results from a study on ironman-distance triathletes

The results from a study on ironman-distance triathletes is now available on-line: http://trisurvey.net/

Male, English-speaking non-elite, ironman-distance triathletes were surveyed using an on-line questionnaire for descriptive characteristics, race history, and training history.


Useable results were then sorted into high, mid, or low success groups by their race time or their race place by age-group (n=39, age 35.0?5.9 y).


Training patterns for a 12-month period, based on training distance or training hours in swimming, bicycling, and running, were generated for each group.


There were statistically significant differences (p<.05) in several data sets.


The most notable difference was a positive relationship between higher bike training distances and race success, particularly during the final months leading up to an ironman-distance race.


There were observed differences between group patterns, the most outstanding being the high success group showing greater distances of bike training, which is consistent with other study's findings.


A suggested annual training volume pattern for ironman-distance triathletes was proposed based on the common training volume pattern elements used by the high success group triathletes sampled in this study.


Note that the proposed training pattern is based on results from a small sample size and may not be valid for all athletes.