Triathlon beginner

Betsysquared

Hi all,

I am interested in doing my first triathlon next year, thinking of entering the TriAthlone, I am a total newbie so was just wondering if anyone could tell me of a good book to get on training for triathlons or any little tips to get started.

I am doing the c25K (well will be back to it once my knees have settled) and I am an ok swimmer and think I should be okay with the cycle.

So I am just wondering where to start!

Thank you

ir666

join a club.

shg101

Betsysquared wrote: »

Hi all,

I am interested in doing my first triathlon next year, thinking of entering the TriAthlone, I am a total newbie so was just wondering if anyone could tell me of a good book to get on training for triathlons or any little tips to get started.

I am doing the c25K (well will be back to it once my knees have settled) and I am an ok swimmer and think I should be okay with the cycle.

So I am just wondering where to start!

Thank you

"Your First Triathlon", by Joe Friel.

Friel is also the author of "The Triathlete's Training Bible", the biggest selling Triatnlon book, but I'd suggest you get the former.

If you're doing C25K then you already appreciate the value of a training plan, and you might want something more formal than Joe's book. There are several free or cheap on-line training plans.

Try the plans at www.beginnertriathlete.com. There are several 'Couch to...' programs there, amongst others.

You are already an OK swimmer, so that's the major impediment out of the way.

This is the out-season, and most coaches recommend building your aerobic base at this time. Plenty of time running and biking longer distances than you will be racing in your Sprint triathlon. Start working on speed in the new year.

Buy a road bike if you don't have one.

shotgunmcos

Hi Guys, betsysquared et al..

Here is a good thread I kicked off in '09 which probably contains as much info as many of the beginner books you will read, (AKA Triathlon 101 is a good basic quick read)

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055493398

Perhaps a mod could create a First Time Triathlete 2011 Thread or can the the title of this thread to it as a dedicated scource of rookie info?

I've learned so much in the last 2 years since I started this sport that I couldn't dispense it all. However a few golden nuggets I've collected

- Bike cadence. Mashing your pedals on a heavy gear makes your legs tired for the run. Spin your legs!
- Swim form. Get this sorted early in the winter. Distance per stroke. If this was the one thing you focused on (with drills, lessons etc...) for your first winter in the pool you will emerge a better swimmer in Feb.
- Plan your event. Make a list of things you will need and check them off.
- The fewer tasks you have to do in transition, the faster your transition will be!
- Of all the equipment you will need, a good helmet, foot pump and HRM are the best bang for buck. Helmet for obvious reasons. The foot pump because you can check the pressure of your tyres easily and quickly before spins and races. Harder tyres don't puncture as easily and they go faster! The HRM is something you will end up getting anyway but its the best piece of kit you can have to 'train smart'.
- Bring a plastic bag with you for OW swims, makes putting a wetsuit on a lot easier!
- If you are feeling under the weather, take the day off.

For a sprint aim to be able to do 1k swimming, 8k running or an hour cycle (not all together of course!) That will give you a good starting point. Build the distance up gradually.

Train happy and best of luck

Betsysquared

Thanks so much for the replies!

Its off to the pool for me so!!