Question:
I'm interested in starting to do
sprint-distance triathlons (I registered
for one in Eagle River, AK in June)
and was wondering if anyone had
good recommendations for a workout
program. I have problems with my
arches so would like to keep running
dstances at a reasonably low level.
Answer:
There is no real way to do well
and keep running at a minimum. It
needs to be a strong part of your
race. Even with arch problems good
shoes (from a running store) and
good insoles ( i prefer powersteps)
should be able to allow you to run
for long distances without problem.
NIKE's are
generally not good running shoes
and don't give enough support. Since
running is such a huge part of the
sport you really need to be willing
to spend the money on better shoes
and insoles to (most importantly)
keep yourself healthy.
As for training
I would find a good periodization
program that would include about
3 of each workout once a week. So
you will have three runs (you should
do a long, slow run for about 1
1/2 hours, a speed / tempo run,
and a easy run). Same with the bike
a long bike -- about two hours,
a interval bike workout and a ride.
What is your
definition of 'doing well'? For
most people it's perfectly possible
to get respectable times without
too much running training. Speaking
from personal experience, it's better
to do less running and be injury-free
than to push it and constantly have
niggles. You can substitute sessions
on the cross-trainer and still do
ok, particularly on the longer distances.
