For all those newbie triathletes who are ready to go for their maiden triathlon, let us get you started by providing all the prerequisite guidelines that may come in handy to you in achieving this challenging milestone.
Set your goal wisely
“The difference between who you are and what you want to be is what you do.”
It is very normal to set a higher goal but triathlon as a multisport race is challenging physically and mentally and one should keep in mind that being a first timer it is better to choose a target that is feasible as per your fitness level and economical in terms of training cost and slowly and steadily keep on escalating it. One has an option to choose from the following :
- Sprint Distance – Swim (200 to 400 m.), Cycling ( 15 – 25 km), Run(5 km)
- Olympic Distance – Swim (1500 m.), Cycling ( 40 km), Run ( 10 km)
- Half Ironman – Swim ( 2000 m.), Cycling ( 90 km.), Run (21 km.)
- Ironman – Swim ( 4000 m), Cycling ( 180 Km.), Run ( 42 km.)
Training and Coaching
“To begin, begin! “
– Peter Nivio
After you decide the type of triathlon you are going to run, the second step is to look for a training plan as per your fitness level which should be pre-determined while establishing care with a primary care doctor. This is of the utmost importance. As based on this you should start your preparation, the time for which will be anywhere between 10 to 20 weeks.
Apart from this depending on your budget, you can opt for personalized professional coaches that are going to help you in keeping yourself motivated and with proper guidance for nutrition, physical regimen, training schedule, throughout your practice journey.
Register yourself for a race
Do you know what my favourite part of the game is? The opportunity to play.”
– Mike Singletary
So, the third step should be to register for the race as per the training schedule for which you have opted. The deadline will help you to be more focused and committed towards your goal and assist in making an action plan for the same.
Do keep in mind the weather conditions while enrolling for the race, depending upon your personal preference.
The path ahead
“Don’t tell me how rocky the sea is, just bring the ship in.”
– Lou Holtz
Discipline while training is the key that one has to abide by for the best results. One needs to practice all three sports in the same format as you have registered yourself for. So be it open water, cycling on the plane or mountain and the running terrain, try to train under similar conditions to accustom your body and mind.
Apart from this, be comfortable with the accessories like swim gear, biking gear, running gear, and practice as per the rules of the triathlon to mitigate the risk of disqualification or unnecessary delay or hassle.
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