How to do triathlons: Ultimate Triathlete Guide
Out of the three triathlon sporting events, cycling kills testosterone the most, followed by running. Cycling decreases testosterone levels because it is a high endurance exercise that causes stress and rapid production of cortisol, a hormone that dampens testosterone production.
Brick training is when the athlete practices one exercise immediately followed by the other. It is most often done with the bike-to-run transition, but it’s also important to use for the swim-to-bike transition. This is to help practice the motion and to get the legs used to the feeling of coming off of a bike and heading straight onto the pavement.
However, for most non-professional athletes, a diet rich in whole foods is a great start. This means a focus on vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats, and fruit. It’s generally best to avoid too much-processed sugar as part of a regular diet. However, sugar is an incredible substance to consume during a race or training event as the energy can be used immediately.
Walking is allowed during any any of the three triathlon disciplines and athletes take advantage of it to allow themselves to recover while gaining some ground. However, note that there are techniques to optimize the effectiveness of the walking breaks. This involves making short strides with bent elbows, walking with a sense of urgency, and selecting the current intervals.
Getting sick can really derail your training, but it’s best to make sure you’re taking care of your body. After all, you’re likely drawn to your sport for the health benefits, so do what is needed to stay healthy and competitive.
Having the run at the end of a triathlon is more of a process of elimination. Choosing the swim for the last leg could be a dangerous proposition due to the higher risk of cramping, drowning, or other difficulties brought on by exhaustion. Finishing on the bike could lead to clusters of cyclists crossing the finish line together, causing mass confusion and a potentially dangerous situation. Eliminating the other two sports leaves running as the best option for ending a triathlon.