mabey over the top here? - Triathlon Week

garrett333 · 04-21-2006, 11:05 AM

I have been doing a simulated mini tri at least once during the week of training. The idea is that if i get used to doing this my body might respond better on race day (my 1st). I dont wont to over train however. I swam 700yd. rode 8mi, ran 4m's. My swim was segmented as the program i was given here on the message board. My run suffered greatly went to 9minute mile. Just woundering if its ok to do this occasionally to test myself and to prepare for race day. Or would this be considered overtraining and likely cause injury? My first tri is a sprint is a small one 300yd swim, 13mile bike, 5k run. What do you think?

sfricks · 04-22-2006, 06:53 AM

Overtraining is a relative term. My 18 mile run last week still has me sore. I have an ultra-marathoner friend who runs 20 miles 2 times a week (her "short" runs) and 40 miles twice a month JUST FOR TRAINING. I don't think you're over-training, you just found your limits. Those will get better over time.

The process of increasing strength & endurance is called "super compensation". You stress your muscles and when they recover, they recover to a stronger state which then becomes the foundation or starting point for the next workout. This is why you get stronger & faster over time. Obviously some types of workouts, like intervals, stess more and therefore benefit you more (and faster). "That which does not kill us makes us stronger", right? Overtraining occurs when you overstress and do not allow sufficient time (or hydration or fuel) for your body to recover. This leads to muscle breakdown and various (not so nice) results).

There's also a mental aspect to training hard that cannot be discarded. I personally suffer from training burn out a lot. Sometimes I have to step back & remember that although I'm very competitive, I do not earn my living from Triathlon. I'm not super driven to workout intensely every day. One tug from wifey in the AM is all it takes to keep me in bed (most of the time). I have learned to "trick" myself into intense weekend workouts by cycle racing & training with a local club. It cuts the monoteny of super long solo weekend rides. I've forged a lot of friendships and learned a great deal about the longest & funnest part of Triathlon from the Virgin Islands Cycling Federation, of which I'm a member. Point is, this can really cut mental burnout. HTH.

sprint50:43mike · 04-22-2006, 08:26 PM

thats righ I was tricked into having my 30 mile easy recovery ride turn into a 65 mile all out blitz.... Had a great time.

garrett333 · 04-24-2006, 07:32 AM

great advice. I did find one down side to doing all three trying to simulate what the race is going to be like. The two days after i was seriously dragging. My exercises suffered greatly. I also subscribe to the what dont kill you make you stronger theory (konan). thanks again