Triathletes/Duathletes

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Where do you get your training info?

KathleenKP
KathleenKP Posts: 580 Member
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Books? (And which ones?) Forums? (Here? Beginner Triathlete?) Magazines? You Tube? Local friends?

I've just been doing my own training since January, started running then. And I've talked a bit with people at the gym. I feel like I just needed to put in the hours to get a physical base going, and get through my first tri (it's coming up next weekend) --> then I could start reading/etc to pick up actual training info.

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  • scott091501
    scott091501 Posts: 1,260 Member
    Books:
    Triathletes' Training Bible, Be Iron Fit, Run Less Run Faster, Swim Speed Secrets for Swimmers and Triathletes

    Literature:
    USA Cycling coaching literature, USAT coaching literature

    Websites:
    Slowtwitch (forums are harsh but real), Beginner Triathlete

    Blogs:
    Vanguard Endurance site's blog, Some Random Thursday (Kelly Burns Gallagher),

    I've also picked up a ton from local friends (triathlon club) and my coach. Basically picking anyone's brain who is willing to talk. Be forewarned many are not. They don't want to explain their training approaches.
  • KathleenKP
    KathleenKP Posts: 580 Member
    Thank you! :) That gives me a lot to get started on.
  • KathleenKP
    KathleenKP Posts: 580 Member
    I've got the first three books on order, but they will all show up after my tri - which is the last one of the season around here. I'll look at the websites/blogs tomorrow...while I'm NOT working out.

    I'm getting jittery, and just want to go out and ride hills.
  • scott091501
    scott091501 Posts: 1,260 Member
    I'll add in the blog at Training Peaks' website is good too.
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    This book has helped a huge amount with my swimming.
    http://www.amazon.com/Total-Immersion-Revolutionary-Better-Faster/dp/0743253434/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379339339&sr=8-1&keywords=total+immersion
  • scott091501
    scott091501 Posts: 1,260 Member
    Here's the thing about TI. They advocate a long glide on the front end of the stroke. This is very counter productive in most tris. When swimming in a race the first thing to go is the front end of your stroke because there are feet/legs/butts/etc there. If you look at video of the top end ITU swimmers there is a very high turnover rate and they have very choppy strokes. The hand goes in, gets deep (so it would go under anyone's feet) and then they get vertical in their pull. Sheila Taormina does an awesome job at ripping apart TI in her book. You can also look at threads on Beginner Triathlete and Slowtwich where this style of swimming for triathlon is shredded. That said TI is very good for balance drills, but once you get the knack of staying balanced in the water it's time to move past Total Immersion.
  • Cgirlish
    Cgirlish Posts: 263 Member
    I really enjoyed reading Be Iron Fit
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    Here's the thing about TI. They advocate a long glide on the front end of the stroke. This is very counter productive in most tris. When swimming in a race the first thing to go is the front end of your stroke because there are feet/legs/butts/etc there. If you look at video of the top end ITU swimmers there is a very high turnover rate and they have very choppy strokes. The hand goes in, gets deep (so it would go under anyone's feet) and then they get vertical in their pull. Sheila Taormina does an awesome job at ripping apart TI in her book. You can also look at threads on Beginner Triathlete and Slowtwich where this style of swimming for triathlon is shredded. That said TI is very good for balance drills, but once you get the knack of staying balanced in the water it's time to move past Total Immersion.

    I doubt it's an end all be all, but one of the key things I keep reading about it is in a race situation you don't stop your arm turnover, and maintain continual motion. The gliding is nice for drills as it helps you keep a focus on technique. (From my practice at least.)

    As with any particular type of approach to training, it's a good idea (to me) to take what works well for you. For instance, you rightly mention that it's very good for balance drills. I had two different swim coaches and neither could help me figure out balance like the first couple chapters in the TI book did. So, not respective of "shredding", I guess the question is, could it have value for someone in the swim? If so, would it make sense to have that tool in the arsenal?

    As an aside, after the value of TI has been exhausted, what should a learning swimmer move to?

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