling or duathlon – helps sharpen your racing focus and helps build speed.  Practice your transitions too. 

The water should be warm enough for open water swimming in a few weeks.  In fact there are a couple of open water races scheduled in the coming weeks.  These are good to adjust to open water swimming after a winter of pools swimming.

Most important at this time of year is to keep focused – keep your goal race in focus and make sure your training and each workout is helping you prepare.  Don’t get tempted to race when you are scheduled to do an aerobic workout.  Keep your ego in check.

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