How to Motivate to Train for a Triathalon

When trying to motivate yourself for a triathlon, think about what speaks to you most. Training for a triathlon marks a huge undertaking in your life whether you are a first time participant or you compete regularly. Unlike training for other sports, triathlons require a multi-level commitment due to the integrated nature of three separate events: swimming, biking and running. Finding your motivation in all areas can be difficult, as you will inevitably be better at certain events than others. Motivation requires focus, and you cannot get discouraged if you feel you are lacking every once in awhile. A number of small things can help push you forward through the training process and straight into competition day.

Instructions

  1. Group Involvement

    • 1

      Research local groups in the area that are training together for triathlons. Accountability to others helps keep you working hard. Most groups have certain days to focus on particular portions of the race: running, cycling and swimming. If you cannot find a group dedicated to triathlons, look for a group that focuses on one aspect of the competition.

    • 2

      Join the group most fitting for you. That might mean picking a group based on the days the group works out, what is nearest your home or the fitness and experience level of the members. This can also mean picking your weakest part of the event, often swimming, in order to fully advance that portion of your training.

    • 3

      Find a partner within the group. You can work together to set goals or maintain the training outside of the meetings. Many organizations require training outside of the group events. Set goals to further the distance you can swim or lower your biking time in order to push yourself. Many training programs suggest you run farther, swim farther and bike farther than you will in the event in order to reach your maximum speed during the shorter distance.

    • 4

      Organize a phone tree. This gives you people to reach out to when you are feeling less than motivated. Use these numbers to challenge yourself to keep up with your training.

    Rewards

    • 5

      Determine some things you personally want. Whether these are material things or trips or time with others, make a list of things you desire. From this list, pick your "rewards" for meeting goals during your training period, such as a new television. Your end reward should be the largest prize; something like a vacation.

    • 6

      Set goals to reach over a specific period of time. Pick distance or time improvements or health goals. Each of the goals should be attainable and reasonable for your current physical fitness. Often these goals include losing weight or improving cardiac endurance. Set small benchmarks along the way to your end goal by the time of the event.

    • 7

      Determine a reward schedule for meeting these goals. This gives you a reason to push forward through your training. Stick with the process in order to ensure success. Be sure to make some goals for each of the different portions of the event. Whether it is to lower the time on your half-mile swim or to be able to run farther than you have in the past, these help your end performance.

    Sign up For a Triathlon

    • 8

      Sign up for a triathlon so you have money on the line for your training. This will help serve as a motivator to keep propelling forward. This also sets time limits for your training schedule.

    • 9

      Post progress to a blog or website or even through email with friends. This helps to encourage and sustain your mental resolve. Divide the blog into sections based on the three parts of the event. This way you can easily track your successes in cycling, running and swimming individually.

    • 10

      Record your end results of the triathlon. This will let you know how close you came to your ultimate goals and help you set goals for the next event. If you surpassed your goal in the running section but fell short in swimming, use the information to shape your training for the next triathlon.