5 tips for wintertime triathlon training
You might want to add some snow-based activities to your training schedule to keep fit this winter
If winter hasn’t already hit your corner of the country, it will be on its way soon. With the colder, snowy weather comes the reality that it’s time to adjust your training for the winter. A shift in training for the winter months doesn’t have to be a bad thing, though, as there are so many fun ways to keep fit until spring. Here are a few options you have this winter, from classics you might already do to a few outside-the-box options that could be new for you.
Hit the trainer
You probably already planned to do this during the winter, but it’s worth mentioning: set your bike up on the indoor trainer and get to work. With today’s technology, riding on the trainer doesn’t have to be a bore or torture. You have a few options to turn trainer riding into an engaging activity. Firstly, you can set your trainer up in front of a TV or laptop. Find your favourite movie or show and pedal away while zoning out. Your second option is to use an app like Zwift to get a more entertaining ride and work out with other triathletes and cyclists around the world.
Ride a fatbike
You might not love the idea of spending every cycling session inside for the next few months. Avoid that by getting a fatbike. Fatbikes have seen a real boom in popularity in recent years. Fatbiking gives you the chance to ride outside and in the snow, so you can get your cycling workouts in but still enjoy the fresh air.
Go to the gym
You should be going to the gym (or doing at-home strength workouts) all year, but the cold of winter might make you want to do so even more. There is something nice about working up a sweat inside when it’s -10 C and snowing outside. Build some muscle and get stronger in the gym this winter so you’re faster and fitter for triathlon season next year.
Go cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiing is an incredible workout. If you ski regularly this winter, you will see massive improvements in your fitness. Skiing also offers triathletes a cardio workout alternative that is easy to do in the snow (unlike running, which can be a bit precarious if it’s too slippery out). Once there’s enough snow on the ground, find a trail system or ski centre and try it out. You’ll be exhausted by the end, but you might fall in love with it.
Try snowshoe running
Just like skiing, snowshoe running gives you the chance to enjoy the snow while working out. Snowshoeing might not sound like the most arduous of activities, but if you try running in them, you’ll be sweating in no time. This will help maintain or even increase your cardio, and you’ll be better for it by the time triathlon season rolls around