The Triathlete's Training Bible

Key Takeaways

1. Develop a systematic training approach for triathlon success

Systematic training is much like putting a jigsaw puzzle together.

Understand the big picture. Triathlon training can be overwhelming, but approaching it systematically helps you see the forest for the trees. Start by setting clear, measurable goals that are under your control and stretch your abilities. Develop a training philosophy that emphasizes consistency and gradual progression.

Build your training foundation. Focus on three basic abilities:

• Endurance: The ability to resist fatigue
• Force: The ability to use muscular strength
• Speed skills: The ability to move body parts quickly and efficiently

As you progress, incorporate more advanced abilities:

• Muscular endurance
• Anaerobic endurance
• Power

Remember that training is both a science and an art. While following established principles, be prepared to adapt your approach based on your individual needs and responses to training.

2. Master the art and science of intensity management

Intensity is perhaps the least understood component of preparation for multisport racing.

Understand intensity zones. Triathlon training involves managing different intensity levels across swimming, cycling, and running. Familiarize yourself with the six intensity zones:

1. Recovery
2. Extensive Endurance
3. Intensive Endurance
4. Threshold
5. Anaerobic Endurance
6. Power

Measure and monitor intensity. Utilize various methods to gauge your effort:

• Pace
• Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE)
• Heart Rate
• Power (for cycling)

Learn to balance high-intensity training with adequate recovery to maximize fitness gains while minimizing the risk of overtraining. Gradually increase the amount of time spent in higher intensity zones as your fitness improves and your body adapts to the training load.

3. Create a personalized annual training plan

Planning is the master key to success.

Design your roadmap. Develop an annual training plan that outlines your goals, prioritizes races, and divides the year into specific training periods:

• Preparation
• Base
• Build
• Peak
• Race
• Transition

Periodize your training. Organize your training into phases that progress from general to specific preparation:

1. Anatomical Adaptation (AA)
2. Maximum Transition (MT)
3. Maximum Strength (MS)
4. Strength Maintenance (SM)

Assign weekly training hours and workout categories for each period, ensuring a balance between the three disciplines and allowing for adequate recovery. Be prepared to adjust your plan as needed based on your progress and any unexpected challenges that arise.

4. Optimize your swim, bike, and run techniques

Fitness is something that happens to you while you're practicing good technique.

Enhance swimming efficiency. Focus on three key techniques:

1. Swimming "downhill"
2. Swimming like a knife
3. Swimming taller

Incorporate drills to improve these skills and reduce drag in the water.

Refine cycling skills. Pay attention to:

• Proper bike fit and setup
• Efficient pedaling technique
• Effective cornering skills

Use tools like power meters and indoor trainers to enhance your cycling performance.

Improve running economy. Work on:

• Proper posture
• Optimal cadence (aim for 90 steps per minute)
• Efficient foot strike (midfoot landing)
• Minimal vertical oscillation

Incorporate drills and exercises to reinforce good running form and improve your overall efficiency.

5. Implement effective strength training and recovery strategies

Recovery is just as important as hard workouts.

Periodize strength training. Integrate strength work into your annual plan:

1. Anatomical Adaptation (AA): Prepare muscles and tendons
2. Maximum Transition (MT): Bridge to heavier loads
3. Maximum Strength (MS): Improve force generation
4. Strength Maintenance (SM): Maintain gains during race season

Focus on exercises that target prime movers and mimic sport-specific movements.

Prioritize recovery. Implement various recovery techniques:

• Active recovery workouts
• Proper nutrition and hydration
• Adequate sleep
• Massage and self-massage
• Stretching and flexibility work

Balance hard training with sufficient rest to allow for adaptation and prevent overtraining. Schedule regular recovery weeks and transition periods throughout your annual plan.

6. Tailor your training to your unique needs and circumstances

There are no "secrets" to success in athletics, regardless of what you may have heard.

Adapt to individual factors. Consider your unique circumstances when designing your training plan:

Women:

• Emphasize year-round strength training
• Focus on upper body and core strength
• Address potential iron deficiency

Masters athletes:

• Prioritize intensity over volume
• Allow for more frequent recovery
• Maintain leg speed and strength

Juniors:

• Seek guidance from a coach or mentor
• Focus on skill development across all disciplines
• Gradually increase training volume and intensity

Novices:

• Build a solid foundation of endurance
• Develop proper technique in each discipline
• Progress gradually to avoid injury and burnout

Elite athletes:

• Optimize every aspect of training and recovery
• Incorporate advanced training methods (e.g., altitude training)
• Fine-tune race-specific preparation

7. Perfect your race-day strategy and execution

Race day is harvest time; that's when you reap the benefits.

Develop a comprehensive race plan. Address key elements:

• Pacing strategy for each discipline
• Equipment selection
• Nutrition and hydration plan
• Transition logistics
• Mental preparation and coping strategies

Master pre-race preparation. In the week leading up to your race:

• Gradually reduce training volume (taper)
• Maintain some high-intensity efforts to stay sharp
• Focus on rest and recovery
• Review your race plan and visualize success

Execute on race day. Follow your plan while remaining adaptable:

• Complete a proper warm-up
• Manage pre-race nerves and arousal levels
• Start conservatively and build into your race pace
• Stay focused on your own performance, not your competitors
• Adapt to changing conditions as needed

Post-race, analyze your performance and use the insights gained to refine your training and racing strategies for future events.

Last updated: January 24, 2025

Report Issue