Goals; Speed or Distance?

WinterLuminesce

I usually complete one sprint triathlon (half mile swim, 13mile bike, 3mile run) per year for fun (no training). But id kinda like to complete a longer one (1 mile swim, 27 mile bike, 6 mile run). Trying to decide if I improve and actually train to improve short distance or train to just finish the longer one..
What do you train for?

TavistockToad

I'm a runner... did my first half marathon this year, so was training for distance at the start of the year, and then was aiming for a new PB on a 10k last week so was training for speed...

curlsintherack

I've learned that speed comes with the distance. If you build the cardio base to do the distance you'll pick up at least some speed in the process.

spiriteagle99

As you build your endurance your speed will generally improve as well. Do some speedwork, but mostly slow distance. I understand the rule of thumb is about 80% easy, 20% hard.

JinjoJoey

I go for distance because longer distance helps build stamina and that's what you really need. Raw speed isn't really going to help if you're running a 10k+ or something, you want to be able to go the distance at a steady pace.

Machka9

I'm a long distance cyclist so ... distance.

Djproulx

WinterLuminesce wrote: »

I usually complete one sprint triathlon (half mile swim, 13mile bike, 3mile run) per year for fun (no training). But id kinda like to complete a longer one (1 mile swim, 27 mile bike, 6 mile run). Trying to decide if I improve and actually train to improve short distance or train to just finish the longer one..
What do you train for?

I"ve been doing triathlons for 4 years. I started at the sprint distance, given that I had no swim background and completing the 1/2mile swim was my initial challenge.

As others have suggested, I believe building endurance for the longer races is a great path forward. As you build endurance and improve your form in the three disciplines, you will find that your speed increases as a by product. Then, once you have a significant fitness base in all three disciplines, you can always do a bit of speed work in each. The end result for me has been that training for and competing in Half Iron Distance races the last two years has also led to significant improvements in my Sprint distance events.

Good luck with your training.

WinterLuminesce

Thanks!! Those are all excellent points!
Time to train

stealthq

I train for both, but mainly distance. Started marathon training a couple of weeks ago after a couple of months off. I've done the 1/2 a couple of times.

I usually use my first short run of the week as a 'fast' run (have to leave enough in the tank for the rest of the week's runs), unless I'm still too tired from the precious long run. I think I can get that run down to sub 9:00min/mi this winter, since I'm starting out around 9:20min/mi and am not exactly conditioned yet.

WinterLuminesce

stealthq wrote: »

I train for both, but mainly distance. Started marathon training a couple of weeks ago after a couple of months off. I've done the 1/2 a couple of times.

I usually use my first short run of the week as a 'fast' run (have to leave enough in the tank for the rest of the week's runs), unless I'm still too tired from the precious long run. I think I can get that run down to sub 9:00min/mi this winter, since I'm starting out around 9:20min/mi and am not exactly conditioned yet.

Great job with the progress!

Vladimirnapkin

For several years, I focused on long distance running and found my speed went away. A couple years ago, I refocused on shorter distances (5 to 10k) and have had a blast regaining speed and racing at thise distances . I'm racing with a new team now, as well, and that has helped spark my enthusiasm.