By Laurel Rymer
Rowan Public Library
Celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez are “tri-ing” a new sport … and you might, too.
If you swim a little, bike a little and run a little, you might be a little interested in a little triathlon. Not all triathlons are the long, grueling distances that you see in the Olympics. In fact, sprint triathlons can be described as the little sisters of the Ironman Triathlon and are gaining in popularity.
A sprint triathlon is a scaled- down version of the Olympic triathlon and is quite doable with training and titles available from Rowan Public Library.
Did you know that Lance Armstrong, seven-time winner of the Tour de France, got his start in triathlons? His long time coach and friend, Chris Carmichael, has compiled and written articles in “Training Tips for Cyclists and Triathletes.” This is a collection of articles dedicated to coaching, technique, training and recovery for triathletes, by Carmichael and other coaches. Lance Armstrong writes the forward in this book.
Sally Edwards is a well known triathlete, having completed more than 75 triathlons and several Ironman competitions. Her book, “The Complete Book of Triathlons,” is a great resource for triathlon training. She discusses heart rate zone training in depth, as well as swimming, biking and running techniques.
There are drawings throughout the book illustrating important items such as changing tire tubes and swim techniques. Side bars are interspersed throughout, providing training tips and race day tips.
An absolute must for any woman cyclist is “Every Woman’s Guide to Cycling” by Selene Yeager. Yeager, known as Bicycling Magazine’s “Fit Chick,” has written this comprehensive book. She begins her book with a great quiz that will help determine what kind of bike you need according to your riding style, budget and riding needs. After choosing your bike, Yeager discusses gear needed for your body and gear needed for your bike. Sample training schedules, including strength training, are provided, as well as a chapter devoted to food and nutritional needs during training.
Triathlete is a popular magazine for athletes interested in triathlons. Matt Fitzgerald is a writer for the magazine and had written “Triathlete Magazine’s Complete Triathlon Book.” His book provides extensive information on all aspects of triathlon training and information about the small, overlooked details of race day and training. This includes black and white photographs of stretching exercises and a triathlon packing list which is invaluable on race day. A helpful chapter on mental training and combining training with your other life obligations is also useful.These great titles and others are available at Rowan Public Library to help you “tri” this new sport.
Computer classes: South ó Oct. 16, 11 a.m. basic e-mail; Oct. 28, 11 a.m. online auction buying.
Classes are free. Sessions are about 90 minutes long. Class size is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.
Children’s Program: September-November ó Weekly Story Time. Headquarters ó Tuesday, 10 a.m., Toddlers and Moms (18-24 months); 11 a.m., Toddlers and Moms (24-36 months); Wednesday, 11 a.m., Tiny Tots and Moms (infants-18 months); Thursday, 10:30 a.m., Three through Five; 4 p.m., Noodlehead Story Times (4-8 years). South óMonday, 10:30 a.m., Preschool Time (3-5 years); 4 p.m., Noodlehead (4-8 years); Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Toddlers and Twos (18-35 months); Thursday, 10:30 a.m., Baby Time (babies and toddlers); East ó Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Preschool (2-5 years); 4 p.m., Noodlehead, (4-8 years); Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Preschool (2-5 years); Thursday, 11 a.m. Baby Time (6 months-2 years).
Displays: Headquarters ó Jazz and Blues Festival by Eleanor Qadirah; 4-H by Beth Stebe; South ó dolls by Rowan Doll Club; East ó art by Colleen Walton.
Literacy: Call the Rowan County Literacy Council at 704-216-8266 for more information on teaching or receiving literacy tutoring for English speakers or for those for whom English is a second language.
Web site: For a listing of all library programs at all library locations, www.rowanpublic library.org.