In only the third Olympics since the triathlon was inducted as a sport, the endurance event is certainly doing itself proud. The two triathlon events at Beijing have been enduring, exhausting and exhilarating. After the drama of the women’s race the men had a lot to live up to. The conditions were hot and humid and the field deep in ability, so things were going to be tough. The men though, lived up to the occasion with a great show of endurance, culminating in a spectacular sprint finish.

A 20 year old British lad, Will Clarke, who had suspended his medicine studies at Cambridge to train harder, nearly proved it a genius decision. He threatened the medals halfway through the run before dropping down to fourteenth. Four more years of training harder and he’ll be a serious contender in London 2012.

He should perhaps take a leaf out of the winner’s book, Germany’s Jan Frodeno. The tall strong athlete who trains in South Africa put in a solid swim and cycle. He then had enough in reserve to put in the fastest run, out sprinting Canada’s Simon Whitfield in the final 100m to grab gold. Triathletes have to be lean, such are the endurance requirements. But they must also be strong, as the 75kg German proved.

Here are the three reasons why muscle mass is crucial for endurance athletes:

Higher peak power output – Some endurance sports, such as the triathlon, are performed at relatively constant, moderate intensities (at least within the separate stages). As a result, peak power is often of secondary importance. However, shorter high-intensity bursts are often needed to power over hills, successfully execute breakaways and win sprints. If you have higher peak power, you will be more successful in these endeavours;

Lower relative muscular effort – Every sport movement (i.e. a running stride at a certain speed) produces a given amount of force on your muscles. By increasing muscular strength, this same force becomes a lower percentage of your maximum effort, prolonging your muscular endurance. This effect is largest in individuals who are the weakest. For example, strength training alone, without any cardiovascular training, can increase the treadmill endurance of the elderly;

Reduced injury risk – Stronger muscles are more capable of withstanding the potentially injury-producing forces that inevitably occur in sport. It is widely believed that increasing muscular strength can reduce the risk for sport-related injuries. Training can therefore be increased and improved.

I personally can’t wait for the triathlon events in London 2012. The event is set to take place in the famous Hyde Park, with swimmers setting off in the Serpentine. Should be fantastic, I hope to see some of you guys competing!

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