Dear Athlete,

It's hard to believe, but here we are in the middle of the season! The Tour de France is on, races are happening every weekend and you are getting faster every week. Speaking of getting faster, we have two great articles from D3 coaches this month that will help you do just that. First, Coach Julia writes in about the seldom practiced art of transitions. We all know we can save time there, but how much do we think about it? Coach Julia gives you tips and ideas you can use to gain those precious seconds. Coach Curt checks in about what he knows best, biking fast. A former pro road cyclist and triathlet, Coach Curt now races among the age groupers and is nearly always the fastest amateur out there. He gives us five easy to implement tips that will help you become a faster biker. Read his article, but don't try to follow his wheel!

The Athlete of the Month is Todd Hothmam, who recently finished his first Ironman. His willingness to stick to a plan and do the work paid off big time! Read about him and his tips in our question and answer.

We also have a special race report from Kevin Long. Kevin raced a triathlon with his father on Father's Day. The race was made more special due to his father's recently being diagnosed with Leukemia. Read this inspirational story about a son and father reaching a goal together.

Our Training Plan of the Month will help those stepping up to the Half Ironman distance this year. As a bridge between the Olympic and Half Iron distance, this is the perfect plan for a solid athlete that wants to go longer.

With racing in full swing it's time to do all those little things that make a difference. Use the tips and ideas in this newsletter to train better and get faster. Make this year the year of the personal best!

Coach Mike

Featured Articles:

What is a “GOOD” Transition??

We all know we can make up time in transition, but how many of us really think through what we will do on race day or even practice at home. A fluid, fast transition is something that can give those extra seconds, or even minutes you're looking for. To help you be better at this rarely practiced part of triathlon, Coach Julia helps athletes with some tips on how to set up and execute a good transition. It's a great piece that will help you on race day.

Read more online »

Five tips to improve your bike time.

A fast bike split is something every triathlete covets. In his latest article Coach Curt gives us five simple tips that will help you be a faster biker. As a former professional cyclist and now top age group triathlete who usually posts one of the fastest overall bike splits, Coach Curt writes from experience.

Read the story online »

D3 Athlete of the Month for July: Todd Hothman

Todd Hothman raced his first Ironman last month at Ironman Couer D' Alene. Even with a move from D.C. to Colorado and a full time job he still followed his plan and had a great race. Read about Todd and how he manages to fit it all in!

Read his interview online »

Training Plan of the Month

The Olympic to Half Ironman Bridge plan
For the month of July we've chosen the Olympic to Half Ironman Bridge Plan. If you are doing a Half Ironman towards the end of this season and need a guide to help you, this plan is for you!

Preview the plan at TrainingPeaks.com™

Sponsor of the Month

Infinit Nutrition allows you to customize your drink to your specific needs. They have been at the forefront of nutrition for years and make pre, during and post workout products. Where else can you dial in the flavor, electrolytes, protein, caffeine and other elements for your drink? Go to the D3 Athlete page to get the discount code.