| OLYMPIC DISTANCE TRIATHLON TRAINING
An Olympic distance triathlon is often a major goal for triathletes who are beginners or intermediates. The Olympic distance is probably the best known triathlon event and can be very exciting to watch, as it produces exciting race action and close finishes for spectators. And Olympic distance triathlon training may not be as tough as you think β it can be a natural and seamless transition from sprint distance training and events, as your fitness and technical ability improves.
THE DISTANCES
The Olympic distance itself is set at:
β 1500 meter swim
β 40 kilometer cycle
β 10 kilometer run
The swim can be a daunting prospect to those new to the event because it represents a significant step up in distance from sprint distance triathlons. Also, for many triathletes, an Olympic distance triathlon is likely to contain their first open water swim.
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• Open water swims usually begin as a mass start with competitors either entering the water together en masse, or grouping together in the water on the start line before the starting gun. Transitions are the same as or similar to sprint distance triathlons, although with the greater distance, nutrition and hydration become even more important.
- Transition 1 lies between the swim section and the bike section
- Transition 2 lies between the bike section and the run course
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TRAINING
If you are new to the sport of triathlon, a sprint distance event and training program is an excellent place to start (see Sprint Triathlon Training article). As you progress through your sprint triathlon training you, and your coach, will get a good idea of your rate of progress, and your readiness to move on to the next level. As a basic guide, before you embark on a training program for the Olympic distance, you should be at a moderate level of fitness, and able to complete a sprint distance triathlon. At this level, you should be able to cope with beginning an Olympic distance program.
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β’ However, with the greater distance, comes a greater commitment of time and energy, although the required fitness can be achieved with less training time than you might think. As a basic estimate, you should be prepared to train 6 to 8 hours per week for a period of 4 to 6 months in order to be ready for the Olympic distance.
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THE OLYMPIC DISTANCE β AS HARD AS RUNNING A MARATHON?
The Olympic distance event is often compared to a marathon in terms of the level of effort and physical exertion required in order to complete one. In terms of training and fitness this is probably a fair comparison, but the variety involved in both the training and the event itself means that an Olympic distance triathlon tends to be less taxing on your body than a marathon, and more enjoyable! The sheer impact on your body of running 26 miles tends to cause more stress, and takes up more recovery time. Training for the Olympic distance is challenging, but whilst you are training in one discipline, broadly speaking, you are resting the muscles you use in the other 2. Because of this, recovery in triathlon training can be easier than in an equivalent running event, and injury less likely.
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β’ Finishing an Olympic distance triathlon is a fabulous achievement, but with a well structured training program it is achievable for many athletes. Think carefully about your goals, and use experts like Metasport to maximize the benefit of your training time. With some determination, and a little help from the experts, you will achieve your Olympic dream!
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