Triathlon Training
Want to improve? Triathlon training is all about focus and working out the right way, rather than just jumping in for a bit of cycling, a swim once a week and a jog round the block! Look at our exercises and fitness guides.
Triathlon has been given a new audience after successful Olympic games appearances which has enabled billions of world wide viewers to see, first hand, the fitness levels and physical demands this sport can place on even the fittest of today's triathlete's.
If you either want to take part in your first triathlon, or simply improve upon your current performances, the following notes will hopefully help you.
Triathlons are a three disciplined event, combining swimming, cycling and running over three main distances.
DISTANCE
|
SWIM |
BIKE |
RUN |
|
|
SPRINT |
750 METERS |
20 KM |
5 KM |
|
OLYMPIC |
1,500 METERS |
40 KM |
10 KM |
|
IRONMAN |
3,800 METERS |
180 KM |
42 KM |
By breaking up the triathlon into its three key sports (swimming / cycling / running), will enable you to train harder and wiser than if you were to concentrate on just one of the above. By training in multi sports you will develop both all round muscle toning and high levels of CV (cardio vascular - heart and lung capabilities).
This is achieved by breaking down training sessions to enable you to have a good workout, but not to be training overtired or sore muscles, as this will simple result in injury and poor performance. It's not only the way you workout, but also your equipment that helps. The correct wetsuit, bike and running shoes are all crucial to your success.
With three different distances in triathlon, you will need to decide which event you wish to train for.
-
Sprint distance
Suitable for beginners wishing to experience their first triathlon.
-
Olympic distance
The next stage up, the more common race distance, certainly among elite athletes.
-
Ironman distance
For those that like to push their bodies and minds to the limit (Brain Optional).
Once you have decided to take part in a triathlon, the first thing you will need to do, is enter a suitable race, this will help motivate you and give yourself a goal to aim for. Magazines such as Triathlete and 220 will have a number of different races for you to choose from, giving you what you will feel to be enough time to train for your big day.
You can also check out our other areas that will help with some basic information and guides for exercises and exercise training the right way!
On the following pages we show you tips for training, drills for swimming, and also beginner, intermediate and advanced guidance on how to get your training right!
