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Triathlon Training 101: The Importance of Hills & Proper Cold-Weather Gear

Hill workouts are a crucial part of triathlon training, helping athletes build strength, improve running efficiency, and reduce injury risk. Uphill running naturally promotes better form by encouraging a forward lean and reducing impact on joints. Additionally, increased ground contact time on inclines distributes impact more evenly, making hill training an effective way to push hard while minimizing stress on the body. This session emphasized the importance of hard efforts on uphills and full recovery on downhills, ensuring maximum performance gains. The workout included an 8-minute hill repeat session, focusing on maintaining 80-85% effort on the climbs and controlled, slow descents to optimize training benefits.

Proper gear selection was also a key discussion point, especially in cold-weather training. Wearing moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and windproof outer shells helps maintain body temperature and comfort. High-quality running shoes and supportive sports bras were highlighted as essential investments to prevent discomfort and injury. Athletes were reminded to listen to their bodies, embrace proper recovery strategies, and balance hard days with easy days for long-term success. Whether training for a triathlon or simply improving endurance, hill workouts combined with smart gear choices can make all the difference in performance and injury prevention.