As athletes, we all strive to reach our full potential, and one of the keys to unlocking that potential lies in understanding our own unique physiological makeup. Pro athletes become pros not just due to talent, skill, and motivation, but because of the intricate interplay of their individual physiological profiles, honed over countless hours of dedicated training. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of heart rates, watts, and training intensity and explore how amateurs and advanced age group (AG) triathletes can use this knowledge to improve their performance.
The Pro Perspective: Building a Robust Physiological Profile
Pro athletes are often seen as the pinnacle of physical fitness, and for a good reason. Their bodies have undergone years of meticulous training, encompassing weeks, months, and even years of compound training hours. This consistent effort results in a unique physiological profile that distinguishes them from the rest of the field.
To give you an idea, imagine spending hundreds of hours in what is known as the “green zone.” Over time, this focused training helps elevate your metabolic footprint, effectively raising your lactate thresholds (LT1 and LT2) to remarkable levels. Once achieved, it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about building the muscular strength, endurance, and concentration necessary to sustain high power output for extended periods.
When we watch pro triathletes and pro marathon runners breeze through their races at blistering speeds, it may appear effortless. However, this extraordinary performance is a testament to their years of consistent, deliberate training. They’ve mastered the art of pacing, ensuring they distribute their energy efficiently across the race course.
Amateur Challenges–>The Need to Pace and Preserve
For amateur triathletes, the goal may vary based on their experience and training background. Beginners often focus on the simple achievement of finishing the race, primarily due to lower training hours and limited experience (e.g. training mileage..).
Advanced AG triathletes, on the other hand, aspire to cross the finish line faster. However, even they must exercise caution, especially in the water. The swim leg offers a prime opportunity to conserve energy, which is particularly critical if your technique isn’t optimal. The run and bike segments are where you can strategically apply your energy.
Understanding Heart Rate,Watts and pace in cycling and running
A crucial aspect of an athlete’s performance is understanding heart rate and watts below lactate threshold 1 (LT1). This is the zone where fat burning is most efficient, muscle glycogen is preserved, and the risk of overheating and dehydration is minimized.
LT1 HR can vary significantly between individuals. To improve performance, the majority of your training should take place in this zone. For controlling intensity, flat rides or indoor trainer sessions are often the most effective, ensuring your heart rate stays below LT1 HR for as long as possible. Aim for an even effort and that could mean you need to ride indoors in the beginning for better intensity control (especially those who live in a very hilly region for example).
The Challenge of Running – A Metabolically Stressful Endeavor
Running presents a unique challenge in the realm of endurance sports. There’s “no easy zone” when you start running -this is particular true after a long break from running or after a long off-season or when new to running or overweight. The moment your feet hit the pavement, lactate production begins, and it quickly transitions into what can be considered a tempo workout. In essence, all running, regardless of speed, is metabolically stressful.
The Ideal Tool for improving Metabolic Fitness is on the Bike
This inherent challenge of running is why we often turn to the bike as a primary tool for gaining metabolic fitness. On the bike, you can easily control your heart rate and watts (trainer, flat road) making it an excellent choice for targeted training.
For runners, it’s essential to approach your training with a unique perspective, one that acknowledges the metabolic demands of the sport. Here’s a training prescription that can help you manage the stress of running effectively:
- Run as Easy as Possible: Understanding that running is metabolically stressful, strive to keep your runs as easy as possible. Regardless of your heart rate, assume that all running will impose a significant physiological load on your body.
- Focus on Short, Frequent Runs: Instead of pushing yourself to the limits during every run, focus on incorporating short and frequent runs into your training regimen. This approach can help you manage the metabolic stress while still making significant improvements in your overall fitness.
- Keep the Runs Flat: When planning your running routes, opt for flat terrain whenever possible. Hills and inclines can substantially increase the metabolic demands of your run. By keeping your runs flat, you’ll have more control over your effort and heart rate.
The ultimate goal is to sustain LT1 HR, pace, and watts for more extended periods as your fitness improves. This means you’ll be able to go faster for longer, a vital component in long-distance endurance racing.
The Lesson for Age Group Triathletes
Amateur triathletes can draw inspiration from the pros. It’s essential to focus on improving LT1 to excel in long-distance endurance events. Overexerting in zones 3 or 4 without the necessary mileage can lead to significant issues, emptying your tank too early in the race and leading to a slow, energy-draining finish.
In the end, fitness and training cannot be replaced by a brilliant nutrition strategy. Truly fit athletes may tolerate mistakes, but less fit individuals can unravel quickly. The key is in the preparation, consistency, and understanding your body’s unique responses.
Understanding your heart rate, watts, and training intensity is an invaluable tool for athletes aiming to reach their full potential. Whether you’re a pro or an age group triathlete, the principles remain the same: focus on your LT1 zone, improve progressively, and ensure your training aligns with your goals. By doing so, you’ll be well on your way to unlocking your performance potential and achieving your racing aspirations.
