Beginner Triathlon Training Programs

Training for your first triathlon can be daunting. Not only are there all those pounds to lose and three separate sports to master, but also there are questions about the sport that a beginner needs answered so that she can feel both physically and mentally prepared on the day she plunges into a lake on race day. Fortunately, the beginning triathlete can find multiple sources of help.

  1. Online Training Programs

    • A number of sites provide online training programs for beginning triathletes that vary based on the time required, the triathlete's experience in other endurance events and the distance of the race for which the athlete is training.

      Beginnertriathlete.com has a number of programs, slowtwitch.com features a training schedule that has been tested over more than 20 years, and trinewbies.com has a number of plans that have launched thousands of new triathletes' careers.

    Books

    • Consult your library or bookstore for some excellent paper on ink books for the beginning triathlete. Eric Harr's "Triathlon Training in Four Hours a Week: From Beginner to Finish Line in Just Six Weeks," provides a clear, illustrated introduction to the sport.

      "Your First Triathlon" by Joe Friel brings to beginners the knowledge of one of the sport's leading experts.

      For those beginning triathletes most worried about the swim leg of the event, "Total Immersion: The Revolutionary Way To Swim Better, Faster, and Easier" by Terry Laughlin and John Delves, describes methods for increasing speed and saving energy in the water.

    Club Programs

    • Joining a club improves a beginning triathlete's chances of success. Most triathlon clubs have training programs or groups for beginners, but attending any club workouts gives the beginner exposure to the knowledge of experienced athletes.

      According to BeginnerTriathlete.com "Club or group workouts are very motivating and soon you’ll start feeling like a triathlete, making you less likely to flake out."

      Clubs normally charge a nominal fee for membership and might ask you to volunteer your time to organizing and running club-sponsored events.

    Personal Trainers and Coaches

    • For the beginning triathlete who prefers a more personal approach, a trainer might be just the ticket. Trainers can provide motivation, and their experience with other beginners like you might help them to adjust your plan to maximize your chances of success.

      Trainers cost, though rates vary widely. Online trainers tend to be less expensive than in-person trainers. If you belong to a health club, ask about personal trainers who specialize in training triathletes. They may be able to provide you with a discount.