| As a beginner to triathlon, you probably have a lot of | | | | beginner triathlon bike leg transition is especially good |
| questions. The best advice I have for a beginner's | | | | to practice by doing a few "brick" workouts - where |
| first triathlon is to take it easy and to have a good | | | | you complete a bike workout and then go for a run |
| time - it's not brain surgery and should be fun. | | | | before you cool down. But take it easy. Just make |
| Here are seven tips for the triathlon beginner: | | | | sure you have all your triathlon gear ready and that |
| 1. For beginners, triathlon training should be targeted | | | | you know how you plan to get it on and off in the |
| to a shorter distance race - almost always a sprint | | | | transition area. That is plenty of preparation for your |
| triathlon. Sometimes you can even find a beginner | | | | first triathlon. |
| triathlon advertised in your area. Today races fill up | | | | 6. Listen to pre-race instructions carefully and ask |
| pretty quick, so pick a race and sign up now (this will | | | | questions if you have them. Everyone was a triathlon |
| also give you a goal race to keep you committed). | | | | beginner once, so don't be embarrassed to ask |
| 2. Come up with a triathlon training plan. There are | | | | questions. It seems like almost every triathlon has |
| some great beginner triathlon training plans available | | | | some slightly different setup, so even professionals |
| on the web. | | | | have to ask questions about things like where to |
| 3. Triathlon beginners usually need to work on their | | | | rack a bike, how to get from the swim area to the |
| swimming. So the next step is to find a pool where | | | | bikes, where the bike dismount area is and other |
| you can train. If you can find one with a swim coach | | | | details. If you have questions, ask. |
| or masters swimming program that is ideal. | | | | 7. Relax and enjoy your first triathlon. Don't forget to |
| Otherwise, try to get a more experienced triathlete | | | | have fun during the intensity of the race. Take pride |
| or certified triathlon coach to help. You'll find several | | | | in the fact that you reached your goal. If you have |
| additional swimming tips here on my site. | | | | any challenges (the most common are mechanical |
| 4. Beginner triathlon training mileage should be | | | | problems on the bike) just remember that this is |
| reasonable. You will be tempted to over train at the | | | | your first race. Remind yourself that you are just |
| beginning, especially if you are already a strong | | | | "learning the ropes" - don't add performance pressure |
| athlete. Try to resist the temptation. Triathlon | | | | until you have first proven to yourself that you can |
| beginners should work on their weakest event the | | | | do it. |
| most, and just make sure they can finish the other | | | | If you follow these seven tips you'll have a great |
| events. You can build speed after you finish your first | | | | first triathlon - and be on your way to going from a |
| race. | | | | "beginner triathlete" to a "competitive" one. |
| 5. Practice your transitions, but don't go overboard. A | | | | |