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

It is the inevitable question that almost every beginner to the triathlon world has to ask his or herself. Should I be worried about my triathlon times? The answer, unfortunately, is yes and no. Obviously, this needs an explanation.

The first factor to consider is how much conditioning you have as an athlete in general. A seasoned athlete in one leg of the race may consider their triathlon times to be of importance since they would like to rank in among the professionals. On the other hand, most of us that are doing our first triathlon are only concerned about finishing. We decided to get off the couch one day, put on shoes and go for our first run. Being concerned about your triathlon times should be the furthest thing from your mind. Instead, focus on improving your skills and endurance. Your times will improve automatically.

Second, a triathlete needs to consider how much time they have to dedicate to the sport. Working full time, taking care of a family and fulfilling other obligations will always be time consuming and fitting in a rigorous triathlon training program can be quite difficult. Make sure and allot enough time to make your training beneficial but don’t let it outweight your other family obligations.

Remember this: You aren’t going to get first no matter how hard you train and hopefully you won’t get last. Just finishing is quite an accomplishment for most people so don’t be too hard on yourself if it takes you four hours to finish an olympic length triathlon. Keep your focus on improving your skills and endurance and you will be amazed how much it will cut down your triathlon times.

Technorati Tags: triathlon times, triathlon training program

There is a lot of people that want to do some team triathlon training instead of just going about it on their own. Understandably, it makes it a lot easier to have the support of others for triathlon training then going about it on your own. What about the option of joining TEAM in Training? TEAM in Training is one of the best options for a person that needs a little extra support. TEAM supports The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by raising money for cancer and other blood disorder research.

What does it take to join TEAM in Training? Every member agrees to do fundraising for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and in return, gets active support and training for anything from a triathlon, marathon or century rides. A person can find a local chapter of the TEAM in Training group to be a part of and get the support and training needed.

It makes it a little easier to put on the running shoes or strap on the bike helmet if you know that you are making a difference in another person’s life. It is also a lot easier knowing you have others along the way that are going to support you. Check out TEAM in Training for your health, the friendships and a great cause.

Technorati Tags: team training, triathlon team

It would never be argued that a football player needs a helmet but so many people hesitate on buying triathlon apparel, often considering it unnecessary to their success. Is this the case? While it is true that most triathletes don’t need a $5,000 bicycle or $300 running shoes, triathlon apparel does have its appropriate place. For instance, a good pair of running shoes is an absolute necessity. Throwing on any pair of sneakers is a recipe for disaster. Both for your feet and your training. The average triathlete should be able to buy a pair around $80-$120 that will be good enough. It is always a good idea to go into a running store and have them help you find a specific shoe for you. A good fit will keep your foot from getting as fatigued and will help to prevent injuries. The most debated subject is often on the expense of a wetsuit. A triathlon wetsuit can run several hundred dollars. A person will want to make sure they aren’t buying one to compete in only a single race. Instead, find a local shop that has rentals if you only plan on competing once. One piece of triathlon apparel that is often a good buy is a one piece triathlon specific suit. It is designed to be worn from start to finish. This means no changing clothes during the swim to bike transition and it can be worn right under a wetsuit. It also has the necessary built in pockets to hold things like gels and bars. Don’t go overboard, buying the most expensive equipment and apparel that is available. Work up a budget that you can afford to spend and then decide whether it is better to spend a little more on one item over another. This will also keep your spouse (if you are married) from getting after you for all the money you are spending!

Technorati Tags: triathlon apparel, triathlon store

It is the major downfall of almost every sport that a person enjoys. It is the inevitable offseason that happens every year. Sticking to a triathlon schedule when there are very few races around the area can be fairly aggravating. The last thing you want to do is become a couch potato for the winter and lose all the ground that you gained during the year. Instead of this option, making a triathlon schedule that includes some offseason events will keep you prepared for the spring. Stay focused on keeping up a level of activity, even if it is not specific to your normal triathlon training program.

What can this include? Many triathletes take up skiing or snowboarding during the winter because this keeps the core muscles of the body in shape throughout the season. It will not be exactly the same as pounding the pavement or swimming laps in a pool but a little rest from a rigorous training routine can also keep a person from burning out on the sport. You can still keep up going to the gym for cycling, swimming or running and may even be able to take these outside when there isn’t any snow on the ground.

Many triathletes schedule winter vacations to warmer climates that may have triathlons that go on year round. There are plenty of hotter spots that feature Christmas Day triathlons and more during the holidays. Don’t forget that you don’t have to stick to triathlons either. Compete in some smaller runs or rides that keep up your fitness, enthusiasm and drive for next season. If possible, find a training partner that doesn’t mind slipping on a stocking cap and gloves for that wintery run!

Technorati Tags: triathlon schedule

Once a person enters the world of triathlons, it is easy to see how much time can be consumed by the sport. There are events all over the world, practically year round. This doesn’t even include the fact that Xterra triathlon series are popping up all over the place. There is no real right or wrong answer for a person that is considering whether to start Xterra triathlon training or not. The question lies in how much time a person is willing to devote to the training and if they are going to try and do both. There are a few questions that a person needs to ask themselves?

• Do I already have a triathlon training background or am I starting from scratch?
• How much time am I willing to invest in learning how to mountain bike and trail run?
• Can I afford the expense of a new bike, different shoes and more?

This is in no way meant to scare a person off from the Xterra triathlon events that are becoming so popular. They can be very rewarding for the person that takes the time and energy to get involved with them. In fact, one of the writers for our columns began his triathlon career with an Xterra event. There is definitely a different discipline in learning how to hurl your body down a mountain on all different types of riding surfaces and sometimes incredibly adverse conditions. Although, talk with any Xterra triathlete and they will tell you there is nothing more exhilarating than bombing down a single track at full speed with the trees and the brush flying past your sides. If this sounds like your type of thing, Xterra may be the place for you.

Technorati Tags: xterra triathlon

It has long been debated how much focus should be given to all 3 triathlon sports. The reason is because training for triathlon events is so time consuming. Many people focus on being really proficient at one main leg of the race, usually whatever sport they already had a background in before starting triathlon training. This can be very detrimental to an overall good performance in a triathlon. Instead, giving more time to legs of the race that a person is not proficient at will yield the best results. Think about it in this manner: How much improvement does a world class athlete make by practicing every single day of the week? Usually a fraction of seconds off their time. This is because they have done the majority of the training upfront. It is better to spend time making major improvements in all three legs before honing specific skills. Most new triathletes will see major time improvements by mastering basic techniques in all three triathlon sports before developing specific skills. Remember, the majority of time you will save in a race is getting relatively proficient in each leg of the race, not just mastering one.

Technorati Tags: triathlon sports

Picking out a triathlon wetsuit, or even deciding if you need a triathlon wetsuit can be a big decision. It isn’t a pair of running shoes that might cost around $80 but can be upwards of $300-$600 for a triathlon specific wetsuit. There are a couple important considerations that a person should weigh when they are thinking about a wetsuit. 1st – Everyone should really wear a wetsuit when race regulations allow it. A wetsuit that fits properly will help you move through the water faster and with less effort. This allows you to improve your time and have more energy for the rest of the race. If you only plan on racing in one triathlon, maybe it is not a consideration. 2nd – The right fit is more important than the price tag. A triathlon wetsuit that does not fit well will actually hinder your race ability. Make sure the neck is snug and won’t allow in water. The same goes for the wrists. Make sure the torso area also fits well and isn’t too loose. 3rd – The price tag does make a difference. The question is if it really matters for you. If you are planning on being an elite athlete at the top of the podium, the more expensive suit will probably help you have an edge. If you are a middle of the race type athlete, spending a few extra hundred dollars will not likely make a significant difference in your standings. Consider your skill level and how many times you will use the suit before buying one. And of course, make sure to try it on first!

Technorati Tags: triathlon wetsuit

• World Naked Sprint-like-crazy-athon – I’ve just got back in from my run – it was a tough one. I’d meant to go out for a run with Shakti this morning but certain events, like the title of this blog post and then a rather large steak conspired to thwart me. …

Technorati Tags: womens triathlon