| Duathlon and Biathlon (Aquathlon) Training
Duathlon and Biathlon, now called Aquathlon, are both events that contain 2 disciplines. Strictly speaking, biathlon is a winter Olympic sport in which athletes cross country ski and target shoot, but has been abusively used to describe swim and run events.
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• Recently, the International Triathlon Union imposed the use of the word Aquathlon for describing swim run events.
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DISTANCES AND TERRAIN
Duathlons vary greatly in terms of distance, and also vary as to terrain. Events are usually staged on pavement, but can also be held off-road and on trails, which might require a mountain bike. The combination of cycling and running is also varied.
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• Some events will be a simple bike followed by a run (bike/run), but others might be run/bike/run or bike/run/bike. In between run and bike, there will be a transition area where you can rack/unrack your bike, change your clothing and/or footwear, and take on some nutrition.
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Whether it is worthwhile changing footwear will depend largely on the cycling course length – the longer the course, the more likely the added benefits that cycling shoes bring you will be significant. |
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TRAINING
Training for this event will depend on a number of factors including:
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• Your base of fitness.
• Your background in cycling and running.
• The distances you want to compete in.
• How competitive you want to be.
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Similar to training for triathlon, biathlon and duathlon carries with it many of the benefits of cross training. Consistent running and cycling workouts are likely to improve your overall health and well being. Also cross training or training for more than one sport is beneficial as it exercises a wider variety of muscles and joints.
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• Running, and more particularly the impact of running, can be hard on the body, especially the joints, and therefore balancing your run training with some lower impact exercise such as cycling can be very helpful for recovery and joint health.
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GO FOR IT!
You don’t have to be an elite athlete to start duathlon training. If you are new, or coming back to training, check with your doctor first, in case you have any medical issues. Also, talk to experienced triahtletes, and a coach, such as the coaches at Metasport. They will be able to assess your level of fitness and experience in order to formulate a program which is right for you and your objectives.
The fun of duathlon training is in the variety of training. Hours of just running, or hours of just cycling can become dull after a while, but with the variety that duathlon brings, you need never be bored. Add to that the benefits of cross training, and you have a sport that can be beneficial for almost anyone, at almost any level of fitness.
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