Cross Training Questions
Will cross training hurt my Triathlon training?
I spent this past summer training for my first Triathlon. I completed it in September. However, my level of aerobic/long distance training has fallen of significantly during the winter. I've been coaching wrestling, and have spent a lot of time wrestling with High School kids. I know that I am increasing my anearobic training significantly. I've also been doing a lot of stairs and some strength training. I still run, bike, and swim...but, very minimal compared with the full training schedule I had during the summer. Should I be working harder on the Tri-sports over the winter? Am I setting myself back this winter?
Public Comments
- No, it's good to give your body a break from time to time, plus, you still are training, just not as intensely. Sounds weird, but it will actually help you, this break, in your next Triathlon, because being fresh is the #1 thing that can help you improve.
- You are right on schedule. The winter months should be used for cross training. Strength training, core training are the building blocks for a sucessful tri season. Continue to do what you are doing. You will definately build upon last year. However, try to swim bike and run at least once a week and make these workouts count. Swim/bike in combination, bike/run in combination. After wrestling season pick up the time and intensity of swim/bike/run training. You might want to target an early season run, 10k or half marathon say in March or April, will give a good goal to shoot at. This will begin to transition you back into the tri season and position you for outdoor bike training. The indoor trainers can only do so much. The first year is always something of a learning year, the second year of the multisport lifestlye will begin to define how committed you will become toward a long and active tri career. Good luck and keep up the good training.
