Triathlons are one of the most challenging endurance sports that require athletes to excel in three disciplines - swimming, cycling, and running. In order to become a successful triathlete, it is essential to have a well-rounded training program that includes all three disciplines. Threshold training is a training method that can be particularly beneficial for triathletes. In this blog, we will discuss how threshold training can be used in triathlon training and the benefits it can provide.
What is Threshold Training?
Threshold training involves exercising at or just below your lactate threshold. The lactate threshold is the point at which your body starts to produce more lactic acid than it can clear. This can lead to a burning sensation in your muscles and a decrease in performance. By training at or just below your lactate threshold, you can increase the amount of lactic acid that your body can clear, allowing you to maintain a higher level of effort for longer periods of time.
How Can Threshold Training be Used in Triathlon Training?
Threshold training can be used in all three disciplines of triathlon training - swimming, cycling, and running. Here are some examples of how threshold training can be incorporated into each discipline:
Swimming: Threshold training in swimming can involve performing sets of 100 to 200-meter repeats at a pace just below your lactate threshold. This type of training can help to improve your swimming speed and endurance.
Cycling: Threshold training in cycling can involve performing intervals at a pace just below your lactate threshold. This can be done on the road or on a stationary bike. This type of training can help to improve your cycling speed and endurance.
Running: Threshold training in running can involve performing tempo runs at a pace just below your lactate threshold. This type of training can help to improve your running speed and endurance.
What are the Benefits of Threshold Training for Triathletes?
Increased Endurance: By training at or just below your lactate threshold, you can improve your endurance and ability to maintain a high level of effort for extended periods of time.
Improved Speed: Threshold training can help you to improve your speed in all three disciplines of triathlon training - swimming, cycling, and running.
Improved Lactate Threshold: By training at or just below your lactate threshold, you can increase the amount of lactic acid that your body can clear, leading to improved performance and a decreased risk of muscle fatigue.
Improved Mental Toughness: Threshold training can be very challenging and requires a high level of focus and effort. By pushing yourself to maintain a high level of effort for extended periods of time, you can develop a greater sense of mental toughness and resilience.
Variety in Training: Threshold training can provide variety in your training routine, helping to prevent boredom and keep you motivated to continue training.
In conclusion, threshold training is a highly effective training method that can be incorporated into all three disciplines of triathlon training - swimming, cycling, and running. By increasing your endurance, improving your speed, improving your lactate threshold, developing mental toughness, and providing variety in your training routine, threshold training can help you become a better triathlete and achieve your athletic goals. If you're looking to take your triathlon training to the next level, consider incorporating threshold training into your training routine.