Are you interested in trying a triathlon but do not know where to begin or how to train? Well, you have to look no longer. Here at TwoTri, we give you a exciting, fresh and energetic perspective on training for your first triathlon triathlon, and we leave all of the intimidating advice, unrealistic ideas, hard to follow training plans and confusing plans in the dust. Here are 7 helpful training tips for the
beginner triathlete that we wish we had before we did our first triathlon.
1. Begin short, and remain local- As a beginner triathlete, it is not a good idea to start with a long distance. begin by finding a sprint triathlon that is close to home, for your initial race. A sprint triathlon distance 1/2 mile swim or 16 laps back and forth, 12.4 mile bike and 3.1 mile run provides an ttainable challenge for beginner triathletes. By doing a shorter distance triathlon, you will not get overwhelmed or throw away all of your free time training for your first triathlon. It is also a good idea to find a triathlon that is close to home because you can train on the actual course so you can feel fearless on the morning of your first triathlon! See # 4 Another reason that a triathlon that is close to home is ideal for a
beginner triathlete is because you already posess a local fan club of friends and family! We think that it is a wonderful idea to invite all of your friends and family and neighbors to come applaud your efforts!
rn2. Three training- Beginner triathletes are usually stronger in one of the areas and worse in another. It is imperative to train for all three sports despite of your talent. You possibly will want to spend a little more time on your weakest sport so that you can enhance your self-esteem. By training for every event, you will feel geared up and ready for your
first triathlon
3. The 4th sport- The frequently abandoned part of a triathlon is the transition. The transition area is where you station your gear and clip on your helmet, hop on your bike, tie your shooelaces and chug a swig of Powerade. It may seem silly to rehearse putting on your helmet or lacing up your shoelaces, but if you practice the transition, then you will not grope around when the heat is on. Remember when you used to have fire drills in school? They appear boring and pointless when you were practicing how to exit the room in an orderly manner, but during the confusion of a real fire, finding the exit will be just like you practiced. So, lay out all of your gear and practice transitioning from one event to the next. Visit our website for our beginner triathlon race day checklist and check out our transition area strategies and tips.
4. Practice makes perfect- If you are doing a local triathlon, then you have the advantage of training on the actual course! By knowing precisely how hard you have to pedal your bike to get up a hill or how much break to apply when going around a certain turn, or how hilly the running course is, you will feel calm on the morning of your first triathlon. There will be no unpredicted shocks and you will have much more fun because you are familiar with the course. A lot of times, the swim is a beginner triathlete's biggest trepidation. If you have access to the pool or lake that you will be swimming in, then we recommend doing a few practice warm up laps. It is important to train close to shore and we recommend asking a friend or family member to watch out for you if there is no lifeguard on duty at the lake or beach.
5. Break the rules- We are firm believers in listening to your body while you train for your first triathlon. We are often confused by rigid training plans that insist that you should swim on Saturday, gor for a run on Sunday do a bike workout on Wednesday and rest on Thursday. It is easy to get overwhelmed, confused and even injured, by following one of those plans. While we still that that it is a good idea to have a set schedule, we suggest that you do whatever you want. If you wake up and your shoulders are tired or you're having a good hair day and do not want to get it wet, then run or bike. If your feet are too sore, then dive in the pool or lift some weights. As a beginner triathlete, if you train what you want and listen to your body, then your training experience will be much more fun and you will be more likely to stick with it. Our training plans coming soon provide diversity and flexibility as you train for your first triathlon.
6.Lifting weight won't stop you up- Adding a strength training program to your workout schedule will tone up your muscles, strengthen your bones and prevent injuries! Many ladies never go near weight training because they think that they will get thick muscles, however with proper strength training, you can actually loose weight and shrink your problem areas faster then you would if you just ran and biked! Weight training is also a welcome day off from cardio training for the beginner triathlete!
7. Work out your lips- You can read all the magazines that you can get your hands on, but nothing beats talking to someone who has done a triathlon before. As a beginner triathlete, we are positive you have numerous of questions and even a few worries. It is easy to become overwhelmed and fearful as you train for your first triathlon. A kind word or an answer to a burning question can help challenge you to complete your first triathlon with confidence. If you do not know someone who is an experienced triathlete, then feel free to email us with your questions and do not forget to read about Jess's first triathlon on our website!