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8 Week Plan For Beginners...

Thursday, 09 March 2017 23:10

You can do a triathlon! Follow this road map to cross your first triathlon finish line in just eight weeks.

By Lance Watson (triathlete.com)

If you’re brand new to triathlon, trying to figure out training for swimming, cycling and running in an organized progression can be a little daunting. Sprint triathlons—which vary but are typically around a 750-yard swim, 12-mile bike and 3-mile run—are a great entry point to the sport and achievable for anyone committed to following this eight-week plan for building endur- ance. This program will help remove some of the training mystery for the triathlon rookie!  ...

Before You Begin

Before starting this plan, you should be in good health and injury free. You must be able to swim 100 yards non-stop with- out excessive stress (preferably freestyle). Your general fitness should allow for 20 minutes of non-stop cycling and 10 minutes of continuous running. This plan provides you with a gentle, targeted progression to get you to the start line confident you can cover the distance.

The program follows a routine of five training days per week, with one session per training day. Initially there are two swims per week, and alternating one run and two bike workouts one week, followed by two runs and one bike the next week. Eventually you progress to two swims, two bike rides and two runs per week, with one of those runs directly after your bike ride. Note the indicated terrain. Attempt to do the listed sessions on the scheduled days to maximize effectiveness of the plan and minimize risk of injury.  READ MORE