Duathlon: combination of running and cycling can be practiced indoors

Despite still being less known than the triathlon, the duathlon It is a sport that has drawn people’s attention and gained more and more space in competitions throughout Brazil.

As its name points out, the activity consists of the practice of two sports, namely running and cycling. Unlike the sister modality, therefore, in this case swimming is left out.

“It’s an interesting modality for anyone who would like to start competing in triathlon-type events, but still isn’t feeling fit enough for the water sections”, he points out. Monica Marques, technical director of the Cia Athletica group.

“Another point is when the colder months arrive and swimming becomes less attractive in an external environment”, she adds.

Therefore, it is possible to point out that the duathlon is an interesting activity because it can be practiced completely indoors, with running on the treadmill and cycling on stationary bikes.

What is a duathlon training like?

According to Monica, training is usually done from a standard distance.

“The initial part is the run, which gives way to the bike, and usually concludes with another, shorter, run,” she explains.

“The distances covered are classified according to three modalities, established by the International Triathlon Union (ITU), which also defines the general lines of the duathlon competitions”, he adds.

Are they:

Sprints — shorter, starting with a 5km run, interspersed with a 20km cycle and a further 2.5km run; Standard – 10 km run, 40 km cycle and 5 km run; Long distance – 10 km run, 150 km cycle and 30 km run.

It’s worth remembering that, as they are long journeys, it’s important that each person respects their own limit when training.

“Ideally, anyone interested in practicing duathlon does not do running and cycling training separately, because if there is an intention to compete, it is already possible to become familiar with the two modalities consecutively, conditioning this necessary for competitions”, suggests Monica .

And he continues: “Stretching before and after exercises is also very important for training and competitions, as it improves flexibility. Range of motion will be key to good performance.”

benefits of duathlon

By combining running with cycling, duathlon guarantees a series of benefits for the body, such as:

Calorie burning; Improved blood circulation; Gain of physical disposition; Muscle strengthening; Increased resistance; Improvement of the cardiorespiratory system; Decreased stress; Reduction of anxiety and depression frames.

“The emotional benefits of the practice are great because, when running and cycling – and even the emotion of the transitions between activities – a great sense of self-esteem and confidence is generated”, emphasizes the professional.