Starting to Train for a Triathalon

CBrown10 · 08-03-2007, 11:32 AM

So guys im going to start training for a triathilon. This thread really isnt for any advice but if you have any imput ill appreciate it.

Back when i was in highschool I was a big time football player and mostly did powerlifting and dint have much respect for any other type of athletes thinking they were Pussies. But since I started reading more on fitness and working out I have a greater respect for these athletes

Now im just looking to do things to push my body to its limit and have a whole bunch of personal fitness goals and one is to do a triathalon. My training probably wont change much. Right now im doing Supersets for lifting with about 3 sets of 10. Any my cardio consist of interval training, but now ill prolly start doing alot of swimming and biking as well. and i try to run 2 miles 1-2 times a week.

Well this thread really doesnt have a point just thought id let u guys know what im up to

Environ · 08-03-2007, 11:57 AM

HOW are you going to train for it? In general, you have to focus 100% on a triathlon when you're training for it. That means that lifting essentially goes out the window, except for maybe one session a week of high repetitions. And, interval training is not much good for this even either. You need to train for endurance.

The reason I posted here is to make you aware that, if you truly want to succeed at the triathlon, you need to plan out how you're going to train for it.

CBrown10 · 08-03-2007, 12:07 PM

ok i should have mentioned this....Im not looking to go in there and dominate and be a top finisher or anything. I like having my big muscle and such and i dont want to lose them, i just want to do it for the sake of it and be able to say that ive did it.

Stecman · 08-03-2007, 05:11 PM

ooo ya, I did my second triathlon this summer with my brother, made a video and its posted on my bodyblog. (shameless plug)

First you need to decide the distance. I'd start with a Sprint, which is about 300-800 meter swim, 10-20 mile bike, and 3-5 mile run.

To finish, usually anyone can do the biking and the running part, so your going to need to get comfortable in the water. When you swim practice your form being effortless and do some long swims.

Other than that I'd just schedule the race day and do it. Prepare as much as you can but go into the race and have fun. And remember to RELAX on the swim, lol. No need to push yourself on that leg!

I have lots of other pointers but don't want to overwhelm you,

King Alex · 08-03-2007, 07:37 PM

wow man triathalon is a beasst of a sport? or whatever it is but its intense i dont think id be able to do that. good luck bro let u s know if u ever do it

enduranceninja · 08-04-2007, 09:13 PM

Just joined here and found something I know a little about. I have done triathlons for five years. What I found to be tough for many beginners is the swim. Hopefully you plan to do a small triathlon in distance. The swim is more mental toughness. Make sure you go out and swim at a lake (Never alone) There is a huge difference swimming outside then in a pool. Some triathlons use pools for the swim which is a plus. If there are many people in the race remember to relax during the swim. Lots of bumping during the larger triathlons. And start in the back. You are not looking to win the thing so you are in no hurry. Plus you start in the front you could get swam over by faster swimmers. The bike can be hard. Just because you know how to ride a bike does not make you skilled at it. A buddy of mine did his first triathlon and never road a bike for many years. He made his first bike ride during his first triathlon never made it to the run. Just pace yourself your legs will be glad when you jump off the bike and try to get them running. The run you should just enjoy because you are over half way done and nothing will stop you from finishing. And there is no pride lost in walking the run we have all done it. when you finish your first triathlon and you will finish you will be shocked on how easy it actually was. I could go on and on but if you have any question let me know maybe I can help more.

Stecman · 08-05-2007, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by enduranceninja

Just joined here and found something I know a little about. I have done triathlons for five years. What I found to be tough for many beginners is the swim. Hopefully you plan to do a small triathlon in distance. The swim is more mental toughness. Make sure you go out and swim at a lake (Never alone) There is a huge difference swimming outside then in a pool. Some triathlons use pools for the swim which is a plus. If there are many people in the race remember to relax during the swim. Lots of bumping during the larger triathlons. And start in the back. You are not looking to win the thing so you are in no hurry. Plus you start in the front you could get swam over by faster swimmers. The bike can be hard. Just because you know how to ride a bike does not make you skilled at it. A buddy of mine did his first triathlon and never road a bike for many years. He made his first bike ride during his first triathlon never made it to the run. Just pace yourself your legs will be glad when you jump off the bike and try to get them running. The run you should just enjoy because you are over half way done and nothing will stop you from finishing. And there is no pride lost in walking the run we have all done it. when you finish your first triathlon and you will finish you will be shocked on how easy it actually was. I could go on and on but if you have any question let me know maybe I can help more.

Ya lol. All perfect advise. The two things that suck the most is being crawled over by better swimmers and the bike to run transition. I don't know what goes on but the blood is completely in the wrong part of your leg, and it feels very weird.