A triathlon is a combination of physical activities designed to make the most of three challenging exercises. Running, swimming, and riding target all areas of fitness and the best of athletes need to be physically and mentally prepared to succeed. Participating in a triathlon does require some serious skill and athleticism, however, regular training will prepare you. A great way to start is by joining a triathlon club Melbourne has seen the popularity and success of these already!
When making a training plan it can be easy to get confused. There are a number of different methods and opinions that come into play. There’s no one size fits all so it’s important to find something that works for you. However, by following these tips and tricks you’ll be able to get the most out of your training period and smash your next triathlon.
Set a Plan
In order to perform well in the triathlon, it is absolutely necessary to set a training schedule for yourself. We recommend a plan of almost 12 weeks prior to your triathlon. Specify time slots for different activities like swimming, cycling, and running. You should also fix a time slot for a back-to-the-back bike and run session. You might also need to include sessions for open-water swimming activities at least two times a week. As you continue to increase your distances gradually but no more than 10% a week. Rest days in the week are also crucial in order to recover and get the most out of your training while avoiding injury.
Include Transitions
While it’s important to train for each activity of a triathlon individually, it’s also very important to include workouts where you’re practicing the transition between each leg of your triathlon. If you practice your swimming one week and running the next, with no overlap, you won’t be prepared to efficiently make the transition between the two when the real thing comes. The best triathletes know that a good transition will save you valuable time and energy. Practice swapping between cycling and running, running and swimming, and so on. This way nothing will catch you off guard on the day.
Fill the Tank
Just like you would fill your car before a big road trip, you need to ensure you fill the tanks with the right fuel to ensure you can go the distance without burning out or breaking down. Go for foods that will give you sustained energy instead of short fast-burning energy. You can even carry supplements with you along the way for a little boost when you start to slow down. Ensure you get enough rest in the lead-up and the meal you eat the night before is crucial to your performance.
