Carefully Curated Triathlon News for February 12, 2026
Share This Post
IN THIS EDITION…
- 5 treadmill sessions to spice up your runs
- What’s your minimum effective Zone 2 ride?
- 4 proven pre-race warmup protocols
- Why IM triathletes need short swim intervals
- 4-part framework for better metabolic flexibility
SHORT FOR LONG
Why do the best IRONMAN swimmers focus on short, intense intervals in training when their race distance is 2.4 miles long? As coach Brett Sutton explains, it comes down to preserving technique and “holding stroke.”
According to Sutton, stroke mechanics begin to deteriorate after just 5 minutes into a 1500m nonstop effort. He prefers his athletes cover the distance by swimming 60x 25m to sustain a high tempo while maintaining good form throughout.
Learn more about Sutton’s recipe of 3 parts interval to 1 part rest for building fitness and bulletproof technique. It’s guaranteed to produce a faster swim split in your next race.
TREAD ON ME
If slipping and sliding on icy roads has lost its appeal, then now is the perfect time to re-energize your running with these 5 treadmill workouts.
Designed for distance runners, these sessions offer just the right amount of pace to bring the sparkle back to your stride while you dream of warm weather runs.
MINIMUM DOSE
As time-crunched triathletes, it’s natural for us to ask what’s the shortest Zone 2 ride we can do and still see benefits?
Coach Adam Pulford examines this question, and explains why your minimum effective Zone 2 workout depends on your fitness and training history.
Use his insights to construct a cycling training program that delivers optimal adaptations, even with limited time to ride.
FASTER FOOD
Spring racing is just around the corner. Stock up on UCAN drinks, gels and bars and – if you act fast – take advantage of bundles discounted up to 30% off.
UCAN’s proprietary LIVSTEADY SuperStarch is a low-glycemic, complex carbohydrate that provides athletes with smooth, long-lasting energy with no spikes and crashes associated with sugary gels and drinks.
UCAN provides sustained fuel and sharp mental focus with no stomach upset… even during your most demanding training sessions.
Now is the perfect time to load up on everything you need for the pre-season. TriathlonWire readers get 15% off (or more!) by using this link.
REV THE ENGINE
Pre-race warmups are important. Even before a long IRONMAN, an effective warmup will help you avoid going into the red zone and manage the high intensity of the swim start.
Coach Mike Ricci offers 4 different warmup protocols based on the distance, start time and logistics of the race. He also describes how to perform them properly to set up your best possible race performance.
FAT FLUSH
Your body is like a hybrid engine that shifts between burning carbohydrates and fats as fuel. Optimize the metabolism of both substrates, and you can improve your race performance.
Sports nutritionist James LeBaigue explores the importance of this metabolic flexibility and presents his practical 4-point framework for triathlon fueling that doesn’t rely on “hacks” or restrictive eating.
Apply it to your own nutrition to enhance your ability to burn fat… without compromising your ability to metabolize carbs.
QUICK HIITS:
- Good Max?
How well does your body utilize oxygen while exercising at high intensity? See how your VO2max stacks up against others in your gender and age group.
- Different Strokes
Age grouper Jo O’Regan hates freestyle swimming. However in Kona she posted a 1:14 swim split while performing breaststroke. Anything is possible!
- Luxury Box
Make your life easier with this bulletproof bike box by Bikeflights. Designed to protect your investment without disassembling the integrated bar and stem, this convenient solution is sure to reduce the stress of traveling to races.
