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2013-04-29 2:43 PM


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, Alabama
Subject: First tri done need to improve my running
I completed my first super sprint last weekend. I loved every second of it and can't wait for the next one which is. Sprint in two weeks. I was really pleased to complete the race and that I did not come last! None of my times are great, but it was my first time and I am the wrong side of 50 never having competed in sport before in my life. Course was 400m swim my time was 9.25 including the run out to transition. Bike was 13 k my time was 31.05run was 3.5k my time was 20.20. i analysed the results and realised I was MOP for swim, about two thirds way down for bike but although I came 90/102 overall only 5 people were slower than me on the run. So although I know I need to keep training hard on the swim and bike I really need to focus on my run times. I would welcome any advise on how to improve. I currently run alternate days. I do one speed session, one hills session, one 5k tempo and one longer run each week. Could I start running every day or would that result in injury? One thing I have done is take shorter faster strides and that has improved my speed. My speed in the race was actually the fastest I ave managed to date, but I have noticed when doing bricks that I run faster off the bike, probably as my muscles are properly warmed up. Any suggestions to improve my speed would be welcomed.


2013-04-29 2:56 PM
in reply to: #4719482

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Subject: RE: First tri done need to improve my running
You ran the 3.5k in 20:20 and only 5 people were slower than you?? Sounds like a race full of gazelles then.
2013-04-29 3:38 PM
in reply to: #4719482

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Subject: RE: First tri done need to improve my running

You didn't say how long you've been running. Is this a recent thing or have you been doing it a while?

For a person who was a non-runner it takes time to improve. Typically much longer than swimming or biking. Those activities support body weight as you move. With running all the weight is supported by the body. The body needs to adapt to the stress. The adaptation process involves muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones, and the blood system to name a few. The body has to work much harder in running so all those things have to be developed - which takes a fair amount of time.

Short answer is you'll need to run more at progressively greater overall volume for a longer period of time. Keep plugging away with a consistent effort and you'll be much improved in 6 months to a year.

2013-04-29 3:54 PM
in reply to: #4719507

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Subject: RE: First tri done need to improve my running
3.5k = 2.17 miles, so 20:20 isn't exactly gazelle-like.  Maybe you were thinking 3.5 miles?
2013-04-29 4:03 PM
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Subject: RE: First tri done need to improve my running

It sounds like what you are doing now for running is good.  Your long run should be at least 10 km.  Each week you should try to add more time and/or more repeats and hills to your routine.

There are only two ways to run faster: increase the length of your stride or increase the speed of your stride (all other things staying equal).  I would suggest trying to keep the same stride length and increase the cadence. 

2013-04-29 4:19 PM
in reply to: #4719482


189
100252525
, Alabama
Subject: RE: First tri done need to improve my running
Thanks for the replies. I ave been running for about a year but I am only doing 5k every other day (whether speed intervals hills or just running) and a bit longer a weekends. I think I may just need to keep at it but add more volume. I have noticed some improvements, I first started out at 8kph then my armin showed I was doing 9.1kph and the weekend tri was approximately equivalent to 10kph (if my math is right and it often isn't!). So moving in the right direction but just want it to move a bit faster!


2013-04-29 4:32 PM
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Subject: RE: First tri done need to improve my running

Congrats on your 1st Tri.  Your times are respectable for your 1st and you can improve on them so analyze what went right and what you can do better.

How were your transitions?  What can you do to make them faster and easier?  I learned after my 1st sprint that I wanted tri-shorts to swim in (then bike and run in them as well) plus a tri-top to wear under my wetsuit then wear for the bike and run (they dried really fast) and I bought some no tie laces for my runners that also saved some time.

Your swim time is pretty decent on a "per 100m" basis so just keep practicing.  If you can join a swim group where you swim it will help a lot.

Your bike time was pretty near 25kph.  It has taken me a long time to get there so you've got a pretty good start.

Your run was about 5:49/km = under 1 hour/ 10K  I'd love to be that fast.  Just keep doing what you've been doing.

Have fun.

2013-04-29 4:39 PM
in reply to: #4719482


189
100252525
, Alabama
Subject: RE: First tri done need to improve my running
Thank you. My transition time in t1 was woeful. I spent ages trying to get gloves on because it was raining really heavily and with a very strong cold wind too I was worried about my grip in the rain or my hands going numb with the cold. When I looked at the results that mistake cost me five places - lesson learned!!
2013-04-30 12:56 PM
in reply to: #4719592

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Subject: RE: First tri done need to improve my running

ejshowers - 2013-04-29 4:54 PM 3.5k = 2.17 miles, so 20:20 isn't exactly gazelle-like.  Maybe you were thinking 3.5 miles?

DOH! Yeah, you're right. I realized this later.

That's still not a horrible time though.

2013-04-30 1:06 PM
in reply to: #4719637

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Subject: RE: First tri done need to improve my running

NMS - 2013-04-29 2:19 PM Thanks for the replies. I ave been running for about a year but I am only doing 5k every other day (whether speed intervals hills or just running) and a bit longer a weekends. I think I may just need to keep at it but add more volume. I have noticed some improvements, I first started out at 8kph then my armin showed I was doing 9.1kph and the weekend tri was approximately equivalent to 10kph (if my math is right and it often isn't!). So moving in the right direction but just want it to move a bit faster!

For now you might be better off running more and throwing out the intervals.  Lots of long slow distance runs will build up your aerobic base and have a huge effect on your ability to run faster even for relatively short races.

My N=1 example:  I thought I had a decent base built up and did speed work once a week the entire season last year.  My PR for the Oly distance (10k) on the run was in the 45:30 range which is decently fast, but I was stuck there for most of the year.

  This winter training for my first HIM I dropped all my speedwork and focused on building volume.  I my first Oly this spring a week ago and Crushed my old PR running a 42:12 doing absolutely zero speedwork from October through April.



Edited by JZig 2013-04-30 1:15 PM
2013-04-30 4:50 PM
in reply to: #4719482


189
100252525
, Alabama
Subject: RE: First tri done need to improve my running
Thanks JZig, that is really interesting as it contradicts hat you normally hear. It obviously worked well for you. I may try that approach for my winter training. Thanks


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