How to Train for Triathlon Season in Autumn Conditions

With the temperature starting to dip across Australia it’s time for us triathletes to come face to face with the seasonal shift and make a few changes to our training. Autumn brings us a few cooler mornings, ever changing weather, and of course, shorter days which can really throw off your rhythm and disrupt your regular training.

Luckily, we’ve put together the best triathlon training tips featuring a smarter approach to Autumn endurance training, a guide to the best Autumn tri gear, and how you can make this transitional season work for you!

Let’s take a look at how to keep your training on track, stay comfortable in the right triathlon gear for Autumn, and get the most out of the next couple of months with SCODY.

Adjust Your Training to Suit Your Autumn Energy Levels

When the daylight starts to fade, it’s pretty common for many of us to start to feel a bit sluggish and just generally not at our peak performance levels. That is exactly why you need to focus on consistency over Autumn as opposed to aiming to train at your peak performance. 

Don’t start aiming for new personal bests or records, and instead, take this time to refine your technique, maintain base fitness, and prepare your body for the upcoming season.

SCODY Tip: Aim to schedule any key sessions during daylight hours whenever possible. The additional sunlight will give you a small boost of energy, as less sunlight causes your body to produce more melatonin, which can have a negative effect on your energy levels and mood. 

Afternoon training in the warmer weather can be much more beneficial for some athletes than training in the chilly mornings.

Open-Water Swim Prep, SCODY Style

Your open-water swim prep definitely doesn’t have to stop when the temperature drops! The cooler water is a great way to improve your mental stamina as well as a chance to acclimate to potential race-day conditions. Of course, if the water is simply too cold to train, you can always hit the pool. Safety should always come first!

We’ve got a fantastic range of tri suits that are great at promoting thermoregulation, no matter how hot or cold you get. We use aerodynamic fabrics with incredible moisture-wicking qualities achieved through our X-Opaque and Pro-Hydra Dura fabrics. Our tri suits also have a brilliant LongTX chamois imported from Italy to keep you comfortable on the bike as well.

SCODY Tip: A decent warm-up is by far the best way to prevent injury when open-water swimming in Autumn. Dynamic movements designed to get your blood flowing are ideal for keeping yourself more comfortable in the water. It is also nice to have a little thermos of something warm to drink post swim!

More Layers Than an Onion

When we talk about layers, we mean thin, easy-to-remove, and breathable layers. Bulk is absolutely not your best friend and will often have you feeling colder than a bunch of thinner layers ever will!

If you’re located near Melbourne or Canberra, where a bit of drizzle might pass by your ride with the temperature then going into double digits before a chilly breeze comes in, you will definitely appreciate the art of layering.

We’ve got some brilliant solutions for smart layering here at SCODY. Obviously, your base layer can be a cycling jersey with bibs or knicks or a tri suit. Then your next layer might be arm and leg warmers, depending on how chilly it gets. If you’re fighting off the drizzle, you should definitely add one of our jackets or vests to keep the worst of the weather out as you’re riding.

SCODY Tip: For maximum comfort, choose your Autumn cycling wardrobe with layering in mind. Fabrics designed to boost thermoregulation, strategically placed mesh panels, and easy-to-remove options are all your best mates during the transitional months.

Protect Your Extremities

There is absolutely nothing worse than the biting cold hitting your knuckles and knees on the bike. Don’t turn your hands into numb extensions of your arm this Autumn and treat yourself to some gloves.

We’ve got some great options with and without fingers to keep your hands protected during the colder months. We’ve even got knee warmers to help prevent injury in the same way as compression gear and make your ride a little bit more enjoyable this Autumn.

Hydration and Nutrition

A common mistake for triathletes is to forget all about hydration during the cooler weather. You’re still training hard, so it’s important to replenish your electrolytes with sensible hydration.

Likewise, nutrition should be more important than ever in the cooler weather as you’re burning precious calories keeping warm whilst training. Our tri suits and jerseys all have strategically placed pockets so your Autumn endurance training stays fast whilst you keep yourself in the best shape possible with appropriate snacks!

Turn Autumn Into Your Secret Weapon

Athletes who know how to keep training over Autumn will always have the edge in the Spring and Summer. Keep the momentum going and arrive at the start line stronger than ever with SCODY.

Join our rewards program to earn points as you shop, and don’t forget to check out our full range of men’s and women’s triathlon gear designed to make training in cool weather just as awesome as the summer.