Are you planning on training for your first triathlon? This is not an easy task for anyone to master if they do not know the ropes. There are three completely unique disciplines that are involved, and you are also going to need to be lifting weights and training in other ways. How are you going to find the time that you need in order to achieve this goal? This particular answer is actually a great deal easier than you think, if you have prepared yourself by choosing the right first triathlon.
In other words, let us start by selecting the right first triathlon. There are four different triathlon distances that you can choose from. The shortest distance types of triathlons are known as sprints. Because they are so short, they really are more like a sprint in nature, and therefore are typically regarded as the hardest ones to master. The second type of distance for a triathlon is twice what the sprint typically is, known as the international distance or Olympic distance triathlon. Where the sprint would end with a 5K run, the Olympic distance triathlon is going to end with 10K run. The Olympic distance type of triathlon is generally the most common one that you will find.
Once you have mastered what the sprint as well as the Olympic triathlon lengths have to offer, the third type of triathlon is the half ironman triathlon. This is a race that concludes through a 13.1 mile run. The final type of distance is the ironman distance, which ends with a 26.2 mile run. If you are doing your first ever triathlon, then you should be avoiding these two types of triathlon for fairly obvious reasons. Even if you do believe that you have the stamina as well as the endurance necessary for such a length, triathlons are about more than simply physical fitness. You need to work all of the kinks out with one of the smaller triathlon events in order to prepare yourself mentally as well as physically for the longer triathlon events.
The sprint distance is typically 400 yards worth of swimming, 5 miles worth of biking and then 5K worth of running. You can spend time practicing for all of these triathlon events together, but if you do not learn how to transition from one to the next, and the second to the third, then you really are not as prepared as you think you are. Your goal for your very first triathlon training event should be to combine your running days and your biking days. Each and every single time that you get off your bike, you should begin running, even if you are only running for a few hundred yards. There is a serious muscle transition that needs to occur from pushing on your bike pedals to running. This particular muscle transition needed to excel in triathlon competitions is difficult to achieve unless you have spent time practicing, so do so!
Photo Credits: Ben Lawson
Related Posts -
Swimming for your First Triathlon Beginners to the triathlon tend not to worry so much about the running and bicycling legs of the race, although they require thought and preparation on their own. Running and bicycling for beginners, however, are familiar childhood activities, and are not as foreign as swimming. Swimming has always been limited...... -
Getting Ready for the Triathlon Season Seeing snow everywhere and feeling temperatures that would make a bear run inside, most people would not think to engage in swimming, running or biking. However, the Decatur Multisport Club, or the Tri-Gators as it is lovingly known as, are starting the year by preparing for the new Triathlon season...... -
Weight Training for the Triathlon If you want to compete successfully in a triathlon competition, then you need to be willing to put time and effort into strengthening your body. However, this is quite obviously easier said that done, because training for three different events and training for cardiovascular fitness, strength, endurance and good technique...... -
Triathlon Gear If you are going to participate in a triathlon, having the best equipment is vital. Experience and endurance are important, but those will only go so far towards being at the top of your game. It will vastly depend on the athlete the sort of equipment needed, since every human...... -
How to get to the Finish Line There are many different reasons that a person may decide that they would like to compete or participate in a triathlon, do one of the multiple types of cycling, swimming or running and more. These are all activities that many people find enjoyable but are also all activities that take......
Related Websites - Is Running Really Ideal for Burning Fat? [caption id="attachment_238" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Burn fat by running?"][/caption] Running is a tough exercise. Don't believe me? Go out and get ten kilometers under your belt. If you haven't been running for a while, you realize how daunting this is even after the first few minutes. An exercise so difficult and......
- LDR (Long-Distance Running) - Expecting the Unexpected [caption id="attachment_189" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Expect the unexpected."][/caption]If you've ever gone on a long-distance run more than once in your life, you have an idea of the challenges you'll face. Weather is the most direct and obvious one - but if you're running on a calm, cool summer day, you might......
- Working Out with My Family Over the last week or so I decided to institute a "Family Workout" routine. It basically consists of the entire family (me, my wife, and our 2 year old daughter) going to the park or going out for walks. Something, anything. My wife has been on me for months about......
- Should You Train for a Half-Marathon? [caption id="attachment_174" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Turnin Half Marathon."][/caption] One of the very worst ways you can start training for a half-marathon is by not planning at all. Yes, you want to get off of your butt and out into the running shoes, but without a plan, there's not a very good......
- Get in Gear: The Equipment You'll Need for a Triathlon [caption id="attachment_158" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Trialthon Kit"][/caption]When you're training for a triathlon, you're worrying mostly about your body. This is a good thing - you need to make sure that your exercise is consistent, that your nutrition fuels you for the program, and that you're going to be physically ready when......