Fedofsky Friday

Fedofsky Friday: Moving Up?

Every Friday, Elizabeth Fedofsky, a top age-group triathlete and national champ, drops in to answer your training questions and to brighten our day with her witty wisdom.

1) At what point should I make the leap from sprint to Olympic distance? Or do you just go for it? It seems like a big jump with the distances doubling and I’m assuming my training volume doubling as well. — Bart

Here’s how you’ll know you’re ready. Find the nearest lake. Can you jump across? Walk across?

Just kidding.

Really it’s a matter of time, goals, and desire. Do you have the time to train a little further? Do you have the time to swim up to 1 mile, bike up to 25, and run a 10k?

This leads into the next question - what are your goals? To finish or to place in your age
group? To finish, prepare yourself by building up your swim, bike, and run to the full distance in the race at least 3 times prior to race day. Want to place in your age group?My suggestion is to work up to double the distance in your base phase.

Lastly, do you have the desire? Any time you desire to go further, you must have the drive inside yourself to spend the time to train properly, refine your skills in each sport, and push yourself to the next level.

2) Since you’re going pro next year, will you be staying at five-star hotels and dining on fine wine and caviar, or will you be eating Ramen noodles and living in the back of your Honda? — John

I’ll be staying in our van down by the river. Seriously, I’ll be doing what I’ve been doing all along - traveling with my husband, staying within our budget, and having a good time.

If you have triathlon-related questions for Liz, or just want to know more about the ways she drives her husband nuts, fire ‘em off to us at questions@theoutdoorjourney.com. You can read more about Liz’s adventures on her blog at http://elizabethfedofsky.blogspot.com/

© 2007 The Outdoor Journey.