"Social media supports the human need for social interaction, using Internet- and Web-based technologies to transform broadcast media monologues (one to many) into social media dialogues (many to many)."
The above is an exerpt from Wikipedia describing the WHAT of social media. The HOW includes examples ranging from forums, weblogs, pictures and video to wikis and podcasts. Social media applications aren't merely tools we rely on to complete a certain task (i.e. Word, Keynote or Quickbooks) – instead, they have risen to rock star status and become an integral part of how we communicate on a daily basis. Some apps such as Twitter and Facebook have made keeping in touch far easier and less expensive than a phone call or letter -- and in a lot less time. But I don't want to focus on those two – they get enough attention. Let's talk for a minute about podcasts.
In terms of Search Engine Optimization (SEO), podcasts have tremendous potential for bringing traffic to your site. If episodes are titled, described and tagged in a meaningful way, podcast entries can generate organic traffic for your site. But I don't want to talk about that either. I want to talk about the extreme potential for learning, teaching and sharing that podcasts possess.
Four weeks away from my first triathlon, I can easily say the most useful resource has been podcasts. Not only are they informative and FREE, they are easily accessible – I can listen to them while running or cycling indoors, in the car, at work in lieu of music, or milling around the house cleaning and folding laundry. That's pretty damn accessible you have to admit. What I've learned is beyond what I could take from a book. Don't get me wrong, I'm reading plenty of books too, but podcasts provide a more personal, one-on-one experience between myself and the host(s), and in some cases make me feel as though I have my own coach doling out training advice crafted for me and me alone. I am well aware that feeling isn't rooted in reality but to have someone "speak" to me instead of reading the same words in a book is far more motivating – especially at 80% humidity!
Given that my training takes place any time between 6:30 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., it's hard to train with a group. Running, cycling and swimming are performed sans coach and sans training partner which is at times nice and at times lonely. Podcasts fill that void for me. Laughing at other athletes' mishaps and learning from their experiences has created a virtual training group of sorts that has spilled over into email, Facebook and Twitter. In Athens, GA I am in communication with other triathletes living in Oregon, Alabama and Illinois – sharing stories and trading advice when most likely I'll never actually meet them. In one instance, however, I've met up with a dear friend from high school in training for her first half Ironman. Her wisdom and advice on everything from clothing to transitions has been invaluable – and I haven't seen her in 20 years. It's a new kind of friendship and a new kind of team mate – it is virtual but no less powerful and inspiring.
Most of the podcasts I subscribe to have come by way of iTunes – a search for "triathlon" or "triathlon training" will yield two dozen or so options. Depending on your level of triathlon fitness you will find some of them more or less helpful. Have a particular weakness (like swimming or running?), find one that focuses on those legs of the race. Most of the podcasts will have links to transcripts or blogs – those are also useful in terms of links and resources. Here are a few of my favorites to date:
The Age Grouper
www.theagegrouper.com
Podcast available on iTunes
Twitter: theagegrouper
TriTalk
www.tri-talk.com
Podcast available on iTunes
Tri Swim Coach
www.triswimcoachonline.com
Podcast available on iTunes
Endurance Nation
www.endurancenation.com
Podcast available on iTunes
Twitter: TeamEN
There are many, many more available and I've only begun to scratch the surface. If you want to suggest others, I encourage you to do so. And if you are so inclined, give one of these a listen. Happy training!
