markallenonline.com's articles on Beginnertriathlete.com

Mark will reveal blow by blow what took him from six devastating setbacks in the Ironman World Championships in Kona to the first of his six World Championship victories on the Big Island.

What is so fun about blisters, sore muscles and chafing, anyway?

Can you tell me how my LT and V02 max have not decreased after 8 months of absolutely no speedwork? I did very minimal running up until February 2005.

Yesterday I found that my heart rate was maxed at 95% and averaged 80% for the bike and run with no breathing problems. However, I just couldn't seem to get more out of my legs. Thoughts?

I started tri training last July. Right now I am recovering from a stress fracture in my hip and I can't run. Any advice regarding keeping motivated?

Approximately how long do you think can I reasonably expect to keep making these improvements in speed and performance? I know it has to drop off sometime, I'd just like to have an idea of when.

I can't get my gel pack out of my back pocket and then get it open to eat! I know this sounds really beginnerish, but what tricks or tools can I use to be able to have my food more accessible?

My question is on nutrition in a long race. Most intake will occur on the bike, but I'm curious as to the details. I didn't do real well in this area last year and really need to improve.

When you're in the middle of your training plan for a major event (Ironman Lake Placid), how do you handle injuries when they come up?

Mark Allen, six time Ironman Champion, answers the most common questions beginners have in getting into triathlons.

Thoughts on carbohydrate loading leading up to triathlon race day.

Thoughts on low carbohydrate diets in conjuntion with triathlon training.