But I like the idea of short indoor triathlons during the winter to let complete beginners have a taste of the competition or even to spice up off-season condition for experienced triathletes.

I saw this article about the Grand Haven Community Aquatics Center in Grand Haven, Michigan holding its first indoor triathlon: 15 minutes of swimming in the competition pool, 15 minutes of stationary bicycling in the auxiliary gym and 15 minutes running on the indoor track to take place Feb. 15, 2009. I would like one a little longer for me, but I think this is a fantastic idea and am going to suggest it at my local Y.

Technorati Tags: indoor triathlon, triathlon schedule, triathlon training

Looking to trim your budget? Nix the gym.

After the birth of his daughter, Trevor Carter started looking for ways to save money and spend more time at home. One of the first things he did was quit his gym in Abingdon, Va. The move saved him… [read the entire article].

Technorati Tags: finances, training on a budget, triathlon, triathlon schedule, triathlon training, triathlon training schedule

Here’s a quick list of sites for beginners/returners to the sport looking to start a training regime.

• beginnertriathlete.com  - several basic plans for free
• active.com - some training plans and lots of helpful articles

Another great resource, besides the Triathlon Workout Planner is the The Triathlete’s Training Bible, a very comprehensive guide.

In print you can read Triathlete Magazine and Runner’s World for helpful for training tips and nutrition plans.

Technorati Tags: triathlon training, triathlon training schedule

1. This daft dog likes to go for squirrels and such. We need to work on better leash training I know, but is impossible to do while running. His pulling is certainly a little bit of an extra I get for arm and shoulder while running.

2. I find running drills like Fartleks easier, in fact, manditory. To get across streets and past the houses with dogs to avoid barking, we run a double speed.

3. In general the dog wants to run faster than me. Other people I talk to have the same issue. While I am the alpha dog and he will run at my pace, I do find myself running faster when I am with him. Over the last few months and in my last tri, I actually have picked up my distance pace (which I loathe to say here, because it is still a bit slow-but improving!)

The upshot, get your dog to expend energy and bring him or her with you while you run.

Technorati Tags: beginning triathlete, beginning triathlon, triathlon schedule, triathlon training, triathlon training schedule

A triathlon schedule does not, repeat does not, have to take over your life. As a beginner, if you can fit in as little as 5 hours of training a week, you can be ready for your first sprint triathlon in months. Of course it does depend on where you are when you start. But you can get there from here. Your starting point dictates what type of training schedule you should follow.

Active Athlete

If you come from a background of lots of running, cycling or swimming, triathlon training may have interested you as a way to add variety to your workout or to minimize strain on the same body parts.  You probably have an established base in at least one sport. Even with your experience, it is best to train first for a sprint length triathlon (.5K[.5mi] swim / 20K[12mi] bike / 5K[3mi] run) so you can build a good base in the other disciplines. In fact, if you have experience in marathons or long distances, you will have to cut back your workouts in that sport so you can fit in the other two sports.  Most training plans involve workouts in each sport 2-3 times per week.

Occaisional Athlete

If you are active in a sport at least a couple times a week (jogging, basketball, tennis, etc.), you want to pick a triathlon training schedule that is not too slow but not ambitious, something that builds a solid base in these 3 sports. With focused training, you can use a 16 or 20 week program to get ready for your first tri. If you can train 5 to 8 times a week, you can fit triathlon training into your schedule. Balance your training across all 3 areas, or if you a little weak in one of the sports, choose a triathlon training schedule that is focused to spend more time in that area.

Couch Potato

Maybe you’re ready to get off the couch and want to lose weight or just become more active for a positive change in your life. And, as much as you are intrigued by the idea of participating in a triathlon, you may be a little intimidated by the idea. Don’t let the idea, or the jargon, scare you off. Everybody starts somewhere. Many people start triathlon training, and finish their first triathlon, at a weight that is not ideal, i.e., overweight (I was one!)

Rest and patience is very important to your triathlon schedule. The time that you allow for your body to recover lets your body build to new levels and intensity later. And it does not have to take forever. Given the OK from your doctor, you can prepare for your first tri in anywhere from 6 to 12 months.

There are a few sites that offer training schedules, free and for cost, for whatever the type of training program you need. Your first triathlon schedule does not have to be perfect–you just have to start.

Technorati Tags: beginning triathlon, triathlon schedule, triathlon training, triathlon training schedule