Question for Triathletes -- Getting Faster?

bjshields
bjshields Posts: 677 Member
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.

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