Tabata and Crossfit for Triathlon

There is a new trend for training in Triathlon and ironman, by incorporating HIIT, Tabata and Crossfit to lower the global volume of hours. Still recent, we are still waiting for stats and checking if cutting off the hours is a relevant method to achieve such a huge endurance effort as ironman.
In this article "Unlike the majority of triathletes who train for triathlons by spending lots of hours running, biking and swimming, English is using a unique training method to prepare for the Ironman."
Full article:
http://newsandtribune.com/sports/x543532784/English-to-compete-in-Ironman-Louisville-on-Aug-26

Hereunder the extract from the eBook dealing with triathlon and how to incorporate Tabata training:

                                          i.    Triathlon

Triathlon is an endurance sport, but Tabata can be beneficial.

Check this link: http://www.active.com/triathlon/Articles/Go-for-Broke-with-Tabata-Intervals.htm

“MacKenzie trains a number of triathletes and incorporates stationary-bike and treadmill Tabata sessions into the program of all who are willing to endure the suffering these workouts entail. An ultra-runner himself, MacKenzie credits his own twice-weekly Tabata sessions with enabling him to improve his performance on a training schedule averaging only 6.5 hours per week, and he says his triathlete clients have reported similar benefits.”

More about MacKenzie and CrossFit Endurance: http://www.crossfitendurance.com/about-2/

Another testimony from Lisa Barnes (USAT Level 1 coach and an Ironman athlete):

http://lavamagazine.com/training/tabata-training-for-triathletes/#axzz1evbGXEXr

However in her article, I don’t see the “Iron Man” training with biceps curls and triceps extension soliciting enough muscles to reach the Tabata intensity.

In short, Tabata for triathlon can be highly beneficial, as a time saver, and practicing swimming, cycling or running.

It’s no use to try the Tabata training before or after a long classic endurance session; you will need a couple of hours to recover and to benefit from the method.

About swimming, it’s pretty difficult to manage exactly the 20s work /10 s rest, but you can try something approaching. For instance, if you can cover the 25m of lap pool in 18s (free style), taking only 10s rest before heading back should be sufficient. The last bouts will be probably done at a pace over the initial 20s, because of the exhaustion. Be careful; don’t be alone in the swim pool if you try such a high intensity. Safety first. May be the butterfly swim is a good option, especially if your technique is not perfect, you will spend a lot of energy and you will have a chance to reach the intensity required by Tabata training (remember, 170% of VO2max?).