Luckin-Baldwin, K. M., Badenhorst, C. E., Cripps, A. J., Landers, G. J., Merrells, R. J., Bulsara, M. K., & Hoyne, G. F. (2022) Strength Training for Long-Distance Triathletes: Theory to Practice. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 44(1) 1-14.

ABSTRACT
Concurrent training, commonly acknowledged as a training method where strength and endurance training are completed complementary to each other, is a strategy often implemented in endurance cyclists’ and runners’ programs to improve physiological determinants of success such as exercise economy. Although concurrent training methods and strategies have been examined to a large extent in endurance cyclists and runners, literature examining optimal concurrent training methods to improve physiological variables in long-distance triathletes is minimal, leaving optimal programming relatively unknown.

This practical applications paper identifies and outlines current concepts and considerations regarding concurrent training for long-distance triathletes including mechanisms contributing to improved performance, muscle and movement patterns used, exercise selection, load, velocity of movement, scheduling, frequency, and duration of training. Common misconceptions related to concurrent training are also identified and practical considerations for the application of concurrent training for coaches, athletes, and other professionals to improve all 3 disciplines of triathlon are discussed.

DOI:10.1519/SSC.0000000000000660

Luckin-Baldwin, K. M., Badenhorst, C. E., Cripps, A. J., Landers, G. J., Merrells, R. J., Bulsara, M. K., & Hoyne, G. F. (2021). Strength Training Improves Exercise Economy in Triathletes During a Simulated Triathlon. International journal of sports physiology and performance, 16(5), 663–673.

ABSTRACT
Purpose: The completion of concurrent strength and endurance training can improve exercise economy in cyclists and runners; however, the efficacy of strength training (ST) implementation to improve economy in long-distance (LD) triathletes has not yet been investigated. The purpose of this study was to investigate physiological outcomes in LD triathletes when ST was completed concurrently to endurance training. Methods: A total of 25 LD triathletes were randomly assigned to either 26 weeks of concurrent endurance and ST (n = 14) or endurance training only (n = 11). The ST program progressed from moderate (8-12 repetitions, ≤75% of 1-repetition maximum, weeks 0-12) to heavy loads (1-6 repetitions, ≥85% of 1-repetition maximum, weeks 14-26). Physiological and performance indicators (cycling and running economy, swim time, blood lactate, and heart rate) were measured during a simulated triathlon (1500-m swim, 60-min cycle, and 20-min run) at weeks 0, 14, and 26. Maximal strength and anthropometric measures (skinfolds and body mass) were also collected at these points. Results: The endurance strength group significantly improved maximal strength measures at weeks 14 and 26 (P < .05), cycling economy from weeks 0 to 14 (P < .05), and running economy from weeks 14 to 26 (P < .05) with no change in body mass (P > .05). The endurance-only group did not significantly improve any economy measures. Conclusions: The addition of progressive load ST to LD triathletes' training programs can significantly improve running and cycling economy without an increase in body mass.

DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2020-0170

Luckin, K. M., Badenhorst, C. E., Cripps, A. J., Landers, G. J., Merrells, R. J., Bulsara, M. K., & Hoyne, G. F. (2021). Strength Training in Long-Distance Triathletes: Barriers and Characteristics. Journal of strength and conditioning research, 35(2), 495–502.

ABSTRACT
The purpose of this investigation was to identify perceived and physical barriers toward the completion of concurrent strength training and endurancetraining in long-distance triathletes. Three hundred ninety long-distance triathletes (224 women, 166 men; age [y]: 39 ± 10) completed a 68-question self-administered, semiquantitative survey that assessed endurance and strength training characteristics, experience in triathlon, and perceived barriers regarding the completion of strength training. Mean training hours per week was 14.92 ± 5.25, with 54.6% reporting participation in strength training. Heavy strength training was the most commonly reported (39.4%), with significantly more men completing this form of strength training (p < 0.001). Results from subjects who did not complete strength training indicated that perceived time constraints (53.1%) in addition to lack of knowledge on exercise progression and form (52.5%) are prominent perceived barriers to strength training completion. Identification of the barriers perceived by long-distance triathletes that prevent them from completing concurrent strength training and endurance training may be useful for coaches, athletes, and sports scientists who seek to incorporate strength training for injury prevention and performance improvement.

DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002716

Luckin, K. M., Badenhorst, C. E., Cripps, A. J., Landers, G. J., Merrells, R. J., Bulsara, M. K., & Hoyne, G. F. (2019). The reliability of physiological and performance data obtained during a long distance simulated triathlon laboratory test. Journal of Science and Cycling, 8, 25-32.

ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability of a newly developed long distance (LD) simulated triathlon for testing performance and physiological changes in LD triathletes. Ten trained LD triathletes (mean ± standard deviation: age 34.1 ± 5.0 years, body mass 69.07 ± 13.89 kg) completed two separate trials of a simulated LD triathlon consisting of a 1500 m swim, a 60 minute cycle at 60% of power at VO2max and a 20 minute run at 70% of velocity at VO2max. Performance (time, pace, power and rating of perceived exertion) and physiological (economy of movement (oxygen cost and energy consumption), blood lactate and heart rate)variables were measured throughout the simulated LD triathlon. Coefficient of variations (CV %) and intra class correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to determine reliability. The current study displayed a high level of reliability, with moderate to excellent ICC measurements for performance and physiological variables (ICC 0.62 – 0.99). All physiological variables, except blood lactate, demonstrated CV values < 10%. In conclusion, the newly developed LD simulated triathlon has a high level of task representation for LD triathletes and can accurately assess performance changes in a research setting.

DOI: 10.28985/1920.jsc.05