The Floridian Triathlete's Guide to Hurricane Prep
As Floridians, we know hurricanes are just a fact of life. But when you're a triathlete, prepping for the storm isn't just about stocking up on bottled water and batteries — it's about protecting your gains. So, here’s your ultimate, foolproof guide to hurricane prep, triathlete-style. Enjoy.
1. Secure Your Indoor Trainer – The True Hero of Hurricane Season
Forget sandbags, the first thing you need to lock down is your indoor trainer. Your windows can handle 100 mph winds, but can you survive without your daily bike session? No way! Whether you’re dodging falling palm trees or your neighbor's blown-away patio furniture, an indoor trainer ensures your bike fitness is storm-proof. If you haven't grabbed one yet, it's time to change that before the shelves are emptier than a Publix bread aisle.
Shop trainers with power or use this trainer that doesn't need power.
2. Hydration Strategy – It's Not What You Think
Let’s be honest. The real storm doesn’t start until the third glass of hurricane margaritas (is it just my house?). But just because you're working on your "hurricane party endurance" doesn't mean you should slack on hydration. Stock up on electrolytes to counteract all that salt (and tequila). When the storm clears and you’re ready to hop back on the bike, your muscles will thank you.
3. Power Meters – For When the Power Goes Out
If FPL does its thing and the lights go out, at least you'll know how much power you're pushing. Why guess when you can be precise? Power meters help you keep tabs on your indoor training even if the rest of the house is dark. Bonus: you can proudly tell everyone that while the storm knocked out power, you were still generating your own. Triathletes: 1, Mother Nature: 0.
4. Shokz OpenRun Headphones – Drown Out the Wind, Listen to Your Coach
Hurricanes are loud. But that’s no excuse to skip the podcast, training plan, or motivational playlist you need to get through that long indoor session. Shokz OpenRun headphones keep the noise at bay so you can stay focused on the important stuff, like hitting your FTP targets or ignoring your kids yelling, "Mom, the backyard is floating away!"
5. Treadmill Backup Plan – Running Against the Wind (Indoors)
If you're brave enough to run outside during a Category 3, you deserve a medal, but for the rest of us, there’s the treadmill. Find one before the hurricane shoppers buy them all (right after they raid the bottled water). Plus, when the roads are flooded, you can still get those miles in without needing a life jacket.
6. Stock Up on Energy Gels – Because Hurricanes are Long and So are Your Workouts
You don’t want to burn through your pantry's hurricane snacks in the first hour of a 5-hour trainer session. So, think like a triathlete: energy gels and bars over chips and dips. Keep that fuel coming because your legs don’t care if it’s stormy out — they just want carbs.
7. Mental Preparation – Because Training During a Hurricane is the Real Test
The biggest hurdle in training through a hurricane? Mental toughness. The constant battering of winds against your window and the urge to join the neighborhood hurricane party will test your focus. But remember, Kona qualifiers are built indoors during hurricanes. (Okay, that might be a stretch, but it could be true!)
The Bottom Line: Don't Let a Hurricane Ruin Your Training
Your non-triathlete friends may laugh at your storm prep, but come race day, you'll be the one smiling. So, stock up on the essentials, fire up the indoor trainer, and ride out the storm like the triathlon warrior you are. Oh, and when you’re done, maybe consider actually stocking up on water and batteries… just in case.
Need to gear up for the storm? 📍 Visit us at Playtri Sarasota, or shoot us an email at sarasota@playtri.com for all your indoor training essentials. You may not be able to control the weather, but your training? That's a whole different story.
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