Carefully Curated Triathlon News for August 1, 2024

IN THIS EDITION…

  • 4 alternatives to your weekly long run
  • Proven method for calculating race pace
  • Why your open water splits are slower than the pool
  • 5 guidelines for adults learning freestyle
  • Run faster by developing power

PERFECTING PACE

Is it possible to get faster results without increasing fitness?  Oftentimes – with better pacing – the answer is “yes.”

Coach Greg Grandgeorge describes how he creates an optimal race pace plan. He starts by determining lactate thresholds in the swim, bike and run.

Once thresholds are identified, he translates them into realistic race speeds based on event distance.

With this information you can confidently govern your race day efforts and get closer to realizing your potential.

OPEN SPEED

Are you frustrated that your open water times are slower than your pool splits?  If so, then coaches Chris Bagg and Molly Balfe can help.

Discover why you should ditch your watch for pool workouts, and use a Tempo Trainer instead.   Learn why a strategy to negative split the swim is often better than a fast start.

Their insights on pacing, stress management and cadence will transform your triathlon swims, and allow you to overcome the chaos and unpredictability of open water.

STRONG COMPONENT

Maximal strength training is a key component of faster running.

Research indicates that training for strength and power 2 to 3 times per week improves running economy and overall marathon performance.   Stronger athletes can better absorb the impact of running, which helps resist injury.

Need more convincing?  Here are 4 reasons why you should train for maximal strength.

YOU’RE COVERED

Did you know that sunburn suppresses our thermoregulation and ability to dissipate heat, potentially compromising performance?

Fortunately you can prioritize skin health with the full line of products by Dermasport.

Designed specifically for athletes, Dermasport protects, hydrates and repairs skin from excessive exposure to sun and chlorine.

Check out Dermasport’s complete skin care line for endurance athletes and – for a limited time – enjoy a 25% off any purchase.

INSTEAD OF LONG

The weekly long run is a cornerstone of effective triathlon training, but maintaining consistency with this demanding session can be difficult.

If you find yourself unable to execute your next long run, here are 4 strategies to ensure you still log the miles.

LATE BLOOMERS

Even if you started as an adult, coach Gordo Byrn is convinced that you can become a good triathlon swimmer.

He should know… he did it himself.

Here are Byrn’s 5 essential guidelines for freestyle proficiency.  Demystify swimming with these straightforward and attainable tips.

QUICK HIITS:

  • Balancing Act
    Steve Magness examines the 6 traits that Olympians master.  Think about these attributes as you watch the best athletes in the world perform at the highest level. 
  • Zwift’s Newest Partner
    TriDot’s new integration with Zwift allows frictionless syncing of data between the two popular platforms.   Now you can push workouts from TriDot to Zwift and automatically send Zwift workout data back to TriDot.