How To Plan Your Training Schedule For Triathlon

The question "where should I start my triathlon training program?" should be your first question you should ask yourself. And since this question is your starting point if you want to become a triathlete, it is at the same time most difficult to answer. To somehow guide you on your decision making here are the things you should know:

Like learning a skill, you should know what particular point you are presently in. Are you a beginner? Have you already been doing some of the disciplines in the triathlon? Where is your weak point? Do you know how to swim? Do you know how to bike? Where are your strengths? Have you been doing all these and would only want to have a structured training? Have you just got up from your couch and manage to realize that you want to run, swim, and bike?

All these questions and many other questions related to identifying where to start your triathlon training program should be considered. This would let you identify where to start. Where to start should coincide your goal and your purpose why you need to train. The truth is, there are hundreds of ways and variations of training you can adapt. If you were unable to identify your goal, you will probably fail.

Set your goal, both short term and long term. In this way you know the limits of your training. If you have no plans of joining the Ironman, then skip the idea of running, swimming, and biking 6 days a week. You will only strain yourself and would eventually lead you to losing interest. If you were only making your entry to the 3 disciplines, then it would not be healthy if you start strong. Move gradually until you reach your goal.

Another reason why you should not start strong if you are only a beginner is the risk of injury. You simply cannot do couch-to-5k in one day. If in case you have been training for some time and would like to enter triathlon, you can start from where you are at present. Improve your skill from there but remember, you have to have a goal to follow and achieve.

Whether you are a beginner or have been training for triathlon for some time, one thing remains the same: you must have a goal to follow. And this would give you the idea what type of triathlon training program you should choose. For a plan to become feasible, it must be definitely defined and the time table must be properly set, that way, the trainee will be able to adjust well on the transitions of each training modes.

The Training
The onset of the training for a triathlon must be set months or even a year before the actual race. It would be good to lay the foundations early than spread them late. If you are serious with making triathlon competitions your lifestyle, then you must atleast be properly acquainted to the fundamentals years before your decision to join.

Why does it have to take that long you ask. Triathlon is simply a game of endurance made from three endurance sports, which create thrice the effects. If you fail to train on due time for one field then the domino effect of late training is likely to occur.

Training does not only include the development of the physical muscles but also the mental prowess that will determine your mind set during the game. Attitude can still create the difference, especially once the muscles start to give way on the final leg. It will be attitude that will flicker the encouragement to keep on running.

The Race
Most athletes don't get enough sleep the night before the race. This must not be the case since lack of sleep might spoil your investments on training months (and even years!) before the scheduled date.

All things must be prepared days before the race. The worse things that you might do is to forget to do an essential thing just before the race and find out that it's too late to start again. Your gears must be in good order, your suits, your equipments and most especially yourself.

An hour before the competition, competitors will be given time to arrange their stuffs. Be sure to put these in strategic positions. Afterwhich, try to gather yourself and release tension, from the crowd and from yourself. A good joke will do or start day dreaming. But never loose sight of your goal, work towards your visualization.

During the race, it would be best if you will focus on the activity itself but don't be too rigid. Try to relax even while you swim. That way, pressure will be lessened.

After the Triathlon
Normally, because of overwork or overstrain during the competition, athletes experience muscle injuries. After the race would be the best time to relax and enjoy the experiences.