How to Train for a Kids' Triathlon

Kid's triathlons are becoming more popular across the United States with age groups ranging from 6 to 16 years old. Kids' events are shorter than adult competitions and adjusted for specific age classes. Training doesn't have to take up your whole day but is very important for anyone wanting to compete in this race.

Things You'll Need

  • Swim suit
  • Swimming cap
  • Swimming goggles
  • Bicycle
  • Bicycle helmet
  • Running shoes
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Instructions

    • 1

      Train in each event throughout the weeks leading up to the race. A good plan would be to swim 2 days, bike 2 days and run 2 days of the week, taking 1 day off to allow your body to rest. This resting day can be any day of the week. Start at a comfortable level for each event and slowly add more distance and speed as you get stronger. Don't train too hard and risk injury. If you gradually increase your workout your body will have time to adjust to it. It's best to allow at least 6 weeks to train before a race.

    • 2

      Practice the transitions. These are going from swimming to biking and from biking to running. At the end of your swimming workout practice getting out of the water quickly and getting on your bike, riding a short distance while you're sill wet. On days when biking is your workout, finish up by quickly dismounting your bike and starting a short run to help your legs adjust to the different motion.

    • 3

      Join a club or training program if one is available. Some groups will offer a training program before their race so you can train with other athletes and under the supervision of professionals. This will also help you get used to doing each event with a group of people, similar to the actual race situation.

    • 4

      Get comfortable with your surroundings. Some races will allow athletes to walk through the course and transition areas before the event to learn where things are. This will let you know where to find your bike when you finish the swimming portion of the race and where you can park it when you go on to the running portion. This could save you valuable time on race day.