3 Essential Questions to Ask Before Trying a Triathlon

Welcome to our Wild Workout Wednesday link up! Each week I link up with Annmarie from The Fit Foodie Mama, Angelena Marie from Angelena Marie: Happy, Healthy & Balanced, and Nicole at Fitful Focus to bring you workout ideas, motivation, inspiration and recipes to try. Join us for a wild workout each week by reading along or grab the button and link up if you have a fitness or healthy living post to share!

---

It’s an exciting time of year for us athlete types–signing up for races and mapping out training plans. My goals are not so set in stone yet (though I do have some ideas in mind!), but that doesn’t mean I can’t share some of the valuable tidbits I’ve accumulated through my just about 13 year running and 10 year multi sport career.

I have soooo much triathlon stuff that I’ve been wanting to share, and with so many runners looking to ‘try a tri’, there is no better time than now to put it out there.

Triathlons are such an exciting forum for people of all athletic abilities to display the benefits of their training and commitment to a healthy, fit lifestyle.  If you are truly committed to your goal and your training program, completing a triathlon will inevitably come to fruition.

In order to successfully train for a triathlon, you need to ask yourself three questions:

1)  What is my current fitness level?

If you currently live a sedentary lifestyle, you will need to do some preparatory work before jumping full fledged into a triathlon training program.  It is important to build a general fitness base so your body will be safely and efficiently able to perform the movements necessary for each of the three disciplines.  If this is your case, begin the preparatory phase of you program right now.  Start by adding as much activity as possible to your everyday life (ex. taking the stairs, going for walks, etc) in addition to a structured training plan.  Start by walking at a brisk pace for 30 minutes at least 3 days per week.  Stay consistent and you will be surprised how your body will adapt.  Soon enough you will be ready to incorporate running intervals into your workout.

If you’re already in pretty good running shape, work on adding biking and running to your schedule. Build a base during the winter and set the foundations (fitness and gear) so you’ll be ready when warm weather rolls around.

Training Options

In 3-4 weeks your general fitness levels should be adequate to embark on a beginner triathlon training program.  Training options vary in terms of cost, detail, and support.  Only you can decide which the right fit is for you.

Free and Paid Training Plans:  Google ‘triathlon training plans’ and a seemingly endless list of resources will be available.  A valuable website for beginner triathletes is none other than Beginnertriathlete.com.  Beginnertriathlete.com has a nice selection of free plans in addition to ‘Bronze’, ‘Silver’, and ‘Gold’ packages that feature an array of perks and customization options.

Triathlon Coaching:  Occasionally, people may want more guidance and support in the form of an actual coach.  With a triathlon coach, plans are completely customized, support is unlimited, and there is usually a group of athletes to train and collaborate with.

2)  What is the length of the triathlon I wish to complete?

People are usually pleasantly surprised to find that there is much more to triathlon besides the Ironman Championship in Kona, Hawaii.  The typical triathlon distances are as follows:

Sprint Triathlon*:
500 meter swim
10-12 mile bike
3.1 mile run

Olympic Triathlon:
.9 mile swim
24.8 mile bike
6.2 mile run

Half-I  ronman:
1.2 mile swim
56 mile bike
13.1 mile run

Ironman:
2.4 mile swim
112 mile bike
26.2 mile run

* The Sprint distance can vary slightly as race directors deal with the logistics of their course and adapt it to meet the needs of their target audience. Occasionally, you may find distances called ‘Super Sprints’ which are shorter than typical sprints and sometimes utilize a pool for the swim leg. And, gyms are so eager to get people on board, more and more 100% indoor gym tris are popping up.

It is likely that you can find a sprint distance triathlon in your local area.  This will make an obvious difference in your training program as opposed to training for an Ironman.  Sprints are a highly attainable, recommended goal for beginners.

3) What are my goals in completing the triathlon?

Do you just want to finish?  Do you want to place in your age group?  Do you have a specific goal for each of the disciplines?  Do you want to beat your training buddy?

Whatever your goal may be, it is yours and you should set out to attain it.  If you just want to be able to run comfortably through the finish line with your arms in the air and a smile on your face, that is fine.  Stick to your training program.  Get your body used to the distances you will need to complete.  If you want to place in your age group you will need to be prepared to push your body to its limits.

Training for a triathlon provides an exciting outlet for health and fitness.  Stay committed to your goals, and your body will respond by rewarding your mind with a fulfilling sense of accomplishment.

Are you thinking about taking the plunge this season?

Linkup below if you have a workout, fitness find or healthy recipe to share! Just make sure to link back or grab the badge and we will make sure to spread the inspiration around 🙂

Also linking up with Jill Conyers for Fitness Friday!

Stay in touch!

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Google+