Preparing For A Triathlon

Every triathlete, novice or not, needs to start planning for a triathlon sometime in advance of their next triathlon event. Whether it’s your first competition or you’re preparing for your tenth, it is important to set your mind on what to accomplish and exactly when you’ll do it. Here are some things to help you get started.

Setting Up A Plan

If you plan to compete in more than one triathlon, then it is also wise to divide your training into manageable segments. Beginners should start with easier races to get up to speed. For instance, even an experienced marathoner may start a triathlon with a marathon time trial as part of their training. These types of timed events will allow you to become familiar with the intricacies of the sport without putting too much pressure on yourself. Doing this will also allow you to better enjoy the experience of the triathlon itself.

After you have sufficiently begun to ramp up for your first triathlon, you can then take it to the next level. Competitive triathletes will find that the best way to go about improving their triathlon performance is to race against better triathletes. This means finding more experienced athletes to race against and challenging them mentally. You can try to challenge them in sprints, long distance events, and even the biking portion of a triathlon. This will enable you to develop your own racing strategy and better prepare yourself for your upcoming race.

How Budget Can Be Allocated

While competitive triathletes will be using the greater part of their training budget on training, the beginner will need to use some of his or her funds on getting into better shape. One of the things that triathletes typically do in preparation for a triathlon is to improve their fitness levels. By doing so, they will be able to swim, bike, and do other physical activities that will be beneficial during the triathlon.

A good way to do this is to join a triathlon club where you will have access to coaches and other members who are already in good shape. If you don’t know where to start looking, you may want to speak with your local sports team, as they are likely to be able to recommend some qualified members who are already in good shape. Alternatively, you can look online at websites dedicated to fitness and find local gyms or fitness centres that are available in your area.

After you have done some groundwork in the gyms or local sports clubs, it is time to get a triathlon wetsuit and wade shoes. Wearing these things when you are training is going to enable you to train and race in the proper fashion. There are two basic classifications when it comes to wetsuits and shoes: Speedos and Aquaero wetsuits. In terms of price, Speedos are probably going to be more expensive than the Aquaero category. However, a Speedo is much more flexible and offers various options that might appeal to the serious triathlete.

Getting The Right Equipment/ Sportswear

As far as wetsuits go, a neoprene suit which has a buoyancy device attached is considered the best type of wetsuit. They are available in a wide range of colors and patterns, so you should easily be able to find something to suit your personal preferences. As for shoes, there are basically two types that you should be aware of. Flat foot triathletes will need to buy some sort of support for their feet, and will need to check with their local sports store whether they can get any special advice regarding support. Finally, for those taking part in the Olympic distance triathlons, you will need to check with the triathlon organizing body to determine which shoes they will be using.