Group Training & Compromise Part III

First thing: check out some TTE athlete updates here: http://traintoendure.dreamhosters.com/new/team-news/

In Part III we look at Group Run Training ... AND my apologies for the long time between the series! A combo of running our training camp and and sorting through some family priorities the blog was the first thing to go ;-)

When we look at most Group Run workouts they tend to be comprised predominantly of the following:
* Long runs done at the effort / pace of the fastest guys & gals
* Track Workout intervals of very short duration and typically high intensity (threshold or Vo2 efforts)
* Pure Runners … this isn’t bad, it’s just that their event/training demands are different from yours. Been there and done that!

As triathletes our running needs tend to be the following:
* Run 4-6 x per week ... 2-3 of those runs after bike rides
* Race distances (non-stop) ranging from 3 miles to 26miles AFTER bike rides
* Steady State pacing with the ability to lift effort on the back end of the run segment regardless of race intensity is the key component of how we need to pace our runs at the end of swim/bike. When I say steady state pacing I am referring to, for the most part, effort NOT speed. We need to be strong!

**NOTE: Its not that more intensive sessions aren't effective, it's simply that we need to insert them at crucial times in lead ups to races. We always need to think about the demands of our races AND the demands of our ability to recover and train effectively tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day, and so on.

Therefore, how / when do we fit in Group Run training to our triathlon training ?
* Pick a running group that fits your "needs" or accommodates your needs
* Use a group session (even the track) that allows you a variety of ability/pace levels to run at. It might even be best to "run down" a pacing group from where you would run if you didn't have swimming & cycling load in your system
* Put together your own group as mentioned in the parts 1 & 2. Have a clear plan of routes, pacing ... out and back routes work great when running for time with groups.
* You may need to use group sessions sparingly during specific prep periods and more generously at other times.

Thanks for reading ...