Sub-1hr run session: Fatigue fighter

Pacing the run correctly is key to a good 70.3 performance, says coach Simon Ward. Do this session every other week, ideally after a moderate-length yet brisk-paced ride to get a feel for running when you’re tired.

For this session you’ll need: race-day shoes and general run clothing. Wear your race kit closer to the event. Aim to do this on a similar terrain to the event you’re competing in.

>>> How to pace your run in a triathlon

Fatigue fighter

Warm-up

Ideally you’d do this session after a long ride so you’d run it fatigued, but as a stand-alone 5-10mins on the turbo will get your legs ready to go.

Main session

Run for 30mins at your goal race pace. Don’t be too ambitious when you’re setting off, it’s better to start too slow. Then for 15mins attempt to pick up the pace by 4-5secs/km.

Cool-down

Finish your run 1-2km before your intended destination, jog then walk the remaining distance.

Performance benefits

Starting run sessions slowly and steadily, building pace throughout the duration, is by far the most successful strategy for a good run. Doing this means that you’ll also have more left in the tank near the end.

Mental benefits

This session improves your ability to ‘feel’ the right pace off the bike and to gradually increase it as you near the finish. If you don’t know your goal race pace then be conservative when you estimate it.

Newcomers to the 70.3 distance should aim for a pace at least 60secs/km slower than their standard triathlon run pace.

Physiological benefits

Do this session after a long ride and it will feel hard due to the fatigue build-up, so you’ll want to run it at a constant maintainable speed. But it’s about learning to push on when you’re tired, so do your best to pick up the pace.

Adapt for Ironman

Extend the distance but keep the proportions of goal pace and faster pace the same, and remember to adjust to your full-Ironman race pace, which should be slower than 70.3.

(Main image: Jonny Gawler)

For lots more performance advice and workouts head to our Training section

220 Triathlon Team Journalists, reviewers, coaches and athletes

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