Ironman Training
Training Performance and Progression
Triathlon training takes a lot of hard hours so naturally we want results. Missing targets is a huge disappointment, what happened? A training review follows in an attempt to identify where we’ve gone wrong. If we’re not performing to expectations then training isn’t delivering. Insufficient work is almost always the prime suspect; we’re slacking, we’re […]
Lessons from the Home Training Camp
In March I set out my intentions to hold a home training camp in an article for Endurance Corner. A week at home, focussed on training with the training load of a camp environment. Well motivated there was no reason I couldn’t train as effectively without the cost and hassle of travel. That was the […]
Making the Most of Open Water
Open water swim season has begun. I’m back on the dock at the Tri2O Swim Centre where the water is already a tropical fifteen degrees and plenty of swimmers have taken a dip. I prefer it a few degrees warmer; all I’ve done is watch. As lifeguard I enjoy the sunny spring mornings and observing […]
Use your Coach
I am a terrible athlete to coach. I know because I coach myself; I’m on top of the details and follow my progress session by session. Despite this I don’t always do what I should: I choose training I enjoy over training I need. I can be undisciplined, the coach has to pull the athlete […]
Estimating Training Stress Scores for Mountain Biking
One moment I’m barely working, the next flat out. Mountain biking is a sharp contrast to the road. The need for short bursts of power and greater technical skills test my weaknesses. I’m enjoying the challenge and will improve. A handful of rides is enough for me to consider an Enduro race in two weeks. […]
An Appreciation for Recovery
I am exhausted. A week of high volume will do that. Over seven days it became mentally and physically harder to sustain the workload. Training builds fatigue, at some point a break is required. The plan was always an epic week followed by serious recovery. So far I’ve slept in and spent ninety minutes on […]
Survival Tips for Ironman Training Camps
Yesterday was my biggest training day this year. It’s a template that will repeat for the rest of the week. I may be at home, but this is my training camp. Hours in the saddle with some swimming and running around the sides. After a winter of light training and a slow progression into spring […]
How Long is Long?
A long run, bike and swim are all staples of a triathlete’s schedule. But what constitutes long? How far should an athlete go? Obviously it’s dependent on the goal event: an Ironman triathlete needs more than a sprint specialist. Focussing on long distance racers, how much time should be invested in a single session? You […]
Getting Started with Power Based Training
Training with power is increasingly common; half my athletes own power meters. As a coach the raw training data combined with an athlete’s impression can tell me a lot. They are not a cheap training aid. If you commit the money you want to get the most from the investment. The learning curve is steep, […]
The Hardest Part of Triathlon Training
Consistency is the most challenging aspect of training facing any triathlete. Interval sessions hurt in the moment, but they’re done in a matter of minutes. Consistency is built over days, weeks and months. It’s a familiar topic; only a few weeks ago I wrote about pulling the pin on training and on training more or […]
