There are quite a few folks out there that don’t exactly feel challenged enough by a sprint or olympic distance triathlon. Making the leap to a half ironman triathlon or even a full ironman triathlon can be a little overwhelming. You are making the leap anywhere from a 1/2 mile swim, 13 mile bike ride and 3.2 mile run up to a swim of 1.2 miles, a 56 mile bike ride and a 13.1 mile run. The amount of training that a person needs to go through to be able to compete at this level is substantial. Consider these factors:

• How long have I been competing in triathlon events?
• What length events have I already finished?
• Did I come across the finish line exhausted and in last place or ready for more?
• How much time do I devote to training each week?
• How much more time am I capable of and willing to train each week?
• Are other parts of my life already being neglected?

None of this is to scare you off from training for or participating in a half ironman triathlon. It is just a reality check that there is a decent size committment that a person has to make when undertaking such a training plan. If you feel like you gave enough of the right answers to the questions above then it very well may be time for you to start this type of training plan. If you are hesitant with any of the above questions, still keep your goal but put it a little further down the road. Keep up your current level of training and grow your athletic base. It will only improve your skill level and endurance. And both of those are definitely necessary to finish a half ironman triathlon!

Technorati Tags: half ironman triathlon

This is probably the number one question we get asked from people that are new to the world of triathlons. There are plenty of beginner triathlon training programs available but many individuals don’t feel like they will be ready on race day without doing more. Here are a couple of questions to ponder:

• Where is my current fitness level?
• How much time do I have to train for my first triathlon?
• How much time do I have to spend training?

A person that is literally getting off the couch to participate in their first triathlon would be advised to have a physical evaluation from their doctor. Any new exercise routine will put stress on the body and the last thing you want is any complications. A true beginner triathlon training program will be a lot more about building a fitness base than about specific training.

Second, the amount of training you will need to finish your first triathlon depends on how soon it is and how long of an event. A healthy, but non active person will need about twelve weeks of training just to finish a sprint triathlon. Less fitness means more general fitness training and a beginner program may be appropriate.

Lastly, a person that only has a few hours a week to train will want to spend the most of it generating a solid level of fitness. This can be easily accomplished with a beginner triathlon training program. So the answer… Base it on your answer to the three aspects above…

Technorati Tags: beginner triathlon training