Fedofsky Friday

Fedofsky Friday: Traveling and the curse of being a good swimmer

A few Fridays every month, Elizabeth Fedofsky, a top age-group fast rising professional triathlete and national age group champ, drops in to answer your training questions and to brighten our day with her witty wisdom.

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Question: I started reading your blog and noticed that you’ve been doing quite a bit of traveling. I’m considering flying to a race later this summer and was wondering what hard-earned travel tips you could share. - Cyler

Fedofsky: Bring your checkbook! Yes, it has become more expensive than ever to travel to a race. I’ve learned a few tips and tricks along the way to same money, time and hassle when you plan to go away.

Before you start packing - check with your airline to see their policy on bikes. It helps to print out the policy in case there are any misunderstandings at the check-in counter. Keep in mind that you will have to pay for your bicycle both ways. A credit card is a must when traveling with your bike. Airlines charge different rates for traveling with a bicycle - anywhere from $50 to $100. With new luggage policies in effect you might even be charged with extra baggage fines too. Know the policy and like I said - bring it along, just in case.

Before packing your bike, be sure they don’t have a weight limit. Some airlines charge extra if your bike box is over 50 pounds. Some will also want to check inside of your bike box so pack your bike parts carefully.

As far as the arrival of your bike - there is always a possibility that while you may arrive your bike may not. When traveling to a race, it’s best to have at least two full days before the race start to allow a cushion for problems like this. Make sure your name is clearly written on your bike box or tag. Also, it helps to have a picture of your bike box - and bike - just in case.

With luggage, when possible carry it on the plane. Luggage has a nasty way of not arriving when you need it most. Items that would be very hard to replace (ie., bike shoes, race clothes, etc) should be carried on just in case.

I’ve had my fair share of gels, bars and sports drink powder explode in my suitcase - a lesson learned - always pack those things in Tupperware. Those little backpacks you get as race bags? Use them to store your race flats or cycling shoes in your suitcase.

Safe travels!

Question: I’m starting my second season as a short-course triathlete and have learned the following about myself: I’m a decent swimmer, a crappy biker and a super-crappy runner. Should I focus on my strength this season to give me a bigger edge in the water? Or, should I try and get on the bike more since that comprises most of the race? I’m confused! - Amanda B.

Fedofsky: Though the swim in short course is important, even a two minute edge will not be enough to overcome the power of the stronger cyclists and the speed of the faster runners. The cycling leg of a triathlon makes up the most time. Therefore, it makes sense to spend your most time training to become an efficient cyclist. Efficiency in cycling leads to better running. While running is also important, overtraining the run can lead to injury and still won’t do much for your cycling. Imagine if you trained so you can take that swim edge, build a stronger lead with a powerful bike then hold anyone off with a speedy run. Putting it all together you can see that the swim will set you up for a fast race but once you exit the water it’s still a long way to the finish line. That said, it might help to work on your cycling, 3 - 4x per week for short course and running, 3 - 4x per week with one of those being a bike - run brick workout.

If you have triathlon-related questions for Liz, or just want to know more about the ways she drives her husband nuts, fire ‘em off to us at questions@theoutdoorjourney.com. You can read more about Liz’s adventures on her blog at http://elizabethfedofsky.blogspot.com/

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