Dear Athlete,

April is an exciting month for many triathletes. For many it means the first outdoor riding and finally hitting the trails for your long run. This edition of the D3 Newsletter will help you get the most out of your training by providing you tips on nutrition, training and mental skills you can use to become faster. Our coaches check in on what it means to be a “real” triathlete, and how to avoid the technology crutch. We also have tips from chef/triathlete Lentine Zahler about avoiding gluten while still eating well. Dr. Stephen Walker will help parents of athletes support their children in healthy and positive ways. Athlete of the month Ketill Helgason has an amazing story to tell. From cigarettes to Ironman, his is an inspiring journey. Our training plan this month will help any athlete become stronger on the bike. If cycling is your weak link, check out this month’s plan. In other D3 news, Coach Mike led the C.U. Tri Team to a great victory at the Regional Championships, great job coach! Speaking of results, check out what D3 athletes are already doing! P.R.’s are being set in all sorts of races and at all distances, and it’s just April! Last but not least, Coach Mike and his wife Melanie welcomed a new edition to their family. Brady Michael Ricci was born Feb. 23rd and is already training for his first triathlon. Congrats to the Ricci family.

Gluten-Free for The Rest of Us

written by Lentine Zahler

Have you considered changing your diet to avoid gluten? Do you know what gluten is? Classically trained chef and recipe consultant, as well as top-notch triathlete Lentine Zahler writes about what gluten is and shares some fantastic recipes.

Read the article online »

Winning Parents, Who is and Who isn’t and Why

written by Dr. Stephen Walker

Dr. Walker helps parents of athletic children be the best supporting parent they can be. It is a fine line to walk between encouragement and overbearing. Dr. Walker provides real examples and strategies for parents to use.

Read the article online »

D3 Athlete of the Month Ketill Halgerson

Ketill Helgason has transformed himself into a serious triathlete in less than two years through hard work and determination. He went from being a 2-3 pack per day smoker and not living a healthy lifestyle as he tells us, and turned himself into a new person. This year on March 14th he heard those affectionately felt words "Ketill Helgason...You Are An Ironman!" when he crossed the finish line at Ironman China. On a challenging course with lots of heat and humidity he showed not only his determination, but the mental toughness of a seasoned triathlete. Read on to get his amazing story.

Read the interview with Ketill online »

featured Sponsor for April

Dr. Stephen Walker is an athletic and personal performance consultant and the edior-in-chief of Podium Sports Journal. He works with athletes to help them achieve their peak performance. Learn more about him and his services at drstephenwalker.com for more information.