Triathlon Schedule

Starting a Triathlon Schedule for Beginners

Some people look at a triathlon as a totally cool thing to try. Some think, hey I like biking and swimming and running is OK–I could do this.  And still others think triathlon training would be an effective and fun way to shed weight. There are many reason one may want to try a tri (sorry, couldn’t resist), but whatever it is, don’t just think about it any longer–Go For It! The first triathlon you compete in is an awesome accomplishment–you won’t stop talking about it. Where do you begin? One very good way is to start by creating a triathlon schedule for training and commit to it.

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.

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