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A Smoother Way to Ironman: Executive Challenge

A Smoother Way to Ironman: Executive Challenge

Plus: Why compression is key, and is stretching a workout?

Good morning everyone!

In this edition, we've got an Ironman for the 1%, why compression is compelling and answer whether stretching is a workout.

And we've launched a question-and-answer form. Send in any questions you have about triathlon, Ironman, training, really anything! I'll do my best to answer them, and maybe even have some guests share their thoughts.

Thank you for being here.

-Matt Sharpe, newsletter editor

Have a triathlete in your life who can't stop swimming, biking or running? Fire this off to them. Forwarded from a friend? Sign-up for free.

ONE BIG THING

Want a Smoother Ironman Experience? It'll Cost You

Mibro/Pexabay

What is it: Ironman XC, or executive challenge, is a "white glove" concierge service for Ironman-branded events. As reported by New York Times Magazine, the program is geared towards "high-achieving, time-strapped business executives."

Athletes in the XC program may pay up to $15,000 per event and receive race optimization services such as:

Hotel room closest to swim start.
V.I.P. race day experience for families/friends.
On-demand bicycle mechanic.

Why it matters? The type of athlete who will participate in this program will surely enjoy the time-savings and headaches that can be associated with a mass participation event.

Athletes who have the means to participate in this program will enjoy an experience that is simply out of reach for the typical long-course athlete.

Quick thought: Ironman knows that its events tend to attract high-achieving, type-A individuals who have the means to invest in bespoke services like XC. The corporation is simply taking advantage of this opportunity.

It becomes problematic when qualifying spots for World Championships can seemingly be bought instead of "earned."
Although this has already been the case with the Ironman Foundation Auction amongst others.

Big picture, programs like Ironman XC, V.I.P. tours at Disney, and the rise of semiprivate airlines reflect a changing economic landscape that features more upper-income earners coupled with a decline in middle-income earners.

But the question remains, have these athletes truly experienced an Ironman unless they've waited ages for a heavily-used pre-race port-o-potty?

NEWS

👋 Moving on: Ironman World Champion Chelsea Sodaro and British pro Katrina Matthews will be leaving the BMC pro triathlon team after successful stints with the outfit. [Tri247]

❄️ Transition snow: Treetops Resort in Gaylord, Michigan wants you to join them at their Winter Triathlon on March 4th, 2023. The race consists of cross-country skiing, fat biking, and snowshoeing. [9&10 News]

🥐 Nouvelle course: Challenge Family has announced the addition of Challenge Vieux Boucau on the southwest Atlantic coast of France. The middle-distance race will be held on October 21st, 2023. [Challenge Family]

🦵 Longs gone: Popular professional triathlete, Sam Long (USA), has parted ways with his long-time coach Ryan Bolton ahead of the 2023 season. He will be coaching himself for the time being. [UKdaily.news]

TRAINING THOUGHT

Compression For a Complete Recovery

cottonbro studio/Pexels

Wearing compression garments is a quick and easy way to enhance recovery. Here are three reasons why you should be squeezing into those socks post-workout 👇

🩸 Improved circulation: Better circulation means more oxygen-rich blood for the muscles and quicker recovery.

🤘 Less soreness: Compression helps support muscles and reduces the achy feeling from lactic acid buildup.

🏃 Increased endurance: With a faster recovery from compression, future training can be performed at a higher level.

Want more quick training tips? We've compiled every tip from previous newsletters. Check it out.

FAVOURITES

🏋️ Protein power: Here's an interesting meta-analysis (or, a study of studies) out of Japan on the relationship between protein intake and muscle strength. Muscle mass and protein are synonymous, but it appears muscle strength (athletic performance) and protein consumption are also correlated. [Nutraingredients-asia.com]

🧘 Stretchperts: Do you stretch before working out? After? During? The experts say there are times and places for each one. Find out if they also think stretching itself is a workout. [NYTimes]

🥱 Don’t sleep on Joe: Rogan doesn’t typically do Tri content, but this podcast with sleep expert Matthew Welker is definitely required listening for athletes, and anyone who wants better sleep. A big takeaway - cooling your body pre-sleep.

COMMUNITY QUESTION

Have a burning question about triathlon or Ironman? Want to share a racing tip? Let us know and it could be featured in the newsletter.

Are you racing this weekend? Or any epic training sessions? We'd love to hear about them! Send us your photos or a race recap, and we will feature them in next Tuesday's edition!

QUIZ TIME

text with people swimming in the background

What year was the first edition of Ironman Lake Placid? Reply with your response and name and we'll include it in the email.

Our previous quiz asked who won the men's and women's 2022 Ironman Kona World Championship races? The answers were Gustav Iden and Chelsea Sodaro - thanks to Guy Petruzzelli who answered correctly!