I am surprised that this thread is not getting more action, because quite frankly, if there is a silver bullet out there( and there really is not one) about how to get faster in any endurance sport, triathlon included, it's this over-the-top type of training that you do on a cyclical basis(periodization) that is going to give you the biggest bang for your buck and the greatest improvemnet in performance.
I know that I will ruffle a few feathers here, but it's not about PowerCranks, Computrainers, HRM's, Special Training Zones, SuperAeroBikes fancy diets or other gadgets and training tools. It's about getting out the door and periodicaly breaking the rules and really pushing the limits of ones personal physiology. It's risky, but if you know what you are doing, the rewards reaped can be huge!!
I don't mean to brag here, but I did moderatly well when I ran and competed in triathlon for this very reason. It was not the overall volume of training that I did, it was the two or three week stretchs of time that I would go all-out several times a year that really lifted my performance to a higher level. If someone looked at my training logs it would be hard to make a connection between what was in the logs and the string of low 9 hr IM races that I did. What did it, was the killer two weeks I would put in during each IM build up with a FULL recovery period after each one.
Back when I was just a runner in the late '70's, A European Coach that was visiting my running coach told me the best piece of training advice ever - When you go hard, go really hard and when you go easy, go really easy!!
Steve Fleck @stevefleck | Blog