CrossFit Conflicts and Tri-Training

Recently, a BTer brought up a question about CrossFit conflicting with triathlon training. I want to address that before we begin.

First and foremost, we are TRIATHLETES. CrossFit will be a supplemental training regimen that will hopefully help us gain speed, fitness, and endurance all at the same time. But we must remember, triathlon training comes first.

Let me explain. For instance, once in a while, the CrossFit Workout Of The Day will be "run 5K". If you are scheduled to do a LSD run that day, running a 5K all out for time would be inappropriate. Another example would be race day. If you are scheduled to run a 5K race on Saturday and the WOD on Friday is "run 5K", then obviously, you'd substitute another workout on Friday.

Unfortunately, I can't really post a "if you can't do this workout today, do this instead" thing every day, because it would likely apply to only some people who can't do the WOD, but not others...too many choices! But once we get more into the program you will start to know what workouts target each area of the body and you'll be able to do your own substitution. A good rule of thumb for substitutions is...do two sets of Tabatas. Usually pushups and situps are good. What is a Tabata? Work 20sec, rest 10sec...8 times in a row. 8 sets in 4 minutes x 2 different exercises = 16 minutes of craziness. Max reps on each set. When you're done you'll be mopping the sweat off the floor.

We want to follow the CrossFit program as closely as possible, but we will always defer to the bigger picture...and that bigger picture is triathlon. Whether you're training for your first sprint, or your tenth Ironman, this program will help you gain more fitness. That's our goal with CrossFit...but we'll always make sure tri training is foremost.

Only four days left before we start the WOD's! Get ready everyone!

PS - I will be on a cruise from TH080103 thru SU080106 but will try my hardest to post here every day. If I can't, I will leave it up to you to check out crossfit.com and get the WOD on your own. Try your best to scale the workout yourself, or do a simplefit.org workout instead.