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Question for Triathletes -- Getting Faster?

bjshields
bjshields Posts: 677 Member
edited February 25 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi, there.

So I am an amateur triathlete who hasn't done an event in two years bc of various injuries, but I'm training towards another one this October.

I'm reading a book called "Racing Weight," which basically asserts the hypothesis that a person can find his or her ideal racing weight, lose weight and get remarkably faster. Has anybody else read this book or done this? I have a good 20-30 lbs. to lose and I'm just wondering what is realistic insofar as how much faster I can get. I've been kind of preoccupied by this for a few years and am finally getting serious about it. I'd like to have realistic goals, but I'd really LOVE to be fast, too! :drinker:

Replies

  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    In respect to running read this...

    http://www.runnersworld.com/weight-loss/how-does-weight-loss-affect-my-running-speed

    The weight loss to speed correlations isn't as clear cut when dealing with biking & swimming. In both losing weight means less mass to move but there's a reason many cyclists have pretty big quads and swimmers (especially for freestyle) need more upper body strength than a runner.

    Triathlon is a sport in which you have to compromise to perform well in all 3 sports.
  • bjshields
    bjshields Posts: 677 Member
    Thanks, Brian! I definitely have found that each person has their particular "sport" that they excel in. Biking is mine. I only run because I have to or if someone is chasing me.
  • cheapthrillz
    cheapthrillz Posts: 5
    What do you think about the "racing weight" book? I agree that triathletes have to compromise a little (per above) but it does seem like most competitive triathletes are also excellent runners. I recently read an analysis that asserted triathlons are won and lost on the run. I'd suspect that lighter weight is beneficial on the bike also.. still less weight to move!
  • solieco1
    solieco1 Posts: 1,559 Member
    Weight will affect speed but since I need to train while losing I chalk it up to extra strength training. Train heavy, race light :)
  • solieco1
    solieco1 Posts: 1,559 Member
    I'm with you! I run because that's where I left my bike!
  • cheapthrillz
    cheapthrillz Posts: 5
    What type of strength training do you do? I find that when my body (especially legs) are stressed from hours upon hours of running and biking, a little lifting goes a LONG way.. I can be sore for days from weight I would otherwise be fine from!
  • Capt_Apollo
    Capt_Apollo Posts: 9,026 Member
    That's the next book I'm going to read.

    Look, lose some weight while working on speed. They'll go hand in hand and you'll get faster.
This discussion has been closed.

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