Feb 4, 2023
Ironman, PTO, Clash, Challenge and the World Triathlon Series all offer a pro race schedule and prize purses to attract the best pro athletes and find new ways to attract viewers. With all of the races these brands putting out their own race series, there are numerous regional and world championships with even greater prize money. How pro athletes plan their race schedule is harder with all of the races.
Just how bad is it? I researched the pro race schedules for each of these brands, put them in a spreadsheet and we are going to talk about just how congested the race schedule is and just how hard it must be to plan a pro race schedule.
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In Today's Show
Discussion: Pro Race Schedule
Ironman Race Schedule and Prize Money
https://clashendurance.com/pages/pros
https://www.challenge-family.com/races/?cn-reloaded=1
https://wtcs.triathlon.org/?src=wts_panel
https://tri-today.com/2023/02/these-are-last-years-big-earners/
Endurance News:
HOW TO REDUCE YOUR CARBON CYCLING PRINT
This image shows cyclists stationary on a road with a yellow brick building
Pedal to work, pedal for the planet
It’s an obvious one, but according to the omni calculator(opens in new tab), riding your bike to work just three times a week for the next month will reduce CO2 emissions by 24.14kg, and NOx emissions by 0.041kg, planting the equivalent of 37 trees.
It will also add an extra half a day to your life expectancy. You’ll still need to factor in the impact of manufacturing your bike; however, if you already own one, it will soon be carbon neutral.
Be curious about how your cycling gear was made and ask where it comes from. “If consumers want to check what a brand is doing, a good place to start is checking if they have signed up to the Shift Cycling Culture climate change commitment,” says Bronsvoort.
“It means that they have at least started to think about its sustainability and begun the journey.”
This image shows a close up of a rear wheel with a person crouching down finishing cleaning the bike
Regularly cleaning your bike can preserve it's life
“I can’t stress the importance of bike cleaning,” says Steve Fearn, Muc-Off global cycling PR and comms manager.
“It sounds basic, but if you maintain your bike and equipment, it will keep your bike going for much longer and save in raw materials in having to replace it.”
It goes without saying to ensure that your bike cleaner is PTFE free and fully biodegradable.
Some brands have an in-house repair service that will fix a product, often for free.
Alpkit repair centre will tackle any brand of clothing (and some outdoor gear) to help prevent it ending up in landfill.
“The perverse thing is that we do need people to buy things new, in order that we can continue getting donations,” says Adam Thomson, manager of The Charity Bike Shop, based in Manchester, who refurbish, reuse and resell cycling related gear.
There are similar bike-upcycling, often known as ‘bike kitchens’, projects all over the country. “You’d be surprised how much people would have thrown away,” says Thomson. “They come in here with a box of old gear that they were about to chuck, and we’ve been able to use all of it.”
Muc-Off is already part of Shift Cycling Culture, and is mapping its sustainability journey in a quest to reduce its environmental impact.
“We’ve got our own Project Green initiative, where we’re on target to save over 200 tonnes of plastic compared to 2019. We aim to improve Muc-Off’s sustainability incrementally, one product at a time,” says Steve Fearn.
“We offer eco-refills in some stores, so you can reuse your bottles to eliminate even more waste.”
Aim for high standards and standardised designs. “Consumers need to push brands to use high quality standard parts to ensure they last longer,” says Bronsvoort. “The more intricate bike design becomes, the less reusable they are".
A digital cycling counter is next to a bike path with a cyclist in a yellow jacket riding a bike
Add to the tally of those making a difference
There are 450 Velorim recycling centres located nationally which accept old tires and tubes for a small disposal levy, between 55p per tyre and 25p per tube. It’s then processed or recycled to produce a range of products from flooring to adhesive.
Every time we wash Lycra or polyester, microplastics are released into the water system.
Putting dirty kit in a Guppy Friend bag when washing ensures all the tiny fibres are captured, and can then be disposed of responsibly in a closed container. The independently tested and verified bags are sustainably and fairly made in Europe.
"Take to socials and message the shops and brands you use about their sustainability,” says Bronsvoort.
“Get them to sign up to the Shift Cycling Culture climate commitment to start becoming more sustainable.”
All revenue from the stores goes back to the charity Cyclists Fighting Cancer, which gives new lightweight bikes, tandems and adapted bikes to children and their families who have lived, or are living with cancer.
“We should probably capture more information on how much we save from going to landfill, but we turn around 15 to 20 bikes a week in terms of refurbishment and where they are sold for a profit, which goes directly to the Cyclists for Cancer charity,” says Adam Thomson.
It’s an uncomfortable truth, but flying with your bike will undo all of the above changes.
According to carbon calculator, Myclimate, a return flight to cycling hotspot Mallorca from London is in the region of 500CO2e. While you can offset your emission in supporting a carbon offset project for around £13, truth be told most of us don’t need a training camp abroad at all.
Instead, check out our guide on cycling holidays in the UK for ideas on the best road and gravel routes to try in Britain.
FALSE CLAIMS
Sustainability claims can read like a fruit salad of initiatives and aims that are hard to unpick.
Legislation is still a slow churn. The good news is that in the UK the Competition and Markets Authorities’ (CMA) new Green Claims Code means retailers must make sure that their eco claims aren’t vague and that they are backed up with information/evidence that is easy for the consumer to access and understand.
If a consumer believes a retailer is using misleading claims, they can report it to the CMA at misleadinggreenclaims@cma.gov.uk. Consumers can also reach out to the Advertising Standards Agency if they have concerns about misinformation and harmful ‘green’ statements in advertising.
The 5 Best Yoga Poses for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, According to Physical Therapists
Because a healthy pelvic floor is, well, essential.
JANUARY 24, 2023
GABRIELLE KASSEL
Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth yoga, fitness, & nutrition courses, when you sign up for Outside+.
Your pelvic floor muscles are to your body what a structural frame is to your house: foundational.
Spanning from hip-to-hip and back-to-front, the pelvic floor muscles are a flexible sling of muscles that support your reproductive and excretory organs, says Kandis Daroski, a physical therapist. This includes your bladder, bowels, rectum, and uterus (if you have one).
Healthy pelvic floor muscles also support sexual arousal and orgasms, says Daroski. And as part of your core, these muscles help protect your spine and support overall balance, she says.
Just like the other muscles in your body, your pelvic floor can weaken as a result of misuse or overuse, says Corey Silbert, a pelvic floor therapist. Also, pregnancy, menopause, obesity, chronic constipation, even improper form while lifting can injure these muscles. As a result, your pelvic floor may be unable to relax, contract, or move with coordination.
Why Is Your Pelvic Floor Important?
Pelvic floor dysfunction is typically marked by symptoms such as penetration pain; pelvic, abdominal or rectal pain; persistent constipation; erectile dysfunction; and bladder or bowel leakage, says Daroski. All of which can negatively impact your quality of life.
However, dedicating just a few minutes a day to these critical muscles can support their overall health. Pelvic floor dysfunction can be treated through a combination of physical therapy, biofeedback, medication—and yoga.
That’s right, yoga. “Yoga can greatly benefit any individual with pelvic floor dysfunction,” Daroski says. It gives individuals the opportunity to intentionally contract or relax their pelvic floor, as well as coordinate pelvic floor movements to their breath, she says.
The same stress-relief that a yoga practice brings to your thoughts can also help release pelvic floor tension. Stress is a known factor in the development of tension in muscle groups, including your pelvic floor, says Julia Connolly, an orthopedic and pelvic health physical therapist. When your pelvic floor muscles become tense, it can create pain and even exacerbate pelvic floor dysfunction and the symptoms associated with it, she says.
Can You Prevent Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
Not exactly. The pelvic floor is a complicated muscle structure that is impacted by your physical actions as well as your emotions and thoughts. While the addition of a regular yoga practice may be beneficial for your pelvic floor, it alone cannot prevent pelvic floor dysfunction.
Yoga can be a helpful component of your pelvic floor dysfunction treatment plan. However, if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, your first step should be to head to a pelvic floor therapist, Connolly says. Most pelvic floor health treatment plans require a handful of habit changes, she says, which an expert can walk you through.
“Treatment is individualized and will depend on your exact pelvic floor dysfunction,” Connolly says. And it often includes yoga.
The 5 Best Yoga Poses for Your Pelvic Floor Muscles
Whether you turn to a more active or restorative yoga practice will depend on your condition, Connolly says. The following five poses are commonly recommended by Daroski and Connolly for preventing and treating pelvic floor dysfunction.
A resting position, Child’s Pose can be beneficial if you have overactive or non-relaxing pelvic floor muscles, says Daroski.
If you aren’t experiencing knee pain, try experimenting with a wide-legged Child’s Pose to give a gentle stretch to your pelvic floor. You can place a folded blanket or towel under your knees for extra cushioning.
Reclining Bound Angle Pose can help stretch the muscles and fascia in the perineum region, the area between the genitals and the anus, Connolly says.
The pose also helps soothe the vagus nerve, which is responsible for the fight, flight, or freeze response, she says. Calming your autonomic nervous system can help reduce involuntary pelvic muscle contractions that can occur in response to a perceived threat, she says, which can be anything from an email ping from a boss to a bear in the woods.
This pose stretches the inner thigh muscles connected with the pelvic floor, Daroski says. When paired with controlled belly breathing, this position can teach you how to relax those muscles. You can also practice a variation of this posture, Half Happy Baby Pose, by raising one leg at a time.
You may be familiar with the relief this stretch offers your spine, but it can also benefit your pelvic floor. These two poses improve symptoms associated with urinary leakage, urgency, and frequency, as well as pelvic pain, Daroski says.
“Reclining Twist is a gentle way to invite length and stretch to the connective tissue that surrounds your lumbar spine, sacrum, and abdominal wall,” Connolly says. When these tissues get stiff, it can contribute to pelvic tightness, she says. However, when they loosen, you can regain mobility in your pelvic floor.
What's New in the 303:
January 31, 2023
Now in its 9th year, this ‘Epic Winter Adventure’ has become the annual kickoff event for adventurous runners and riders from all over the country.
/ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Now in its 9th year, this ‘Epic Winter Adventure’ has become the annual kickoff event for adventurous runners and riders from all over the country.
Need to know:
1,500 riders and runners from 27 states will take the start line in Lyons, Colorado on Sunday 2/5/23.
Elite riders and runners will compete for the $8,000 prize purse, including Jens Voight, Ruth Winder, and Alex House.
The Old Man Winter Rally has seen all kinds of weather from a blizzard to a record-high sunny day. The forecast for 2023 is mild with 40-degree temps with sun
This year, the event will move to a new venue, Bohn Park, a multi-million-dollar project completed in the wake of the historic 2013 floods.
5 categories: 50K Bike, 100K Bike, 10K Run, 5K Run, 10K Run / 50K Bike combo
Originally created as a way for friends to ‘rally’ together and support each other getting outside to ride on a wintry day, the Old Man Winter Rally has become one of the most popular running and riding events in Colorado. The event was built for folks that don’t hang up their bikes or running shoes during the winter and instead embrace the cold by bundling up and hitting the gravel roads and trails. “Old Man Winter is all about gearing up for winter adventure, having fun with your buddies, and enjoying a great party at the finish line” says, Josh Kravetz, the event’s founder and President of Adventure Fit, a Boulder-based Active Entertainment event company. “We like to make sure everybody has a fun day at Old Man Winter Rally – no matter what your athletic ability. This is Boulder, so you’ll see plenty of world-class athletes at the event, but we also love for this to be the first race ever for riders and runners.”
This Sunday, February 5th the event offers two bike course options: 50km and 100km, two run course options: a 5K and a 10K running race, and a Run/Bike combo that’s popular for winter multisport athletes. There will also be a huge celebration in Bohn Park for all at the after-party. And they do mean “party”. Athletes will cross the finish line and find fire pits, live music, delicious food (including s’mores) and Bootstrap Brewing Beer and June Shine cocktails.
2023 will have the biggest participation yet. The event will be capped at 1500 participants and less than 100 spots currently remain.
Old Man Winter History:
2015 – In the debut year, gravel bikes weren’t in fashion quite yet and future Tour de France stage winner Sepp Kuss nearly won on a road bike. Temps hit the high-60’s and high winds made for a breezy finish.
2016 – The running event is added, drawing in 188 participants in year one.
2018 – The course was revised due to construction, offering the first and only Northbound version which did not include the Rowena trail. Mat Stephens (winner of Unbound Gravel) and Lauren de Crescenzo (the winningest girl in gravel) taking the win.
2019 – The coldest year, never reaching above freezing throughout the whole event
2020 – A massive winter storm rolled through and ultimately, forced the cancellation of the 100K bike event 10 miles in. Riders were slipping and sliding in the epic conditions and despite the cancellation, the wild nature of it made it a monumental story in the race’s history.
2021 – One of the first COVID-friendly “DIY” style events to pick up steam, riders had the chance to ride the course with their pod, and get scored on a virtual scoreboard, or select a virtual option altogether. World Tour talents Alex Howes & Lachlan Morton teamed up and won the event.
2022 – The Rally returned from the pandemic full steam ahead, drawing in pro riders, everyday athletes and riders and runners from every background. Participants enjoyed a sunny 45-degree day
2023 – The Rally moves to a new venue, Bohn Park, a multi-million-dollar project completed in the wake the historic 2013 floods.
For those not competing, the top of the Rowena trail (off CO Rd 83) and Old Stage will be great spectating locations – showing off the variety of terrain the riders will challenge. Early February in Colorado can bring spring conditions, or mid-winter snow. A cool January and “sticky snow” will likely see a wintery route on tap. The after party in Lyons is open to all, with bonfires, s’mores, cold beer, and warm food. Join in on the winter adventure! Registration and additional event information is online at: www.OldManWinterRally.com
About Adventure Fit: Adventure Fit is an Experiential Event Marketing and Production company that specializes in Active Entertainment productions. Our deep understanding of the active marketplace allows us to develop creative events and results-driven solutions for our clients. Adventure Fit has produced some of the countries most popular “active entertainment
events, such as the New Belgium Urban Assault Ride, Burning Can Fest at the Lyons Outdoor Games, and the Shape Diva Dash. www.AdventureFit.com
Video of the week:
The Norwegian Method - Kristian Blummenfelt & Gustav Iden's Winter Lab Testing
Closing:
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Stay tuned, train informed, and enjoy the endurance journey!