BACK TO BUSINESS
Numerous events were held this past weekend, reminding us of what we’ve been missing and giving us hope that we’re slowly returning to racing.
On Saturday the ITU World Championships were held in Hamburg, Germany, contested in a sprint distance format. It was the first and only WTS triathlon of 2020. Georgia Taylor-Brown (GBR) dominated the women’s field and Vincent Luis (FRA) grabbed his second consecutive title.
In the UK’s damp Lake District, the Helvellyn Triathlon took place over one of the world’s most challenging courses. 13 years after his first victory there, Alistair Brownlee led the men and Nikki Bartlett was first among the women.
IRONMAN also got into the act, producing its first races since March 15 including a full-distance and 70.3 in Tallinn, Estonia, a 70.3 in Les Sables-d’Olonne, France and a 70.3 in Gdynia, Poland.
There were some unexpected results but, hey… it’s great to be back in action!
BACK TO BASE
We can finally see some light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel, so it’s probably a good time to revisit the vital importance of effective base training.
Renowned running coach Greg McMillan shares what he learned from his time spent with legend Arthur Lydiard, outlining the 5 key objectives of base training.
He then spells out how to apply them into a contemporary training plan that will fortify your aerobic foundation. Now is the time to recalibrate your base training, so you’ll be ready for 2021.
CORE SPEED
Numerous studies (like this one) have demonstrated that just 8 weeks of core training improves running endurance and economy. This is especially critical for those who want to finish their IRONMAN marathon as fast as possible (i.e., all of us).
This advanced 7-minute 7-exercise routine performed just twice a week will deliver results. Best of all, no equipment is required.
FASTER SWIMMING WITH FINIS
Triathletes love swim paddles. Our partners at FINIS have developed an innovative collection of purpose-built paddles that will make you a better, faster and more efficient triathlon swimmer.
Learn how 6x IRONMAN World Champion Dave Scott uses 2 different types of paddles to reinforce a good catch and stroke finish (the Freestyler paddle is also a game-changer for open water!)
TriathlonWire readers get a 20% discount by using the coupon code TRIWIRE20 at checkout.
FTP 101
Triathletes know that improving steady-state sustainable power on the bike translates into better time trialing and climbing.
Aussie pro Josh Amberger demystifies the concept of Functional Threshold Power and outlines a variety of methods to determine your FTP.
Then he addresses what really matters: how to improve your FTP.
Concise descriptions of different types of workouts will help you train with more purpose and allow you to perform sustainably faster.
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QUICK HIITS:
- Really High Performance
Did you know that running at even moderate altitude — 1,000m (3,280’) — can reduce your performance by 2-4%? If you train in Boulder or Mexico City, then it’s even more. - Perfect Freestyle
Here’s a short video that summarizes the key characteristics of the ideal freestyle stroke presented by MySwimPro. We especially liked the explanation of how to establish the elusive EVF (Early Vertical Forearm). - Real Reid
3x IRONMAN World Champion Peter Reid chats with Bob Babbitt about his most memorable Kona (which he didn’t win). Get to know one of our sport’s greats in this wide-ranging conversation.
