Need to get in shape FAST to complete triathlon, win bet.

[baldingboy]

Hey everyone,

I'm a college student and I usually only ride recreationally. I have a pretty strong base of endurance and strength, but recently my girlfriend challenged me by saying that I was not in good enough shape to participate in and finish a triathlon. I admit, I'm probably not quite there right now.

If I win the bet, she has agreed to buy me a new bike. But I need some serious help, as the triathlon is coming up in October and I am not in the physical condition I need to be.

What have you found to be best for endurance training when only having time to train in short intervals? My cardio needs some work. I've recently backed/pre-ordered a product called Elevation Training Mask that I heard MMA fighters use to simulate high-altitude training; version 2.0 is being launched on Fundable (http://www.fundable.com/training-mask) and says it can reduce workouts from 60 minutes down to 20 minutes, which would be ideal because of my busy schedule. Have you used any similar products? Do you have any other tools/tips?

Thanks!

[bushbush]

You need to build up base cycling fitness with long steady rides first, then Interval training is the key if time short, if you have a loop of 1.5-2 miles which includes a nice sharp hill, ride this loop as many times as time allows, and really attack the hill and recover medium hard on the rest of the loop, alternate seated climbing days with standing climbing days. also practice riding then running straight after, (obviously secure your bike!) as the 2 disciplines use opposing muscles.
Keep us posted how it's going.

[LizBL]

I did my first sprint tri last year at the end of August & had only been back riding a bike for 6 weeks (hadn't ridden a bike for over 20 years) I practised the swim twice but because I'd been a runner for over a year, mostly off road, I was fairly fit. I coped fine with the distance & had practised a couple of brick sessions of running after a bike ride, so knew what to expect with the jelly legs. What distance where you thinking?

[baldingboy]

Thanks guys, I've been hearing interval training is the best idea at this point. LizBL, it is an Oly, so not an IronMan thank goodness! I will keep you posted!

[LizBL]

Yeah intervals is a good idea. Use the swim as a warm up, push on the bike but drop a gear near the end & spin fast to rid the crap out of your legs. Should help lessen the jelly feeling. Small steps when you first set off running to, till your legs get used to it. Of course you might already know all this, so good luck mate