Are you a triathlete looking for the key to a better racing season? Is it a more expensive bike? More miles? More brick workouts? More swimming? More training hours? As a triathlete, you are probably a Type A personality---already a "doer" who "does" too much. Chances are, any training solution that includes the word "more" is not your key to a breakthrough season. Check out these myths and see if your training could use an update.

Myth #1: Swimming continuous miles is better.
Answer: Many triathletes try to utilize continuous laps as a means of swim training. Whether the endless swimming is done in a pool or open water, it is not sufficient. You need to use the pace clock for tempo sets, speed work and a few endurance sessions. Masters swimming groups or tri-specific clinics are great resources for learning how to train for swimming.

Myth #2: Do all your drill work in the pool.
Answer: Unless you plan to "drill" your way through your next race, it's time to start doing some serious base building in the pool. If you want to swim faster, then you need to swim. Every swimmer should incorporate some drill work in their training, but save the 100 percent rebuild of your stroke for the off-season.

Myth #3: All training rides should be longer than one hour.
Answer: Like swimming, you need to do different types of training on the bike. If you only have an hour, then set your bike up on your trainer and after a good warm-up including a few pick-ups, do 30 to 40 minutes of short, high intensity intervals with easy recovery spins. You avoid all of the traffic delays on the road and can utilize the hour for a productive workout.

Myth #4: To get better at running off the bike, always run after you ride.
Answer: Running off the bike is uncomfortable, but one brick workout [back-to-back sports e.g., swim/run or bike/run] a week is sufficient. If you always run after your bike ride, your running will suffer because you won't get quality run training. Too many brick workouts also increase your chance of injury. Spend the extra time working on your cycling so you don't believe in Myth #5...

Myth #5: To be competitive, you need a $5,000 bike.
Answer: Sorry folks, bike cost has little to do with bike speed. Your performance on a $1,000 vs. a $5,000 bike is primarily related to your engine (you), not your ride (the bike). At any race distance, the bike becomes a factor only after years of training and racing. Spend your money on a good training program and you will reap more rewards. If you have money to spend, then a set of light, aerodynamic wheels is the biggest 'bang for your buck'.

Myth #6: You don't need to practice transitions.
Answer: Efficient transitions could be your ticket to a faster race, an age group award or even a place on the podium. Learn to use your daily training to master parts of your transitions. Whenever you ride, mount/dismount from your bike with your shoes clipped onto the pedals, or hop off the bike and do the quick change into your running shoes - just skip the run.

Myth #7: You need to do at least two training sessions a day.
Answer: Not even for an Ironman. Every training session should have a purpose. Two sessions per week per sport can get you through Olympic and Sprint distance races. Three training sessions per week per sport and you can be competitive at any race distance, including an Ironman.

Success comes from having a plan. Make sure your training plan is sound, and then follow it to a great season of racing.