Workout order - how much does it matter?

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2008-04-01 10:17 PM

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TinkerBeth
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Subject: Workout order - how much does it matter?

I'm getting back into the part of my training plan that often calls for 2 disciplines.  I've heard people say that it's really important to do the workouts in the order of the triathlon, but I'm wondering if that is the case, and if so, how much of a difference it makes.

From a convenience standpoint, it's often times much easier for me to get the run or the bike in before the swim - or maybe the run before the bike - you get the picture.

While I know that it's best to get all the training in the plan calls for, I'm wondering about this topic.

Any insights would be awesome.



2008-04-01 10:24 PM
in reply to: #1309753

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Expert
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Subject: RE: Workout order - how much does it matter?

I try to put the more technical (swim skills) first as I don't want to get in the habit of sloppiness due to fatigue.  That being said, if I have a key work-out, like a tempo run, bike time-trial or the like, then definitely put that "key" or "quality" work-out first in the day.  I will have a hard time hitting 800m run intervals at goal times if I'm fatigued from a long ride or swim earlier in the day.   Generally that 2nd work-out will be a "recovery" or "EZ" or Z1/Z2 stuff.  As race day gets close (within 3 weeks), then it's time to put the run after the bike (brick); quite possibly at high intensity too.

Happy Training! 



Edited by mbmoran2 2008-04-01 10:37 PM
2008-04-01 10:32 PM
in reply to: #1309753

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Subject: RE: Workout order - how much does it matter?
In my non-expert opinion you do not need to do ALL your workouts in the order of a triathlon. That being said there are triathlons that do not follow the standard swim/bike/run format likie super sprints that do swim/bike/run/bike/run or swim/bike/run/swim.

Anyway, my point is that there is value added to getting used to how your legs feel after getting out of the water and beginning the bike leg, and also coming off the bike and onto the run. As long as you know how your body reacts to the different sports then I take my training as three seperate events for training purposes (i.e. seperate HR zones for each event). Do bricks every once in a while, but don't feel constrained into swimming before biking before running. If nothing else it'll probably fit better into your training schedule anyway.
2008-04-01 10:33 PM
in reply to: #1309753

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2008-04-02 6:44 AM
in reply to: #1309753

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Subject: RE: Workout order - how much does it matter?

Yes, echoing the posters that have replied, most of the 2-a-days will NOT be bricks.  Therefore the more rest and nutrition between them the better.  Try to put the quality or breakthrough workouts first so you are not tired and can improve on them.

But since we all have lives outside of triathlon, if it makes it a lot more convenient to do both workouts in the same time period (after work), then do it.  Just make sure you are conscious of hydration and nutrition issues.  Ultimately you want to get all the workouts in and don't want to skip any due to not being able to put the quality workout first...so sometimes you have to make your own rules due to your life to at least get the workouts in in the first place.  Again, nutrition and hydration to make sure that you will maintain the energy.

The 2-a-days that should be done back to back in a certain order will be specifically labeled bricks (I see you have a silver plan loaded) with an order given.

 

2008-04-02 7:10 AM
in reply to: #1309753

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Subject: RE: Workout order - how much does it matter?
I pretty much don't really follow workouts in order unless it's a brick. I do however try to do a swim first if I'm doing another workout that same day. If I've got tired legs going into a swim workout I usually don't swim very well.

2008-04-02 1:42 PM
in reply to: #1309753

TinkerBeth
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Subject: RE: Workout order - how much does it matter?

Thanks everyone!

Your answers validate what I was thinking, but it's always good to get some additional insight.

 

 

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