Triathlon Training: Distances

triswimGoals are exceptional to have, but you should only be setting goals that are truly realistic. If you are setting training goals that are well beyond your capabilities, then you are going to end up getting hurt and failing as a result. With this in mind, keep it in mind that a triathlon is a sport where moderation is the key above all else. You need to utilize both patience and rest as important keys to your triathlon training plan.

Unlike with other types of sports, if you do every single workout at the maximum level of intensity as well as duration, then you are going to end up overtraining your body to the point of fatigue, injury and sickness. Do not get me wrong, there are times for maximum intensity in detailed triathlon training programs, but never all the time, no matter what.

Here are some of the common distances for triathlons:

Swimming:

  • Sprint – 0.5 Mile
  • Olympic – 0.93 Mile
  • Half Ironman – 1.2 Mile
  • Full Ironman – 2.4 Mile

Biking:

  • Sprint – 13 Mile
  • Olympic – 24.8 Mile
  • Half Ironman – 56 Mile
  • Full Ironman – 112 Mile

Running:

  • Sprint – 3.2 Mile
  • Olympic – 6.2 Mile
  • Half Ironman – 13.1 Mile
  • Full Ironman – 26.2 Mile

When you look at these common distances for triathlon competitions, you should see that the next levels double in distance, then you should make the assumption that you should only be covering two different consecutive distances in a single season. The rationale here is that we cannot simply continue to build on our endurance base unless we are giving ourselves the proper level of rest and maintenance as well.

If you are a total beginner, then you should begin training for a sprint race. Progress to Olympic at the end of the same year if you have no injuries upon re-evaluation.

If you are established an endurance base at the Olympic level in the first year, and maintained that endurance base over the winter, then you can progress to the half ironman in the next year. You my even be able to progress to the full ironman, but you need to be careful that you are not overdoing things and possibly putting yourself in danger of getting hurt in the process.

Building and maintaining a truly solid base over a long period of time is going to be vitally important for you to achieve before you build yourself up to the next level. When you build up a deep base like this, you will be drastically reducing your risk of sustaining an injury. You cannot keep building yourself up without some time for maintenance, no matter how strong or tough you think that you are. Strong and solid foundations are what is truly going to get you to the ironman distance, or whatever other goals you happen to have at the time. Keep in mind: There is no hurry, and Triathlete training is all about maintenance and patience, so do things the right way if you want to achieve your goals.

Photo Credits: LumenOpera

Originally posted 2009-09-07 03:49:54. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Training to Run the Right Way

When competing in a race which involves running, there are a few different pointers which need to be kept in mind. Some people feel their normal run in the morning will suffice in training to run. This is wrong because you will not be training yourself higher levels of endurance or performance. You need to set a schedule, log your accomplishments and find a good pace. You will also need to invest money into a good pair of shoes and running clothes. If you stick to these pointers you will be able to do more than just finish the race.

Buying the Right Equipment

The very first thing you need to do when training to run is making sure you have the right equipment. This includes having a good pair of sneakers. Many runners have taken to having their feet analyzed to get all of the support they need while running. Some have even taken to getting custom made sneakers. Make sure the sneakers you buy and train with are the same ones you will be racing in. This goes for the clothes you will be wearing for the race as well. You need to be familiar with how everything will feel as you run to get the maximum performance in the race.

Setting an Effective Running Schedule

Next, you need to create a running schedule which will help you maximize your performance. This includes mapping out routes and setting goals while training to run. You should take into account your past performance when setting your schedule. Try not to set your schedule too far in advance so you can change things up as your performance level increases. Make sure that you are not increasing distances or lengths of time running at too fast of intervals. This can put a dangerous strain on your body. Only go up a maximum of 10% per week.

Keeping a Running Log

After every run you should sit down and write out everything which happened on your run. This includes times, speeds and routes taken. You may even want to log weather conditions. This will help you to track everything which happens while training to run. You will be able to map out changes in performance and problems encountered. This will help you in creating your schedule and finding what works for you in training and in racing.

Finding Your Race Pace

One of the most important things when training to run is finding a comfortable pace. This is important so that you can maximize your performance throughout your run. If you waste all of your energy at the beginning of the race, you will have nothing left at the end. A good pace will make it possible for you to sprint at the end of the race. This is the sign of a seasoned runner who has good discipline. Those who keep a good pace for themselves while running will actually outperform those who tried to run hard at the beginning of the race.

Photo Credits: Sonic Fitness

Originally posted 2010-03-16 10:37:30. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Preparing Yourself for the Triathlon Run

Running in a triathlon is unlike any other running you have done in your life. This is because the triathlon run is completed after you have already swum and rode a bike. You will be tired and ready to stop, but you will need to dig in and find a new well of strength. The running portion of the race will start after you have already found your second and maybe even your third wind. This is why the training you go through should teach you to push through the walls of fatigue.

Increase Your Running Distance

The first thing you will need to do when preparing for the triathlon run is to increase the distance you are running every morning. This is not something you can do fast. If you add an extra mile to your morning run without any build-up, you can seriously injure yourself. The best advice is to make sure you are increasing your distance gradually over time. Increase at a rate of 10% every week. This will allow your body to work into the increased distance. If it takes you longer to work into the increased training amount, that is okay.

Increase Your Speed

Once you have reached a good training distance for your triathlon run, it is time to work on your speed. This is once again something which will have to happen slowly. If you try to run fast in a race after you have been jogging every morning, your body will simply crash. Make sure you are setting goals in your training schedule which will allow you to slowly work towards lowering the amount of time you need to finish the distance you have set for your training. This way you will condition your body to the higher level of performance.

Find a Good Pace

Make sure you are working at a good pace while you are training. This is good advice no matter what you are training for. In the triathlon run, you will want to make sure you are not thrown off your pace by those around you. If you always train at a good pace, this will translate into a pace which will be manageable in your actual race. One way to maintain a pace is to create a cadence which you can use. This way if you feel you are out of pace you can easily reset yourself by thinking about your cadence. This can be something like what the military uses to stay in step.

Dry Runs Are Important

The triathlon run will be different from just running and you need to be ready for what you are facing. The beast way to do this is to go through a dry run. This means setting up a triathlon course of your own. You should try to get friends to help you with this so your equipment will be where you left it. Make sure that you have the right amount of strength and stamina to finish the race before you run in it.

Photo Credits: Sonic Fitness

Originally posted 2010-03-14 10:27:09. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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