Informative Articles
Intelligent Triathlon Training was established with the primary goal of providing valuable insights to the triathlon community. Our focus remains on sharing in-depth knowledge and practical experience on various topics within the realm of triathlon. This section upholds our commitment to exploring the scientific foundations, applying key principles, and delving into technical aspects essential for triathletes.
As we have transitioned to a new website, we have updated many of the original articles as new evidence or knowledge becomes available. We are also introducing new articles focusing on current or groundbreaking information. As always, we aim to provide an unbiased, objective perspective that comes from our knowledge and experience.
We do not do product reviews or endorsements. Any equipment or service we write about has been paid for by us for our use.
If you want a fast triathlon performance, you need to know about Durability
In the world of cycling, durability, also known as fatigue resistance, is the ability to resist fatigue throughout the duration of a ride or race. It refers to the decay of physiological performance over time. In modern racing, the ability to produce high power outputs after several hours of riding is a key cycling ability. The winning moves are often made in the closing stages of an event, highlighting the importance of being able to perform well after prior work during tough races and challenges. Riders with better durability can sustain a higher percentage of their "fresh" state and typically achieve better results.
Cycling durability in triathlons differs from road racing. Triathlon cycling typically involves a steadier intensity, and athletes must also prepare for the run that follows the bike leg. While professional triathletes encounter attacks and surges, these are generally less intense than in road races. Triathlons can be unpredictable, with athletes needing to navigate drafting rules and attempts to disrupt pace lines. This requires them to handle short bursts of high intensity, often at the beginning of the race, while still maintaining high relative power later on.
The 4th Dimension of Running Performance - Durability
Durability, also referred to as fatigue resistance or physiological resilience, is considered a crucial factor for success in endurance sports, particularly in longer-distance events like marathons and ultrarunning and longer-distance triathlons.
It is described as the ability of an athlete's body to withstand and recover from the demands of prolonged effort, encompassing both physiological and psychological aspects. Durability allows sustained performance over extended periods. While traditional metrics like VO2max, lactate threshold, and running economy are important determinants of performance, durability is considered a "fourth dimension" that influences how well these metrics are maintained as fatigue sets in during a race. Athletes with good durability slow down less in the later stages of long races.
Feeling out of breath in your freestyle swimming?
An effective breathing technique is crucial for swimming efficiency and preventing fatigue in freestyle. Feeling completely exhausted after every length could be a result of your breathing mechanics.
Why Your Running Economy Might Be Costing You PBs
Is your running economy limiting your performace? Not sure, read onto find out what it is and how you could improve it.
Is Your VO2max Limiting Your Triathlon Performance
VO2max or maximal oxygen uptake, is a key physiological measure of cardiovascular fitness.
Along with fractional utilisation and running economy or cycling efficiency, VO2max determines endurance performance.
A high VO2max indicates a high level of aerobic fitness and can help to explain differences in performance between individuals. A high VO2max is important for success in endurance sports like running, cycling, triathlon and duathlon.
Could Fractional Utilisation Be Limiting Your Performance?
Fractional Utilisation might e a term you have not heard before, but it could be the missing link for improving your performance.
How to increase VO2max to improve your Triathlon Performance
VO2max is primarily limited by genetics, which means if you have been training regularly for a long time, you are probably close to your potential. However, VO2max training can still provide some essential adaptations that will improve your triathlon performance, whatever event you are performing in.
If you are new to endurance training, there is an excellent chance that you will be able to improve your VO2max and significantly affect your performance.
FTP is just the tip of the Iceberg
FTP is the most written about physiological marker, but is it the most important?
Physiological Testing and Training Terminology
Do you know the difference between LT and FTP or why VO2 is not the same as VO2max? What about your ATL versus CTL, or what is a TSS?
In this article, we discuss many of the common terms used in training and testing and how you can use them to build a more in-depth profile.