Some of my fellow triathletes seem to delight in using all the latest gadgets, training fads, paddles, pull buoys, power meters, this or that running shoe, no shoes, minimal shoes, heat exchangers, training plans, coaches, discussion boards; total strangers.
I'm not immune.
But really, when you you get right down to it, all we do is swim, bike and run. For example; get someone to show you proper form and then simply swim lots is a much more effective and useful training plan, for the vast majority of triathletes, than this:
Warm Up
200 Free / 200 IM Drill / 100 Free / 100 IM Drill
First Main Set
4 x 50 Kick/Drill IM Order (50 each stroke) @ 1:15
4 x 50 Drill/Swim IM Order (50 each stroke) @ 1:10
4 x 50 Swim IM Order (50 each stroke) @ 1’
100 EZ Free @ 2’
Second Main Set
4 x 100 Free @ 1:45 Heads up flags to wall @ each turn
4 x 50 Free @ 1’ First 12 ½ of each 25 is Tarzan
100 EZ @ 2’
4 x 100 Free @ 1:30
Cool Down
200 Free / 200 IM Drill / 100 Free / 100 IM Drill
Likewise with run training and, I'll grant to a slightly lesser extent, for bike training too. Bike training is a slight exception as the gains from some drills and specific sets can be so remarkably effective compared to just riding (Tabata intervals, anyone?). Having said that though; riding lots, and hard, is really all you need to do - the gadgets and drills and FTP and threshold work are all just clever ways of describing work hard! And I'm going to even get into run training. Suffice to say the preceding applies in equal or even greater measure.
Effective training is simply getting out there and doing. That takes a little planning, a lot of consistency, appropriate prioritization, real commitment, true passion and actual hard work. And genuine fun.
It's all a bit like life, isn't it?
Effective training is simply getting out there and doing. That takes a little planning, a lot of consistency, appropriate prioritization, real commitment, true passion and actual hard work. And genuine fun.
It's all a bit like life, isn't it?
lol! So counter-cultural! Just work hard? Are you nuts? It can't be that simple!
ReplyDeleteOk, Mark, you know I am kidding right? I agree: just swim, bike and run alot and you'll find yourself doing better than you ever expected. Course, I know you work out a ton and I like that about you.