Duathlon is a discipline that will help beginners prepare for triathlon starts

Duathlon is a discipline that will help beginners prepare for triathlon starts

According to athlete Ilya Prasolov, this sport should be adopted by professionals as well.

Duathlon is one of the disciplines of triathlon, which includes running and cycling. The sequence of stages is as follows: running – cycling – running. Duathlon is gaining popularity in the world, because for beginners in triathlon it has become a real boon, providing an excellent opportunity to develop physical fitness and acquire the necessary skills in triathlon.

Why should beginners try duathlon?

Triathlete

“One of the main advantages of duathlon for beginners is the low entry bar. Unlike a traditional triathlon where there is a swim phase (often in open water), duathlon allows beginners to get right into competitive practice. This is especially helpful for those who have a fear of swimming.”

The second major benefit of duathlon is the flexibility of the training process. Triathlon training requires a lot of time and resources. Duathlon, on the other hand, allows for more freedom in scheduling training sessions because it does not require additional swim equipment. This makes it more accessible and convenient for those with limited time to train.

The third significant benefit of duathlon for those new to triathlon is the opportunity to develop the physical attributes and skills necessary for successful practice. Running and cycling require good cardiovascular endurance and strength, as well as good movement technique. By practicing duathlon, beginners improve their fitness and develop the necessary movement coordination.

Duathlon also helps to develop tactical and strategic skills. During competition, it is important to skillfully distribute your strength and energy between running and cycling in order to achieve results. This requires planning and strategizing, which develops athletes’ ability to analyze the situation on the course and make the right decisions.

Why do triathletes participate in duathlons?

As professional triathletes, we often participate in duathlon events at the beginning of the season to practice certain tasks. For example, to run a second run at a target pace the way we want to do in the season at a triathlon start. Duathlon raises the level of running considerably. We can solve specific tasks on the bike stage as well, work on power (as in triathlon). It turns out to be a great control “training session”, where my coach and I draw conclusions about the current state and if necessary we can adjust the training plan.

Important! It would be unfair to transfer the result from duathlon to triathlon, because swimming is a weak sport for some athletes – both amateurs and professionals. Due to the high energy expenditure in triathlon, which is associated with the swimming stage, it is not possible to show the same result as in duathlon. It’s about running and cycling. Everything is individual, and only an experienced coach can tell you where you need to make adjustments to become stronger. Anyway, we are all training for triathlon races and duathlon is the way to achieve results in triathlon.

I recommend trying out duathlon for amateurs who have no swimming background and those who are just starting their journey into the world of triathlon. This discipline will allow beginners to experience on the second lap of the run sensations similar to those experienced in a triathlon race. By the way, you can try your hand at the next starts, which will be held in Sochi and Kazan. Already on April 6 in Sochi there will be an amateur duathlon race within the framework of the Triathlon League competitions organized by the Russian Triathlon Federation. On May 4 and 5 duathlon competitions will be held in Kazan, where professional triathletes will also compete as part of the national team.

Top 7 recommendations for duathlon preparation

1. Practice breeks (transitions) – run/bike, bike/run.
2. Prepare and check equipment responsibly.
3. Don’t go out to the start in new shoes or on a new bike without a training test.
4. Think through a nutrition plan, depending on the distance.
5. Stock up on carbohydrates before the start, but be moderate: don’t eat too much or you may have GI problems during the race.
6. Choose a suitable distance based on your current fitness.
7. Try to enjoy the celebration of the sport and the race.

Duathlon is a great opportunity for those new to triathlon. You will develop your fitness and pump up your strategic skills. With a low entry bar and flexibility in training, duathlon is an ideal choice for beginners who want to try triathlon. If you want to grow in the sport and reach new heights, join the world of duathlon.