Triathlon entered, now what?

Triathlon Training – Where to start?

So a few weeks back I entered for my first triathlon and while I have carried on with my usual fitness routine, at the back of my mind since entering I have had the following questions – ‘Now what? How do I start? and  ‘What do I need to do?’

My triathlon isn’t until August, so thankfully at the moment I have time on my hands. But how do you get started for something that requires essentially training for three different disciplines? Now some of you may think well just go swimming, or go for a run or get on your bike. But to make this experience a positive and worthwhile one, what I really need is an effective training plan and a plan that is easy to follow, as well as advice on the right kit to buy etc.

After a speaking to my colleague who regularly takes part in triathlon’s he told me to start with this book:

Your First Triathlon by Joe Friel. This book is mean’t to help prepare a beginner for either their first sprint or Olympic triathlon. The book includes a 12-week training plan for total beginners and is pitched as requiring no more that 5 hours a week training time. Amazon is charging from £7 -£12 for the book and based on the positive reviews and recommendation this is one book I have just purchased. I am hoping it will answer my questions so I can get cracking with my triathlon preparation.

While purchasing the above book, I also saw this book…

Triathlon for Women: Everything you need to know to get started and succeed, by Charlotte Campbell. Again another book pitched at beginner triathletes but also for women, as what I have noticed is that triathlons appear very male focussed. Now I am not about to get my feminist stick out, but for example I need to by a bike and some new kit and well everything seems very male. The bikes look like men’s bikes (and no I am not after a pink bike with a basket) but as someone who doesn’t currently ride a bike, the whole process seems a bit daunting and the choice of female tri bikes and female tri gear seems rather limited.

I am hoping that this book will assist in my kit search as well as perhaps have some more female specific training plans and tips.

So come on Amazon hurry and deliver my books so I can get my triathlon train on!

 

Hello – erm what I have got myself into?

I have just foolishly agreed with my boyfriend to take on a challenge … a triathlon in 2014, the Virgin London Triathlon. The reason behind the challenge? Firstly I have been very inspired by my good friend Alice and her triathlon journey. She completed her first triathlon last weekend and rocked it. After months of hard work and sheer determination she met the challenge head on and quite simply nailed it. This is what I admired the most as well as watching her reap the benefits of her all her efforts (not only completing the triathlon, but getting fitter, stronger and healthier along the way).

Secondly I need to get fitter and healthier. Since turning 30 this year, I have made a promise to sort myself out. (I am currently in the middle of a boot camp month and I have been running 2-3 days a week to slowly build my fitness levels up). Over the past 6 years I have got myself into a bad routine (eating out, eating junk and drinking more than is healthy) and I have developed some bad habits, both of which need an overhaul. So a challenge like a triathlon seems to be a good motivator in getting there.

So here is where I am going to share my progress, the ups and the downs, highs and lows of training and I hope along the way to share & gain some tips, advice and some support from the online blogging community. So here it goes…gulp.