Integrating trail running / mt biking
I had my first trail race today and it was humbling. I had 14 miles of steep ascents and harrowing descents to ponder the fact that I was out of my element...but I liked the challenge, and could feel different parts of my legs being worked to the core. Looking back, the flat half marathons I've done seemed almost quaint compared to this!
I know the team mantra is that in order to go fast you must go fast in training. And mountain running, at least the climbing part is anything but fast (same with mt biking). Still, I'm wondering if sprinkling in some occasional tough mountain runs/bikes would equate to an improvement in speed/power during relatively flat tri courses. It's not that I'm a trail junkie and HAVE to do it...just felt like it might be a way to kick my own butt and build power and strength. Then again, I could see the intensity affecting my regular EN workouts.
Any thoughts or advice?