Are you using Training Zones to guide your training and racing?
Let’s get real—are you actually training smart, or are you just training hard?
Many triathletes fall into the trap of thinking that pushing themselves harder, faster, and longer is the key to improving performance. But if you’re constantly training in the wrong zone, you could
be working against your own progress.
At Full Circle Coaching, we focus on smarter, more efficient training. That means knowing which training zones to be in and when.
👉 Here’s why your training zone matters:
Your body uses different energy systems depending on the intensity of your workout. If you’re always pushing at high intensity, you’re likely burning sugar instead of fat, which leads to quick exhaustion, slower recovery, and eventually…burnout.
Training in the right zones helps you:
✅ Build a solid aerobic base (your “engine”)
✅ Improve fat-burning efficiency
✅ Increase speed without extra effort
✅ Recover faster and stay injury-free
✅ Peak perfectly for race day
But here’s the catch:
Without proper testing — like metabolic efficiency testing or heart rate testing — it’s nearly impossible to know your true training zones.
You’re just guessing…and guessing leaves results on the table.
Want to train smarter, not harder?
At Full Circle Coaching, we help our athletes identify their exact zones based on real data, not assumptions. It’s one of the biggest game-changers for improving performance while keeping training sustainable and fun.
How we do it at FULL CIRCLE COACHING:
Swim: Pace tests for different distances (long course & short course), then train the paces specific to race distance with form work and speed work at specific times in the training cycle.
Bike: Lactate threshold field tests and or blood lactate tests, then train the most inefficient zones and zones specific to race distance.
Run: 1 mile, 5k and 10k races for field tests and or VO2 max or Blood Lactate testing, then train the zones specific to race distance.
After getting the results of the tests, we create the zones for training and then the periodized training plan to train certain zones for training blocks or set periods of weeks. This is where it becomes an art and the better the communication between coach and athlete the better the coach can adjust the workouts and achieve the desired outcome. This is what the upload function on Training Peaks and the Post Comments box in your workouts is for. After you perform the work, you upload the results so your coach can analyze and see if you were successful. Then build upon success and keep moving forward.
Next Step:
We retest every 6 to 8 weeks, we tweak and adjust depending on the distance of the “A” race. One of our motto’s is “Strong Before Long” and “Skill before Speed” even for my Ironman athletes! We prescribe minimalist training and specificity which will get you where you want to be much faster with less overuse injury and more power and strength!
Let us guide you with a minimalist, specific training plan that gets you stronger, faster, and ready to race at your best.
👉 Fill out our “Get to Know You” form so we can learn more about your goals, current training, and how we can support your triathlon journey: Click here
Add Comment