Triathlon Training Sprint v/s Iron distance

[vonrebel]

Does anyone know if a person can properly train for Sprint distance, Half and full Iron all in the same season? Or would it be better to pick one distance and train specifically for that event?

 

[Synpax]

I do six different types events a year. 10k, marathon, sprint tri, oly tri, half iron, and iron.

If you scheduele your year properly you can do well at all, but you need to decide what your A race is and build around that. So I have a marathon in March and the iron races starting in November and the training for those goes pretty much hand in hand.

And don't juice. It isn't cool in this sport.

 

[vonrebel]

That's a FULL schedule!, NICE... I'd like to see a weeks worth of your training schedule and nutrition? especially if your placing well, However if your end of the pack or DNF never mind, ha!

By the way how are you placing in these races?, are you winning? Or just having a good time?

I was smashed on my tri bike in 05, 8 months of serious, rehab... I've worked / earned my way up naturally from holding on to 4 swim bouys (lol), in a sprint race in 05, to this year "08" being 20 sec from winning the last place in my age group, 2x's in two sprints. I'm placinging in the top 20 and top 30 out of 300-400 competitors. All my races are on line at onlineraceresults.com... I'm bringing home the age group hardwear this year! lol
I've got one 70.3 under my belt and am already registered for IM KY "08"

PS: I'm with you on the NO juice policy at least in triathlon, anyway I'm already muscled up enough!!!, in fact I'm looking for a way to get rid of some of the thickness! It's just dead weight for tri's.

 

[Gymgurl]

I agree with Synpax on this one....Im training for a marathon right now and a Du...but they really go hand in hand .......but it all works in with the rest of my season later in the spring/summer

 

[vonrebel]

I'm concerned about the long endurance sessions decreasing speed in prep for the sprint races. We need the long endurance sessions for the long events, but for sprint races, long endurance sessions could take away some speed? This is a question,?

 

[Gymgurl]

But if your working in some intervals and speed sessions that should help....I would think along with your longer runs

 

[vonrebel]

Thanks gymgurl, I'm just trying to decide if a person would be faster for sprint races focusing on sprint specific training schedule. V/S doing all three sprint, 70.3, 140.6. Becasue then a person could drop the long endurance training. Is this correct?

 

[Gymgurl]

Im training for a marathon but my overall speed it also increasing since I am adding intervals/speed work once a week to my training....and I know my endurace is increasing..up to 14 miles on my long runs

 

[vonrebel]

Is this your first 26.2? When's your event? I believe speed work is important, but if anyone wants to perform their very best in the quick sprint races, the volume of training required for the ultra endurance events I've heard would not only not be required, but could hinder the athletes over all times at the shorter Sprint distances. Maybe not a lot,,, but still some. I'm sure it depends on many factors like, years of training....... no absolutes. I really don't know for sure, that's why I'm asking. GOOD LUCK on your 26.2!

 

[Synpax]

In foot races I am in the top 10% of the AG and in triathlons I this past year I was in the top 25% of the AG NYC and I was in the top third of the AG at IMFL. It was a good year for me after two not-so-good-ones.

This year should be even better as the volume is much higher, the intensity is higher, I am swimming with more instruction, and my I have a few new tools in my arsenal.

 

[vonrebel]

Your placing well. How many years endurance training do have have,(3)? I heard a person starting from the recliner/TV, Can improve their CV system for 5-8 years straight? 3-5yrs is probably more accurate. Suppose this is good & bad news. Bad if you want to place well right away. Good, knowing you'll improve every year, for a long while. (With proper training.) How did you sercure a slot at IM FL? They sell out almost immediately.

 

[Synpax]

Really, more like 2 years. Proper training helps.

It's not a 'year' issue, it's an age issue. You kind of peak in your late thirties for the longer stuff, around 30 for the shorter stuff. However, that's your 'potential.' If you start at 30 you can probably make gains for the next 20 years, depending on your health. Most people don't train hard enough or well enough to make it to their potential in just a few years. A lot of learning involved.

IE - If I knew what I knew now, my first season would have been much, much better.

I first got into IMFL in 05 when my brother registered me online in Oct of 04 (I couldn't do it myself - I was at a swim clinic that morning). I was really lucky he got his college-aged self out of bed on time and got it done.

The next two years I registered on-site the day after the race. That pretty much guarantees you getting in.

This time, they let people who were registered for the current year register for next year the day BEFORE the race. How cool is that? Although I kind of missed that part of the routine - getting up at 7 the day after and getting in line. I still got up early and went to Mass instead.

 

[vonrebel]

Your fortunate to have that FL slot. Did I mention I was registered for IM KY 2008, yea they claim it's the hottest IM event, as in heat. I'm really needing all the pointers I can get. What do think you've learned that have given you the most improvements that your willing to share? All the coaches I've spoken with declare their are not secrets, just consistant training. ha! maybe so but their has to methods or techniques within a training schedule that make a big difference. What foods did you use for your ironman. solids / gels / liquids? Are there a lot of triathletes on this board?

 

[Synpax]

See, the coaches who tell you that are wrong, because there are a lot of little details that make a big difference. Things I was never told and had to learn the hardway. Right now I'm working towards getting my USAT Coach cert and plan to work it through level 3.

First, I doubt there are many triathletes on the board because this is suppose to be a clean sport and I am clean and I hope you are, too.

Second, there is a big deal of difference in the training methods.

Third, what you consume is vital. I'll give you a tip for free but if you want more advice, it might cost you - at least you would have to let me be your official coach. Anyway, the tip is this: Thermolyte. As many as 7 an hour in intense heat. You can drink all you want but unless you are getting the salt and other electros, your body can't hold it and can't sweat it out.

 

[vonrebel]

I know youv'e already mentioned to stay clean, and keep the sport clean. And I am both. I'm alrady in good condition, naturally, I origionally came to this board 2-3 yrs ago looking for A A S to help me rebuild after the accident, that's when I first ran accross your posts. After a few weeks reading, I decided not to use the juice took my money and hired a personal trainer and nutritionist, and ended up looking like the little photo avater? I came back to the board this year looking for an effective way to shed fat faster than the natural way of diet and cardio. Seems there is no A A S that melts fat?, guess that's a myth, and don't need anymore bulk! I'd rather speed that money on some 808's. ha! So I don't need aas at all. But I remembered your posts for 2-3 yrs ago and you semed like a person who shifted through the BS pretty quick and would eventually get to the best information. Which apparently you you have! Why don't you shoot me an email later, and we'll talk about it. Thermolyt, thanks!