Wednesday, October 14, 2009

About Blanchard Park YMCA Tri Club

Y Tri?
Triathletes come in all shapes and sizes. Looking to improve overall health and performance? Than this club is for you! We cater to all individuals of any fitness level - from the beginner to the advanced. Most of our members are relatively inexperienced in at least one discipline when they join the club. This club is here to help coach and motivate each individual to reach their personal fitness goal.


Mission:
The purpose of this Association is to improve lives of all in Central Florida by connecting individuals, families and communities with opportunities based on Christian values that strengthen Spirit, Mind and Body.

Strategy:
Weekly training sessions in a group setting that consist of: swimming, biking and running that help improve skills to further one's progression in the sport. Weekly sessions are put into place to help motivate each individual and help them to the next level.














Monday, October 12, 2009

October 2009 Strength Training


October Strength Training Workout (4 weeks)
October 1st - 31st
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Our 2009 Tri Season in coming to an end. Our bodies are tired and we mentally drained, but we must press on. We should be focusing on our swimming, biking and running workouts but a strength maintenance program is very vital. You should be working out (strength training) atleast 2 days a week. This is very important and will help prevent injuries throughout the year.
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While in season, the preffered method of training is for maintenance. The goal of inseason weight training is to maintain the gains you have aquired during the off season, while being careful not to over train and become stae. When you become stale, your abilities and performance as an athlete decrease drastically. Lifting weight more than twice a week and practicing on a daily basis is more than enough to over train people.
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In order to maintain the enduracne and explosion added in the off-season, in-season maintenance training calls for working out your major sport-specific muscle groups two days a week. This type of training is twice a week beucase it is the least number of days required to lift while still maintaining your gains. Training your muscles on once a week can cause them to lose gains that they have aquired. The in-season routine inclides maintenance exercises for endurace, strength, and explosive power elements so that nothing is lost during the season. If you wish you can perform the in-season routine using a circuit training format.
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fRemember:
*Train your abs prior to each training session. Stretch your muscled and foam roll directly after each trainign session.
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*Triathlon off Season Program:
Weeks 1-4 Endurance Training
Weeks 5-8 Power Training
Weeks 9-12 Endurance Training
Weeks 13-16 Power Training
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fTriathlon In-Season Program
Train 2x a Week
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Please go to www.sportsworkout.com/htm for large printable record keeping charts
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Beginner - Perform each exercise: 2 sets of 20
Intermediate - Perform each exercise: 3 sets of 20
Advanced - Perform each exercise: 3 sets of 20 with 30 seconds to 1 minute of cardio between each exercise.
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Day 1
Barbell bench press 3 sets of 20
Wide-grip lat pull downs 3 sets of 20
Dips 3 sets of 20
Squats 3 sets of 20
Lunges 3 sets of 20
Standing Calf Raises 3 sets of 20
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Day 2
Inlcine flyes 3 sets of 20
Seated cable row 3 sets of 20
Barbell military press 3 sets of 20
Leg press 3 sets of 20
Leg curls 3 sets of 20
Standing calf raises 3 sets of 20









2009 Upcoming Races and Events



2009 Sprint Triathlons

1. 6/20/2009 Central Florida Triathlon Clermont, FL
http://www.triflroda.com/

2. 6/28/2009 Orlando Triathlon Baldwin Park, FL
http://www.buttar.com/

3. 7/11/2009 Central Florida Triathlon Clermont, FL
http://www.triflorida.com/

4. 7/18/2009 Jacksonville Tri Series #2 Jacksonville,FL
http://www.drcsports.com/

5. 8/15/2009 Central Florida Triathlon Clermont, FL
http://www.triflorida.com/

6. 8/22/2009 Fall Festival Orlando, FL
http://www.buttar.com/

7. 9/6/2009 Women's Trek Tri Orlando, FL http://www.trekwomenstriathlonseries.com/florida.html

8. 9/13/2009 Sand Key Tri Clearwater, FL
http://wwwtrithisinc.com/

9. 10/24/2009 Women's Triathlon Orlando, FL
http://www.buttar.com/
(please visit http://www.usatmembership.com/EventCalendar/ for more races and events)

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Stretching & Flexibility Workouts

Static VS Dynamic Stretching:
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Stais Stretching - is used to stretch muscles while the body is at rest. It is composed of various techniques that gradually lengthen a muscle to an elongated position (to the point of discomfort) and hold that position for 30 seconds to two minutes
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Dynamic Stretching - is a form of stretching beneficial in sports utilizing momentum from form, static-active stretching strength and the momentum from static-active stretching strength, in an effort to propel the muscle into an extended range of motion not exceeding one's static-passive stretching ability. Anything beyond this range of motion becomes ballistic stretching.
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lBoth are very important but research shows dynamic stretching, is better for improving
strength, speed, power, and force production (NSCA, ACSM) [1,4,5,6,7,9]. Thus for triathlon training and warmup it is better to start with Dynamic stretches then go into static stretching once your muscles are wam and your blood circulation is increased through dyamic stretching. It is also very important to foam role also known as Self Myofascial Release. Self Myofascial Release is a relatively simple technique that athletes can use to alleviate trigger points (areas of muscle that are painful to palpation that lead to a variety of sports injuries - from camps to more serious muscle and tendon tears.) An athlete workout should consist of: Warm-up: Dynamic stretching then static stretching -> Workout -> Cool-down: Foam rolling exercises then static stretching. "Always remember warm-up to stretch, do not stretch to warm-up."
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Dynamic Stretching
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WALKING HIGH KNEES
Purpose: To flex the hips and shoulders, and stretch the glutes, quads, lower back and shoulders.
Procedure: Take an exaggerated high step, driving your knee as high as possible, and simultaneously push up on the toes of your opposite foot. Use the proper arm swing; 90° angle at the elbows, hands swing up to chin level and back beyond rear pocket.
Key Points:Drive your knees up as high as possible.
Variation: High knees pull: Same as above, but grab your knee and pull it up and in with each stri remember warm-up to stretch, do not stretch to warm-uptretch, do not stretch to warm-up

WALKING LUNGE
Purpose: To stretch the glutes, hamstrings, hip flexors and calves.
Procedure:Step out with a long stride, striking the heel of your forward foot and extending onto the toes of your back foot.
Complete the cycle by bringing your trail leg through and standing upright.
Key Points:Position your hands behind your head while keeping your eyes focused forward. Flex your front knee to 90° and keep your back knee from striking the ground.

WALKING HIGH KNEE LUNGE
Purpose: To stretch the glutes, hamstrings, hip flexors and calves.
Procedure: Drive your forward knee up as high as possible and then step out with a long stride striking the heel of your forward foot and extending onto the toes of your back foot. Complete the cycle by bringing your trail leg through and standing upright.
Key Points:This drill is performed identical to the walking lunge, with the exception of the high knee action. Position your hands behind your head with your eyes focused forward. Flex your front knee to 90° and keep your back knee from striking the ground.

WALKING STRAIGHT LEG KICKS
Purpose: To stretch the hamstrings, calves and lower back.
Procedure:Walk forward keeping your front leg straight. Kick your leg up and touch your toes to the fingers of your opposite hand. Repeat the cycle with your opposite leg.
Key Points:Keep your arm extended out parallel with the ground. On your first set of this drill only kick to 75% capacity, and then on your second set kick to full capacity.

WALKING SIDE LUNGE, OVER & BACK
Purpose: To stretch the groin, glutes, hamstrings, and ankles.
Procedure: Keep your torso upright and take a long stride out to the side.
Lunge out bending your forward knee to 90°while keeping your trail leg straight.
Lower your hips and shift your body weight to the opposite leg.
Recover by bringing your feet together and standing upright.
Key Points: Repeat the drill for 10 yards. Keep your head focused forward with your arms hanging down in front of your body. RUNNING BUTT KICKS (20 reps)
Purpose: To stretch the quadriceps and hip flexors.
Procedure: Begin running by flexing your knee and bringing your heel back and around to your buttocks. Maintain a slight forward lean throughout the drill, and stay on the balls of your feet.
Complete 20 kicks within 10 yards.
Key Points:Maintain a quick, yet shallow arm swing, keep your elbows at 90° and drive your hands from chest to front hip pocket.

RUNNING HIGH KNEES (20 reps)
Purpose: To stretch the glutes, quads, low back and shoulders.
Procedure:Execute proper running form; keep your elbows at 90° and drive your hands up to chin level and back to your rear pocket. Stay on the balls of your feet, and drive your knees up as high as possible, and then down as quickly as possible.

RUNNING CARIOCA
Purpose: To stretch the abductors, adductors, glutes, ankles and hips.
Procedure: Stay on the balls of your feet with your hips in a low semi-squat position.
Begin the drill by twisting your hips and crossing one leg in front of the other, bring your trail leg through, and cross your lead leg behind the trail leg. Your shoulders remain square through the entire drill.

BACK PEDAL
Purpose: To stretch the hip flexors, quads and calves.
Procedure: Keeping your hips and knees bent with shoulders positioned over the balls of your feet. For the first 10 yards utilize short choppy steps. For the second 10 yards open up your stride and kick back.

LYING SCORPION
Purpose: To stretch the hip flexors, abdominals, quads and shoulders.
ProcedurItalice: Lie down in a prone position.
While keeping your chest in contact with the ground, cross one leg behind the other to the opposite side of your body. This drill should be done in a continuous manner.

ARM SWINGS, FORWARD AND BACK
Purpose:
To stretch the chest, shoulders and upper back.
Procedure: Swing your arms forward, so they cross, and swing them back as far as possible. This drill should be done in a controlled continuous fashion for 10 repetitions.

SIDE BEND, OVER AND BACK
Purpose: To stretch the triceps, upper back, abdominals, and obliques.
Procedure: Bend to one side while holding your opposite arm overhead, quickly reverse direction and stretch the other side. This drill should be done in a controlled continuous fashion for 10 stretches on each side of your body.

POWER SKIP
Purpose: To further prepare your body for full speed action.
Procedure:The power skip is executed by doing an explosive, exaggerated skip while emphasizing height rather than distance. Emphasize a big arm swing and explosive knee lift.
Upper Body Static Flexibility Exercises

Stretch #1 – Shoulder & Chest: This can be performed kneeling or standing. Clasp hands behind back and straighten arms. Raise hands as high as possible and bend forward from the waist and hold. Stretch #2 – Arm Across Chest: Place one arm straight across chest. place hand on elbow and pull arm towards chest and hold. Repeat with other arm.
Stretch #3 – Triceps Stretch: Place one hand behind back with elbow in air. Place other hand on elbow and gently pull towards head. Hold and repeat with other arm.

Lower Body Static Flexibility Exercises

Stretch #4 – Glute Stretch: Lying on floor with right leg bent left leg over your right knee. Grab left leg and pull, hold and repeat for other side.
Stretch #5 – Adductor Stretch: Stand with feet as wide apart as is comfortable. Shift weight to one side as knee bends. Reach towards extended foot and hold. Repeat for other side.

Stretch #6 – Single Leg Hamstring: Place leg out straight and bend the other so your foot is flat into your thigh. Bend forward from the waist keeping your back flat. Hold and repeat with the other leg.


Stretch #7 – Standing Quadriceps: Standing on one leg grab the bottom of one leg (just above ankle). Pull heel into buttocks and push the hips out. Your thigh should be perpendicular to the ground. Hold and repeat with the other leg.

Stretch #8 – Standing Calf: Place feet in front of each other about 18 inches apart. Keep back leg straight and heel on the floor. Push against a wall to increase the stretch. Hold and repeat with other leg.




















Friday, October 9, 2009

Heart Rate Training




Heart Rate Training

Target Zones:
Target training zones are a range of heart rates designed for a specific purpose. Training in your zones gives you a clear purpose and direction for your workouts, giving you the confidence that you're working toward your goal smartly and efficiently. Determining your heart rate zones helps you plan your swimming, biking, and running workouts to achieve specific results such as raising your lactate thresholds thus improving performance.

Determining you Heart rate zone:
Karvonen Formula for determining target HR
Target Heart Rate = ((220– Resting Heart Rate) × %Intensity) + Resting Heart Rate

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Heart Rate Zones:

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Recovery & Endurance Zone (60-70%)

This training zone is best for recovery workouts. When you've had a long intensity workout that has really pushed your limits, this zone helps you consolidate the benefits from your hard work with an easy effort that gives your body a chance to rejuvenate. It is also the zone to work in when building your endurance base, as when you do a long, slow distance run to help lay a good fitness foundation early on in a training season. Training in this zone to build your endurance gives you the benefit of safely increasing your fitness incrementally while giving your body a chance to adapt to increasing distances. it also lays the solid ground work for higher-intensity training down the road.

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Aerobic and Tempo Zone (70-80%)
This zone reflects a higher intensity that results in a greater degree of aerobic power, an improvement often known as training effect. Improving your aerobic power means that your respiratory systems becomes more efficient, advancing your body's ability to transport oxygen to muscles while simultaneously expelling carbon dioxide away from muscles. Training in aerobic and tempo zone builds on your fitness foundation and - over a period of time - makes you strong enough to swim, run and bike for longer periods and at greater speed. Once you've established your base foundation you will do the majority of you training this zone.
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Anaerobic Threshold Zone (80-90%)
This zone represents the highest intensity workout that you would typically experience during a track interval workout or during a tough climb on your road bike. Your anaerobic threshold is the point at which you go from an aerobic to anaerobic state. You will very likely feel a burning sensation in your legs during a steep climb on your bike, for example , because the lactic acid in your leg muscles accumulates faster than your body can remove it. The anaerobic threshold zone represents a level of high-intensity training that you should reserve for interval workouts on the track or other demanding sessions. You should strategically bookend these workouts with easy recovery workouts to avoid over training and to keep yourself mentally and physically fresh. Though difficult in nature, training in this zone reaps tremendous benefits in speed and stamina. Working in this zone can also help your technique and form in all three sports, provided you consciously focus on maintaining proper form under the pressure of these workouts.

Heart Rate Workouts
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1. Fast Recovery Swim Workout
Swimming with a heart rate monitor can be problematic if you depend on the zone alarm feature, which chimes when you hit the lower or upper limits of your specific range. It may be difficult to hear the chime while swimming and nearly impossible while wearing ear plugs. If this is the case for you, a workout that uses the heart rate monitor as a tool for measuring and improving your ability to recover between intervals is a good solution. Such a workout will not only increase your overall fitness, it will help you to recover and perform better during the inevitable peaks and valleys of racing.

lWarm-up: Swim at an easy pace for up to 10 minutes, starting slowly and gradually raising your heart rate to your recovery and endurance zone. It's OK to stop for a few seconds between laps to check your heart rate.
Workout: Swim a series of 6 intervals of 50 yards each at high intensity, aiming for your heart rate to rise rapidly into the aerobic threshold zone. Rest between intervals until your heart falls into the recovery and endurance zone, then begin the next 50 yards. It may take several intervals before your heart rate reaches the anaerobic threshold zone, especially if you're particularly fir; if this is the case increase your high intensity interval distance to 75 or 100 yards.
Cool-Down: Swim at an easy pace for 10 minutes, preferably throwing in a few technique drills.
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2. Cycling Crisscross Workout
The crisscross is a great workout that helps you become more in tune with how subtle changes in your exertion can affect your heart rate during a race. It also fosters a feeling of mastery and control of your body - a valuable confidence boosting advantage you can carry into any race. This workout should be performed on a flat course or on a trainer.

Warm-up: Cycle at an easy pace for up to 15 minutes, gradually raising your heart rate from your recovery and endurance zone to your aerobic and tempo zone.
Workout: Once in your aerobic and tempo zone, increase your exertion reach the upper limit of the zone until your alarm chimes. Gradually decrease your exertion until the lower limit chime kicks in. Increase your exertion until the upper-limit chime sounds. Continue this pattern of crisscrossing the zone for 20-30minutes. If your heart rate were charted on a graph, you would see a consistent peak and valley pattern framed by aerobic and tempo limits.
Cool-down: Ride for 10-15 minutes, doing easy recovery spinning in your recovery and endurance zone.

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3. Running Ladders
Contrary to what it sounds like, the ladder exercises is not a hilly workout but one that raises the tempo of a run by targeting higher and higher heart rate increments (or rungs in a ladder), and then allows for gradual recovery as you work your way down the ladder (sometimes these workouts are also known as pyramids). This regimen can be considered a type of high-intensity workout and will improve stamina, leg strength, and running efficiency.

Warm-up: Run at an easy pace for 15 minutes, gradually raising your heart rate during the last 5 minutes to your recovery and endurance zone.
Workout: Set your watch or heart rate monitor to beep every 5 minutes and begin the countdown after your warm-up. Run the first 5 minutes within the bottom 5-beat range of your recovery and endurance zone. Run each subsequent 5-minute segment at a heart rate that is 5 beats faster, until you've done six five minute increments (but do not exceed your aerobic threshold zone). Then begin decreasing 5 beats every 5 minutes, until you've reached the bottom of your recovery and endurance zone once more.
Cool-down: Run at an easy pace or walk for 10 minutes.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Time Based Workouts

Time Based Workouts

The greatest obstacle to training consistently for your triathlon goal will probably not be the terrain, the elements, or even an injury. More than likely, time will be the limiting factor. Like most things in life, success in triathlon training is directly proportionate to your ability to fit it in during the course of a busy day. There are different time-based workouts, based on different times of the day or days of the week, here are some recommendations on how to get the most out of them.

; MORNING WORKOUTS


SWIM
This workout provides an excellent opportunity to build stamina in as little time as possible. By sustaining a steady pace over a moderate distance, you'll also improve your endurance in the water. Warm-up: 75 yards easy
Workout: 700 yards at a steady sustainable, non-stop pace.
Cool-down: 50 yards easy


BIKE
Spinning at moderately high revolutions per minute (RPM) is a great way to improve your pedaling technique and efficiency. It is also a great base-building workout that helps you avoid cycling injuries down the road. You'll need a bike computer with a cadence feature.
Warm-up: 5 minutes at an easy pace
Workout: 15 miles of easy spinning at 90 RPM or higher
Cool-down: 5 minute in an easy gear, followed by getting up off the saddle to stretch your hamstrings and legs.

RUN
The first minutes or miles of a morning run are always the hardest, so cut yourself some slack and ease into it. This session is ideal for recovery from a hard or long workout, since it gives you an opportunity to consolidate your body's efforts.
Warm-up: Walk or run easy for 5 minutes.
Workout; Run for 60 minute at an easy pace. Feel free to throw in a burst of speed in the middle of the workout to get the adrenaline going.
Cool-down: Walk for 5 minutes or run the last 5 minutes of your workout very slowly.

LUNCH TIME WORKOUTS

kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkSWIM
Here's a workout that combines the efficiency gains that come from working on technique with the speed improvements that come from swimming at a fast pace.
Warm-up: 50 yards easy
Workout: 4 x 75 yards at a fast, almost unsustainable speed; 2 x 75 yards very easy, focusing on technique; and 4 x 75 meters at a fast, almost unsustainable speed, all with 30 - 60 seconds rest between each 75 yard interval
Cool-down: 50 yards easy



BIKE
A heart rate monitor will ensure that you meet your target zones.
Warm-up: 5 minutes spinning in an easy gear
Workout: 5-7 miles in aerobic and tempo zone with three 1-minute bursts, sprints, or hill climbs that take you to the top of your zone or slightly above.
Cool-down: 5 minutes in an easy gear, then stretching your hamstrings and legs.
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RUN
You should work on a moderate-to-high intensity workout that makes the best use of limited time, Fartlek can do this for you. Fartlek running is any spontaneous, high-intensity burst in the middle of a run designed to make running both fun and productive, since these short all-out efforts will push your body to its limit and improve your speed in much the same way an interval workout can.
Warm-up: Either walk or run very slowly for the first 5 minutes of the workout
Workout: 30 minute run in aerobic and tempo zone with several spontaneous bursts or sprints of various distances (but nothing that lasts more than 1 minute) thrown in during the middle portion. For example, pick up a visual landmark ahead of you and run at a race pace or faster until you reach it - if you're running with a partner, race for it.
Cool-down: Walk 5 minutes or run the last 5 minutes of your workout very slowly.



EVENING WORKOUTS

SWIM
Evening is a great time to swim, because it refreshes the body and mind late in the day and it's perfect setup for a well-deserved meal.
Warm-up: 75 yards easy
Workout: two-1900 yard segments with an easy to moderate effort; swim the first 1900 yards slightly more slowly than the second. Rest for 60 seconds between segments.
Cool-down: 75 yards easy

BIKE
Because of the light (it getting dark), this time should be used to make the best of your time by pushing yourself into your aerobic zone for greater stamina.
Warm-up: 5 minutes of spinning in easy gear
Workout: 12 to 15 miles in aerobic tempo zone
Cool-down: 5 minutes in easy gear, then stretching your hamstrings and legs.

RUN
This workout s relatively short and may be ideal for an after-meal run.
Warm-up: Walk for 5 minutes or run for the first 5 minutes of the workout very slowly
Workout: 15-minute run, first 10 minutes easy with 5 minute tempo pace at the end.
Cool-down: Walk for 5 minutes or run the last 5 minutes of your workout very slowly.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Key Swimming Drills & Workouts


Swimming Technique Drills

If swimming is your weakest link, it is probablyto a great degree because of lack of good technique in the pool. The good news is that technique is an issue that youc an resolve. The bad news - depending on how long you've been swimming with poorstrokes or balence - is that it can take a lot of work over an extended period of time to undo bad habits and replace them with good ones.

The trick is to make swim drills a standard part of your workouts. You can use drill sets as a warm-up and cool-down for your interval workouts or for long swims. The powerful combination makes for more efficient, effective training. the key is that you tackle individual drills on a regular basis until you master them and move on to another. Don't be discourages - swimming is a highly technical activity. It takes persistance , time and patience before all that work translates into seconds and then minutes off your swim.

The following swimming drills will help you improve your swimming technique, giving you greater confidence and comfort in the open water. Swimming drills are specific movements, done repetitively, to get your technique in the grove. They can help you get faster and more efficient.

CATCH-UPS
The drill helps isolate one arm to practice a long stroke and a lonbody position. Swim as in regular freestyle, except that ones arm is stationary, always extensing forward and pointing toward the destination (front arm), whole the other arm performs the stroke (working arm). When the working arm moves forward and catches up with the stationary arm, they change places. Please visit this website for a video of the drill
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fszey7mJSb4
Variations:
*3/4 Catch-ups - Just like full catch up, except the stationary (front) arm begins to work or move before the other arm fully catches up. it begins to move after the working arm is about three-quarters of the way through the full arm motion.
*Catch-up with a borad - Just like regular catch up, only front hand is holding a kick board; as the arms trade places, they hand off the board to each other. The board lets you focus on one arm at a time, helping you pinpoint any flaws in your technique as you switch from your dominant hand to your nondominant side.

FINGETTIP DRAG
This drill helps to promote a high elbow recovery and to make you aware of your hand position during recovery. Swim regular freestyle, except that your fingertips never leave the water as your arm moves forward during your stroke recovery. You drag your fingers forward and throught he water, slightly off to the side of your body, focusing on good body roll and keeping our elbows pointed up. vary how much of your hand stays in the water: fingertips, hand, wrist, even your whole forearm. Please visit this website for a video of the drill:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAqBSgMX3es

FIST
This drill developes your feel for the water by getting you in tune with how cping your hand can affect how fast you propel yourself forward. Swim your regular freestyle stroke, but hols one or both of your ands in a fist instead of using your normal cupped hand. Vary the pattern and the number of storkes for which you are fisted. When you unclench your hand, you should notice a difference in pressure on your hand; use this feeling to fine-tune how you cup the water as you propel yourself forward while you moe through your pull pattern. When your fists is clenched, you should also try to press on the ater with the inside pal side of your forear, - think of the lower arm, from teh elbow to wrist, as an extension of your hand. And don't forget towatch your body roll. Please visit the following websites for a video and description of the drill:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPKx8P7EWJQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4E5PhoJoR7E&feature=PlayList&p=F6CE6F3935705B58&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=17 S
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ONE-ARM
This drill helps you to focus on one arm at a time. Swim regular freestyle, except that only one arm is moving. The other arm is stationary, either forward (front hand) or backward against your side (back hand). The moving hand takes a series of strokes; each arm performs a set of pulls before it switches roles with the other. Practice this drill with the stationary arm in both positions. When you stationary arm is at your side, breathe toward that side (away from the moving arm). When your stationary arm is forward, breathe away from it (toward the arm doing the work). Again, time the breathign so that as your body rolls, your head rolls with it for a breath, and then your head should return to its forward alignment. Please visit the following website for video pf the drill:


Monday, October 5, 2009

80/20 Workouts

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Example Sprint Race Program


Training Snapshot for a SPRINT-DISTANCE TRIATHLON

Week 1:
Monday
Brain workout: 500 yd swim at one pace nonstop
Tuesday
Cycle 7 miles in recovery and endurance zone (heart rate workout)
Wednesday
Swimming drills (catch-ups, fingertip drag, fist, one-arm)
15 Minute easy walk or run
Thursday
Swim 500 yards easy
Cycle or spin 20minutes easy
Friday
Run 15 minutes easy
Saturday
Cycling 7 miles easy
Sunday
Run 20 minutes easy

Week 2:
Monday
Recovery day (off)
Tuesday
Swim 1000 yards race simulation (High intensity start, moderate and steady during the middle yards and slightly higher pace toward then end when you are eager to finish)
Wednesday
Cycle 7 miles in recovery and endurance zone (heart rate workout)
Thursday
Run 20 minutes
Swim drills (Catch-ups, Fingertip drag, fist, one-arm)
Friday
Swim 500 yards easy
Saturday
Cycle 8 miles easy
Sunday
Run 20 minutes in recovery and endurance zone.

Week 3:
Monday
Recovery day (off)
Tuesday
Swim Hard – easy-hard: 4x50 yards fast; then 2x50 easy focusing on form and technique; 4x50 yards fast)
Wednesday
Cycle 8 miles easy
Thursday
Run 20 minutes easy
Friday
Swim drills (Catch-ups, Fingertip drag, fist, one-arm)
Saturday
Cycle 7 miles in recovery and heart rate zone. (Heart rate workout)
Sunday
Run 20 minutes: 15 minutes easy with 5 minute tempo run at the end.

Week 4:
Monday

Recovery day (off)
Tuesday
Swim “countdown 750 yard swim”- 350 yards – 250 yards – 100 yards 50 yards (Starting with the longest interval distance at a slower pace to the shortest interval at the fastest pace.)
Wednesday
Cycle 12 miles easy
Thursday
15 minute tempo run or HR run in aerobic and tempo zone
Friday
Swim drills (Catch-ups, Fingertip drag, fist, one-arm)
Saturday
Cycle pedaling efficiency workout:
Warm-up: pedal slow and easy for 10-15 minutes at a comfortable RPM of about 80
Workout: Choose a low moderate gear that allows high-RPM from 80 to as high as you can go without bouncing out of the saddle. Hold this hard RPM for 5-10 seconds, and then rest for a minute. Repeat this 5-10 times. During the drill try to maintain focus on smooth and efficient pedaling style- stay seated and keep your upper body from moving around to much.
Cool down: Finish with a very easy 10 minute cool down
Sunday
Run 25 minute east run in recovery and endurance zone


Week 5:
Monday

Recovery day (off)
Tuesday
(80/20): Race simulation 20 minutes in a pool, practicing navigational sighting skills.
Wednesday
Cycle 12 miles easy
Thursday
15 minute tempo run or HR run in aerobic and tempo zone
Friday
Swim 500 yards easy
Swim drills (Catch-ups, Fingertip drag, fist, one-arm)
Saturday
Cycle 8 miles hilly course at moderate pace on down hills.
Sunday
Run 25 minute east run in recovery and endurance zone

Week 6:
Monday

Recovery day (off)
Tuesday
Hold a pace Swim workout (Target speed is fastest possible speed you can sustain for all repeats.) 10 x 20 yards with 10 second rest in between.
Wednesday
Cycle 10 miles at moderate pace with two 1 mile race pace efforts in the middle miles.
Thursday
3-5 mile run race pace
Friday
Swim 750 yards easy
Swim drills (Catch-ups, Fingertip drag, fist, one-arm)
Saturday
Cycle 8 miles easy
Sunday
Brick: Cycle 10 miles at a moderate pace or in the aerobic and tempo zone followed by 15 minute easy run.

Week 7:
Monday

Recovery day (off)
Tuesday
Swim workout: Technique golf sample workout - Count strokes per 25 yards and try to decrease each set. 10 x 25 yard with 15-30 second recovery
Wednesday
Cycle 10-15 miles moderate to race pace.
Thursday
Run 10 minutes easy followed by 5 minutes near race pace, 5 minutes easy cool down.
Friday
Swim 750 yards easy
Swim drills (Catch-ups, Fingertip drag, fist, one-arm)
Saturday
Cycling Heart rate workout:
Warm up: Cycle easy for up to 15 minutes at approximately 90 RPM, gradually raising your heart rate from your recovery and endurance zone to your aerobic and tempo zone.
Workout: Do 4-6 intervals at a very high intensity, building to the upper end of your aerobic threshold zone. The first interval should be 2 minutes increase each successive interval by 30 seconds to a maximum of 4 minutes. Rest up to 1 minute between intervals, or allow heart rate recovery back down to your aerobic and tempo zone.
Cool Down: Ride 10-15 minutes doing easy recovery spinning in your recovery and endurance zone.
Sunday
Run 3 miles in aerobic and tempo zone.

Week 8:
Monday
Recovery day (off)
Tuesday
880 yard Swim workout: Sustainable pace (race distance divided by 2 example : sprint distance swim .25 miles = 440 yards so 2 x 410 yards) Swim the first segment (420 yards) at an easy to moderate effort that result in a time slower than segment two. Rest for60 seconds or until heart is brought down to recovery zone then swim your second leg (420 yards). Second 420 yards should be faster than your first. Your goals as you gain fitness, attempt to swim each segment at an equal pace and then attempt to decrease the rest between segments.
Wednesday
Run interval: 1 mile easy warm-up; 2 sets of 4x.25 sprints. Resting 30 seconds between sprints. 1 mile cool down.
Thursday
Swim 500 yards easy
Swim drills (Catch-ups, Fingertip drag, fist, one-arm)
Friday
Run 15 minutes easy
Saturday
Cycling Heart rate workout: cycle 12 miles in aerobic and tempo zone.
Sunday
Run 25 minutes easy

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Example Olympic Race Program



Training Snapshot for an Olympic-Distance Triathlon

Week 1:
Monday

Swim 1500 Yards (*Key workout: Brain work)
Tuesday
15 mile Bike in recovery and endurance zone (*Heart Rate workout)
Wednesday
Run 20 minutes easy
Thursday
Brick – Swim 1000 yards easy and spin 30 minutes at 90 RPM or higher
Friday
Swim – (*Key workout: drills)
Saturday
Cycle 15 miles easy spinning at 90 RPM or higher
Sunday
Run 30 minutes easy with fartlek surges at 5k race pace lasting 10-60 seconds in the middle miles

Week 2:
Monday
Recovery day (off)
Tuesday
Swim 1500 yards(*Key workout – Race simulation)
Wednesday
Cycle 15 miles in recovery and endurance zone
Thursday
Brick – run 30 minutes easy and swim (*key workout – drills)
Friday
Swim 1000 yards easy
Saturday
Cycle 20 miles easy spinning at 90 RPM or higher
Sunday
40 minute run in recovery and endurance zone


Week 3:
Monday

Recovery day (off)
Tuesday
Swim 8x25 yards (*Key workout – Technique golf sample workout)
Wednesday
Cycle 15 miles at 90 RPM or higher
Thursday
Run 35 minutes easy
Friday
Swim (*Key workout – Drills)
Saturday
Cycle 20 miles in recovery and endurance zone
Sunday
45 minute run: 15 minute easy, 15 minute tempo and 15 minute easy cool-down

Week 4
Monday

Recovery day (off)
Tuesday
Swim 2x750 Yards (*Key workout – sustainable pace)
Wednesday
Cycle 20 miles easy at 90 RPM or higher
Thursday
Run 30 minutes easy
Friday
Swim (*Key workout – Drills)
Saturday
Cycle 60-90 minute (*Key workout = speed workout)
Sunday
50 minute run in recovery and endurance zone

Week 5
Monday

Recovery day (off)
Tuesday
Swim (*80/20 workout ) Race simulation swim of 25 minutes in supervised open water, or 30 minute swim in pool, practicing navigational sighting skills
Wednesday
Cycle 15 miles easy spinning at 90 RPM or higher
Thursday
30 minute tempo run
Friday
Swim 1000 yards easy followed by(*Key workout – Drills)
Saturday
Cycle 15 miles (*Key workout – hills)
Sunday
45 minute easy run in recovery and endurance zone

Week 6
Monday

Recovery day (off)
Tuesday
Swim 10x25 yards (*key workout – hold that pace )
Wednesday
Cycle 20 miles at a moderate pace with 5x1 mile race pace efforts in the middle and 5 minute recovery between
Thursday
Group run of 5 miles at conversational pace
Friday
Swim 1500 yards easy followed by(*Key workout – Drills)
Saturday
Cycle 10 miles easy spinning at 90 RPM or higher
Sunday
(*80/20 workout) Cycle 20 miles at moderate pace or in the aerobic and tempo zone then run 30 minutes easy

Week 7
Monday

Recovery day (off)
Tuesday
Swim 1500 yards/ swim as a 500, 400, 300, 200 and 100 (*key workout Countdown )
Wednesday
Group rode for 20-25 miles
Thursday
20 minute easy run followed by 5 minutes at near race pace and 5 minute cool-down
Friday
Swim 1200 yards easy followed by(*Key workout – Drills)
Saturday
(*Heart rate sample workout)
Sunday
Run 5 miles in aerobic and tempo zone

Week 8
Monday

Recovery day (off)
Tuesday
Swim (*key workout hard –easy-hard)
Wednesday
Run interval: 1 mile easy warm-up; 3-4 x .25 miles, 1-2 x .50 miles, resting 30-60 seconds in between intervals, 1 mile cool down
Thursday
Swim 1200 yards followed by drills cool-down
Friday
Run 30 minutes easy
Saturday
Cycle 25 miles in aerobic and tempo zone
Sunday
Run 1 hour easy at conversational pace

With an Olympic Distance event, you should consider a full week tapering period.
Day 1 45 Minutes
Day 2 Complete Rest
Day 3 40 minute run
Day 4 30 Minute Run
Day 5 20 Minute Run
Day 6 Complete Rest
Day 7 Race Day

Friday, October 2, 2009

Example Half Ironman Prgram

Training Snapshot for a Half-Ironman Distance Triathlon

Week 1
Monday
Swim 1900 yards (*Key workout: brain workout)
Tuesday
Cycle 25 miles in recovery and endurance zone
Wednesday
Run 40 miles easy
Thursday
Swim 1500 yards easy & Cycle 60 minutes at 90 RPM or higher
Friday
Swimming Drills
Saturday
Cycle 35 miles easy at 90 RPM or higher
Sunday
Run 1 hour easy

Week 2
Monday
Recovery day (off)
Tuesday
Swim 1900 yards (*Key workout – Race simulation)
Wednesday
Cycle 30 miles in recovery and endurance zone
Thursday
Run 45 minutes easy and Swimming drills
Friday
Swim 1800 yards easy
Saturday
Cycle 40 miles easy at 90 RPM or higher and swimming drills
Sunday
Run 1 hour in recovery and endurance zone


Week 3
Monday
Recovery day (off)
Tuesday
Swim (*Key workout – technique golf workout)
Wednesday
Cycle 30 miles in recovery and endurance zone
Thursday
Run 45 minutes easy run throwing in some fartlek surges in the middle miles if you feel good
Friday
Swimming drills
Saturday
Cycle 40 miles in recovery and endurance zone swim 6 x 75 yards at moderate pace concentrating on form, 30 second rest in between intervals
Sunday
Run 1 hour: 20 minutes easy, 20 minutes tempo run, 20 minutes easy cool-down


Week 4
Monday
Recovery day (off)
Tuesday
Swim 2 x 950 yards (*Key workout – sustainable pace)
Wednesday
Cycle 40 miles easy at 90 RPM or higher
Thursday
Run 45 minutes easy
Friday
Swimming drills
Saturday
Cycle (*Key workout – speed) & Swim 1800 yards easy
Sunday
Run 1 hour in recovery and endurance zone

Week 5
Monday
Recovery day (off)
Tuesday
Swim (*80/20 – Race simulation) Swim in supervised open water for 50 minutes; or 45 minutes in pool, practicing navigational sights
Wednesday
Cycle 30 miles at 90 RPM or higher
Thursday
Run 45 minutes tempo run in aerobic and tempo zone
Friday
1800 yards easy followed by swimming drills
Saturday
Cycle 30 miles hilly bike course at moderate pace with recovery
Sunday
Run 70 minutes easy in recovery and endurance zone followed by swimming drills

Week 6
Monday
Recovery day (off)
Tuesday
Swim 10 x 75 yards (*Key – hold a pace)
Wednesday
Cycle 40 miles at moderate pace with 6 x 1 mile race pace efforts in the middle, 5 minute recovery between efforts.
Thursday
Group run of 6-8 miles at conversational pace, or 45 minutes easy run followed by drills
Friday
2000 yards easy followed by swimming drills
Saturday
Cycle 25 miles easy at 90 RPM or higher
Sunday
Cycle 40 miles at a moderate pace or in the aerobic and tempo zone followed by a 1 hour run

Week 7
Monday
Recovery day (off)
Tuesday
Swim (*Key – Countdown workout)
Wednesday
Group ride cycle 40-50 miles
Thursday
Running intervals: 1 mile easy warm-up; 2 x .25 mile, 3 x .50 mile, 2 x .25 mile, resting 1 minute between intervals, 1 mile cool down.
Friday
2000 yards easy followed by swimming drills
Saturday
Cycle 40 miles in aerobic and tempo zone
Sunday
Run 10 miles in aerobic and tempo zone followed by swimming drills

Week 8
Monday

Recovery day (off)
Tuesday
Swim 4 x 75 yards fast, 2 x 75 yards easy and 4 x 75 yards fast; 20-30 second recovery in between(*Key – hard-easy-hard)
Wednesday
Run 8 miles in aerobic and tempo zone
Thursday
2000 yards followed by drills
Friday
Run 45 minutes easy
Saturday
Cycle 50 miles in aerobic and tempo zone
Sunday
Run 90 minutes easy followed by swimming drills

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Example Ironman Program

Training Snapshot for an Ironman-Distance Triathlon

Week 1
Monday
Swim 3800 yards (*Key workout - Brain work)
Tuesday
Cycle 40 miles in recovery and endurance zone
Wednesday
Run 45 minutes easy
Thursday
Bricks – Swim 2000 yards easy and Cycle 90 minutes at 90 RPM or higher
Friday
Swim 1500 yards followed by drills
Saturday
Cycle 60 miles easy spinning at 90 RPM or higher
Sunday
Run 90 minutes easy

Week 2
Monday

Recovery day (off)
Tuesday
Swim 3800 yards (*Key workout – race simulation)
Wednesday
Cycle 50 miles in recovery and endurance zone
Thursdays
Bricks – run 1 hour easy followed by swim drills
Friday
Swim (*Key workout – sustainable pace)
Saturday
Cycle 75 miles easy spinning at 90 RPM or higher
Sunday
Brick - Run 90 minutes in recovery and endurance based zone followed by swimming drills

Week 3
Monday

Recovery day (off)
Tuesday
Swim 10 x 50 yards (*Key workout – technique golf workout)
Wednesday
Cycle 60 miles easy spinning at 90 RPM or higher
Thursday
Bricks – run 1 hour with 15 minute tempo pace in the middle portion then swim 15 minute easy warm-up followed by drill sets
Friday
Swim 2200 yards easy followed by drills
Saturday
Cycle 75 miles easy in recovery and heart rate zone
Sunday
Run 90 minutes: 30 minutes easy – 30 minutes tempo run – 30 minutes easy

Week 4
Monday

Recovery day (off)
Tuesday
Swim (*Key workout – Sustainable pace)
Wednesday
Cycle 60 miles at moderate pace on a course that has a few challenging hills
Thursday
Run 1 hour easy
Friday
Swim 1800 yards easy followed by drill sets
Saturday
Brick - Cycle 75 miles easy in recovery and heart rate zone then swim 15 minutes warm-up set followed by drill sets
Sunday
Run 90 minutes easy in recovery and endurance zone

Week 5
Monday

Recovery day (off)
Tuesday
Swim (*80/20 – race simulation) Swim in open water for 70 minutes or 60 minutes swim in pool practicing navigational skills.
Wednesday
Cycle 60 miles at moderate pace
Thursday
Run 45 minutes tempo run
Friday
Swim 2500 yards easy followed by drills
Saturday
Cycle 100 miles on a hilly course
Sunday
Run 90 minutes easy in recovery and endurance zone

Week 6
Monday
Recovery day (off)
Tuesday
Swim 10 x 100 yards (*Key workout – Hold a pace)
Wednesday
Cycle 50 miles at moderate pace with 6 x 2 mile race pace efforts in the middle, 5 minute recovery between efforts
Thursdays
Group run of 8-10 miles at conversational pace or 1 hour easy run
Friday
Swim (*Key workout – Hard-easy-hard) 4 x 100 yards fast; 2 x 100 yards very easy; 4 x 100 yards fast
Saturday
Brick - Cycle 25 miles easy in recovery and heart rate zone then swim 30 minutes warm-up set followed by drill sets
Sunday
Brick – Cycle 75 miles at a moderate pace then run 70 minutes easy

Week 7
Monday

Recovery day (off) or Swim 1500 yards followed by drills sets
Tuesday
Swim 3800 yards (*Key workout – Countdown) 900 yards, 800 yards, 600 yards, 500 yards, 400 yards, 300 yards, 200 yards, 100 yards.
Wednesday
Group ride 50-60 miles
Thursday
Run 40 minutes easy followed by 15 minute at near race pace, 10 minute easy cool down
Friday
Swim (*Key workout – sustainable pace) 2 x 1900 yards
Saturday
Cycle 40 miles in aerobic and tempo
Sunday
Run 18-20 miles in recovery and endurance base zones

Week 8
Monday

Recovery day (off) or Swim 1500 yards followed by drills sets
Tuesday
Swim 3800 yards (*Key workout –Hard-Easy-Hard) 4 x 125 yards fast, 2 x 125 yards very easy, 4 x 125 yards fast
Wednesday
Run interval 1 mile easy warm-up, 3 x .25 miles, 2 x .50 miles, 1 x 1 mile, 2 x .25 miles resting 1 minute between intervals; 1 mile easy cool-down
Thursdays
Swim 2400 yards easy followed by drill sets
Friday
Run 45 minutes easy
Saturday
Cycle 60 miles in aerobic and tempo
Sunday
Run 14-16 miles in aerobic and tempo zone

Monday, August 10, 2009

August 2009 Strength Workouts

August Strength Training Workout (4 weeks)
August 1st - August 31st

Synergistic (Goal-congruent method) Muscle training: "The push-pull method." Pros: Training synergistically allows you to train your muscles with even focus because every exercise you perform will be training at least one common muscle. Examples of synergistic training include training your chest and triceps on the same day because they both work out the triceps. Another example of this is working your lats (back) and your biceps, both training your biceps/ This type of of training is reffered to as the push-pull method because you will be performing all your pushing exercises on one day and all your pulling exercises on the next. Cons: The only true cost of training this way is that you don't get the stretch in your muscles during your weight-training session as you do in opposite-muscle training. In conclusion it is best if you periodically switch from one style to the next to shock your body with a different type of training.

Endurance/Fat Burning Training
Synergistic Training - Rest every other day
(please go to http://www.sportsworkout.com/htm for large printable tracking charts)
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Weeks 1 & 2
Day 1
Barbell bench press 3 sets of 10
Dumbbell incline bench press 3 sets of 12
Bench dips 3 sets till failure
Dumbbells triceps curls 3 sets of 15
Cable cross-overs 3 sets of 15
One-arm triceps extensions 3 sets of 15
Dips 3 sets till failure
Triceps kickbacks 3 sets of 15
\
Day 2
Wide-grip lat pull down 3 sets of 10
T-bar row 3 sets of 12
Barbell curls 3 sets till failure
Concentration curls 3 sets of 15
Seated cable rows 3 sets of 15
Bent-over barbell rows 3 sets of 15
Hammer curls 3 sets of 12
Preacher Curls 3 sets of 15

Day 3
Jump squats 3 sets of 10
Power cleans 3 sets of 12
Dumbbell military press 3 sets of 10
Push press 3 sets of 12
Leg press 3 sets of 8
Bent-over lateral raises 3 sets of 15
Standing flys 3 sets of 12
Standing calf raises 3 sets of 20

Weeks 3 & 4
Day 1
Dumbbell bench press 3 sets of 10
Incline barbell bench press 3 sets of 12
Close-grip bench press 3 sets of 12
Skull crushers 3 sets of 15
Incline flys 3 sets of 15
Triceps push downs 3 sets of 15
Dips 3 sets till failure
One-arm triceps extensions 3 sets of 15
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Day 2
Close-grip pull-ups 3 sets till failure
Seated cable rows 3 sets of 10
Preacher curls 3 sets of 15
Concentration curls 3 sets of 15
Bent-over dumbbell rows 3 sets of 12
Hammer curls 3 sets of 15
Reverse wrist curls 3 sets 15
Close-grip lat pull downs 3 sets of 12

Day 3
Jump squats 3 sets of 10
Box steps 3 sets of 12
Barbell military press 3 sets of 10
Push ups 3 sets of 12
Squats 3 sets of 8
Upright rows 3 sets of 12
Front raises 3 sets of 15
Seated calf raises 3 sets of 20

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Setting Yourself up for Success

Priority Checklist

Setting Short-term Goals:
Short-term goals focus your attention for only several days, weeks, or months. Often there are several short-term goals for each long term goal. Make sure your short-term triathlon goals have these characteristics:
Specific - Set benchmarks, they do not need to be complicated, just specific enough that you can tangibly know when you have met the goal and then reward yourself for the accomplishment. An example: working out at least 5 days a week for one hour a day would be a valid short-term goal, because it provides clear benchmarks that specify the frequency and duration of the workout.
Realistic - Do not set yourself up for failure. For example do not set a goal in coming in first place in your group bike ride. You may find that success at achieving a series of inner based performance goals will often lead to outward achievements, such as placing in your age-group.
Prioritized - Your short-term goals should focus first and foremost on your training weakness, that is, the areas that are most troublesome for you. For example is swimming is your weakness, setting a short-term goal of swimming at least 3-5 times a week.

Setting Long-term Goals:
Visionary - Have a vision and push yourself to the next level. An example would be to complete a sprint triathlon or if you are a triathlon veteran it might be to complete an iron man distance triathlon.
Believable - You should temper your vision with belief that your long-term goal is plausible. It's what you believe you can accomplish - not what others my think. You know best what you can personally commit to and achieve, so make sure that belief is there from the onset.
Inspiring - Make sure your long-term goal will inspire and motivate you for the months of the tough training to come.


Assessing Fitness Level:
In order to get where you want to go, it's vital to know where you are. When you plan for your triathlon goal, one of the first critical steps will be to ask some questions about your present overall fitness. The three components of fitness are:

Cardiovascular Conditioning - cardiovascular fitness is the ability of the lungs to provide oxygen to the blood and the ability of the heart rate to transport the oxygenated blood to the cells of the body. Basically, it's your ability to sustain an activity for an extended period of time. Two tests: VO2max - is a cardiorespiratory measurement that quantifies your body's ability to deliver oxygen to cells in one minute - the higher the VO2max, the fitter the athlete. Ten-Minute Recovery Rate Test - Recovery rate is the length of time it takes your heart to recover from an intense or prolonged effort - the faster the recovery the better the shape you are in. To determine your recovery rate, plan a fairly short but intense running or cycling workout, and follow these steps: 1. Wearing a HR monitor, exercise intensity for at least 10 minutes, maintain an intensity and pace you can keep up for at least that time frame. 2. Stop your workout and check your HR, committing your HR to memory. 3. Wait exactly one minute and check your HR again. 4. Determine how many beats your heart rate has slowed within that 1 minute rest. If your HR slowed by: 50 or more = Excellent, 40 or more = moderate, 30 or more beats = poor.
Strength - Strength helps ensure that you stay injury free and perform efficiently. In order to assure your strength go through a series of muscular strength tests: bench press 1 rep max and squat 1 rep max as well as a series of muscular endurance tests: push ups, pull ups, bench press, squat, step ups and sit-ups. To help measure your fitness level.
Flexibility - is the capacity of a joint to move through its full range of motion. Flexibility tests include: sit and reach, v-sit-up, calf muscle flexibility, shoulder rotation, trunk rotation, 90/90 hamstring test. Flexibility is very important it promotes blood flow, helps flush lactic acid from your muscles and promotes balance, good posture and prevent injuries.

Choosing a Race Distance:
Time commitment - Be realistic about how much time you'll be able to devote to triathlon training.
Physical limitations - Is there anything that could possible hold you back from committing to a specific distance? Do you have an past injuries that may prove to be a major obstacle when running long distances.
Foundation - Build a foundation, start with smaller races (sprints) and build your way up to larger races such as half-ironmans and ironmans.
Desire - What does your gut tell you is the best distance target to set for yourself?

Creating a Seasonal Calendar:
1. Start from a foundation of fitness and solidify it.
2. Begin developing speed, addressing specific weaknesses, and acquiring needed skills.
3. Focus on performance and prepare for the conditions of intensity of your event.
4. Give yourself needed rest (tapering) just before you hit the starting line.
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Training stages:
Base Training - Consists mainly of long workouts done at a slow pace. Your focus should be on gradual total-mileage increases of no more than 10percent per week, a rule that is especially crucial for running and helps avoid common over training injuries.
Speed, technique, and skills training (STS) - This is a training segment that allows you to begin building some competence in the areas of speed and technique. Speed improvements typically includes interval work. This stage is also prime time to work on any visible weakness. You will still be building your base and overall endurance while integrating workouts that introduce a higher level of stress to your body, in preparation for peak training.
Peak Training - Once you've established a solid base, done speed work, and tweaked your technique and skills, peak training can take you to the next level of performance. It is typically a short phase of high intensity work that is totally aimed at your performing well for your race or goal. (Bricks are critical in this stage)
Tapering - This may be your most welcomed stage of training after all that hard work. Tapering is a reduction of both intensity and workout duration that occurs a week or two before the event, depending on the race distance. Decrease in both mileage and distance during this stage will ensure that you are fresh, both mentally and physically, for your upcoming race goal.