loyrun

OK, I'm new to this whole tri thing...I just bought a trek 1000 for a change.

I really have no clue how to train for this... I have a pretty good background in running, I have a 5 mile pr around 27:30 and am pretty sure in a straight 13.1... I could go around 1:20...I'm used to runnign about 60 mpw no slower than 7:00 pace

the other problem is I am not a very good swimmer, so I want to work on that alot this winter since I wont be able to get outside alot(I live in northern ohio)

I'm planning on doing a sprint distance or 2 next spring/early summer then the half in micigan on aug 6th

anyone have any suggestions for how to train for this? I would really like to become competitive...Thanks for any help in advance

cjbruin

https://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cm...p?articleid=52

jennings780

Swimming: www.totalimmersion.net buy the book "triathlon swimming made easy" and the DVD "freestyle made easy". If you can find a TI coach near where you live it will be worth the $$ to invest in a few lessons. The book and the DVD will have you start out doing simple drills (floating on your back) and adding things until you are swimming with pretty good form.

Biking: It is important to get long rides in on the weekend. During the week you can get by with riding an hour or hour and a half per ride a few days a week - but to build up to 56 miles at a decent pace you need to have long weekend rides. Start with 15 or 20 miles and then work up to 60 or 70. To ride for that long its much better to have a few riding partners or ride in a group. Your local bike shops should have information on group rides. Use your weekday rides to do drills (after you build up an aerobic base). Chris Carmichael's book is good. You should do some low cadence rides to build muscle, some high intensity intervals, hill intervals and some sprints (not all in the same workout). These types of workouts will really add to your speed.

It is very helpful to keep a workout log noting your course, distance, time and type of workout. Every few weeks I swim a 1500 and note my time. Every few weeks I ride the same 6 mile bike loop at about 140bpm. Every few weeks I run the same 5 mile loop and note the time. It is encouraging to see performance increase with respect to these benchmark workouts.

RugbyToTri

This is only my second season training for triathlons (I did a half iron at the end of the first season so that is similar to what you are planning). All the advice above is excellent. The only thing I would add is be consistent in all 3 disciplines. You don't have to spend equal amounts of time but don't let any one aspect go. Otherwise, gains you make in one area will correspond to loses in another. What I love most about the sport is that you never get bored. Once you develop habits of swimming, biking and running every week, you will enjoy each one and can get the most out of trying new workouts. None of the distances in a half iron are difficult by themselves but putting them all together is the challenge and the reward.

sweetharriet

trinewbies.com has quasi-beginner (?) and a good intermediate 18-wk program. i use that once it gets to that point. during the rest of the time you have other fun conditioning and form in all three sports to work on.

oh, and more gear to save up for!

StanSeven

I'll add that no leg makes as much difference with proper form and technique than swimming. I say that within reason like a mountian bike won't cut it. But someone can improve running and cycling on their own by pushing themselves with proper training. You need a coach or getting in with a masters swim team to really learn swimming. If that isn't feasable, try to get to a pool with experienced swimmers that regularly swim laps. People will volunteer information and guidance. After a while you'll pick up things on your own when you see how others glide by.