Getting Ready for Your First Triathlon

Preparing and Training will Help You Meet Your Goals

Sep 11, 2009

Whether it's a short distance or something more challenging, the sport of triathlon can invigorate even the most tired of fitness routines. Here's how to get started.

The sport of triathlon is increasing in popularity, as the New York Times reported recently in an article about races for kids. The World Triathlon Corporation announced just days later another addition to their 2010 Ironman 70.3 global series. The event will be held in Syracuse, NY, on Sunday, September 19th, where participants will swim, bike, and run their way to 70.3 miles.

The event is commonly referred to as the “half Ironman,” with distances measuring exactly half of the full Ironman race started in 1978. Many triathletes aspiring to the full distance compete in such shorter races either to test their stamina. The half distance(a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, and 13.1-mile run) is still one of the most challenging distances in triathlon’s family of races.

Before you send in your registration money for one of the hundreds of races offered around the world each year, stop and think through a few considerations specific to triathlon.

Consider your Goals

First, determine your goals. Many beginners start out in the sport because they want to get in shape or add cross-training to their routines. Some want to simply finish their first race, and others want to meet a specific time goal. Ask yourself what distance race you're going to train for, and then set a reasonable, yet challenging goal. If you’ve been a runner for years, for example, your goals will be different than a person who has never laced up a pair of running shoes. Take stock of your swimming abilities especially, as it is the most technical of triathlon sports and often the most difficult for beginners to get comfortable with. Write down your abilities and shortcomings, and what you hope to achieve.

Time is Everything

Training for a multi-sport race involves a considerable time commitment -- eight hours per week is on the low end of the scale. Ask yourself what your current priorities and responsibilities are, and take stock of what else will be competing for your time. Training is the equivalent of a part-time job. If you work, have a family, and are involved in many other activities, consider shifting your hours or other involvements to accommodate the new demands of training. If you try to squeeze training into a packed schedule, you’ll end up frustrated and underprepared.

To Plan or Not to Plan

As a beginner, you’ll soon discover your own training style. There is no right or wrong approach -- some athletes train casually, others rigorously. Ask yourself how you’ve tackled important tasks in the past: did you plan out a schedule, keep track of your productivity, and journal about your progress, or did you simply use your intuition? Put what you already know to work for you. Some people function best when they follow a prescribed training plan, from sites like BeginnerTriathlete.com or TriFuel.com. Others simply swim, bike, or run when they feel motivated to do so. Both approaches can make you a successful triathlete.

Research and Inspiration

Becoming an educated triathlete is a discipline unto itself. It takes time, energy, and money to learn what you’ll need for months of training and on race day. Visiting triathlon blogs and websites, and reading magazines and books will provide invaluable advice, and keep you motivated. Get to know other triathletes in your community by volunteering at a race, joining a triathlon team, or contributing to an online forum. With discipline, balance, a sense of adventure and friends to train with, triathlon can become one of the most rewarding activities in the active person’s life.

BNC101

The copyright of the article Getting Ready for Your First Triathlon in Fitness is owned by Jennifer Ward. Permission to republish Getting Ready for Your First Triathlon in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.