Triathlon Training Explained | The Ideal Weight For Training And Racing
111,009
Published 2018-03-27
Whether you are a beginner triathlete attempting your first race, or an old hand to triathlon, we’re going to be answering all the questions you wish you knew the answer to.
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In the Triathlon Training Explained show, we’re going to be answering all the questions you wish you knew the answer to. Everything from what you should wear during a triathlon, through to the technical parts of the sport such as watts per kilo, training zones and aerodynamics. We will also be doing investigations, getting specialists in to help, getting sciency and of course, talking to the pros. Whether you are a beginner triathlete attempting your first race, or an old hand to triathlon, we will have the answers for you!
On this week's show, we are looking into weight as a triathlete and will be answering the following questions:
- Is it possible for larger guys/gals to train and compete or are you at a disadvantage?
- Are there weight classes in triathlon?
- What is the best way to trim down to a race wight?
- How can you gain weight as a triathlete?
For more information on this topic, check out the following links from training peaks:
- What’s my Optimal Racing Weight? - gtn.io/TPOptimalWeight
- How to Safely Reach Your Optimal Race Weight - gtn.io/TPSafelyReachWeight
- Why You Should Focus on Watts per Kilogram - gtn.io/TPWattsPerKilo
If you'd like to contribute captions and video info in your language, here's the link - gtn.io/8l
Watch more on GTN...
📹 Triathlon Training Explained | How To Structure Your Training Plan - gtn.io/TriathlonTrainingExplained
📹 How To Lose Weight Through Triathlon - gtn.io/LoseWeight
Music: Epidemic Sound
Stop Chasing Me - Patrik Almkvisth
Photos: © Triathlon / Getty Images
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All Comments (21)
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What is your ideal race weight?
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I'm 91kg and finished 4 Ironman events. Hell yeah you can do it!!
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So I did a check on the mentioned Calendale and Athena races categories. I based this on a 30 year old, active, male and female. Average male height 5'9" Average female height 5'3" BMI based on the weight categories... Women @ 66kg = 25.7 Men @ 90kg = 29.3 So this is basically putting women who are hardly overweight into these categories. This isn't about shaming but I found this data in 5 minutes from the NHS website.
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Almost every race I have done in Australia has the Clydesdale and Athena Categories, some also have a larger version of Clydesdale for 100kg or more
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Another quality vid for this beginner.... GTN 4 LYFE
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I have had problems with losing weight in the past, I have attempted on many occasions to lose weight but after the usual two weeks of putting my body through hell, where my motivation to “get fit” was at the strongest… after the two weeks my body was asking the question “why” and I couldn’t give a genuine answer. “Health” Sometimes just doesn’t motivate people like me, although it should. This is where I found triathlon, this gave me the motivation to work on further than the “two week barrier” that I had encountered many times in the past. I accompanied triathlon training with cross fit classes. CrossFit works on explosive strength and will usually work you in a zone 4-5 HR depending on the workout. As well as this, barbell work has been very influential especially back squats where I can really feel the hard work paying off on my bike especially on hills and on flats. My advice for anyone who’s on the larger side is don’t neglect the power in your thighs that you have, you should certainly embrace it! Keep training and your body will adapt. No one likes running anyways, and if you do then good for you 🙃 Thank you for another great video!
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Could we get Emma Pooley to do a guest appearance on GTN given her success in triathlons...?
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Wow! Thanks for the answer, GTN! You guys rock!!
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In the US many races have Clydesdale divisions. The USAT even has national Clydesdale Championships.
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You guys rock, I am a absolute newb to triathlons and you answer so many questions. I would like to know what my ideal weight should be, 6'0 and 42 yom. I am running right around 90kg (197lbs) and I run a 1:53 1/2 marathon. Swim and bike are a work in progress.
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Renee is awesome, helped me to get my nutrition right with a great plan and advice that I still use!
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Ironman used to run Athena and Clydesdale classes, they ended those a few years ago. USA Tri sanctions Athena and Clydesdale classes for Age Groupers. Most Clydesdales I've run into are 6-2 or 6-3 and jacked...but most lighter end Athenas are really fit, whereas the Clydesdale weight you won't see many competitive AG for the men. Make sure you're doing strength training!
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You've never seen an event with Clydesdale/Athena classes? In America, every triathlon has these classes. Maybe we are just fat over here. Haha.
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You guys talked a lot about weight, but not a mention of body fat percentage, which is probably a better metric to judge potential performance / health issues.
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I've been competing in Triathlon and Duathlon with my weight hovering around 99kg / 220lbs. According to USA Triathlon, Clydesdale category is 220lbs or heavier, though it is not often offered. Even in the normal age categories, I've collected many top 10 finishes and many top 20 finishes. I just choose my races carefully (avoiding super hilly races if I am looking to be competitive).
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Hi GTN. You’re videos inspired me to start a VLOG! I used to race in junior cycling races around Europe such as KBK, Junior Tour of Flanders, Junior Tour of Basque Country etc! Take a look at my first video which is the start of my transition into triathlon! It’s going to be interesting✌🏼 From the Isle of Man...
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Pretty much every short course race in Australia has Clydesdale and Athena
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A great book to read is "Racing Weight" by Matt Fitzgerald, which explains exactly what is discussed and more. Worth the read.
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Another great video guys with some real insights into the subject
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Bribie island series in Qld Aus has the over 90kg class :) I did my first as 35-44 at 89kg! 😂
