Research Articles
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Brian Torrance assists in running coaching and program development in Aerobic Power Training Systems. He has a Bachelors of Physical Education Degree and a Masters of Science degree from the Department of Medicine, both from the U of A. Brian is currently working at the University in a large population health study titled Healthy Hearts. Brian brings a hand’s on approach to his coaching and program development using specific, individualized plans to suit an athlete’s capabilities. Brian’s tips for race preparation will get an athlete to their best for race day. Each month Brian will contribute an article that will aid the development of an endurance athlete. |
Research Articles 9. Sport Specific Training for the Triathlon
9. Sport Specific Training for the Triathlon
Written by Dr. Jon McGavock
| Article: The effect of cycling on muscle activation in the running leg of an Olympic distance triathlon. |
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| Heiden T, Burnett A. | School of Biomedical and Sports Science, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia Sports Biomech. 2003 Jan;2(1):35-49. |
Purpose: To determine if a bout of cycling prior to a run effects muscle activation during the subsequent run. i.e. Does cycling change the way you normally run?
Design: Muscular requirement and firing patterns were determined during a 2km run on a treadmill following either (1) a 40-km bike or (2) a 10-km run.
Athletes: 10 Elite level triathletes.
Findings: The muscle firing pattern is significantly different following a 40km bike than it is following a previous run. Hamstring and quadriceps firing patterns were significantly different during both the flight and stance phase of running following a previous bout of cycling.
How does this apply to me: Training for the individual phases of the triathlon alone allows for optimal training stimulus for a given amount of time spent training. However run training alone may not reflect the muscle firing pattern typically observed during a triathlon race, when you get off the bike.
What can I do: Incorporate some brick training into your workouts. This becomes more important the closer you get to the racing phase of your season. Try to add a run, even as short as 20 minutes, to the end of a training session on the bike. This will prepare your body for the alternate firing patterns it will experience during a triathlon.
