Annual Training Patterns and Success in Ironman-Distance Triathletes: It's All About the Bike

Male, English-speaking non-elite, ironman-distance triathletes were surveyed using an on-line questionnaire for descriptive characteristics, race history, and training history. Useable results from 39 individuals were then sorted into high, mid, or low success groups by their race time or their race place by age-group (n=39, age 35.0 5.9 y). Training patterns for a 12-month period, based on training distance or training hours in swimming, bicycling, and running, were generated for each group. There were observed differences between group patterns, the most outstanding being the high success group showing greater distances of bike training, which is consistent with other study's findings. A suggested annual training volume pattern for ironman-distance triathletes was proposed based on the common training volume pattern elements used by the high success group triathletes sampled in this study.