General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Adding swimming into the mix...best approach? Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2010-04-11 4:26 PM

Subject: ...
This user's post has been ignored.


2010-04-11 6:03 PM
in reply to: #2783669

Expert
1618
1000500100
Temple, TX
Subject: RE: Adding swimming into the mix...best approach?
I rarely do all three in a day, unless it's a short run off the bike and I've done a swim in the morning.  I don't actually think it is wise to do all three day in and day out.  I try to get in 3 swims a week and 4 runs and 3-4 bikes... swimming is my strength and I'd do it 5 days a week if I didn't need that time for the others!  I generally work out twice a day, once early in the morning before work, and then again around 4:30 after work.  I try not to do a run and bike on the same day, but it happens.  If you just want to maintain your swim, I'd think you'd still want to get it in at least twice a week.  You'll get lots of different responses about doing bricks, some folks never do them.  I like to do one every couple of weeks, maybe a bit more as I get closer to a race.  When I first started training I only did one workout per day, but to get them all in, you really have to have a couple of days that you do two.  Also, if you are just starting out, you don't want to do too much too fast!!  Your body will rebel and you'll feel exhausted!!
2010-04-11 6:10 PM
in reply to: #2783669

Master
1890
1000500100100100252525
Cypress, CA
Subject: RE: Adding swimming into the mix...best approach?

First I'd say don't get so wrapped up in getting all of those workouts in that you forget to take rest days.  Especially just starting out that's a good way to get overtrained and burned out really fast.  2 workouts in each discipline per week gives you that rest day, even if you don't brick them.

There's also no rule that says every week's workouts have to be the same.  Feel free to alternate swim-intensive and bike/run-intensive weeks.

For swimming, you might see if there are any local Masters swimming workouts that work for you.  While you should probably emphasize your weaker sports where you've got the most potential for improvement, it's not really a good idea to ignore any of them and you want to hang onto the advantage you get from your strong swim.

2010-04-11 7:30 PM
in reply to: #2783823

Subject: ...
This user's post has been ignored.
2010-04-12 3:34 PM
in reply to: #2783669

Regular
187
100252525
Barrie, Ontario, Canada
Subject: RE: Adding swimming into the mix...best approach?
I suppose it depends on length but 3 bricks a week seems a little excessive.
2010-04-12 3:50 PM
in reply to: #2783669

Master
2010
2000
Falls Church, VA
Subject: RE: Adding swimming into the mix...best approach?

You might want to look at some of the workoutplans here on BT to see how they have them split. For the most part it is two workouts a day which you can do morning/evening, morning/lunch, lunch evening , whatever works with your schedule. Like the previous poster, i do one workout in the morning and one after work, that is what works for me. I don't think you want to add so many brick workouts in a week, especially if you are just starting out.



2010-04-12 4:10 PM
in reply to: #2783669

Master
2802
2000500100100100
Minnetonka, Minnesota
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Adding swimming into the mix...best approach?
In looking at your logs, if I were you, I would focus on running more/longer and getting that down a bit and comfortable before adding swimming into the mix.  Probably not what you want to hear, but swimming is quite complex and time consuming what with getting to a pool, changing, swimming, showering/changing, getting home, etc.....

All in good time......

Good luck!
2010-04-12 4:46 PM
in reply to: #2783669

Champion
19812
50005000500020002000500100100100
MA
Subject: RE: Adding swimming into the mix...best approach?
If I recall you are planning on doing 5Ks in the fall and your first tri next year.

I'd focus on running mostly and add in biking and swimming when it fits. Try to get so you are running 4x a week consistently and mostly running easy.

With limited time and no tri in sight for more than a year focus on the run as it will benefit you this year and when you start tri training.

Best way to train is to follow a plan that suits your ability to start and the time you have to train. You can tweak it so it fits your life but it is built by folks who know what they are doing.
2010-04-12 4:47 PM
in reply to: #2783669


1072
10002525
Subject: RE: Adding swimming into the mix...best approach?
I have followed the 3X Balanced training plan for Olympic distance with some modification all the way through my HIM last year and it worked for me. No injuries which at 62 is the most important thing. I am BOP at big events but sometimes get on the Podium in my AG (60-64) at smaller TRIs

3 - Swims/week (MWF) w/ Friday a long OWS if weather OK or long sets in the pool if not
3 - 5 Bikes/ week (M(Tu)W(Th) SAT (Long) (Tuesday and Thursday are optional easy rides
3 - Runs/week (Tu,Th, Sun) with Sunday being my Long run

I increase my long S/B/R about 10% each week with every 4th week as a recovery week where I cut back about 40% as I build for my HIM

I personally do not see the need to do bricks. I do 3 - 4 sprints a year as I build for my OLY and HIM distances. That is enough practice doing Bike/Run transitions for me. After doing TRIs for a few years I know what it feels like so there is no suprise on race day.
2010-04-12 5:54 PM
in reply to: #2786422

Subject: ...
This user's post has been ignored.
2010-04-12 5:56 PM
in reply to: #2783669

Subject: ...
This user's post has been ignored.


2010-04-12 5:58 PM
in reply to: #2786245

Subject: ...
This user's post has been ignored.
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Adding swimming into the mix...best approach? Rss Feed