« It’s Exercise, Not Oreos, That’s Wreaking Havoc On My Diet: NOT | Main | Commit to Get Fit: Walk the Walk, Don’t Just Talk the Talk »
Proper Training For Triathlons: Even Seasoned Marathon Runners Are Not Immune
By Christina | July 7, 2009
A friend of mine the other day was training with a trainer who specializes in triathlons. This would not be noteworthy, but for the fact that my friend is an accomplished marathon runner with consistently fast performance times. She explained that she is training for her first sprint triathlon in the fall.
A sprint triathlon is a very short race. It is a ¼ mile swim in open water, followed by a 12.4 mile bike ride, ending with a 3.1 mile run. My first thought when I saw my friend training with a triathlon trainer was something along the lines of “Seriously?” This woman not only qualified for Boston, but whizzed through it.
The truth is that triathlons, even sprint ones, are a whole different ball game. The main difference lies in the transitions. For most athletes, each component of a triathlon on its own is not particularly physically intimidating. What makes triathlons unique is the seamless transition from swimming to biking to running, all done at full exertion. Brick training is necessary in order to be successful at triathlons. It is called this because your legs literally feel like bricks by the time you get to the running portion of the race. Your body has to be specifically trained to transition from one exercise into the next exercise without shutting down or hitting a wall.
Perhaps for me, the training that my friend is doing is even more interesting than the necessary “bricks.” She said for her it is all about retraining her mind and hoping that her body will follow. Marathons are the truest test of endurance. You hit your race pace and keep on going like the Energizer Bunny. The finish line, even though it is a grueling 26.2 miles away, signifies the end.
With sprint triathlons, however, the mindset and the pace are an entirely different animal. She was quick to assure me that just because she excelled at one, did not mean she would excel at the other. Fortunately for the rest of us, we don’t need to train for triathlons or marathons to glean some unintended lessons from my friend.
If you are successful in your exercise program to the point that you are no longer physically or mentally challenged, try something new. Get out of your comfort zone. Most importantly, when you have finally taken that plunge into unchartered waters, remind yourself that the largest hurdle you need to jump is the mental one. Re-train, re-condition, re-think what you know your body is capable of, and your physical self will ultimately surprise you by rising to the occasion.
Topics: Personal Training |
