Competition Ready with Mikaela Holmberg
|
1.5 min reading
Reigning Swedish Champion in long-distance triathlon Mikaela Holmberg is next up in our series, Ready to Compete.
Hello Mikaela!
How has your base training been going?
"I've had a really good training winter; continuous weeks with progressively increasing volume. This has involved some tough sessions each week, but overall the load has been well within what I can handle. The goal has been to build a strong engine and work up good foundational strength/speed in all disciplines."
How is your training changing now that the competition season is approaching?
"The training shifts from general to more specific. Since I compete in long distances, the general part focuses on higher intensity while the specific training focuses on volume and race load. During the winter, I have been doing a longer Vo2 block. It will be a while before I start with full-blown Ironman training, and right now I’m doing many threshold sessions."
Do you have any tips on a specific training session you typically do during this period to acclimate your body to competition and pick up the pace?
"A typical session for me right now is 5x8 minutes just below lactate threshold, with 1 minute rest. As the competition season approaches and I want to prep for full distance, I like to include longer sets of race pace at the end of a long workout. For cycling, this could involve a 5-hour ride, with 5x30 minutes around the intended Ironman intensity in hours 3-5. Ending with a symbolic run afterwards. If I can work through that session in a controlled manner and with a good feeling, I'm good to go."
Thank you for the tips, Mikaela, and best of luck with the season!
Hello Mikaela!
How has your base training been going?
"I've had a really good training winter; continuous weeks with progressively increasing volume. This has involved some tough sessions each week, but overall the load has been well within what I can handle. The goal has been to build a strong engine and work up good foundational strength/speed in all disciplines."
How is your training changing now that the competition season is approaching?
"The training shifts from general to more specific. Since I compete in long distances, the general part focuses on higher intensity while the specific training focuses on volume and race load. During the winter, I have been doing a longer Vo2 block. It will be a while before I start with full-blown Ironman training, and right now I’m doing many threshold sessions."
Do you have any tips on a specific training session you typically do during this period to acclimate your body to competition and pick up the pace?
"A typical session for me right now is 5x8 minutes just below lactate threshold, with 1 minute rest. As the competition season approaches and I want to prep for full distance, I like to include longer sets of race pace at the end of a long workout. For cycling, this could involve a 5-hour ride, with 5x30 minutes around the intended Ironman intensity in hours 3-5. Ending with a symbolic run afterwards. If I can work through that session in a controlled manner and with a good feeling, I'm good to go."
Thank you for the tips, Mikaela, and best of luck with the season!
