Part 1: Introduction to an inside look at life inside an emerging triathlon powerhouse, the US Military Academy, where cadets prepare for the war on terror and the National Collegiate Triathlon Championship

3-time XTERRA World Champion Conrad Stoltz recently completed his “swimming pool in the backyard” project.

In the late 80’s Jeff Devlin was known as a duathlete, but he quickly added swimming to his repertoire. In 1991 and 1994 he managed 3rd place finishes in Kona and was a threat to win pretty much any race he entered.

Craig Alexander outruns Chris McCormack to reverse their 2007 Ironman Hawaii duel; Swallow, a 2004 Olympian, breaks through to a win in the longer distance after three Olympic distance 3rds last year.

The World Triathlon Corporation announced that it has finalized a long-term partnership with performance footwear and sportswear brand K·Swiss, to provide Ironman performance and lifestyle footwear and apparel.

We did notice new TT bars from 3T, a monofin from Lunocet, a trainer from Lemond Fitness, a scale from Tanita and a bag from Manhattan Portage.

Many know Jimmy Riccitello as an Ironman cycling official, but he also has a very impressive athletic resume. He is an XTERRA World Champion, won St. Croix twice, plus he also won 70.3 Buffalo Springs and several USTS events.

Triathlon’s user vortex, the American Southwest, now has bookend Ironmans, in Arizona and Utah. The early May race to debut in 2010 will take place in St. George, and feature moderate difficulty and spectacular scenery.

The question is more common among road riders than triathletes, but is probably more impactful on the latter group: what crank length should you ride? The answer is counterintuitive; probably the opposite of what you think.

Jo Lawn had won Ironman New Zealand 6 years in a row before she finally had to “settle” for the runner-up spot in 2009. She talked to slowtwitch about Taupo, Kona, training, rules and few other things.

Two time Olympic medalist Bevan Docherty outruns Clark Ellice and World number 8 Debbie Tanner outsprints Nicky Samuels at Wellington for Kiwi Olympic Distance National Crowns

Matty Reed repeated his title at the 2009 Miami International Triathlon in a new record time of 1:47:22 and narrowly held off Andy Potts. The women’s crown went to Jillian Peterson in a time of 2:00:21.

Atkinson defended his Australian National Olympic distance title and took his third straight City of Perth Triathlon, while Annabel Luxford took a decisive win to spark her road back from injury and 2008 Olympic disappointment

A look at new goggles from blueseventy, a neat gadget from HED, an inexpensive ti frame from Lynskey Performance, a tri suit from Pearl Izumi and a tri suit from TYR.

Economic difficulties and time constraints caused Singapore to step down as the host of the 2009 World Championship series opener. Tongyeong, Korea stepped up instead and the event will now take place a week earlier than originally scheduled.

The 2003 Powerman Zofingen champion and Ironman contender focuses on her running with dreams of representing New Zealand at the 2010 Commonwealth Games and 2012 Olympic in the women’s marathons.

Brian Smith led from start to finish at the 2009 XTERRA Winter Worlds and repeated his title from 2008. Rebecca Dussault had an almost 15 minute margin to take the women’s title.

Cam Brown outruns Terenzo Bozzone to nab his 8th Ironman New Zealand title, Gina Ferguson breaks Jo Lawn’s win streak at 6 as Kiwis go 1-2, 1-2 at Taupo

We recently noticed custom triathlon shoes from D2, a light vest from DeSoto, compression technology from NormaTec, warmup oil from Sixtus and a quirky line of glasses from Donkey Products.

After 12 years of great success as a self-coached Ironman star, Normann Stadler has chosen to work with Carmichael Training Systems and CTS individual coach Lindsay Hyman in his quest for a third Ironman Hawaii title.

The two-time Kona champ sat with the Slowtwitch publisher to talk bike fit and handling, and why she chose Cannondale’s Slice over the other bikes and bike companies courting her.

Tim DeBoom and CTS’s Kirk Nordgren: To avoid the string of injuries that have plagued the two-time Ironman winner since 2003, it’s time to use high-tech not as toys but as instruments to navigate the final acts of his career

Brad Kahlefeldt outsprints Courtney Atkinson, is now 4-0 on 2009 ITU World Championship finale course; Kiyomi Niwata outruns U23 World Champ Daniela Ryf

Konrad Von Allmen, Mario Gartner battle fierce 60-mph winds, tough rain, sandstorms to win 10th annual Full and Half-Iron distance Israman Triathlon on tough course in the Israeli resort of Eilat.