TOTW The best single predictor of triathlon performance is?

BINGO! Winner winner chicken dinner. Although Alltom1 has a very important pro-tip there too.

I am getting a little worked up with the less is more  thing again. Tell me why we should advocate and use that Coach Dan.

Thank you for a v. well balanced opinion kind sir. Congrats on your race! Saw some beautiful pics on FB.

Psychologist in me wants to ask why you were so clandestine (for you) in prep/announcing for this race but won't put you on the spot because the headcase in me knows why.

So you kept long runs and swam a variety presumably of speed/tempo/longer swims and cut bikes down with the addition of intensity therein?

Congrats on your race, Dan!

I would argue that the part I bolded and italicized above is true IF you already have the base fitness to ride 100 miles.  In other words, someone new to longer distance racing might be better served by doing the longer Z1/2 ride at a lower intensity.

The best predictor of performance is performance.

I am not sure who to attribute that quote to since I have heard it a million times but it does ring true, the best way to figure out how you are going to do in a race is to race.

I agree though with what Dan wrote earlier in that your race rehersals need to be as close to race conditions as you can make them. By the time you toe the line at a race you should have a race plan in place and it is a matter of executing the plan rather than figuring it out as you go. The only caveat to that is that you have to be willing and able to adapt the plan to plan for unforseen events.

My weakness was the run, hence we focused on getting me efficient at 8 min miles. My focus for this race was to have a good run after a consistent bike. 

Swims were typical Masters workouts that had a variety of speed/tempo and distance.  The longest MS were 400s or so.  We did have one day where we swam for an hour as a test.

Have a plan for common potential events.  Examples are:  Flat tire.  Have you actually practiced what you're going to do?

Nutrition issues. What is your plan if it goes bad? 

I think this is pretty high volume.  If I (11-13 hour guy depending on the course) swam, biked, and ran the same distances it would equate to 15-16 hours average and peak weeks 20-22 hours.  

I'm not saying your approach is wrong though.  I think the training plan you outlined is excellent.

It's not just the aero helmet.  Honestly, that is a rookie mistake.  Aero helmet + Calf compression sleeves = winner

don't hate, Doug.

Agree with Alltom1...I like to think consistency is a big indicator of performance...

I also think experience comes into play...you may not be the fastest, but if you have been around the block and know a trick or two, or have your nutrition nailed, or can save time here an there (think transitions), that could make or break your performance for a particular race...

totally depends on the color of the compression socks...meh on the blacks one...they add nothing to performance.   if they are loud and match the uniform...now you on to something.  God forbid they match the helmet...20-30 more watts on the bike.

I've got it!  Look like a pro and you will race like a pro!

Maybe it depends on who you are.  For someone like me, just starting out, it would seem that training consistency is the most important.  Particularly when just finishing strong is the goal.

If your several seasons into it and have specific goals for specific races, you've likely mastered consistent training and your "performance" is more related to some of the other nuances mentioned: nutrition, experience, or the thread favorite, aerohelmet.

Robert