Question: I'm interested in starting to do sprint-distance triathlons (I
registered for one in Eagle River, AK in June) and was wondering if
anyone had good recommendations for a workout program. I have problems
with my arches so would like to keep running idstances at a reasonably
low level.
Answer:
http://www.trinewbies.com
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1931382859/002-7770431-3153644?v=gla...
There is no real way to do well and keep running at a minimum. It
needs to be a strong part of your race. Even with arch problems good
shoes (from a running store) and good insoles ( i prefer powersteps)
should be able to allow you to run for long distances without problem.
NIKE's are generally not good running shoes and don't give enough
support. Since running is such a huge part of the sport you really
need to be willing to spend the money on better shoes and insoles to
(most importantly) keep yourself healthy.
As for training I would find a good periodization program that would
include about 3 of each workout once a week. So you will have three
runs (you should do a long, slow run for about 1 1/2 hours, a speed /
tempo run, and a easy run). Same with the bike a long bike -- about
two hours, a interval bike workout and a ride.
Depends on your definition of 'do well'. For most people it's
perfectly possible to get respectable times without too much running
training. Speaking from personal experience, it's better to do less
running and be injury-free than to push it and constantly have niggles.
You can substitute sessions on the cross-trainer and still do ok,
particularly on the longer distances.
Not too argue the point but training to run a 5K at the end of a
sprint distance race should not really cause nagging injuries if you
are training correctly and using good equipment. Also running is much
like swimming and biking, form is not as important in running but it is
important.