http://swimming.about.com/od/triathlon/a/im_dist_trainin.htm
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Some (apparently) common traits among successful triathletes (when compared to those less successful athletes) in this study included: a tendency towards lower weight (but not height) greater total swim training distances greater total bike training distances greater total run training distances more finishes at shorter distance races
So let me get his straight, and experienced person who has a good power to weight ratio that trains alot speicifcally on the bike, swimming and running, has a tendancy to do better than a fat slob that doesnt train much. Profound! I hope tax dollars didnt fund this research
I mostly posted this because I remember this guy posting on here looking for IMers to fill out the survey.
It’s not rocket science folks. In fact it’s pretty straight forward.
Perhaps it’s the simplicity of it all that’s really confusing people.
Funny how the training programs of some of the “experts” out there seem to go in the opposite direction - less volume and less racing = better performance. Strange!
Fleck
If this is the study discussed here before you will notice that there is a correlation between bike distance and lower times but not bike time, meaning that it is the training speed not the hours on the bike which are correlated with faster times.
" . . meaning that it is the training speed not the hours on the bike which are correlated with faster times."
So, train faster and you will race faster. That’s brilliant! Who knew?
My apologies for the sarcasm, but this has been known for years.
Fleck
Actually I agree with you, the point was that this study does not make that conclusion.
Sounds like a Harvard study I saw that found that students in Fraternaties/Sororities on average consume more beer than students not in them.
I think the study is very useful. Its suggests that volume leads to increased performance at IM’s, which is contrary to what some may suggest: that intensity leads to increased performance. For instance compare a book like Gordo’s “Going Long” to “Time Saving Tips for Triathletes” The study also suggests that bike volume is most important for IM. I for one am glad that someone is taking the time to do a study that could help understand ironman training, and there is no reason to make fun of the guy who did the study.