No Time To Train For An Ironman? | Triathlon Training Explained

Are you limited for time but still want to train for an Ironman triathlon? In this video, Mark and Fraser explain minimalist training works and how to train for a full-distance event if you have no time!

In association with TrainingPeaks.

What topics would you like us to cover in future episodes of 'Triathlon Training Explained?' Let us know in the comments below 👇

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Newspaper Hit 2 - SFX Producer
Reversed Beginning - Luwaks

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What topics would you like us to cover in future episodes of 'Triathlon Training Explained?' Let us know in the comments below 👇

[mwendwak]

You two make a good and natural duo.. Great presentation

[DanNoz]

i average 10 to 11 hour training hours per week for my Ironman training. I know people consider that to be low, but am i the only one feeling that's a lot if you're still working full time??? to me the game changer was moving away from focusing on time spent towards structured intensity based training. Best of luck everyone for whatever you are up to in 2019. And like the guys said, don't panic :)

[IronWill]

I have very limited time, and am training for a full IRONMAN in May! My most used 'time cheat' is to do my bike sessions indoors on a trainer (even during summer) - indoors you can hit exact training zones at any time (including hills) :/

[stug]

I historically struggle with the run...did my first IM with just 5 runs over 10k. Shorter runs (which had been discussed in a previous video) enabled me to manage a 4:14 in Wales, with my last lap being my fastest! Had I made use of my TT bike would have been much faster than 12:01 in the end.
2019 is allowing more time to train but with the extra time spent on strength and stretching to enable consistency and hopefully no injuries. Planning to go well below 11 this time!

[trbeyond]

You guys repeatedly (and correctly) assert that swimming is very technique dependent. But what I’ve yet to see you discuss is the value of swim video analysis. The number of novice swimmers that have never seen themselves swim is mind blowing. How can you improve your technique if you don’t know what you look like? A video on how folks can do their own video analysis and some good online software/tools would be useful. I could provide my own thoughts but I’m sure viewers will pay more attention to your suggestions!

[NicholasWoodley]

Really helpful. Just found out I'm in the London Marathon so have 3x months to train and 3* kids and a full time job and, and, and so the making the most of the miles is great advice. Thank you. I might try that build run idea from Mark.

[TheDomLouis]

Great video. Maybe suggest that those strapped for time might get decent bang for buck, on time, with focused turbo sessions, particularly over Winter.

[thiagor.]

I was wondering about the importance of strength training in between swiming/cycling/runnning sessions. Isn't it important for core stability and stuff?

[tommoores]

When you guys talk about 'threshold' intensity for swimming, is that related to your Critical Swim Speed?

[paulgibson]

Hopefully doing my first 70.3 sept 13
Swim, bike, run, and lift at least 3 times a week usually two short sessions and one long

[danthorward]

I’d like some more content on time management. The week of the and the day of the race are both tricky to manage.

[andreacassani]

Please make italian subtitles for your videos. They are really good!!

[davidclarkson]

How about taking an IM noob through a 10hr per wk journey and see how they perform on the day!

[Pajoern]

Great video guys! I was wondering whether these sessions also make sense for short distance race?

[LPisg]

Great Video...might have given me some Perspektive that im overdoing it...i have my very first triathlon this May (Sprint distance) and im trying to squeeze 3 swim 3 Bike and 3 runs per week...i guess i need to slow down a bit

[johnp]

hours per week as a total and also in isolation would be helpful. 1 hr swim /6hr bike /3hr run per week = 10hours total, for me that meant a 12hr IM - a PB

[cooperstravels]

I have made the decision to one day compete in an Ironman. I have done 1 sprint triathlon and about 8 half marathons. Looking to upgrade my bike from my 1992 Trek Mountain bike. Not looking to spend more than $1500 and would like to be around $1000. Any thoughts? I found a Trek Emonda alr4 for under $1000. Will this work?

[crnkspinnr]

How about a video on brick training since it wasn't addressed here? Thanks

[overthehill]

In 2004, I did a 11:50 first Ironman in less than ten hours a week. Took about ten weeks. Not a great time but I wasn’t last either and my bike was very 1990s.

5000 yard swim in 1.25 hours. 5 hour bike ride. 2.5 hour run. And then a fast brick about 40 minutes bike, 20 minute run. Every now and then added some stretching and body weight exercises.