I was wondering what advice anyone might want to offer regarding how they train and what would be good for me. last year was my first year in the tri world. I loved it. When I trained, I would run hard and fast for 3 miles. I rarely went longer. When I rode, I went between 20-30 miles hard and fast. I have been reading that it is good to do base miles, and to do them slow and easy. Then after getting your base set up, to increase the load, and vary your pace. Do intervals (hard, easy hard easy?). What do you think? I like to push myself-I actually like doing hill repeats, and I like to see myself get better-farther faster, but I felt I peaked at the end of the season (Sept-Oct). I am hoping this training advice will help me improve even more. I have been running longer (5 miles each time) slower. I will eventually change things up. I have also been doing the trainer with intervals. Is this wise? Help…
Pick up Pfitzinger’s “Road Racing for Serious Runners” book - basically build up 1) a long run, 2) a second, shorter long run, 3) an easy run and 4) a short/fast run. Hammer the bike 3x/week, but if you’re going long start going the distance the last 6-8 weeks.
Don’t forget swimming.
Unless I missed it, what distance races are you doing?
I am doing sprints-then olympic at the end of this season. I hope to finish with a half IM.
Bottom line is do what ever amount you can fit into your life. I have to admit,
the more the better. :o(
Dave
What h2ofun said.
There are tons of training programs on the web, books and videos you can buy and even an article or two in Mens Health.
Not knowing what your background is coming in makes it somewhat hard to recommended. I believe in a strong base. This is best developed over 18 months to 2 years before any hardcore high intenisty speed work. I’m not saying this would be left out during the base period. Just not emphasized.
Welcome to TRI’s. They are highly addictive and they make for a really cheap drunk after a hard hot race !
Getting into doing tris and training can be information overload sometimes. Figuring out by yourself how to peak for the race season has already been done by many coaches out there. My advice is to seek out some reading material from one of them and stick with a plan for the season. Joe Friel’s Tri Bible can show you how to lay out your season with HIM at the end, Oly in the middle, and sprints sprinkled in here and there. If you don’t want to geek out and do your own plan, buy a book like Gale Bernhardt’s Training Plans for Multisport Athletes. She has many plans in there for all different types of distances. Follow one of her plans and you won’t have to question why you are doing a workout or what pace or how long. Also go to Gordo’s website for some good thoughts on setting up your year.
Most of all just have fun and become consistent in your training. I don’t mean consistent to where you do 3 miles every day at the same pace. I’m talking more about following a plan day after day, week after week, and working toward your goal race.
Good luck.