subject: Triathlon Training Programs - Do's and Don'ts! [print this page] Triathlon Training Programs - Do's and Don'ts!
Triathlon training is difficult to structure because you are essentially training for three sports at the same time. While there are nuances to triathlon, and ways that you have to train so you can fit all three disciplines together when you race, the sport is largely three activities rolled into one.
When beginners start to train, they tend to think of each discipline separately and that can be a mistake. With this article, I want to highlight several things you should plan in your triathlon training program and several things to avoid.
First, since you'll be racing all three legs in order (duh!), then you should schedule a few brick workouts in your training the month before your first race. A brick workout typically consists of a run immediately after a bike ride. This workout will teach your body what it feels like to run after cycling and how to handle that fatigue.
Next, don't neglect your weakness. Many triathletes have one discipline that they are not good at (for me, it's swimming) and they ignore it. Work extra hard at the discipline in which you have the least talent.
Finally, one thing that new triathletes don't consider is the role of strength exercises in their triathlon training program. Strength work consists of core exercises, gym routines in the gym using weights, and home gym exercises that typically only use your own body weight. Doing these workouts is important because it will keep you healthy and they actually help you recover from the long hours of aerobic exercise that you put in every week. You'll see improvement quickly!
