How to Train for Your First Mini-Triathlon

So you have decided to do a triathlon? A mini or short course triathlon is a great one to start with. It will ease you into the whole triathlon experience and will help build your confidence. I’ll give you some tips to help you train and make your first triathlon a great one!

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• running shoes
• bike
• ability to swim
• determination

1. A triathlon consists of swimming, biking and running. Begin your training as soon as possible so you are as prepared as you can be. You don’t want to jump into your training too fast so give yourself a week or two to ease into it and get used to it.

2. You will need to build your endurance to be able to compete in all three events. Start with some easy swimming, biking, running. Increase the intensity of your training each week. You want to gradually build up to the distances you will be doing in the triathlon.

3. Swimming is often the hardest element to train for if you don’t have access to a pool or lake. I took lessons through our local park and rec and would highly recommend it for anyone who wants to improve their swimming skills. Learning the correct technique for the strokes will really benefit you.

4. Once you are a few weeks into your training start putting two events together to train. Do swimming and biking or biking and running or running and swimming. This will help build your endurance.

5. For your first triathlon don’t worry about having a racing bike or wet suit (unless it’s super cold or you are required to wear one). If you decide to continue doing triathlons then you can invest in the latest gear. You will need a swim cap, goggles and bike helmet. Some things that you may want to get but that aren’t necessary are a watch to keep track of your splits and overall time and a bike computer that tells you how far and how fast you are going. A watch will also come in handy during your training to keep track of your times so you can see you progress.

6. Eat a good meal the night before the triathlon and get a good night’s sleep. Eat a light breakfast. Arrive early so you can get any last minute course info. You’ll need to put your bike in the transition area and get marked with your number. Warm up and head to the water.

7. Adrenaline and nerves will be high but try not to get so caught up in the excitement that you take off too fast and get tired out right away. Pace yourself and go at a rate that is comfortable for you.

8. Cross the finish line and congratulate yourself on becoming a triathlete.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you are physically able to begin training for a triathlon.