Question:
1.Can someone recommend a good triathlon training book? I am planning to do a
few sprint tri's next Spring-Summer and wanted to do some quality training
this Fall and Winter. I have a solid swimming background and have run a few
5 & 10ks. Biking is the unknown. I picked up a used Bianchi bike and I
think it will be more than sufficient. What about aero bars, should I
bother?
2.I'd like to get some thoughts on the value of strength training for triathlon.should I even worry about strength training at all? I
mean after all, it'll just bulk me up and slow me down, right? Thanks
in advance for your thoughts.
Answer:
1.I checked out "Triathlon 101" by John Mora and found it be very, very
useful. I did my first sprint in July, my second last weekend and will do
the last of this season on Sept. 16th. By reading the book, asking
questions here and trying my best to put all that into action at the race, I
went from 1:53 to 1:41 and I will be very surprised if I don't do a 1:3X
something in the next one.
One suggestion; to get an idea of the "blender" start of the race, try
swimming laps with your wife harassing you 50% of the time. If you haven't
swam in open water, do that too. I was really surprised at my first swim
and still had some problems on the second.
1.Dave Scott's Triathlon Training. (Good physiology section, cohesive training
recommendations, only book to cover 6 days, all three sports per day for hard
core devotees. Real pictures of the swim vs sketches in the others..)
The Triathlete's Training Bible by Joe Friel. (lots of detail on training plans
with example athletes with different goals--hours per week seemed light for the
goals however).
Swim, Bike, Run by Town and Kearney. (the one I take to read on the plane, as
the others are 8.5X11 format).
All three have a lot of detail, which may become confusing/conflicting at
times. I find myself rereading and rereading.
2. Strength training will not always "bulk" you up and might make you
faster, able to hold a pace longer through improved muscular endurance and motor
recruitment and might help to prevent injuries.
Sleamaker and Browning give a table with recommended strength training
exercises. These can be modified to use free weights or body weight.
2.I'm a true believer when it comes to the benefits of strength training as a
general fitness activity. A comprehensive program keeps your muscles strong
and looking good. Studies show that strength training helps maintain muscle
mass and bone density as you age.
If you stick to a moderate routine it's very doubtful that you'll bulk up to
a point where it slows you you down. Many triathlon training books have
sections on weight lifting. Dave Scott's Triathlon Training has lots of
information on weight training specifically for triathletes.
I say "do it." Getting stronger is not going to make you slower
