Training Tips for Beginners Who Race for Fun

bikingThere is a large variety of athletes who participate in triathlons. These can range from the professional triathlete to the people who just appreciate being able to compete and finish. These different types of athletes lead to different requirements when it comes to training. The professional type of athlete will train to push his capabilities, and develop his technique. However, the latter type of athlete shouldn’t have that approach to training. They compete for fun and health, and training should not be any different. Here are some training tips for beginners who race for fun.

- Fun is most important. Instead of speed, focus on distance goals. You should be sure to become use to running and jogging before a more intense running regimen

- Work on distance before intensity. Slowly build up your distance until you reach your goal. Once you have met your goal, and then build up intensity.

- Wear the proper attire. Comfortable clothing should be, with supportive running shoes.

-Similarly run or walk on smooth, soft surfaces when you can.

-Repeat workouts enable the athlete to quickly building up their capability in jogging. At a track, the way to train is to jog one lap followed by walking one lap. When that becomes easy, go for 2 laps jogging, one lap walking.

- Learn about the race conditions that you will face in your triathlon. If you will run on pavement versus a dirt path, the bike portion will be held in hilly terrain; you can match your training to the race day so you are comfortable and can better enjoy you race.

- Do not worry about special features on your bike or special shoes. Just try to be comfortable.

-Know the distances in the race, and train for 110%. If you will run for three miles, train for three and a half. A half mile swim should be trained for with swimming for 3/4 of a mile.

-Rest when you need it. You are planning on just finishing, so do not worry about rushing through transitions. That is where the body becomes taxed the most, when having to transition over a few seconds. Instead, take you time, stretch a little, and enjoy the race.

-Bring support to the triathlon. Friends and family can provide great motivation to help you through the more difficult legs of the race.

-Prepare for long workouts and races by taking food and water with you. If you are feeling thirsty, then it is too late to drink fluids. Also do not experiment with food choices, instead picking something that the body will readily accept.

-Prepare for the race a few days in advance, making sure not to forget anything on race day.

-Most important: make an appointment and get a checkup and talk to you doctor before competing. A triathlon is a taxing experience which your body should be in good enough shape to attempt.

Following these steps will help ensure a fun and enjoyable triathlon experience for the beginning athlete.

Photo Credits: 1

Originally posted 2009-02-02 05:23:30. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Training for Triathlon Races the Right Way

Triathlon races are among the most challenging things people will do in their lifetime. This is true no matter what your athletic level is. This is because you challenge your body to stand up to the abuse from three different sports back to back. Racing in one of the sports is enough to wear most people out. To complete the triathlon with a good time, you will need the right kind of training. This includes training in each other events as well as making the transitions from one event to the next.

Practicing Transitions

One place where people lose a lot of time is when they are transitioning from swimming to biking or from biking to running. The challenge you run into is the fact you will be wet from swimming and from sweat at every point in the challenge. This is why when training for triathlon races, it is important to train in changing your equipment from one event to the next in the fastest possible time. While you will not be able to have instantaneous changes, you will be able to shave off precious seconds from your final time.

Practicing Your Start

The norm for triathlon races is to start with a run into the water for your swim portion. You should practice being able to easily transition from a run into swimming. Some people prefer to dive in while others prefer to get under water and push off from the sandy bank. Choose the one which feels right to you and improve upon it. Time yourself in your ability to go from shore to full swim. The faster you are swimming, the faster you will reach your destination. Do not waste your time wading in as far as you can before you start swimming. Start swimming as soon as the water is almost to your groin.

Using a Training Schedule

Plan out how you will train for your triathlon. Proper scheduling is the only way to make sure you will be properly prepared for every part of triathlon races. You will be able to not only schedule out when you will be training and in what ways. You will be able to keep track of your progress and make expectations of how you will perform in your next training session. This will give you an accurate indicator of how you are progressing.

Use Dry Runs to Your Advantage

While you might not have the route of triathlon races available to you for training, you can create your own route for a dry run. Have a friend help you to make sure your equipment is in the right place and is left alone. This will help you to concentrate on making your transitions as well as running through the actual event. The first dry run should be much shorter than the length of the race you are competing in. As you get closer to the race, improve the length of the dry run. You will notice your endurance level increasing and your time decreasing.

Photo Credits: Mat Honan

Originally posted 2010-03-24 03:15:36. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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