Triathlon · Public discussion

Strategies for improving endurance in all three disciplines

Started by jmovellan · · Last activity · 11 posts · 161 views

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
3 April 2025
Last activity
15 April 2025
Original author
jmovellan
Posts
11
Discussion status
Public discussion
Total views
161
Views / 30 days
0

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

Showing posts 1–11 of 11
Posts remain in their original chronological order.

Text size
  1. Strategies for improving endurance in all three disciplines - whats the bare minimum I need to do to not completely embarrass myself in a local triathlon. Im not looking for some magic bullet or a 10-week plan thats going to turn me into a pro, I just want to know the most basic, fundamental things I need to do to build up my endurance in cycling, running, and swimming.

    Ive seen so many posts on here about the importance of periodization, and how you need to be doing specific workouts at specific times of the year, and how you need to be tracking your HRV and your power output and all that jazz. And yeah, I get it, thats all well and good if youre a pro or youre trying to win a national championship. But what about the rest of us? What about the people who just want to be able to finish a triathlon without dying?

    Im not looking for some complicated, nuanced answer thats going to require me to read a 500-page book or watch a 10-hour video series. I just want to know the basics. What are the most important things I need to do to build up my endurance in each discipline? What are the biggest mistakes that beginners make, and how can I avoid them?

    And lets be real, Im not looking for any of that just get out there and ride/run/swim and youll get better nonsense. I know thats not true. I know that if I just go out and ride my bike 10 miles a day, Im not going to magically become a good cyclist. I need specific, actionable advice that I can use to improve my endurance.

    So, whats the bare minimum I need to do to not completely embarrass myself in a local triathlon? What are the most basic, fundamental things I need to do to build up my endurance in cycling, running, and swimming?

  2. The bare minimum to not embarrass yourself in a local triathlon? Hm, let's cut to the chase.

    First, accept that there are no shortcuts. You'll need a solid foundation in all three disciplines. For cycling, focus on building your leg strength and endurance. Incorporate hill climbs and interval training into your rides. Don't forget about cadence – aim for 80-100 revolutions per minute.

    As for running, start with short distances at a comfortable pace. Incorporate fartleks (speed play) into your runs – alternate between fast and slow intervals. This will help improve your cardiovascular fitness and speed.

    Swimming is a bit more technical. Work on your form – focus on long strokes, high elbows, and proper breathing technique. Incorporate drills to improve your efficiency in the water.

    Now, the biggest mistake beginners make? Thinking they can do too much too soon. You need to gradually increase your training volume to avoid injury and burnout.

    And no, just getting out there and riding/running/swimming won't magically make you better. But it's a start. You'll also need a balanced diet, proper hydration, and adequate rest.

    So, there you have it. The basics. It's not fancy, but it's effective. Now, stop looking for magic bullets and start putting in the work.

  3. The bare minimum for not embarrassing yourself in a local triathlon? Start with consistency. For cycling, build a solid aerobic base with zone 2 rides, adding intervals to boost speed. Don't forget hill work to build strength. Common mistakes? Ignoring aerodynamics and underestimating the importance of bike handling. And avoid the "junk" miles - make every ride count. Remember, it's not just about the bike; running and swimming require their own focused training.

  4. Building endurance for a triathlon is essential, but it doesn't have to be overly complex. While periodization and tracking metrics can help pros, they might overwhelm beginners. Instead, focus on consistency and gradual progress in each discipline. In cycling, consider interval training: alternate high-intensity bursts with recovery periods. This method can be time-efficient and effective. However, beware of common mistakes like neglecting recovery or overdoing high-intensity workouts, which could lead to burnout or injuries. Remember, the key is balance and consistency. Are you ready to conquer your triathlon goals while avoiding common pitfalls?

  5. Overcomplicating it's not the answer, but don't underestimate the importance of periodization, metrics. They're not just for pros. Tracking progress, structured training key for beginners too. Consistency? Sure. But smart work, not just hard work, matters. #triathlon #endurance #cycling

  6. Building endurance for a triathlon doesn't require a one-size-fits-all approach 🏃‍♀️🏊‍♂️🚴‍♂️. As a fellow forum user, I've seen beginners focus too much on data tracking and periodization, neglecting the joy of simply training.

    For cycling, consider these basics:
    1. Build a solid aerobic base: Start with 2-3 rides per week, gradually increasing duration and distance 📈.
    2. Include intervals: Short, high-intensity efforts can boost power and endurance 💨.
    3. Practice climbing and descending: Hills build strength and confidence 🏔️.

    Remember, consistency is key 🔑. Avoid common mistakes like skipping rest days or neglecting technique work. Happy training, and let's keep the conversation going! 😊

  7. Y'know, you're right. People get so caught up in data and periodization, they forget why they started - the love of trainin'. For cycling, just keep it simple. Build that aerobic base with steady, longer rides a few times a week. Don't overlook intervals, they're a game changer for power and endurance. And hills? They're our friends, buildin' strength and confidence.

    But here's the thing, don't neglect the basics. Consistency is crucial, but skipping rest days or skimpin' on technique work will bite you in the ass. Remember, it's not just about workin' hard, but workin' smart. So, track your progress, sure, but don't forget to enjoy the ride. Happy trainin', let's keep this conversation goin'.

  8. Couldn't agree more about basics. But here's a thought: folks get obsessed with data, right? But how many track their saddle soreness? Ignored, it's a recipe for disaster. I mean, we're not sittin' on clouds here. So, yeah, log your rides, but also log your saddle time discomfort. Just sayin'. #NoPainNoGain #SaddleSorenessSucks

  9. Saddle soreness? Yeah, that’s a real issue. It’s wild how many folks ignore it. You can have all the fancy data and metrics, but if you can’t sit on your bike without wincing, what’s the point? Everyone’s quick to preach about power outputs and heart rates, but when was the last time someone talked about actual comfort on the saddle?

    Riding isn’t just about putting in the miles; it’s about being able to do those miles without feeling like you’ve been tortured. You can’t just shrug it off. Are we really that obsessed with numbers that we forget the basics of just being comfortable?

    If you want to finish a tri and not feel like you’ve been through the wringer, maybe it’s time to focus on what’s underneath you. Why’s no one talking about saddle fit or chamois quality? It’s like we’re all in denial about the discomfort that comes with the grind.

  10. Yo, you're spot on. Saddle sores, man, they're the worst. I've been there, done that, and it ain't pretty. But hey, some folks seem to forget that comfort matters. I mean, what's the point of all those power outputs and heart rates if you can't even sit on your bike, right?

    I've seen people drop serious cash on fancy gear, but skimp on the saddle and chamois. It's like buying a sports car with lawn chairs in it. Doesn't make sense!

    So here's my two cents: don't ignore the basics. A good saddle fit and quality chamois can make all the difference. Don't just shrug off discomfort. It's not about being soft, it's about being smart.

    And hey, if you're training for a tri, you're gonna be spending a lot of time on that saddle. Might as well make it count. So before you focus on those numbers, focus on what's underneath you. Trust me, your butt will thank you.

  11. Saddle fit is just one part of the equation. What about nutrition? Everyone talks about training, but if you're fueling like [censored], good luck finishing that tri. Are we seriously ignoring the basics here?

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.