Help with terminology!!

[Leanne]

Hi all,
I just started a 12 week training program to get me ready for my next tri (I can't believe I found one that fits my schedule almost perfectly!!!) but being new, I need a little help with some terms.....

Week two and up has me doing a 45 minute bike one day with a ten minute "time trial". What is time trial?? From what I can figure, it means 10 minutes all out.
Week four and up has me doing a 35 minute run with 5 1-minute acceleration intervals, also called pickups or strides. I have an idea in my head of what this means, but can anyone clarify for me??

Thanks!! 
Leanne

[Jon]

Hi Leanne,

A "TT" or Time Trial, is an "all out effort".  Go as hard as you can for the given time/distance.

"Accelerations" or "Pickups" are basically what you are thinking.  Faster pace running for a short duration.  Focus should be on form, and trying to stay "smooth" with keeping a "quick" turnover.  Hope this helps.

What tri are you doing?

Jon

[Leanne]

Thanks Jon, that helps a lot. There's a form to running??? I always picture myself as Phoebe from that episode of Friends

We are hoping to do at least three triathlons this year. The first is in Hamilon (Binbrook) June 14. As it is only my second ever, I'm going to ease back into it with a give it a tri. The training program I am doing is for a sprint, so hopefully by Gravenhurst in July that is what I'll be ready for and for sure it will be a sprint in Cobourg in August. I think hubby is going to try for an Olympic distance for our home race (Cobourg)

On an interesting note, Cobourg was awarded the Provincial Olympic Distance Championships this year. Should be an interesting race day!

Cheers, Leanne

[The Moose1]

 
Yes, there are lots of forms to running.  Worst part is, everyone is a little different...but here are some things that work for most people.

Shoulders back, chest out, stand as tall as you can.
Arms low (forearms parallel to ground).

And if none of that helps, kick your heels up at the end of your stride (it really can help.)

At first none of this will feel very comfortable, but try each one while wearing your Garmin and see if it makes your speed/effort ratio go up (problably will).

Practice what does work so that it becomes second nature. Remember that sometimes you need to go slow, to go fast.

Oh, and if none of that works, work on what does make you go faster with the same heart-rate.

Mike