Elite triathletes are athletes who perform strenuous physical feats. USA Triathlon sets stringent standards for certifying elite triathletes, and an athlete must meet certain benchmarks in order to qualify. By training harder than one would normally do for a triathlon, athletes can attain the distinction. Copious amounts of physically demanding hard work are required, so athletes should guard against burnout.
Qualification
According to USA Triathlon, an athlete must meet one of six criteria to apply for elite status: finish within 8 percent of the winning elite time in three USA Triathlon-sanctioned events; finish in the top 10 and within 8 percent of the winner's time at the International Triathlon Union Age Group World Championships; finish in the top 10 in the amateur field at the Ironman World Championship; finish in the top five and within 8 percent of the winning time at the USAT Age Group National Championships; finish in the top five and within 8 percent of the winning time at the USAT Collegiate National Championships; or finish in the top three in the amateur field at an Elite Qualifying Race.
Time Frame
Sports Coach Brian Mac states that triathletes looking to become elite should start preparing their body for an August triathlon by October. The first 16 weeks should be used for general development of strength, mobility, endurance and basic technique. The next eight weeks should be used for development of specific technical skills. The third phase is to run in small competitions to gain experience and achieve qualification times for the elite meet before spending another eight weeks making technical adjustments. Athletes should be ready to go for the elite goals at elite competitions after following the program, Mac states.
Training Intensity
The Sports Fitness Advisor states that heavy volume and low intensity do not provide the best foundation for a successful triathlon. Instead, the website recommends that triathletes reduce the volume and incorporate some shorter, more intense sessions. The benefits of doing so include improved endurance performance and less chance of suffering a long-term injury.
Training Nutrition
A nutrition plan during the training stages is necessary to provide the fuel that a triathlete will need during the rigorous months ahead of the competition. According to The Fun Times Guide, athletes should aim to ingest 60 percent healthy carbohydrates, 20 percent lean protein and 20 percent healthy fats each day. The night before a race or hard workout, the website advises that athletes should take in a high-carbohydrate meal like pasta. After a race, the website advises that athletes eat another high-carbohydrate snack 30 minutes after completing the event. The site also recommends eating four to six small meals each day instead of two or three large ones.
Hydration
Staying hydrated will keep all other body systems in line. Sports Nutritionist Kim Brown advises triathletes to consume half their body weight in fluids each day, comparing pounds to fluid ounces. Brown recommends drinking a large glass of water before workouts and a small amount during, and drinking a sports drink if the session lasts more than 90 minutes.
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