Posted on July 05, 2017 by Jenny Cromack
I’ve been doing triathlon’s for just over 2 years now, and I must say I LOVE them, dare I even say it, more than just running alone! There is something equally exciting, amazing and exhilarating about taking part in this multi-sport event. If you haven’t done one before I’d highly recommend it, even if you just do one leg of a relay triathlon….I guarantee you will soon be bitten by the bug!
Whilst I’d still count myself as a novice I thought I’d share my triathlon top 5 tips for beginners, these tips are from my own experience and not necessarily training related – just things to make the actual event go easier. If you do want any advice about triathlon training then just drop me a line.
So, here we go my top 5 triathlon tips for beginners.
1. Swimming Cap!
This may seem like a really random tip to kick off with! Like many beginners, the first triathlon I did was indoors. I swam in training but never with a swimming cap on, however when I got into the pool for my first race, I hated how wearing a swim cap magnified the sound of everything….my breathing, the noise of the crowd cheering, and to be honest, I didn’t like it and it made me feel a bit claustrophobic. So, the first tip get used to wearing what you will be racing in, including your swimming cap!
2. Outdoor Swimming
Tip 1 leads me nicely on to tip 2….outdoor swimming. If you are not used to swimming outdoors and your next triathlon is outside then you need to get used to swimming outside as it’s slightly different to being in a pool. Firstly, if you’re wearing a wet suit, it’s actually easier and you will go faster as you are more buoyant….bonus! However, some people freak out a little bit swimming outdoors for the first time, and I’ve heard many a story of people having slight panics in their first outdoor races. So, find a lake and get swimming, another tip is also to get used to swimming outdoors with other people around you. If you’re like me you will LOVE the great outdoors, so much nicer than being in a pool.
3. Brick Sessions
Brick sessions are those practice sessions where you practice swimming to bike, bike to run or even all three. They get your legs used to the change in the different activity. If you can’t do swim to bike, then do make sure you are doing at least a weekly brick session of bike to run for the last 3-4 weeks of training, these don’t have to be long sessions just a quick 10-20 minute run after your normal bike session. Believe me, from experience, you will be glad you put the effort in!
4. Training
To be honest I could write forever about training tips, but the main thing here is a. Train (obviously!) and b. focus on your weaker element. Many people who do triathlons have a weaker element (for me it’s the swim), but because they like running or cycling they focus on the things they enjoy and the thing they need to improve the most, and therefore often don’t enjoy, slips to the bottom of the pile…it’s human nature. However, I’d recommend switching this the other way, do get a balance with your training, but prioritise your weaker aspects more. If you’re in doubt about what to do then get the advice of a professional coach or trainer.
5. Cycle Training
I know it’s sometimes easier to jump on the bike in the gym, or go to a spin class, but you cannot replicate the undulations and efforts of cycling outside by doing this (same as running on the treadmill too). Nothing is as good as getting out on your bike. If you live local to the triathlon you are doing then even better is to get out there and practice the route so you are 100% ready for race day! Turbo trainers are a good alternative if you can’t get outside, but where you can get ‘on yer bike’.
Overall, enjoy it!