Wild About It: Speedo Silicone Cap

June 22, 2016July 4, 2016Leave a comment

Last weekend I did my first open water swim of the season. While getting ready to hit the lake I was chatting about gear with the gals and began gushing over my cap – if you follow me on Instagram I’m sure you’ve see my cat cap (pictured below) – but it wasn’t just the print – the texture and feel is what really gets me. If you don’t know the different between a silicone and latex cap – please read on!

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For many years I happily trained for triathlon in my previous races latex swim caps. Each race provides a cap to distinguish the wave of start for the swim (and also promote their race/sponsor). I was very happy wearing these cheap latex swim caps (and was even protective of my Muskoka IM70.3 cap), I didn’t know any different, and really thought all caps were the same – until last December when Speedo USA gifted me a promo code to invest in new gear for my upcoming season.

I had never purchased a swim cap (always used race caps) so it wasn’t even on my radar that there was a difference until I saw these epic prints while deciding what to buy with my code and for the look, scooped a couple up.

When these caps arrived, and I began training in them, they have 100% changed my perspective on caps and I will NEVER train in a latex cap again.

Here’s why:

The Soft Silicone and Mico-Grid texture won’t snag or pull hair – I swear! and they do too! My hair is certainly the longest it’s ever been for a training cycle and I often put it in a bun then use this cap and the fit is great and I can seriously just pull it off my head without worrying about snags or pulls. These caps are often good for medium to long hair.
The super soft silicone offers a relaxed fit, compared to my experience with super tight latex, that helps to prevent headaches over longer duration swims. It undoubtedly stays put on your head, but isn’t squeezing your brain in the most uncomfortable way.
Silicone caps offer greater elasticity and increased stretch compared traditional performance caps. Great for people with big heads, big hair, or just easy of putting on and taking off – again – no more snags!
It’s not latex. Latex caps are typically thin and don’t last long ripping very easily. They often come in only one colour (boring!) and can sometimes smell because of the rubber material. Also if you have a latex allergy, silicone caps are for you.

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Silicone caps come in a variety of colours and patterns and can be purchased from any swim retail store. In Canada check out SportChek or if in the USA, get yours from Speedo.com. Prices range from $9-$30.

Road to 70.3: Week 6

June 13, 2016June 14, 2016Leave a comment

For the first time in my training this cycle I actually thought to myself “I feel strong”. With my hamstring and lower back/hip injuries, and of course my ankle, it’s been a while that I’ve run or lifted weights and actually felt pain free and powerful. Happily, this happened last week.

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MONDAY: Today continued our 10 week workplace wellness run club out of the Stock Exchange. This is a very fun group with a variety of paces and always lots of laughs. We did 7km of intervals, and as I was supporting all runners my pace varied. I usually follow this workout with our Tribe interval workout, however today Tribe Mentor Allison was going to lead the workout, so I enjoyed an evening of stretching and rolling at home.

TUESDAY: After a long weekend of working out I wanted to bump my cross training/rest day. I also knew I had a Tribe run on Wednesday so I wouldn’t be able to take Wednesday off. Today I went to Studio Lagree in the morning. This is a Pilates studio that uses reformer machines. I always get a great workout here and this was the first time in a while that I actually felt strong and back to myself after my various injuries. I spent the afternoon planning a new YFit class profile and taught later Tuesday evening.

WEDNESDAY: Today’s workout was a 60min tempo run and 30 minutes of either strength or flexibility. With our Tribe run being only 5km I added on to the start of the run and made it back in time only by the skin of my teeth. My legs were feeling heavy, but I am certainly feeling better movement through my hips and spine. We kept the pace steady and even included a small sprint to the finish. Post run eats were had at Tex Mex Radio Bar – it’s always great to spend time not running with our crew.

THURSDAY: Today Kat and I got in a morning brick consisting of a 2km swim and 20km bike ride. My ankle often starts off pretty stiff during my swims but loosens up after about 100m. For the ride we mixed up our route and headed East towards Cherry Beach and the Leslie Spit. East has way to many stop lights and the first and last 2.5km were incredibly slow as we navigated the waterfront trail. I had a noon hour appointment at my chiropractor and was happy to share how good I’ve been feeling during my workouts.

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FRIDAY: This morning Kat and I took off extra early to get in a 95 minute ride. We rode to High Park and did a series of loops – including High Park, but also Ellis Avenue. Ellis is very steep and was a key part of my 2014 70.3 training. It is a challenge and when you get to the top of the hill breathless you feel this amazing sense of accomplishment – we did it twice before riding back. I actually didn’t realize this workout was to be a brick – so after the ride enjoyed a good sit on my couch.

SATURDAY: Today was another brick fail. I did a great run with Tribe getting in 75minutes and followed it up with brunch – it was delicious but not the brick I was to be doing. Later in the evening I stretched but didn’t swim as was scheduled.

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SUNDAY: Nancy was in town today for a Mirvish show so after teaching my final weekend YFit for the summer and watching How To Get Away With Love and Murder we went for a 45 minute swim. Nancy trains with a club in Hamilton and has frequent swimming instruction as part of her training, she shared with me a drill I repeated three times (2 lengths zipper, 2 lengths hands in fists, 2 lengths head up, 4 front crawl). I enjoy swimming with my sister as she’s stronger then me and often challenges me to work harder which I enjoy.

In order to better plan my week I’ve been taking my schedule (as viewed at the top of the post) and integrating it into my daily planner. Clearly by my couple brick mishaps I need a better process, so I feel that this transferring of my training schedule into my work/life schedule will really help me pull everything together. Will it work? Stay tuned.

Triathlete Gift Ideas: 6 Gifts For The Triathlete On Your List

December 15, 2015December 14, 2015Leave a comment

With Christmas just around the corner, here are six ideas to help you gear up, outfit, and accessorize your favorite female triathlete (or yourself) this holiday season.

This is the third in my series of gifts for the fit females on your list. Check out my rad runner, and yoga lover posts for more seasonal ideas for your favourite female on the move.

As a triathlete, what do you covet most? What have I left off the list? Let me know in the comment section below. Happy holidays.

Cat Attack Silicone Cap – Elastomeric Fit. SpeedoUSA. The Speedo Elastomeric Cap is the first silicone swim cap specifically designed for fitness swimmers. Elastomeric caps offer greater elasticity and increased ease of stretch (as in won’t give you a headache during a longer swim) with a softer silicone compound than traditional performance caps. It contains a micro grid texture on the inside of the cap which provides more comfort with less snagging and pulling of hair (yippie!). They have may cute prints – but this is one is purrrrfect to get ready for your next race. Available online. $14.99 USD.
Garden Party ISM Adamo Prologue Saddle. Betty Designs. Betty took her inspiration from runway fashion to put a spin on the current floral trend. The result is a seat with touches of feminine flair in black and white to match whatever frame you ride. TECH SPECS: The Prologue builds on the success of the Podium and Breakaway. ISM’s design team kept the longer length and narrower hamstring section to allow for more forward and rearward body movement. We also integrated the sloped front arms to cut down on superficial chaffing on the inner thigh. The biggest change is they added more foam and gel padding to soften the ride. Great for distance cycling and triathlon. Cr-mo rails. 270mm long and 135mm wide. Available online. $189 USD.
Get a Coach! X3 Training. For the traithlete who is looking to take one part, or all three, of their racing to the next level – hire a professional! I’ve worked with Michael in the past for cycling and know a number of athletes who have reached the big BQ (Boston Qualifier) under his coaching. Whether it’s off season fun, or regular season work – check him out! Prices vary on program.
Race Entry. Toronto Triathlon Festival. I’ve blogged about TTF before, as well as how race entries make great gifts – well with TTF your athlete gets double the present when you sign them up (with their permission) before December 25 as they will also qualify for TTF Gold Member status (which means lots of great bonus swag and it will save you a few bucks too!) Read about why you should choose TTF here! Available online. $108-$130 CAD
Fresh Foam Zante. New Balance. Personal bests are meant to be broken. Help your triathlete break theirs with the all-new Fresh Foam Zante – 2015 road shoe of the year. This shoe has carried me through hundreds of training kms and the Paris marathon – and it’s definitely a favourite shoe of mine. Featuring an impossibly smooth heel-to-toe transition and an explosive toe spring for an overall faster ride, the Zante gives your triathlete the opportunity to turn personal bests into personal betters. Available in various stores around the GTA and online. $129.99 CAD
2016 SIDI Buvel Women’s Fuchsia cycling shoe. Lickbike.com. So many reasons why this shoe is on my list – but I think the first is very obvious (it’s pink!!). It’s also a less expensive version of another shoe I’ve fallen in love with. Lickbike will ship to Canada, so if you’re wondering the source, that’s why. TECH SPECS: : New for 2016, the SIDI Buvel MTB shoes are the absolute favorite for cross-country, mountain bikers, racers and adventurer seekers – I race triathlon in mountain bike shoes (the clip is embedded so for me they are easier to run in). European handcrafted quality that keeps on performing season after season offering superb comfort. The shoe features a Caliper Buckle two-way ratchet for easy on-bike adjustment with incremental tightening and loosening. Soft Instep Closure System and padded tongue eliminate pressure points. High Security Velcro won’t shift or slip. SIDI Competition Sole. Made in ITALY. Guaranteed for 1 YEAR. Available online. $199.88 USD.