Four Triathlon Resolutions You Can Keep

This is from an article on Triathlete.com.  Although I don’t call them resolutions, just things I include in my training, I do believe they are items worth reviewing.

First: Running Better Off The Bike

As triathletes, we all face ‘dead legs’ after the bike.  Although in my case, I believe they are not only dead, but somebody stomped on them multiple times.  But maybe that’s just me.

“The best triathlon runners typically run 5–6 percent slower over a given distance in a triathlon than they do in a running race of the same distance.” – Running vs. Triathlon Running

It should be noted that the 5-6 percent is not a universal standard because each one of us is ‘hardwired’ differently. To help conquer this obstacle, pro triathlete Tim O’Donnell offers the following advice:

“As triathletes, we never run fresh,” says pro triathlete Tim O’Donnell of Boulder, Colo., one of world’s top-ranked long-distance racers. “So we need to learn to how to run fast when tired.”  A longtime swimmer, O’Donnell’s transformation to a triathlete entailed completing all of this runs off of the bike or out of the water. “For long runs, I would spin for 45 to 60 minutes before the run to adapt,” he says. “I would also do my easy runs after hard swim sessions on the treadmill.” – Source

Second: Swimming Stronger

This is something I’ve already started working on.  The problem with swimming is the amount of effort it takes just to get to a pool or lake.  With bike and run you can just open your garage and go.  Swimming requires getting to a pool and then trying to finish a structured workout while sharing a lane.  This is one of the reasons I get to the pool when it opens at 5am.

Here is an excellent article that helps decipher the language of swimming.  If your new to swimming, this article is a must read.

Third: Make More Time To Train

It’s no secret, triathletes get up early.  Putting together a weekly training schedule is so much easier than actually sticking to it.  Life get’s in the way.  The reason many of us get up so early is to minimize how much life get’s in the way.  I don’t have kids so that makes things much easier for me.  However I am married and I love spending time with my wife.  Thus I schedule my training around her, not vice-versa.  One of the many things I love about her is just how supportive and flexible she is.  Again, that makes things so much easier.

“Don’t get hung up on what can’t be done—focus on what you can do,” says Lavelle, who suggests shortening and intensifying workouts on days when you’re really lacking time.” – Source

An article titled “Maximizing Your Workweek Training” has some great ideas to help you do just that.  Briefly, these ideas include:

• Focus on brick training.


• Cut volume increase intensity


• Chose races that fit in your training schedule.


• Keep the build periods short.


• Consistent recovery periods.

Fourth: Save Money

I’ve read in multiple places that triathletes have highest median income of all hobby sports (marathons, cycling, mountain biking, etc.).  I can see why.  Triathlons are expense.  Very expensive. Grossly Expensive.  I cringe thinking about how much I’ve spent on my bike just to gain a slight aero or weight advantage.

Then there are the races.  Ironman branded events are expensive. I’m doing two half-ironman events. The cost of these two events is the same as four sprint distance triathlons or approximately eight mountain bike races.  I also have another expensive hobby: golf.  My wife and I are members at a course and that annual cost is high.  But we love golfing together, so I pay those dues with a smile.  But it does require balance.  I will most likely remove 2-3 races this season to accommodate those new half-iron man events.

The article makes a good point that the sport doesn’t have to be expensive.  I know plenty of people who have clunker bikes, rent wetsuits, swim in baggy shorts.  If you are on a limited budget, I would direct most of my money to the running shoes.  Go to a store that has specialists there to help you fit in your shoes.  My local shop has treadmills and cameras to check form, etc.  They will also take them back if you are not happy. Wonderful people and their advice has always been spot on.  Don’t skimp on the shoes.

There is another article titled: “15 Must-Haves: Essential Beginner Tri Gear” that gives great advice as well.