By Jay Jarden of Pool Tech Plus
I didn’t start out to be a triathlete. At the time, I just really enjoyed mountain biking. I didn’t run track or participate in the swim team in high school. Then, a couple of years ago, I got the urge to join Ironman Austin, my first ultra-marathon. These super-challenging endurance races go beyond the typical 26-mile marathon to push athletes to new distances in biking, swimming, and running. Now, I’m hooked! How did I go from just “somebody who likes to ride bikes” to “triathlete”?
I Made a Commitment
My first step wasn’t hiring a trainer or hitting the track. My first step was signing up for a triathlon. That put a ticking clock on my commitment and made it real. If you’re interested in becoming a triathlete, training for an Ironman competition, or just challenging yourself with a half-Ironman or half-marathon, I encourage you to go for it. I now race regularly, and not only does it help motivate me to stay in tip-top physical shape, it also helps me spread the word about various charitable causes and is even a fantastic platform to promote my business. Whatever your personal goals in life are, training for a triathlon can certainly push you to new heights.
Set a Schedule to Gradually Improve Your Fitness Level
With the pressure on, I started putting my heart and soul into training for the event. How do you become a triathlete? It begins with a base level of fitness. But pushing to meet your fitness goals is easier when you have a deadline in place. Pick a race (or, for beginning athletes, a half-race) at least 90 days out. If you have a good fitness level already established, 3 months is a very realistic goal for training. Newbies to the fitness scene might choose a race 6 months to a year out, giving you time to establish a good, healthy fitness level before undergoing the more advanced training required for a triathlon.
Don’t Limit Your Training to Run-Bike-Swim
Your training should focus on the three elements of a triathlon: running, swimming, and biking. You’ll need to add some strength training to this regimen, which means weightlifting. Weightlifting builds strength in your extremities and core, which you’ll draw from deeply as those miles pound away at your endurance during the race. I train on two disciplines per day, swapping it up each day. For instance, on Monday I might run and train with weights. Tuesday I might use my swim spa and follow that up with a bike ride. As long as you’re regularly working each muscle group and building strength and endurance.
Ah, What to Do About Swim Training?
Most people don’t have trouble finding places to run, bike, and lift weights. Even a set of free weights in the garage will do. But not everyone has an Olympic-size pool in the backyard. In fact, neither do I! Instead, I use the Michael Phelps Signature swim spa for my swimming training. A swim spa means no laps. All you have to do is keep swimming and swimming, without breaking your stride to turn at the end of a lap. A swim spa takes up far less room than a pool, is generally less expensive, and (fun fact!) doubles as an amazing hot tub to relax and soothe those sore muscles after any workout.
Get a Trainer if You Can
The absolute best way to train for a triathlon or Ironman competition is to invest in a trainer. Be sure your trainer is USTA certified! A qualified trainer will help you stay focused and motivated to meet your goals, while taking into account your current fitness level and schedule. Many trainers cross-specialize, so in addition to training triathletes, they’re also able to train you for other disciplines you might be interested in, such as cross-country skiing. They’ll also help you avoid a common rookie mistake: overtraining! On race day, overtraining can be as devastating to your results as under-training. Today’s trainers are based online, which means you can find a perfect match no matter where you live.
Get a Great Training App
Whether you invest in a trainer or not, there are numerous apps out there to help you stay on track for your triathlon training. Mobile apps are a little like chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get. So stick with known training apps by reputable, recognizable people or organizations in the industry, and read the user reviews before downloading and installing your app. Read magazines or blogs focused on triathlons and go with what the pros use. Most general fitness apps aren’t designed for triathlon training, but many can be used to meet whatever fitness goals you set for yourself. The key is — whatever you get — use it! Unfortunately, downloading an app won’t run that triathlon for you.
Can I help you with the swim spa you need to train for your triathlon? Give us a call at Pool Tech Plus and we’ll find the perfect swim spa for your training goals, backyard, and budget.
Happy training and best of luck running YOUR first triathlon!
-Jay Jarden