Winter training ongoing at Midland Triathlon Club

Winter training is in progress at Midland Triathlon Club. Pool swimming sessions, responsible for some dramatic improvements in speed and fitness, continue until at least May, when the open water swimming season starts.

The indoor training schedule also includes turbo (cycling on the spot, using an actual bike), strength and conditioning (using weights) and TRX. These sessions, combined with swimming, cycling and running, make for better results than simply working on the three disciplines themselves.

Cycling, the only really weather-dependent part of the triathlon, happens on Saturday mornings. Seasoned cyclists begin their training spin at 7am. A new 9am cycle is on its second week (or will be when the gales stop), and is geared towards beginners and those returning after a break. In recent years, spins like these have been a good way for new members to get used to group cycling, and of course to meet the group.

Running is the easiest discipline to organise, and members run wherever and whenever suits, but especially Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and Sunday mornings. Duathletes in the club (several of whom have been successful in European and World Championships) are now fit and ready for the duathlon racing season, which is pre-triathlon season.

Triathlons in all their guises (sprint, Olympic, Ironman and the various half- and double-distance races) usually begin in late April, just before the water warms up enough for the swim. By late May or early June, lake, river and sea swims are in full swing, until the last few races in autumn… then winter training again.
For membership details, see www.midlandtri.com.

An information evening will be held on Friday February 28 at 8.30pm at Tri&Run (sports shop on the Lynn Road, beside O’Brien’s garage).