The podcast episode focuses on swimming technique for beginner triathletes.

• It emphasizes the importance of structured training with warmup, technique drills, fitness sets, and cool down.
• Common mistakes like swimming long distances without focus on technique are highlighted.
• It covers specific workout structures and drills for improving swimming efficiency and speed.

In this episode we continue our discussion on getting started in triathlon. This week we focus on swimming technique. Swimming is a technique-driven sport, and learning to swim as an adult is challenging due to the decrease in myelin production with age. We break down the mechanics of the freestyle stroke, including extension, catch, pull, recovery, kicking, and breathing.

In this episode we look at running and what makes good technique.

Running involves generating horizontal, vertical, and rotational forces. The primary goal is to maximize horizontal force and minimize the other two. Horizontal force is maximized by minimizing ground contact time, ideally by landing with the foot under the hips.

However, this is difficult because the foot must land at the center of gravity. Leaning forward from the waist is a common mistake, as it promotes heel striking and increases ground contact time. Shoes facilitate this unnatural running style by absorbing shock, whereas barefoot running encourages a more natural midfoot strike.

Learning to lean from the ankles instead of the waist helps maintain proper posture and minimizes center of gravity displacement. By practicing good posture and increasing cadence, runners can optimize their technique and minimize ground contact time.