Hi I m a fitness personal trainer. I have started SUP race training. I would like to know what kind of SUP training you would recommend for me as my aim is to compete in short races (2 km races). I usually train everyday ( 4-5 weight training sessions, 2-3 trx training sessions, and have just started doing 2 cardio sessions per week)… Kind regards

– May, Anonymous location

Answer: Your training schedule will be dictated by how serious you are about your paddling. My bet is that form (e.g. how you look) trumps function (e.g. how fast you race) because, as a persona trainer, it is your job to look good and workout with your clients. Paddle racing, even short races, however, are not pure sprints so much of your weight training will not translate to paddle race success.  Paddle races are endurance events that require specific training. When it comes to paddling, without building your endurance engine, it might be “all show and no go” on race day. Therefore, if you want to race and at least have a shot at doing well, you are going to have to take some of your weight training and  TRX time and get out and paddle.

This is what I would recommend

• Do three paddle sessions per week.
  • One session will be a mellow 30-45 minute session (Zone 1 and low Zone 2). Heart rate training zones are discussed in the Riding Bumps Book .  The focus here is to concentrate on your technique. You will need to focus on perfecting your technique. On race day you are going to have to make sure you do not get sloppy when they pain of your short race hits home.
  • Your second session should be a short, intense, high quality interval session of 30-60 minutes. Check out our interval training program for some sample workouts.
  • Finally, your third session should be an aerobic session of 60-90 minutes (Zone 2).
• Combine your weight training sessions and TRX sessions into 3 workouts per week rather than 4-5 strength training sessions and additional TRX.
• Skip those extra cardio sessions.

Roch