Carefully Curated Triathlon News for May 18, 2023

IN THIS EDITION…

  • 12 Training rules of Lucy Charles-Barclay
  • Dial in your IRONMAN pacing
  • Laura Siddall’s swimming breakthrough
  • 7 Required runs for long distance success
  • How to build cycling endurance & speed

LONGER AND FASTER

To be competitive at IRONMAN, we must build a bulletproof base of endurance and enhance our speed.  How can we do both?

Hunter Allen, co-author of Training and Racing with a Power Meter, suggests how to achieve these seemingly opposing objectives. 

He explains how to plan and execute an effective endurance ride (based on your fitness level), and how to determine the ideal pace and distance of your tempo sessions.

Then he shares his advanced Kitchen Sink workout that combines both endurance and speed that will really boost your engine and improve your long distance triathlon performance!

IRON PACING

Regardless of your fitness, if you don’t effectively execute the right IRONMAN pacing plan, then you’re destined for disappointment.

This requires holding back in the early stages, precise fueling management, and an intimate understanding of your zones 2 and 3 (all of which can be honed and rehearsed in training).

To make sure you’re on track, Joe Friel dissects each leg of the IRONMAN and provides his proven pacing strategies and tips for race day success.

HEAD OF THE CLASS

Laura Siddall is one of those rare triathletes who started swimming late (at the ripe old age of 29) but progressed to the lead pro pack and a top-10 finish in Kona.  How did she do it?

Like many age groupers, Laura was always athletic and dedicated.  But that wasn’t enough; swimming remained her weakness as she rose through the ranks.

Learn what led to her breakthrough and review Siddall’s 5 top tips for faster triathlon swimming.  Hopefully her story will inspire you to take action.

CAMP WITH CROWIE

For the first time in 4 years, Craig “Crowie” Alexander is leading a triathlon training camp in the USA.

Don’t miss your opportunity to join this 5x world champion on July 9-15 for one week of training, personalized instruction and fun.

Hosted at the exclusive First Bourn estate in the Blue Ridge Mountains outside Asheville, NC, you’ll be treated to (and challenged by) one of the best training grounds in the eastern USA.

In addition to the unparalleled curriculum, lux amenities, and a personal pre-camp phone consultation with Craig, TriathlonWire readers save $50 off your camp tuition with coupon code TRIWIRE50

Space is very limited, so book your spot today by making a no-risk deposit!

7 RUNS

With limited time to spend on any single discipline, it can be difficult to log an adequate number of run workouts.

Coach Josh Muskin helps you keep things straight with his 7 types of runs needed for a successful IRONMAN marathon.

He explains the importance of each session and prescribes exactly when you should perform them.   Use this guide to confirm that you’re training as efficiently as possible.

TRAINING WITH LUCY

Journalist Yanar Alkayat was granted the unique privilege of shadowing superstar Lucy Charles-Barclay for a day.

The result is a rare glimpse into the world of one of triathlon’s top pros and reveals the 12 tenets of LCB’s training.

What’s particularly interesting is Lucy’s dedication to strength training and consistent commitment to rest and recovery.

Regardless of your level, you’re sure to learn something from Lucy’s IRONMAN training schedule.

QUICK HIITS:

  • Sneaky 7
    When prepping for a shorter triathlon, sharpen your form with US national team member Erika Ackerlund’s Sneaky 7 swim workout.  It’ll get you accustomed to swimming at race pace while maintaining good technique.
  • Best Seat in Kona?
    Triathlon guru Dan Empfield takes a close look at the most popular saddle among male pros at the 2022 Hawaii IRONMAN.  While admittedly a bit of a curmudgeon when it comes to tri saddles, learn why he gives a thumbs-up to this particular model.