##plugins.themes.bootstrap3.article.main##

Alejandro García-Giménez

Abstract


Triathlon is an endurance sport that combines swimming, cycling, and running across varied race distances, each imposing unique physiological and tactical demands. This article examines the distinct demands of triathlon race formats and offers insights into optimized training and periodization strategies for different distances, from super-sprint to long distance. Key physiological determinants such as VO₂max, lactate threshold, efficiency, and durability play critical roles in endurance performance, with the relative importance of each factor varying by distance. Shorter races necessitate high-intensity work and quick bursts of anaerobic power, while longer events rely heavily on aerobic efficiency and durability to maintain performance over time. The article contrasts traditional and block periodization methods, emphasizing the advantages of block periodization for short-distance athletes. Additionally, training intensity distribution models, such as pyramidal and polarized, are explored, highlighting their applications to both short- and long-distance training needs. Finally, season scheduling and competition preparation are discussed, including the significance of tapering for peak performance. Together, these insights provide a framework for structuring effective training and competition schedules tailored to different triathlon distances.


Download Statistics

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

##plugins.themes.bootstrap3.article.details##

Keywords

triathlon, endurance training, periodization, physiology

References
1. Bevins, R. L. (2024). Paratriathlon Race Performance in Elite Ambulatory Athletes with Physical Impairments. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 10-1097.
2. Cejuela, R., & Selles‐Perez, S. (2023). Training characteristics and performance of two male elite short‐distance triathletes: From junior to “world‐class”. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 33(12), 2444- 2456.
3. Dasa, M. S., Bu, O. A., Sandbakk, Ø., Rønnestad, B. R., Plasqui, G., Gundersen, H., & Kristoffersen, M. (2024). Training volume and total energy expenditure of an Olympic and Ironman world champion: approaching the upper limits of human capabilities. Journal of Applied Physiology.
4. Espejo, R., Martinez-Sobrino, J., & Veiga, S. (2024). Race strategies of young super- sprint triathletes during the 2022 World Triathlon races. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, 1-14.
5. Hausswirth, C., & Lehénaff, D. (2001). Physiological demands of running during long distance runs and triathlons. Sports Medicine, 31, 679-689.
6. Joyner, M. J., & Coyle, E. F. (2008). Endurance exercise performance: the physiology of champions. The Journal of Physiology, 586(1), 35-44.
7. Lopes, R. F., Osiecki, R., & Rama, L. M. P. L. (2012). Heart rate and blood lactate concentration response after each segment of the Olympic Triathlon event. Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte, 18, 158-160.
8. Martínez-Sobrino, J., Del Cerro, J. S., González-Ravé, J. M., & Veiga, S. (2024). Race Dynamics in Triathlon Mixed-Team-Relay Meaningfully Changes with The New Regulation Towards Paris 2024. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, 23(2), 358.
9. Maunder, E., Seiler, S., Mildenhall, M. J., Kilding, A. E., & Plews, D. J. (2021). The importance of ‘durability’in the physiological profiling of endurance athletes. Sports Medicine, 51, 1619-1628.
10. Mølmen, K. S., Øfsteng, S. J., & Rønnestad, B. R. (2019). Block periodization of endurance training–a systematic review and meta-analysis. Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine, 145-160.
11. O’toole, M. L., Douglas, P. S., & Hiller, W. D. B. (1989). Lactate, oxygen uptake, and cycling performance in triathletes. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 10(06), 413-418.
12. Seiler, S., & Tønnessen, E. (2009). Intervals, thresholds, and long slow distance: the role of intensity and duration in endurance training. Sport Science, 13.
13. Sharma, A. P., & Périard, J. D. (2020). Physiological requirements of the different distances of triathlon. Triathlon Medicine, 5-17.
14. Stöggl, T. L., & Sperlich, B. (2015). The training intensity distribution among well- trained and elite endurance athletes. Frontiers in Physiology, 6, 295.
Citation Format
How to Cite
García-Giménez, A. (2024). TRIATHLON PERFORMANCE: PHYSIOLOGICAL AND TRAINING STRATEGIES FROM SUPER SPRINT TO LONG DISTANCE EVENTS. Physical Education and Sport Through The Centuries, 11(2), 87–93. https://doi.org/10.5937/spes2402087G
Section
Articles