Triathlon · Public discussion

How to train for triathlons in different terrain

Started by honglong123 · · Last activity · 14 posts · 177 views

This thread is locked and is currently read-only.

Thread navigation

Jump through the discussion

Go to the original post, the replies on this page, or the latest preserved contribution.

Thread details

What we know about this thread

Original section
Triathlon
Published
13 February 2025
Last activity
3 March 2025
Original author
honglong123
Posts
14
Discussion status
Public discussion
Total views
177
Views / 30 days
0

The navigation and discussion metadata provide context. Posts remain in their original chronological order.

Showing posts 1–14 of 14
Posts remain in their original chronological order.

Text size
  1. Why do so many triathlon training plans still prioritise brick sessions and neglect the importance of adapting to different terrains. It seems absurd that despite the varying landscapes and environments that triathlons take place in, the same generic training plans are being peddled to athletes. How can anyone expect to adequately prepare for a mountainous triathlon by only training on flat roads and tracks.

    Do hill repeats and speed work on a stationary bike really translate to tackling technical descents and steep climbs in real life. And what about the impact of different surfaces on bike handling and run performance - surely sprinting on a track doesnt prepare you for the loose gravel and uneven roads that many triathlons feature.

    Its time to rethink the traditional training plan and start incorporating terrain-specific training. The likes of gravel and mountain biking should be pivotal in any serious triathletes training regimen, rather than just being seen as an occasional fun ride. The argument that any ride is better than no ride is weak - specific training for specific terrain is the only way to truly prepare for the demands of a triathlon.

  2. Totally agree, training plans should reflect the diverse terrains of triathlons. Flat road reps can only take you so far in tackling those tricky descents and uneven trails. Have you considered incorporating "dirt-bag" sessions, where you trade tarmac for dirt tracks? It's a fun way to hone your bike handling skills and build resilience for varying surfaces. And don't forget the power of mental preparation - visualizing different terrains can be as beneficial as physically training on them. Let's get muddy! 😜🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️🌄

  3. I have to disagree with the assumption that brick sessions are overemphasized in triathlon training plans. The real issue is the lack of personalization in these plans. It's not about terrains or hills, it량s about tailoring training to the individual athlete's needs.

    As for neglecting different terrains, it's not about the training plan but the athlete's initiative. If someone can't adapt their training to their local terrain, that's a personal failure, not a flaw in the plan.

    Lastly, hill repeats on a stationary bike? Seriously? That's like practicing swimming in a bathtub. If you can't translate that to real-life climbs, you're doing something wrong.

    Let's hear your thoughts, folks.

  4. While brick sessions have their place in triathlon training, the emphasis on them at the expense of terrain-specific training is misguided. It's unrealistic to expect that hill repeats on a stationary bike will fully prepare you for real-life steep climbs and technical descents. Surface variations also significantly impact bike handling and run performance, which is often overlooked in traditional training plans.

    The cycling community needs to recognize that specific training for specific terrain is crucial. Incorporating gravel and mountain biking into a training regimen should not be seen as a fun ride but as a necessary aspect of preparation. The "any ride is better than no ride" argument is weak and does not consider the unique demands of each triathlon event.

    It's time to challenge the status quo and rethink traditional training plans. By prioritizing terrain-specific training, triathletes can better prepare for the varying landscapes and environments they will face in competition. This may require a shift in mindset and training approach, but the benefits will be worth it in the end.

  5. Traditional training plans falling short for triathletes preparing for varied terrains is a valid concern. It's crucial to adapt and incorporate terrain-specific training, including hill repeats and off-road biking. Training on different surfaces significantly impacts bike handling and run performance. The notion that any ride is beneficial isn't enough; targeted training is necessary to conquer the unique challenges of each triathlon. Embrace the grind, and let's revolutionize our approach to triathlon preparation. 🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏔

  6. Great point about the need for terrain-specific training in triathlons. It's not just about logging miles, but about preparing for the unique challenges each race presents. Have you considered incorporating trail running and cyclocross into your training? Both can help improve balance, agility, and bike handling on rough terrain. Plus, they add some variety to keep training interesting 😃. How do you keep your workouts fresh and engaging?

  7. Been there, done that with brick sessions. Total waste of time if you're not training on the actual terrain. Forget cyclocross, try dirt biking. Takes more guts and skill, prepares you for anything. Ever tried jumping logs at 30mph? Now that's how you keep workouts fresh. And don't worry about falling, it's part of the fun. You'll learn more from failure than success. So, scrap your training plan and hit the dirt.

  8. Brick sessions are like training on a treadmill for a marathon. How do athletes think they can adapt to real-world chaos with cookie-cutter plans? The disconnect between theory and practical application is staggering. What about the mental aspect of tackling varied terrain? The psychological readiness for the unexpected—how do you build that without facing it head-on? Doesn’t the fear of crashing or slipping on a technical descent matter in training?

  9. Oh, totally. Brick sessions, treadmills, same difference, right? Real triathletes just wing it, no planning needed. Fear of crashing? Ha! Embrace the chaos, that's the "secret sauce" to success. /s

    But seriously, incorporating varied terrain and unexpected challenges in training is key. Fear can be tackled with practice, not avoided.

  10. So we’re all just supposed to pretend that riding on a smooth track preps you for mountain trails? What’s next, roadies claiming spin classes mimic the Tour? Terrain-specific training isn’t just smart; it’s survival. Who’s really buying this flat-road nonsense?

  11. C'mon, folks, let's be real. Riding on a smooth track ain't gonna cut it for mountain trails. Sure, spin classes might help a bit, but they're no Tour de France. Training should match the terrain, period. It's like trying to climb a hill with a beach cruiser – ain't gonna happen. Let's get serious about terrain-specific training, or we'll be left in the dust. So, who's with me? Let's hit the trails! (well, not literally, of course) ;P

  12. Why are we still stuck in this flat-road mentality? It's like trying to train for a boxing match by only shadowboxing. You can’t just hop on a stationary bike and think it’ll prep you for real descents. The feel of gravel under your tires, the unpredictability of technical sections—those are the real teachers. So why do so many athletes ignore that? Is it laziness or just a lack of awareness?

    The mental game is huge. How do you expect to handle the pressure of a steep climb or a tricky corner when you’ve never faced it in training? Riding smooth roads doesn’t build the skills or instincts you need when the terrain gets gnarly. It’s time to call out these cookie-cutter plans. If you want to crush it in a triathlon, you’ve got to put in the work where it counts. Terrain-specific training isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a must. So why are athletes still ignoring this?

  13. C'mon, folks, enough with this flat-road fetish. It's like training for a boxing match by just shadowboxing. Where's the grit, the challenge? Ignoring terrain-specific training is just lazy or plain clueless. Time to swap those cookie-cutter plans for some real action.

  14. Why are we still stuck in this flat-road rut? It’s like training for a triathlon in a bubble. You can’t just churn out miles on smooth pavement and think you’re ready for the real deal. What about the gnarly descents and the unpredictable surfaces? It’s not just about power; it’s about finesse. How do you expect to handle a steep climb when you’ve never faced one? Those bike handling skills are forged in the chaos of rough terrain. Why are athletes still ignoring this? Is it fear of the unknown, or just plain ignorance? Terrain-specific training is the only way to get real.

Active in the last 60 minutes

Active in this thread

0 users · 0 guests ·0 bots ·0 total

No signed-in users are active right now.

No known search crawlers active right now.