It’s about energy management.

The longer the distance of your triathlon, the more crucial it becomes that you waste as little energy as possible.

Every triathlete has a love-hate relationship with air. You have to breathe it, but it’s an obstacle otherwise -- especially on the bike, which is the longest portion of every triathlon. Catch the air like a kite, and you are in trouble; slip through the air like a knife, and you have mastered an essential element for triathlon performance.

I was recently invited to join iAmTri.com, a social networking site for triathletes.

I am already a member of AthleteFocus.com and Fastloop.com, as well as a few triathlon groups on Facebook, and one triathlon group on CouchSurfing.com.

Which raises the question, what is the value of these kinds of social networking sites for triathletes?

Here are a few benefits of these types of social networking sites for triathletes...

Trust me, when Christmas rolls around or a birthday, a triathlete will be thrilled to receive a triathlon-related gift.

You don’t necessarily need to wait for a special occasion. Show a little love to the triathlete in your life by surprising them with a special tri surprise.

Let me give you some ideas on picking out the perfect triathlon gift.

So, where do you start to begin training for your first triathlon?

Fortunately, you can find some great online triathlon training, as well as triathlon coaching online. There are also a number of triathlon training guides in the form of triathlon training books, DVDs, and lecture series.

Here are some beginner triathlon training programs to consider when you are establishing your triathlon training plan...

Recently a friend of mine and I decided to explore a new bike route that went through a rural town, Gladeville, TN. It seemed like we were out in the middle of nowheresville when suddenly we biked past a gated yard that was filled with grazing Zebras!

Hmmm... Zebras in Africa - check; Zebras in a zoo - check; Zebras in Gladeville, TN - huh?!?!

We hopped off our bikes and took the above pic. I'm guessing it was some sort of refuge for injured Zebras but not the sort of thing you expect in a town where the Nashville Super Speedway is the major attraction. I don't see any connection between Zebras and NASCAR.

By the way, if you want to find or share new bike routes, you might be interested in Map My Ride.