Performance Analysis: Triathlon

Curriculum Guideline

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Course
SPSC 1315
Discontinued
Yes
Course Code
SPSC 1315
Descriptive
Performance Analysis: Triathlon
Department
Sport Science
Faculty
Science & Technology
Credits
3.00
Start Date
End Term
202130
PLAR
No
Semester Length
15 weeks
Max Class Size
24 (deemed necessary to ensure safety during class bike rides)
Contact Hours
4 hours
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Seminar
Field Experience
Learning Activities

Lectures

Training Swims, Training Rides, Training Runs, Strength Training Workouts

Discussion Groups

Practical Coaching and Training Applications

Course Description
In this course, the endurance sport of triathlon will be analyzed from a practical point of view. The essential nature of each sport involved (swimming, biking, and running) will be studied along with nature of transitions among the three sports. Topics include the analysis of each sport, as well as the study of the history of triathlon, strategies of the three sports, and pedagogical principles of triathlon.
Course Content
  1. Introduction to Triathlon
    • History
    • Rules: National and International Organizations
    • Types of Races
    • Triathlon Terminology
  2. Compiling the Necessary Equipment
    • Swimming
    • Biking
    • Running
    • Transition areas
    • Pre-race/Post-race
  3. Biomechanics of the Three Sports
    • Swimming
      • Creating Propulsion
      • Technique Improvement
      • Swimming Drills
    • Biking
      • Pedaling Efficiency
      • Pedaling Cadence
      • Gearing
      • Riding Position
    • Running
      • Mechanics of Running
      • Mechanics of Running after biking
  4. Training
    • Safety Concerns
      • Water
      • Biking
    • Training Principles
    • Types of Training
    • Overload Principle
    • Specificity Principle
    • Warm-up and Cool-Down
    • Developing a Training Program
    • Developing a Strength Training Program
    • Maintaining a Training Log
    • Bike Maintenance
  5. Nutrition and Body Metabolism
    • Essential Nutrients
      • Energy Nutrients and Non-Energy Nutrients
    • The Triathlete’s Diet
    • Pre- and Post-race Recovery
    • Carbo loading
    • Supplementation
  6. Injuries
    • Recognizing Overtraining
    • Types of Injuries within the 3 Sports Disciplines
    • Common Injuries
    • Injury Prevention
  7. Racing Triathlons
    • Tapering Training
    • Final Workouts Prior to a Race
    • Race-Day Preparations and Checklist
    • Faster Transitions
    • Racing Attire
    • Racing Tips from the Pros
    • Participating in a Sprint-Distance Triathlon
  8. Coaching Requirements
    • Certifications
    • Career Paths

 

References:

Finch, Micheal. Triathlon Training. Human Kinetics; 2004, Windsor.

Town, Glenn and Kearney, Todd. Swim, Bike, Run. Human Kinetics; 1994, Windsor.

Learning Outcomes

After completing the course, students will have acquired and be able to demonstrate:

  1. Thorough working knowledge and understanding of the spirit and rules, history, safety, and etiquette of triathlon.
  2. Improvement in personal physical fitness by participation in swimming, biking, and running. 
  3. Development of an individualized workout program to successfully complete a sprint-distance triathlon. 
  4. Sharpened skills and techniques in the fundamentals of swimming, biking, and running. 
  5. Developed aptitude for
    • Conditioning principles, training methods, training design and planning for triathlon.
    • Nutrition and body metabolism during endurance and strength training exercises
    • Bike maintenance.
  6. Practice of training methods that maximize potential and minimize injury.
  7. Knowledge of certifications and career paths regarding coaching triathletes.
Means of Assessment

The selection of evaluation tools for this course is based upon:

  1. Adherence to college evaluation policy regarding number and weighing of evaluations, for example a course of three credits or more should have at least three separate evaluations.
  2. A developmental approach to evaluation that is sequenced and progressive.
  3. Evaluation is used as a teaching tool for both students and instructors.
  4. Commitment to student participation in evaluation through such processes as self and peer evaluation, and program/ instructor evaluation.

The following is presented as an example assessment format for this course:

Class participation 10%
Swimming skills 10%
Biking skills 10%
Running skills 10%
Training plan/program 15%
Completion of a triathlon 15%
Cognitive mid-term exam 10%
Cognitive final exam 20%
  100%
Textbook Materials

Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students

A list of recommended textbooks and materials is provided on the Instructor's Course Outline, which is available to students at the beginning of each semester.

REQUIRED Course Materials 

  1. Cold and warm weather clothing
  2. Cycling helmet
  3. Flat tire kit and bike tire pump
  4. Swim suit and swim goggles
  5. Running shoes
  6. Multispeed bike

OPTIONAL Course Materials

  1. Swim cap
  2. Eye protection, for biking
Prerequisites

Ability to swim 500 meters continuously

Own or have access to a multispeed bike in good working condition.