2Toms Blister Shield and Sports Shield

I have just bought some new shoes and have been getting blisters around the heel. I tried a new (at least new to me) product in hopes that it would relieve the hot spot in the area. I used the 2Toms sports shield before my last 2 runs and it was great. I had no irritation in the area or any other areas that usually get a little tender.

I live in Florida so even a short run gets everything soaking wet, and I can feel hot spots start to develop. With another run, I used the blister shield product in my socks as directed. Again, I was impressed with how dry it kept my feet. I did not feel the slipping around in my shoes that I normally do and had no hot spots to worry about.

I would recommend both of these products and the customer service with the company was great. They have a great facebook page where you can enter their "Worst Blister Challenge" and win some free products. I like the company and I love there products. Check out 2Toms and train blister free.

First Run In Vibram Five Fingers

I had my first 1.1 mile trail run yesterday in my Vibram Five Fingers and it was great. I actually had fun running. I have been dealing with plantar fasciitis issues as you all know, and since I've tried almost everything that was offered by doctors and therapists, I decided to try the Vibram Five Fingers approach.

My heel is actually a little better than it usually is in the morning and I do have some sore muscles that I never had before, but overall I feel good. The ball on my left foot is a little tender, but not bad.

It felt really good to run through the woods feeling like I had no shoes on. It is definitely a strange feeling, but after a couple minutes, you tend to settle in and feel like a kid for some reason. Even though it was only a mile, I felt like I got a decent workout and I felt like I could run much longer. I was cautious because I know I am suppose to ease into these and also while still having heel pain, I did not want to overdo it.

As of now I love the new shoes. I will continue to post updates as I gain more experience and mileage in the Vibram shoes.

Triathlon Training and Vibram 5 Finger Shoes

If you have been reading my blog, you know the problems I have been dealing with and Plantar Fasciitis. I have been going to the chiropractor and podiatrist with improvement but it is limited improvement. I have had cortisone shots, physical therapy, laser, botox (yes, Botox in my calf and feet), and have tried every stretch imagineable. Ice and heat help some but not as much as I would like.

After taking 5 weeks off from running and having to withdraw from my Florida 70.3 race, I decided to give the less is more approach a shot. I just bought the Vibrams yesterday so I wore them around the house last night. They definitely are different than any other shoe you'll ever wear. My feet did not hurt as much as in regular shoes and after a while, they actually started to loosen up a bit. The hardest part is getting your feet into them. My first thought was that these would be cool for the sprints this summer with a beach run, but I think my transition in T2 would be horrific. You have to get used to having your toes separated, but it's not all that bad. I'm anxious to wear them outside. Maybe after work tonight, I'll throw them on for a few minutes during my short trail run with the wife.

I will slowly get used to them before trying to run in them too much but I hope to transition to using them as my running shoes in the future. I will keep posting updates on my progress with them. If you have any experience with these, please leave a comment and share with others.

Half Ironman Triathlon Training Plans By Tri Geek

Click here to visit Geek Publishers by Julian Dean

Tri Geek training plans offer all levels of triathlon training for all distances of triathlon. The plans are easy to follow for those who self coach and need the structured workouts written out for them. Check out the site and what they have to offer.

Suitable for all levels of fitness.

Prerequisite before starting the plans:

1. Able to Run 1-2 miles without stopping.
2. Able to Swim 100 yards without stopping.
3. Able to Bike comfortably for 30 mins.

Be 100% absolutely confident that you will finish your triathlon race in peak state and in peak performance when you commit to train and follow at least 80% of this triathlon training plan.

Features and benefits of a Triathlon Geek self-coaching training plan:

All plans include a nutritional guide for endurance athletes.

3 athletic levels of triathlon training per sport (Age Grouper, Elite and Pro Athletes).

Triathlon specific Weight training and Core Strength routines for power and muscular endurance.

Detailed triathlon workout plans each day.

Gradual Increase in intensity and distance to avoid injuries and over training.

Balanced approach to endurance triathlon training so you do not burn out.

Start your triathlon training today. Digital (Adobe PDF) triathlon training plan sent to you via email.

5 Key triathlon training phases to achieve a peak state on race day.

2 Active Recovery phases.

Suitable for all levels of fitness including beginners.

At-a-glance triathlon training plan - one page per week.

Workouts are easy to read and follow.

Time-Intensity grid for each training day - allowing you to mentally gauge how intense or long your workouts will take.

One Day off per week.

Swim, Bike and Run drills.

Triathlon workouts include Brick, Speed Work, Endurance and Power routines.

Longer workouts on the weekend and Shorter workouts on the weekday to balance work life commitments.

Metric system (km) plans for Australia, New Zealand, Canadian and European athletes or those who prefer to train in the metric system.

Click here to visit Geek Publishers by Julian Dean

Nothing To Do With Triathlon Training: One Of The Strangest Books I've Ever Seen

I was watching a show the other night, I don't remember what show but it was Comedy Central so obviously mindless, and they brought up this book. I was really just listening and when they said the topic of the book, I had to look up, and rewind to be sure I heard it correctly. I know this is a triathlon training blog, but I also love to hear odd and sometimes crazy stories.

Here is a description from the book and at first may seem like a joke. It is not. You can actually purchase this book for your cookbook library (I don't know why you would but to each his own).

Semen is not only nutritious, but it also has a wonderful texture and amazing cooking properties. Like fine wine and cheeses, the taste of semen is complex and dynamic. Semen is inexpensive to produce and is commonly available in many, if not most, homes and restaurants. Despite all of these positive qualities, semen remains neglected as a food. This book hopes to change that. Once you overcome any initial hesitation, you will be surprised to learn how wonderful semen is in the kitchen. Semen is an exciting ingredient that can give every dish you make an interesting twist. If you are a passionate cook and are not afraid to experiment with new ingredients - you will love this cook book!

I'm not sure it is for me (I'm actually very sure it is not), but I did find it interesting that there are actually people buying this. It may be a pretty funny coffee table book if you don't have kids. It would probably be a great awkward conversation starter when friends are over. Just to leave it sitting out where they could see it and then leave the room and monitor their reaction. Now that would be priceless. Especially if you came back and offered them a tapioca pudding appetizer. Bon appetite!

No Florida 70.3 for Me!!

I am having to pull the plug on the Florida 70.3 half ironman race. My plantar fasciitis problems have really hurt my training. My bike and swim is good but I have only run once in 4 weeks and that was at St. Anthony's and my 44 minute 10K time turned into an hour long jog/walk.I love writing my blog so I will continue to update with my regular training progress and report on my sprint races.

I also plan to add more funny posts that relate to my everyday life. Please continue to follow me as I rework my blog. I hope to add many more followers. Thanks again for following.