TOPIC: What Is The Best Triathlete Training Workout?
The Question:
A triathlon consists of swimming, cycling, and running. In order to compete, one must be multi-talented in the field of athletics.
What is the best triathlete training workout? Be specific.
What kind of results can one expect from this type of training?
Who would benefit from this type of workout?
Who would not benefit from this type of workout?
Bonus Question: Do you use any form of a triathlete training regimen?
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The Best Triathlete Training Workout consists of swimming, cycling, and running. In order to compete, one must be multi-talented in the field of athletics.
Workout
What Is The Best Triathlete Training Workout? Be Specific.
A Triathlon is a test of ENDURANCE both mentally and physically. And the only way to really excel at it would be to train for almost nothing but endurance.
A triathlon training regimen revolves around developing your body's cardiovascular ability, as well as developing endurance fibers in your muscles. You have to train for each phase of the triathlon individually, but also learn how to handle all three at once. Learning efficiency will not only save you a little bit of time but it will keep you from exhaustion before it is time.
Swimming:
For the swimming leg of the triathlon, it is important to develop good technique first and foremost. By practicing with poor technique and form you will only instill those habits into your muscle memory and perform poorly on game day. So start out by taking it slow and working just on form.
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The most common stroke is the front crawl/freestyle stroke, and that is because when done correctly, it is an efficient stroke that allows people to keep going practically forever.
A good video on freestyle form can be found here. Keep in mind that your legs are typically big muscles and use a lot of oxygen without providing an appreciable amount of forward thrust, so it would be wise to learn your own body's balance for leg work in freestyle.
After you are done perfecting your stroke, it is time to start training in the water. Knowing what length of triathlon you will be competing in will be key here. Some triathlons can have a swimming phase of a few hundred meters, while some will be over two miles. So knowing what you're training for will dictate how you will train, so that is key.
Generally, a good swimming workout will involve sprints as well as slower swims. An example would be the following:
Your technique should be a strong focus during the entire routine, but be especially mindful when you are going slow after a sprint and you should be tired. In between sprints, or just during the slower legs, you can put on paddles on your hands, or use a kickboard to focus on your stroke strength/technique or kick technique.
As time progresses, you can lengthen the distances of your sprints.
An alternative workout would be one designed for shear distance swimming at a relatively non-competitive pace. And that is simply just get in the water and start swimming, focusing on form, and take short rests every now and then to hydrate, but keep moving.
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Cycling:
The cycling portion of the triathlon can be a relief if you are moving as efficiently as possible. Once again, just like your form while swimming, cycling correctly can save you extreme amounts of energy as well as speed you up.
Again, depending on the lengths of your triathlon, you will need to adjust your training. The main thing when it comes to cycling however is acclimatizing your body to something different. If you've never cycled an appreciable distance before, you've probably never experienced horrible soreness in your rear end. I does not feel good. So start out small with 10 mile rides, and work your way up.
Click To Enlarge.
You Will Need To Adjust Your Training
Depending On The Length Of Your Triathlon.
Another key here is to involve sprints in your riding. Cycling at a fast cardio-intensive pace for 10 miles is very difficult, so sprints are what will allow your heart to get some serious action in while also teaching your muscles how to cycle oxygen at a faster pace to recover.
So a typical 50 mile bike ride during training might involve a few miles of casual pace warm-up, followed by a riding pace where you are tucked in (to reduce air resistance) and peddling at a consistent cadence.
Once you're in your "groove" and you feel like a machine, pull out a one minute sprint at about 85-95% effort. When this is done, return to your prior pace for 5 minutes or so, and then pull out another sprint. Continue this until there are about 10 miles left. Then, depending on how you are feeling, continue for another 5 miles, or just relax and begin a gradual cool down.
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The Cool Down.
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It is best to not risk over exerting yourself on long rides, because if you under estimate your abilities and you're still 25 miles out from your destination when your body begins to shut down, you're in trouble.
Running:
And again, proper form will not only help you avoid injuries, but will save you from early exhaustion. There are many approaches to running from all kinds of experienced people, but it is important to not try and mimic something that doesn't feel natural to you.
Injuries:
Running should be a smooth motion throughout your entire body, and should feel natural. If something feels a little off while you are running, you probably need to reevaluate your running form.
Shorter triathlons can be just a few miles, while some can be as long as marathons (26.2 miles). And I'll repeat myself again, know what you're training for. Aside from competitive marathoners, most marathoners run at a slow steady pace.
If you are training for longer distances, it will be important to train your body to be able to run these longer distances initially. I recommend focusing on long runs at a comfortable pace, that is still hard, but it doesn't make your heart beat like a jackhammer. As your body and you are adjusting to this and learning how to run for long distances you can start shifting to other types of cardio.
There are three basic types of runs that your training should generally revolve around. They are sprints, tempo runs, and distance runs.
1. Sprints:
Sprints are pretty self explanatory, as they are just basically picking a distance, and running it as fast as you can, resting a little, and then running back.
2. Tempo Runs:
Tempo runs are probably the hardest thing to do as they involve you pushing yourself at a fast pace (85-90% effort) for a medium distance run of probably about 3-5 miles, maybe a little longer for the more advanced runners.
3. Distance Runs:
Distance runs, as discussed earlier are more for teaching your body how to last a long time in the heat, your feet how to ignore swelling associated with long runs, and basically just teach you how to keep moving. Distance runs are probably 6-16 miles in length.
A good running program will revolve around these three runs.
Sprint Workout:
Sprints should pretty much crap you out, because if you did them right, your body is going to be begging you for oxygen and you will be breathing like no other.
A good way to mix sprints with tempo runs is by sprinting from one light pole to the next, and jogging at a fast pace between the next two, and repeating.
Indian runs are also good if you are running in a group. These involve running in a long line, and the person up front will sprint to the front of the line and set the pace of the line when he gets there. As soon as he reaches the front, the next person at the back of the line will sprint to the front, and so on and so forth.
Note On Strength Training:
It is important to maintain some time in the gym lifting, but heavy weight training will not help you, and in fact will probably hinder you. It would be best if you focused on lighter weights and higher repetitions while in the gym.
What typically works best for me is if I focus primarily on body weight calisthenics 2-3 times a week, and use free weights to hit the shoulders, traps, and other muscles that are hard to hit doing mostly just a push/pull/sit workout.
Combining It All Together:
Now that you know how to train for each component of a triathlon, it is time to combine that training together. Now you can't train every day, without risking injury, and you can't train for just running one week and then just swimming the next. It has to be a balanced program, with a little more emphasis going towards your weakest aspect.
Typically, you should plan on training 4-5 days a week. Alternate training between the three different components, and then one day just combine it all together. Ride your bike over to your swimming pool, or get someone to drop you off with your bike. Swim, but don't focus all your energy into it.
When you feel you've accomplished a reasonable distance proportional to your triathlon, hop out and get changed and get ready to ride. This will also be a good opportunity to practice your transitions between phases because that time will usually count against you too. Hop on your bike and go.
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Don't worry about doing sprints right now, although you can if you want. Focus more on maintaining a fast and steady pace, and learning how to pace yourself, and what you pacing limits are.
When you've reached your destination point, lock up your bike, or give it to someone you know and start running. Or if you have to transition out of your special cycling shoes (should you have them) do so and get moving.
You should start feeling worn out right now, but that's no excuse to quit or cut your training short. Keep going, because you're almost finished. When you've reached your destination, just relax and hope you're either close to home, or have someone to take you there.
It will be very important to cut down the intensity and frequency of training every few weeks to ensure your body is adequately recovering and you are not over training and wearing yourself down.
As with the entire course of your training, make sure you are hydrating plenty, even when swimming. Macronutrient ratios need to move away from a diet high in protein and one more towards one extremely high in carbohydrates.
Protein will still be extremely important, but you need to make sure that you aren't getting your body weight in it, because that will only grog you down, especially if it is coming from heavy meats.
Whey protein is a good source of protein for during the day. Casein protein would be great for during the night to give your body plenty of what it needs to repair muscles during the night, along with a good multivitamin, and maybe some calcium supplements to help repair your bones from all the jarring of running.
Other supplements that may help with the mental and physical effort would be the amino acid beta alanine, as well as a BCAA supplement like Xtend. But by far, the most important thing is to keep yourself hydrated and each healthy meals limited on simple sugars and saturated fats.
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Results
What Kind Of Results Can One Expect From This Type Of Training?
Through triathlon training you will notice that you will probably lose a substantial amount of fat if you monitor what you eat and eat clean. Although the biggest noticeable difference will be in how you feel during the day.
You will notice that you have much more stamina during the day and it takes more to get you stressed out because your body can just withstand more and has become much more efficient. If you pick up strength training after increasing your endurance in the manner above, you will notice that you don't get tired as quickly when lifting.
You might not be able to squeeze out that last rep, no matter how hard you try, but when you get up, you muscles won't be spazzing because they've become markedly more efficient and have already started replenishing oxygen and energy back into your muscles.
Who Benefits
Who Would Benefit From This Type Of Workout?
Anyone who is generally under a lot of pressure, or is at risk for health problems can probably benefit from a training regimen like this, or similar to it. You don't necessarily need to train for a triathlon to experience the benefits of triathlon training.
If you only picked one aspect of this training to add to your current routine, I would recommend the running program, as a large chunk of Americans are at risk for several serious health problems, I believe most people can benefit from the running program detailed above.
Who Would Not Benefits
Who Would Not Benefit From This Type Of Workout?
The only people I can imagine that would not benefit from the above training would be someone with a condition that would make it dangerous for them to do it, powerlifters, or pure bodybuilders.
Powerlifters really can't afford to train anything but strength, and while amateur bodybuilders can probably afford some time off from training to increase overall fitness, competitive bodybuilders will probably not be able to risk losing too much gym time. As part of a cutting program however, this training regimen can be modified to not be so strenuous for bodybuilders.
Bonus Question
Do You Use Any Form Of A Triathlete Training Regimen?
While never having done a complete triathlon myself, I have competed in long distance runs, done endurance swimming, and participated in amateur bicycling tours. So I have incorporated all of the above aspects individually into my training at one point or another.
Currently I'm focusing on running and calisthenics, with a small push towards developing my swimming abilities further. I do use the above running program, as well as the above swimming program (except I do more strokes) and have noticed great improvements.
2nd Place - TUnit
View This Author's BodySpace Here.
A triathlon consists of swimming, cycling, and running. In order to compete, one must be multi-talented in the field of athletics. Many people that are good at swimming or cycling or running think that they can be very successful at a triathlon. However, this is often not the case. The grueling combination of swimming, cycling, and running placed one event right after the other is what makes triathlons so difficult.
The International Triathlon Union (ITU) regulates the distances that are acceptable for official triathlons. Triathlons are split up into different categories based on distance and age.
Here's a table detailing the approved ITU distances (+ / - 5%) for triathlon categories.
| Name |
Swim |
Bicycle |
Run |
| Kids Of Steel |
100-500 m |
5-15 km |
1-5 km |
| Novice (Australia) |
300 m |
8 km |
2 km |
| Super Sprint |
400 m (0.25 mi) |
10 km (6.2 mi) |
2.5 km (1.5 mi) |
| Sprint |
750 m (0.5 mi) |
20 km (12.4 mi) |
5 km (3.1 mi) |
| Olympic |
1.5 km (0.93 mi) |
40 km (24.8 mi) |
10 km (6.2 mi) |
| ITU-Long Distance |
3.0 km (1.86 mi) |
80 km (49.6 mi) |
20 km (12.4 mi) |
| Half |
1.9 km (1.2 mi) |
90 km (56 mi) |
21.09 km (13.1 mi) |
| Triathlon One 0 One |
3.0 km (1.86 mi) |
130 km (80.6 mi) |
30 km (18.6 mi) |
| Full |
3.8 km (2.4 mi) |
180 km (112 mi) |
42.195 km (26.2 mi) marathon |
A triathlon begins when all the competitors enter the water when the announcer gives the signal. The competitors swim until they reach the next part of the race - the cycling. They quickly get out of the water and change into their cycling gear in the transition area.
After cycling, the triathletes reach the final transition area where they change into their running gear and finish off the race. Some of the more well-known triathlon events include the Hawaii Ironman Championship, the Nice Triathlon in France, and the Escape from Alcatraz in California. Triathlons take a lot of mental strength and willpower more than anything, as the races are quite taxing on the mind and body.
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Workout
What Is The Best Triathlete Training Workout? Be Specific.
Triathletes need to utilize three different modes of training to succeed - running, cycling, and swimming. The triathlon is primarily an endurance event, although training should be slightly different depending on the actual triathlon and distances.
To start, all competitive triathletes should have a basic level of fitness. If these parameters are not met, then the following General Physical Preparation (GPP) program should be employed.
Option 1: Any Type Of Triathlon Event Up To Olympic:
- 500 meter Swim: < 8 minutes
- 20 km Cycling: < 40 minutes
- 5 km Run: < 22 minutes
Option 2: ITU Long Distance - Full Triathlon:
- 2.4 Mile Swim: < 90 minutes (1 1/2 hours)
- 112 Mile Cycling: < 330 minutes (5 1/2 hours)
- 26.2 Mile Run: < 240 minutes (4 hours)
General Physical Preparation For Option 1:
General Physical Preparation for Option 2:
Results
What Kind Of Results Can One Expect From This Type Of Training?
One can expect phenomenal gains in endurance from this type of training. Strength and size are not necessarily the goals here, but may be experienced as part of the weight training regimen outlined above, provided diet is on point. Endurance increases in running, swimming, and cycling will be made which will help the athlete to perform better at various distances in each respective event.
Who Benefits
Who Would Benefit From This Type Of Workout?
Anyone looking for endurance gains would benefit greatly from a workout like this. Also, those training for triathlons would surely benefit from the workout. These workouts are very challenging and require a basic level of conditioning before starting them.
Marathon runners, swimmers, and cyclists would all benefit from these workouts, as it is very simple to just take one part out of the program to cater it to the needs of the athlete. For example, a cyclist could replace the swimming and running days with medium intensity cycling.
A marathoner could run on four or five days of the week and lift weights only twice per week, utilizing the same principles outlined in the program. It is very diverse in its application, rendering it effective for athletes with different goals.
Who Would Not Benefit
Who Would Not Benefit From This Type Of Workout?
Bodybuilders, strength athletes, sprinters, and all athletes involved in sports that involve power and explosiveness would not benefit from these workouts.
These workouts primarily train the Type I muscle fibers - the slow twitch. These fibers are responsible for endurance. Athletes in sports such as football, basketball, or sprinting need to have as many Type II (Fast Twitch) muscle fibers as possible to be able to perform well at their given sport. This should be of interest to bodybuilders as well, as the fast twitch fibers have the most potential for growth.
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Bonus Question
Do You Use Any Form Of A Triathlete Training Regimen?
At the moment, I do not use triathlon training workouts but I plan on trying such workouts in the future when I am in my thirties and forties to maintain an excellent level of conditioning.
I enjoy swimming, cycling, and running in my free time but at the moment I am a competitive basketball player who utilizes bodybuilding techniques throughout training, so the triathlon workouts would be counterproductive to my goals at this time. However, it will be very helpful to train like this in the future, as I want to be physically active for as long as I can and training this way will certainly help me achieve that goal. I may even enter in a triathlon one day if I feel I can compete and possibly win.
Forum Threads:
- Starting To Train For My First Triathlon. - Started By kev_b81
"So I officially signed up for my first triathlon (olympic) and am starting to train...I am doing this because its something I've always wanted to complete. My goal is to complete it (I am not doing it competitively)"
- Training For A Triathlon. - Started By DrumTech
"I am wanting to start training to become a triathlete. I don't know where to begin, but I am trying to keep up a weekly routine so I can do a half-tri in January."
- Triathlon! - Started By jmann97
"I set a goal for jul of 09 to enter in a triathlon. I was just wondering if anyone have good ideas for supp's for endurance and something to get more oxygen to my blood! Please help."
3rd Place - EAGLES56
View This Author's BodySpace Here.
A triathlon consists of swimming, cycling, and running. In order to compete, one must be multi-talented in the field of athletics.
Workout
What Is The Best Triathlete Training Workout? Be Specific.
Triathlons demand impeccable cardiovascular conditioning as well as the mental drive to propel oneself past the finish line. Training for a triathlon involves an event-specific regimen heavily centered on aerobic exercise. Marathon runners and triathletes (usually) are not muscular in appearance but lean and agile.
Here's an idea of the triathlon challenge:
Sample Triathlon Lengths:
|
Sprint |
Olympic |
1/2 Ironman |
Full Ironman |
| Swim |
.5 mile |
.93 mile |
1.2 miles |
2.4 miles |
| Bike |
13 miles |
24.8 miles |
56 miles |
112 miles |
| Run |
3.2 miles |
6.2 miles |
13.1 miles |
26.2 miles |
One cannot just dive into a triathlete training workout, one must first know how to execute the exercises properly.
Translation: Learn correct running, cycling, and swimming technique. Similar to weight/resistance training, strict form will prevent injury while maximizing gains.
Although unnecessary, upgrading to specialized training equipment will make running, cycling, and swimming more comfortable and efficient.
Additional Equipment To Consider Includes:
- Comfortable running shoes custom designed (have running gait assessed)
- Appropriate clothing (biking shorts, wet suit, etc)
- Sunglasses / Anti-Fog Swimming goggles
- Biking shoes
The General Workout
Level: Beginner [1-3x/week]
Obviously it would be impossible to dive right into a full Ironman without any background experience. This plan helps develop a base to build off in the future.
Alternate between the 3 events (swim/cycle/run) but focus on one's weakness(es). Example: Swimming will most likely be the hardest segment of the challenge for the majority of the competitors. In this case, dedicate an extra day to swimming training.
Aim to complete a fraction of the actual race length each training session and increase the distance based on personal progression. Set goals such as continuously running 1 km and then work off of that.
If the desired distance cannot be achieved running in one effort, walk until one is capable of running again. Try to cut down on walking and maximize running each workout. (Apply this same principle to cycling and swimming - a pool is recommended because of the dangers of swimming away from shore). Train to finish, focus on the clock later on.
Level: Intermediate [3-5x/week]
The workout is performed in intervals based on the actual distance which must be covered. I believe that one should surpass the contest distance in training to ensure that one will not fall short. If the competition distance was 2km, I would recommend 3-4 intervals of 500m-750m minimizing the amount of rest time in between.
Consider using pre-exhaustion training where one runs a set distance, rests/decreases the intensity for a short while, and then runs the competition distance mimicking triathlon conditions. Once again, train for endurance at first and speed later.
Detailed plans can be found here.
Results
What Kind Of Results Can One Expect From This Type Of Training?
A few of the results attributed to this type of training include increased cardiovascular conditioning, body fat loss, heightened oxygen utilization, improved V02 max, finely tuned stamina, lower resting heart rate, a strong healthy heart, and greater general health. These results could be capitalized when paired with a structured diet of high carbohydrates, moderate-high protein, and a moderate source of healthy fats.
Who Benefits
Who Would Benefit From This Type Of Workout?
Those who would benefit from this type of workout include anybody seeking the above results, from average couch potatoes to future triathletes. Everyone can benefit from increased endurance and a healthier heart. I would recommend the beginner walk and run workout to those new to exercise or seeking fat loss.
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Who Would Not Benefit
Who Would Not Benefit From This Type Of Workout?
Anybody with a pre-existing medical conditions that would impair, prevent, or predispose one to an injury should not engage in this type of workout which the body may be placed underneath. This form of training could be extremely detrimental to those with certain health problems.
Bonus Question
Do You Use Any Form Of A Triathlete Training Regimen?
I do use a form of a triathlete program in the sense that I participate in endurance training. I believe that cardiovascular training is a necessity which is often overlooked in the modern dumbbell and barbell world.
I incorporate long distance running/cycling/rowing to maintain a high level of fitness as well as increased blood flow which further allows nutrient uptake. Currently my goals pertain to gaining muscle, however, I would like to compete in a triathlon within the next few years.
References:
- www.beginnertriathlete.com
- www.multisportcanada.com
EAGLES56
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