Ethan Caldwell

Zone 2 training has become one of the most discussed topics in endurance sports over the past few years. I remember when I first heard athletes talking about running “slow to get fast” – it sounded completely backwards. After spending months researching the science and applying it to my own training, I can tell you … Read more

After three years of chasing podium finishes in sprint and Olympic distance triathlons, I hit a frustrating plateau. My swim times stagnated, my bike power would not budge, and my run splits felt stuck in quicksand. My coach pulled up my training data and asked one simple question: When was the last time you trained … Read more

You finish a training run feeling completely exhausted. Your legs are heavy, your breathing is ragged, and you wonder why you’re not getting faster despite all this effort. I have been there. After coaching triathletes for over a decade, I see this pattern constantly. Athletes training too hard, too often, and wondering why their race … Read more

If you’ve spent any time around endurance athletes, you’ve probably heard someone drop their VO2 max number like it’s a badge of honor. “I’m sitting at 52 right now,” they’ll say, as if that single digit explains everything about their fitness. But what is VO2 max, actually? And why does it matter so much for … Read more

Zone 2 training represents the foundation upon which all endurance performance is built. This low-intensity aerobic training method targets 60-70% of your maximum heart rate, teaching your body to become more metabolically efficient while building the aerobic capacity that powers everything from sprint triathlons to IRONMAN events. After coaching hundreds of athletes preparing for events … Read more

I still remember my first brick workout like it was yesterday. I hopped off my bike after a 90-minute ride, slipped into my running shoes, and took three steps before my legs completely betrayed me. They felt like concrete blocks attached to my hips, heavy and unresponsive, refusing to move at anything resembling a normal … Read more

Zone 2 training has become the buzzword in endurance sports circles over the past few years. Popularized by longevity experts like Dr. Peter Attia and embraced by everyone from amateur triathletes to professional cyclists, this training method promises to build your aerobic base, improve metabolic health, and prepare your body for long-distance racing. But here … Read more

How long to train for an Ironman? Most athletes need 6 to 12 months of dedicated preparation, though the timeline varies dramatically based on your starting fitness level. A complete beginner with no endurance background might need 18 to 24 months, while an experienced triathlete stepping up from a half Ironman could be ready in … Read more

Zone 2 training is the foundation that every triathlete needs but few truly understand. After coaching age-group athletes for over a decade, I’ve watched countless triathletes sabotage their race results by skipping this critical training intensity. Whether you’re preparing for your first sprint triathlon or your fifth Ironman, building a solid aerobic base through Zone … Read more

Training for your first triathlon typically takes between 8 and 16 weeks depending on which distance you choose. A sprint triathlon requires 8-12 weeks for most beginners, while an Olympic distance needs 12-16 weeks to build adequate fitness across all three disciplines. Your existing athletic background matters significantly here. If you already run marathons or … Read more