Running Help
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Red5 posted 2 years ago.
As a fellow runner turned triathlete, I can''t stress enough the benefits I have derived from the cross training with the bike and swim. The swim is a disciplined that you need to become proficient in, but the bike you must try and master as it's the longest leg. As a runner, if you can get strong on the bike, you run will be your gravey. So if anything, you should re-think your training and try and emphasize the bike to compliment your run as opposed to trying and making your run the main focus. Your speed won't go away and your overall endurance will greatly improve. :)
_______
Bryan
Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
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Anton posted 2 years ago.
A big mistake that folks new to the sport often make is seeing a Tri as three different sports. It's not. It's one sport. Minimal work in two of the three will result in minimal race success.
I'm in with Red on this...you will be a better runner as taking time to work on all three sports will help you become more fit overall.
Running may be your strength,but it will suffer in a race if your biking strength is lacking. Nothing worse than getting cooked on the bike then have to struggle through a run at a pace less than what you are used to...I know.
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alowrun posted 1 year ago.
I am the same. Distance runner turned triathlete. Wishing I had more knowledge on how to train in the other disciplines, but the aforementioned posts are correct. You must treat triathlon as a single sport, not as an accompaniment to running.
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-A-Low
I Believe In Cross Country
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kylie posted 1 year ago.
As mentioned above, to be successful at triathlons you must be a triathlete... not a runner that can bike and swim as well. I've always heard it is best to focus on your weaker sports, bringing them to the level of your best one.
However, if your main focus is running, and the tris are just a sidenote, I wouldn't worry too much about having a plan for training them. Just swim or bike as it fits with your run training.
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Ultrarunner posted 1 year ago.
Sunnysideup, I also come from a running background. For 5 years all I ever did were marathons and ultramarathons. I got into triathlon to give my body a break from all of the pounding. I can honestly say that all of my bike training made me a better climber when I ran. I also found that I ran faster when I got off of the bike. Everyone else is right, spend the most time on the bike since that is where the majority of your race is. I did 3 100 mile rides before my last IM and it made a world of difference when I got off to run.
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Jstyle posted 1 year ago.
My little brother in law says the same thing. All he wants is to be is blazing fast in one event. He is still in high school but does a Tri with me every now and then. Now he is a MUCH stronger runner then I am he runs a 1:22 half and I run a 1:30 half. Regardless I still own him every time because all he wants is to be a fast runner. In order to be a good you have to be a triathlete not a runner that can bike...
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jmruns430 posted 1 year ago.
kyillee;57200 wrote:
As mentioned above, to be successful at triathlons you must be a triathlete... not a runner that can bike and swim as well. I've always heard it is best to focus on your weaker sports, bringing them to the level of your best one.However, if your main focus is running, and the tris are just a sidenote, I wouldn't worry too much about having a plan for training them. Just swim or bike as it fits with your run training.
I second this aproach, you simply have a few choices to make, and they don't have to be permanent choices, you should decide a training focus and plan before a certain event and start training for it. You can pick running as your focus, add in the mininmal swimming and biking to get you there and I will be that you'll be a pretty strong runner and for the most part racer. This is what I did for my first few tris. Otherwise try out other training plans, focus on something else and change it up. Just see what works for you.
As a runner, I really have a hard time running 4 times per week (or less), so I end up doing a lot of double days (work up to this), and I think it really does help me overall. But I have also had several running races as my prime focus during this time too. Many people think of extra running days that are easy as junk miles, just to be there. However, if you are a distance runner and already have that experience of running 6+ times per week and the weekly mileage under your belt, adding an easy 2-4 mile run on your cycling or swimming days will can actually make you stronger. Just make sure and listen to your body as you add in these other training elements and ease off if its telling you too.
I have recently began competing in triathlon. I have always been a natural runner, runninh 1hr18 for half marathon.
I am having major issues juggling the demands of 3 disciplines. My primary emphasis is running. Does anyone have experience with on-line coaches that specialize in running but are able to provide me with minimal swim and cycle sessions?
Thanks