Will cross training hurt my Triathlon training?

Question

I spent this past summer training for my first Triathlon.  I completed it in September.  However, my level of aerobic/long distance training has fallen of significantly during the winter.  I've been coaching wrestling, and have spent a lot of time wrestling with High School kids.  I know that I am increasing my anearobic training significantly.  I've also been doing a lot of stairs and some strength training.  I still run, bike, and swim...but, very minimal compared with the full training schedule I had during the summer.  Should I be working harder on the Tri-sports over the winter?  Am I setting myself back this winter?

thelegler · Accepted Answer

You are right on schedule. The winter months should be used for cross training. Strength training, core training are the building blocks for a sucessful tri season. Continue to do what you are doing. You will definately build upon last year. 

However, try to swim bike and run at least once a week and make these workouts count. Swim/bike in combination, bike/run in combination. After wrestling season pick up the time and intensity of swim/bike/run training. 

You might want to target an early season run, 10k or half marathon say in March or April, will give a good goal to shoot at. This will begin to transition you back into the tri season and position you for outdoor bike training. The indoor trainers can only do so  much.

The first year is always something of a learning year, the second year of the multisport lifestlye will begin to define how committed you will become toward a long and active tri career. Good luck and keep up the good training.

? · Answer

A triathlon, with its combination of swimming, bicycling, and running, is supposed to be one of the most challenging sports events. The Ironman Triathlon, in Oahu, Hawaii, has become the ultimate sports challenge among super athletes from all over the world. Of course, Hawaii's picture-perfect scenery and ideal climate probably don't ( it would be better here to drop the contraction, and say do not) hurt attendance any. A triathlon consists of the following events. First, each competitor swims 2.4 miles in the sea. After that, they all bike for 112 miles. To top it off. all competitors run a 28-mile marathon. Yes, most of the competitors actually cross the finsh line. My two aunts, Helga and Sue, have been training for a minitriathlon. Shorter distances make minitriathlons more tolerable for an average, well-trained athlete.

WestCoastin4Life · Answer

No, it's good to give your body a break from time to time, plus, you still are training, just not as intensely.  Sounds weird, but it will actually help you, this break, in your next Triathlon, because being fresh is the #1 thing that can help you improve.

Trending News

Will cross training hurt my Triathlon training?

3 Answers