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.”
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?).