Swim Stroke Styles: What They Are and Why They Matter

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Benefits of Incorporating Different Swim Stroke Styles into your tri training

Triathlon swimming is different from competitive swimming. You’re in open water with a bunch of triathletes on the same mission: to reach the end of the swim as quickly, efficiently, and safely as possible. The distance of the swim will help you determine which swim stroke style you should work on during training to do your best on race day. Your current skill level in the water is also important to factor in. Keep reading to see the benefits of learning multiple swim strokes during your training for your upcoming tri. 

Why Different Swim Strokes Matter

In open water racing, you’ll find yourself having to swerve around other athletes. You may also have to stop quickly to avoid getting kicked and make tight turns around buoy markers. Adding in new strokes for just one of your workouts per week will make a difference in being able to react to these circumstances in an efficient way. Not only that, using different strokes will cause you to use different ranges of motion resulting in less strain to particular muscles and more of a complete shoulder and chest workout.

Freestyle Stroke

Freestyle is the best-known swim style stroke, and the most common stroke we see out at Jack’s Generic Tri, because it’s the most efficient swim stroke you can learn. It takes you farther than other strokes without expending more energy. Freestyle also gives you a full-body workout. It works the muscles in your arms, legs, core, and back. If you are looking for a particular swimming stroke to strengthen your back muscles, freestyle is definitely the way to go. Although the most efficient stroke, it can also be difficult to master. One of the most important things to focus on during training is your breathing. You can practice this by using the flutter kick while holding a kickboard out in front of you and practice rotating your face in and out of the water to breathe until you’ve established a rhythm you can replicate in the open water.

Benefits of the Freestyle Stroke

Click here to learn more about the freestyle stroke

Backstroke

Backstroke is rarely used during a triathlon, but it is a great stroke to incorporate into your training because it helps your shoulders unwind after sticking with one specific stroke for a while. This stroke is great for improving hip rotation. It also works your shoulder flexibility in the opposite way from freestyle. Depending on the length of your swim, mastering backstroke is always a great alternative to have up your sleeve. Your face stays out of the water, so you can breathe whenever you want. Backstroke is extremely useful when you need a bit of a rest period or if the water is choppy on race day.

Benefits of Backstroke

Click here to learn more about the backstroke

Breaststroke

Breastroke is the perfect swim stroke style for building strength in your hands by using them as paddles. This will translate into a stronger pull in freestyle. It’s a great way to switch things up and focus on different muscle groups. If you’re hesitant to hold your breath, breaststroke is great because you breathe every stroke. You can also complete this stroke without having to put your face in the water. Some argue breaststroke is the slowest swimming stroke, which may be a con for people who prefer speed. This stroke can be done for longer periods of time, so it can serve as an endurance workout. It’s a good alternative to your regular stroke as a way to mix in some cardio and burn a lot of calories in a session.

Benefits of Breaststroke

Click here to learn more about the breaststroke

Butterfly Stroke

If you’re looking to challenge yourself in the water, the butterfly is the way to go. This stroke was named after the movement in which you move your arms and is great for strengthening your core. This is important to triathlon because a strong core aids in swimming, cycling, and running. Butterfly requires a great deal of strength and coordination that takes time to develop. Not only does is this stroke a great workout to build abdominal strength, but it also strengthens your shoulders and chest. Each stroke requires that your core muscles have enough power to pull your arms over the water. Just a few laps of butterfly leaves you feeling its effects and burns the most calories of any swimming stroke. If this stroke is something you’re interested in perfecting, consider joining a Masters Swimming Program to get to proper coaching and guidance you’d need.

Benefits of Butterfly Stroke

Click here to learn more about the butterfly stroke

Keep in Mind:

Although your goal may be to complete the distance as fast as possible, you have to pace yourself. Triathlon requires you to be as efficient as you can in order to save energy for the bike and run later on. Incorporating different swim strokes into your training builds strength in other muscle groups, reduces the risk of injury, and breaks the repetitiveness in your swim sets. In the meantime, try these ways to stay motivated to keep up with your tri training and we’ll see you at JGT in no time!

How To Adjust Your Bike To The Perfect Saddle Height

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Steps to Achieve Your Perfect Bike Saddle Height

Adjusting your bike to the perfect saddle height is crucial in order to maximize comfort and payoff during your training rides for Jack’s Generic Tri. Incorrect saddle height leads to pain and discomfort during and after your ride. It can also prevent you from improving your performance on the bike. Learn the importance of correct saddle height, and how to adjust your bike to the perfect saddle height with these easy steps.

What is Saddle Height?

Saddle height is measured by the distance between the center of the pedal axle and the top of the saddle, or your bike seat. This is set by adjusting the seat post to your ideal height to balance your comfort and power on the bike. Saddle height is arguably the single most important adjustment on your bicycle. Incorrect saddle height can contribute to discomfort in the saddle, anterior and posterior knee pains, and ultimately limiting how much power you produce.

How To Adjust Your Bike To The Perfect Saddle Height

How To Adjust Your Saddle Height

There are many ways you can approach finding your perfect saddle height. One of the best approaches is to establish it based on the rider’s individual ride characteristics and flexibility. You can follow the “heel to pedal method” before your next ride. This will get you in the ballpark.

  1. Stand next to your bike and raise the saddle to your hip to get an idea of where to start.
  2. Get on your bike, and place your heel on the pedal to determine if you will raise or lower your saddle.
    • If you are having trouble making contact with your heel to your pedal – the seat is too high.
    • If your knee is bent – it is too low.
  3. Put your bike on the trainer and adjust accordingly.
  4. Get back on your bike with your heel on the pedal and pedal backward to reach the six o’clock position.
  5. Your leg should be completely straight, without being overextended to achieve the correct saddle height.

Pro tip: Make very small adjustments during this process, then repeat until you have found the perfect saddle height.

Ready to Ride

Once you find the proper height, use a piece of electrical tape around at the base of the post where it meets the seat clamp as a marker. Take a tape measure and record the measurements at which you think you’ve found your perfect saddle height. This is good to have in case you need to make very slight adjustments in the future.

Have a professional look at your bike every few years to achieve maximum comfort on your bike. After adjusting your bike to the perfect saddle height, make the first few rides short. Give it time!  Your body may need a few sessions to adapt to your new saddle height before you feel yourself improving on your cycling journey. How often do you check your saddle height? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.

Refreshing Nuun Cocktails You Need to Try

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Hydrate During Happy Hour with these nuun Cocktails

 

Wow! Time for Happy Hour already?

If you don’t already know, the Jack’s Generic Tri team are huge nuun fans. It tastes incredible, there are endless flavor options, and you can add it to just about any drink you can imagine. nuun is loaded with electrolytes and is a great way to keep you hydrated, no matter what activity you’re doing. That is why we have put together some ways to incorporate nuun into happy hour! Your colleges will be jealous and your mouth will be thankful. Plus, these hydration cocktails are super easy to make, which may be our favorite part.

If you’re bored with your go-to cocktail, it’s probably time to mix it up and try something new! Try these refreshing and tasty Nuun-based cocktails for your next happy hour. 

Give These Nuun Cocktails a Try!

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Think you’ve found your new favorite cocktail?

Which one are you going to try with us first? If you have a nuun cocktail recipe of your own, we’d love to hear it! Share your recipe with us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. Be sure to share it with your friends so they can enjoy a delicious 5 o’clock drink with you, too.

Test Your Knowledge: How Well Do You Know JGT?

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How well do you know JGT?

On August 23rd, we are celebrating 18 years of generic, triathlon fun at Jack’s Generic Tri, so let’s put your JGT knowledge to the test. If you’ve been a proud member of the generic gang, see how well you know JGT with this quiz. If you’re joining us for the first time this year, this is a great place to learn all the history and fun facts of JGT that has led us to our 18th Anniversary Celebration!

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Where did the first ever Jack's Generic Tri take place?

running on the JGT course Tom Marek
Correct! Wrong!

What year was the first Jack's Generic Tri?

Ed Sparks
Correct! Wrong!

How long is the swim portion of JGT?

Ed Sparks
Correct! Wrong!

Who won the first-ever JGT?

Correct! Wrong!

How many people completed the first JGT?

Ed Sparks
Correct! Wrong!

What's our go-to beer for the beer garden?

Ed Sparks
Correct! Wrong!

How do we wrap up the JGT finish line party?

Tom Marek
Correct! Wrong!

Where is JGT currently located?

Ed Sparks
Correct! Wrong!

How many divisions are offered?

Ed Sparks
Correct! Wrong!

What's the name of our iconic, water-spraying unicorn?

Correct! Wrong!

Do You Know JGT?
You're a JGT expert!

Alright, alright! You really know your JGT stuff!
You know the basics!

Right on! You know the JGT basics!
You must be new!

Welcome to the JGT crew! Now you know Jack's Generic Tri a little better, hopefully, you'll be there to join in on the fun this year!

Share your Results:

How’d you’d do?? Whatever your level of JGT expertise, we hope you can be there to swim-bike-run alongside Austin’s coolest triathletes this summer.

Understanding the Different Types of Bike Pedals

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Types of Bike Pedals: Understanding the Basics

When it comes to choosing bike pedals, you need to consider the best option to meet your needs depending on the kind of riding you’ll be doing. It’s all about personal preference and what you feel most comfortable with. If you’re in the market for some new pedals, keep reading to understand the different types of bike pedals to figure out which ones are right for you.

Types of Pedals:

There are two basic types of bike pedals: Flat and Clipless. Flat pedals are the more common of the two when it comes to triathlon because you wear regular running shoes with this type of pedal. Which is great and convenient for the bike to run transition. Clipless pedals are great for athletes who want to feel more at one with the bike. With these pedals, you’ll need to wear special cleats that clip into the specific type of pedal system that’s compatible with your cleats.

Different Benefits:

Flat Pedals types of bike pedals

Flat Pedals

There are many benefits of flat or platform pedals. Any type of shoe you decide on will work with this type of pedal. They’re great for a quicker bike-to-run transition because, without changing shoes, you eliminate the need to spend any more time in transition.

Flat pedals also reduce any anxiety you may have about falling over during the bike leg. You can put your feet down to catch yourself, as opposed to if you were clipped into the pedals. Lastly, this is the more common and affordable option of the two kinds of pedals. Flat pedals can be found for $10 – $40.

 

Clipless Pedals

Clipless PedalsThere are also many benefits of a Clipless Pedal (clipless means clipped in). Increase your speed during the bike portion by being clipped into your bike pedals. This allows you to take full advantage of your pedal stroke, which in turn allows you to ride faster once you have mastered the push and pull of it.

A smoother more efficient pedal stroke will lead to better average power output. Being clipped in can actually keep you a little safer while riding because it reduces the chance of your foot slipping off the pedal while climbing, descending, or while fatigued. There are endless options when it comes to choosing clipless pedals if that is the

You can go clipless right from the start or use flat pedals until you are more comfortable in the saddle. There are benefits to each type of pedal, but the important thing is to choose what is more comfortable for you. Whatever you choose, spend time becoming familiar with your bike pedals to maximize your efficiency on race morning of Jack’s Generic Tri!


Protect Your Skin During Summer Training

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Break out your sunscreen!

Summer is here to stay and the importance of protecting your skin during summer training is crucial, but often forgotten. Keep reading to see some of our favorite products to protect your skin during the summer months of training.

Protect your Skin

Whether you’re swimming, biking, running, it doesn’t matter. Apply sunscreen! Even if you run in the shade or ride on the trail, applying sunscreen is a must. If you’re doing any kind of training outside, or even just getting outside for a walk sunscreen is important. Take a look at some of our favorite sweat and water-proof sunscreen products before heading out for your tri training to protect your skin. It’ll last long during your workout and ensure the sun’s rays don’t impact your skin.

Kiss My Face Sunscreen

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen

KINeSYS SPF 50 Fragrance-Free Spray Sunscreen

EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+

COOLA Mineral Sun Silk Crème

Applying sunscreen to protect your skin during summer training

Reapplying Rules

Training with a sunburn is not comfortable. Plus, the sunburn will warm your body and make it that much more difficult to keep your core cool. Whatever variety you go for, make sure to apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before heading outside, to give your skin the chance to absorb the product so you don’t sweat it off right away. Then, you should reapply every two hours if you’re getting out for an extended period of time, apply sunscreen throughout. This advice will get help to protect your skin from UV rays as you continue to follow your training plan so you’re ready for Jack’s Generic Tri!

 

Rockin’ Training Playlist to Get You Ready for Jack’s Generic Tri

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Get back to your JGT training with this rockin’ playlist

Looking for a new rockin’ playlist to get you in the zone for some Jack’s Generic Tri training?! You’ve come to the right place. We’re big music lovers at JGT, so we’ve put together some of our favorite hits for your tri training sessions! Get motivated for this year’s 18th celebration with this rockin’ training playlist that will make you feel like you’re at the JGT finish line festival!

Scroll through the playlist below!

These songs can pump you up, give you a second to catch your breath or help you through the warm-up/cool-down. With these hits, you’ll want to crank up the volume, but make sure you can still hear your surroundings. It’s important to know what’s going on around you!

DIY Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for the Ultimate Triathlete Mom

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Make the triathlete mom in your life feel extra special this year.

Do you ever have trouble thinking of gift ideas for Mother’s Day? We know we do! After all, you want the gift to be thoughtful and make her feel loved. Make Mother’s Day extra special this year with the help of these free, Generic gifts perfect for the triathlete mom!

Turn a JGT Race Shirt into a Pillow

Remind mom how awesome she really is when you turn an old Jack’s Generic Tri race shirt into a memory pillow for your homemade Mother’s Day gift. After all she does for you, give mom a little extra recognition for also taking the time to fit triathlon into the mix! You can find the instructions here to get started!

Best Tri Mom Certificate, free mother's day gift ideas

Best Tri Mom Award

Why not add “Best Tri Mom” to the resume this Mother’s Day? After all, you know it’s true! Make her smile with this award that cuts right to the chase and let her know what you think. Click here to download, print, and frame this “Best Tri Mom” certificate that is sure to make her smile!

Make Her Favorite Smoothie

Make mom health, sweet treat to enjoy on Mother’s Day from this list of DELICIOUS smoothies from London at Evolving Table. Prep her a few so she can choose her favorite and reuse this recipe after some tri training!

triathlon gift ideas for mother's day

Tri Day

Consider this as a spa day, but for triathlete moms! Finding time to fit training in around a hectic schedule is trying in itself. Give her the day to focus on herself and swim, bike, run to her heart’s content to get in the tri groove!


Make a Bag out of Race Bibs

You know that drawer full of bibs is sitting around somewhere. Get crafty and repurpose those hard-earned race bibs into a tote bag for mom to carry this Mother’s Day. Bring back positive memories while also encouraging her to get back in the tri game.

 

These homemade Mother’s Day gifts are great for the triathlete mom in your life. Not to mention, a great way to recognize her triathlon skills and remind her why she fell I love with the sport to begin with! We hope you found the perfect idea to make this Mother’s Day one she’ll never forget.

 

Top 5 Fitness Instagram Accounts You Need to Follow

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Follow these top 5 fitness Instagram accounts for your fittest year yet!

Maybe you’re someone who likes to work out alone, or maybe your schedule is so crazy you can’t seem to find the time to get a good workout in. Luckily for us, getting a good workout has never been so easy! Well… convenient. Get back in the fitness groove for Jack’s Generic Tri on August 23rd, or start a new healthy habit with our top 5 fitness Instagram accounts you need to follow.

Strava @strava

Strava top 5 fitness instagram accounts you need to follow

Follow @strava on Instagram

Explore new paths and see where your training will take you with the help of Strava. “Designed by athletes, for athletes, Strava’s mobile app and website connect millions of runners and cyclists through the sports they love.” Connect with athletes all over the world and check out people’s favorite places to run or cycle all over the world! You can expect daily running or cycling workouts, along with words of motivation to help keep you on track. If you travel a lot, this is perfect for finding the top places to run when you visit or experience new places. You can follow other athletes to share your progress on the app. This is a great way to keep up with your tri squads training progress by uploading and sharing your routes with one another.

sworkit top 5 fitness instagram accounts you need to follow

Follow @sworkit on Instagram

Sworkit @sworkit

With over 18 million followers, the Sworkit (Simply Work It) Instagram account is a must-follow. This Instagram has it all. From daily workouts accompanied by instructional videos, to words of inspiration to help light a fire under you to get started on your fitness journey! This feel-good account also shares thousands of their participants’ journeys that bring a sense of community that can help you with your own fitness improvements.

 

 

Baby-Fit Gym @babyfit_gym

babyfit_gym top 5 fitness instagram accounts you need to follow

Follow @babyfit_gym on Instagram

Baby fit-gym was created by Kristy Ardo after having children a few years back. This one is for all the moms out there as a way to get you back to your fitness routine on your schedule! Kristy, a mother of three herself,  knows how difficult it can be to make the time. Especially when your hands are full. Kristy is a certified personalized trainer that specializes in pregnancy and postpartum fitness. These 15-minute workouts are based on your current fitness abilities and can be adjusted to increase or decrease the intensity. She has an impressive following that makes moms and new moms feel united and allows them to share their stories and encourage one another to keep up the hard work.

 

shona_vertue.top 5 fitness instagram accounts you need to follow

Follow @shona_vertue on Instagram

Shona Vertue @shona_vertue

This is for all our fellow yogi’s or anyone looking to get into yoga! Shona Vertue is an elite, ex-gymnast from down under who shares her fitness tips and tricks to inspire others to follow along with her. Her motto is based on consistency and sustainability to keep you healthy and fit for life and not focusing on your appearance. If you love her account as much as we do, she also offers more specific programs to join online depending on what you wish to improve on.

 

 

Susan Niebergall Fitness @susanneibergallfitness

Follow @susanniebergallfitness on Instagram

Move over kids, let Susan Niebergall show you how it’s done! Susan is a personal trainer and strength coach in her mid-fifties that says she’s “living proof that anything is possible at any age.” She’s also very passionate about the importance of a healthy well-balanced diet. If one of your goals this year is to shed a few pounds and develop healthier eating habits, this is the account for you. With over 101 thousand followers, it’s safe to say Susan has helped so many people accomplish their fitness goals and continues to inspire others to make the change to a healthier, more active lifestyle.

 

With access to endless amounts of online training workouts, tips for living a healthier lifestyle, and so much more, it can be overwhelming to find one that’s right you. Hopefully, this list of our top fitness Instagrams will point you in the right direction.

Binge-Worthy Show Recommendations from the Team at High Five Events

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This list of binge-worthy show recommendations has something for everyone

Feel like you’ve finished everything on Netflix? Us too. If you’re looking for some new shows to watch, you’re in luck! The staff at High Five Events compiled their list of favorite binge-worthy show recommendations. If you like drama, comedy, fantasy, or history, they’ve got you covered. Fire up the next episode, settle in on the couch (after your JGT training of course!), grab your favorite snack, and enjoy. Pro tip: try out some of these yoga poses for triathletes during your binge-watching marathon for some added relaxation!

Dan

Brooklyn Nine-Nine is on the High Five Events binge-worthy show recommendation list.

Dan’s favorite: Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Brooklyn Nine-Nine. This comedy follows around New York’s funniest police precinct. I like how light-hearted everything is and the unexpected chuckles when I least expect it. Brooklyn Nine-Nine won a Golden Globe Award for Best Comedy Series!

Megan

Dead to Me. The humor is dark, but it is funny. Also, it has a few plot twists that really get you. I am currently waiting for the second season to come out.

Jack

You. A local bookstore manager falls in love with a female writer. He does everything possible, including killing people, to get closer to her. The twists and turns of this show will keep you watching.

Emily

Schitt’s Creek. I haven’t watched a show that made me laugh as much as this one in a long time. The dysfunctional family members are all my spirit animals! The costumes are fantastic. David’s sweaters, hello! The actors have so much chemistry with each other. The writing is so clever. It’s hard to turn it off.

Caroline

The Office. I just started binge-watching The Office (again). It’s entertaining and easy to watch, so I can always count on it for a good laugh. One of my favorite parts of re-watching The Office is noticing similarities between characters in the show and the High Five Events team!

Turn: Washington’s Spies is on the High Five Events binge-worthy show recommendation list.

Stacy’s favorite: Turn: Washington’s Spies

Stacy

Turn: Washington’s Spies. It’s about a turnip farmer during the Revolutionary War who helps defeat the British by becoming a spy for General Washington. I tend to like period pieces and this one is only four seasons long so you can’t get too carried away.

Tina

Forensic Files. There are so many reasons to watch this documentary-style TV show. The main reason: every episode is thrilling and re-watchable! Experts gather and utilize every piece of evidence to prove that there is no “perfect crime.”

William

Game of Thrones. I held out for 4 seasons before I watched the first episode. Thought I’d be cool and “not watch that show.” Welp, watched Episode 1 and was immediately hooked. I also highly recommend reading the books!

Scott

Peaky Blinders. A gangster family epic set in Birmingham, England, in 1919, several months after the end of the First World War in November 1918. The story centers on the Peaky Blinders gang and their ambitious and highly cunning boss, Tommy Shelby. I like how good the wardrobe and settings are to the time period.

Joey

Parks and Recreation. I like seeing how the characters evolved over the seasons and how the inside jokes never got old.

John

Top Gear. I like knowing how things work and this show is right up my alley. They travel the world testing whether or not cars actually do what their manufacturers claim. This show has been around since 2002, time to catch up!

Grey's Anatomy is on the High Five Events binge-worthy show recommendation list.

Laura’s favorite: Grey’s Anatomy

Laura

Grey’s Anatomy. It is particularly good to binge-watch because there are SO MANY SEASONS AND EPISODES! I also love it because of all the drama.

As you can see, this list of binge-worthy show recommendations has it all! And there are enough of them to keep you busy for a while. The hard part is figuring out where to start. Did your favorite not make our list? Let us know what your favorite binge-worthy show is on Facebook or Twitter.