Archive for the ‘Running’ Category
They say triathlon is actually a running race between swimmers. We dislike that saying, being mediocre bikers and lousy swimmers, however for good swimmers this is rather true. Many a triathlon has been determined during the running part of the race. Because the run is at the end of the triathlon, it often shows who has enough wind and will to bring home the gold.
Running at the end of a sprint or Olympic triathlon requires patience, planning and durability. After the swimming and biking portions of the triathlon, many athletes do not have the energy to bring out their best performance run. But this can be improved. To run better at the end of a triathlon the following rules should be followed:
- Practice running after riding a bicycle. Although the muscles you use while biking and running are not the same, the legs often feel very stiff at the end of a bike and it is wise to acquaint yourself with that sensation and reduce the time it takes you to find your natural step.
- Save energy. A triathlon is a three part race. This means that people who are just great swimmers or wonderful bikers will not win. In order to achieve a great result in a triathlon, remember to save enough energy for the run.
- Fuel up. Taking in some energy in the form of an energy bar or an energy gel at the right times during a triathlon is crucial for best performances. These times differ among different people and in different race lengths. Find your own choice of energy supplement, practice using it and remember to use it during a race.
- Incorporate running into your training. Many amateur triathletes focus their training on swimming and bicycling, feeling that their run is good enough. This is wrong. Training for a triathlon requires combining all types of training. It is also very important not to run only aerobic runs but also intervals, fartlek and hill training.