Wanting to get into triathlon but unsure where to start?

Calling all first timers!

We can help you get on your way! Here are some tips and resources on how you can get started with planning your triathlon experience and implementing your strategy. Our Ambassador Coach; John from Tri Coaching has produced two training plans for us to share with you to help you start your journey.

#1: Pick a race and one that is suitable for your ability 

It is great to be ambitious but it is important to be realistic.  You can find an event and all the information you will need via: https://www.activitywalesevents.com/awe-events/

#2: Understand your day-to-day schedule before arranging a training schedule

It is important that you don’t overload on training and fail to maintain your general commitments. It is much more efficient to take your time with your plan and ease your way into training appropriately.

 

#3: Have a read of these training plans provided to AWE from John from Tri Coaching:

8-week sprint triathlon training plan – https://www.activitywalesevents.com/training/8-week-training-plan/

12-week full distance triathlon training plan – https://www.activitywalesevents.com/training/12-week-training-plan/

 

#4: Don’t burn yourself out.

Many people get the triathlon bug – they become obsessed. It is important you try not to fall into this state. It is really important to take breaks and allow yourself to recover from training. By allowing yourself to do this, you will enhance your overall training experience and may be more inclined to keep going.

#5: Get social!

A great way to enhance your training experience is to join a club or society. Meet likeminded people, company while training can also give you that motivation boost. You can learn a lot from people in a club and gain a great introduction in to multi-sports events.

Triathlon is a really social sport and there are an abundance of communities to get involved with. Don’t isolate yourself.

Here are some online groups and clubs you can also join:

New2tri - https://www.new2tri.co.uk/

Her Spirit Triathlon Online Community - https://herspirit.co.uk/programmes/triathlon/

220 Triathlon Online Forum and Community - https://forum.220triathlon.com/

UK Triathlon Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/925862697916310

Triathlon and TT Community UK - https://www.facebook.com/groups/triathlonuk

Running Motivation Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/RunningMotivationOfficial

 

#6: Take advantage of resources

Guides, Books, Podcasts, Magazines. There is an abundance of assets out there to help you! We also organise beginner briefings at our events so make sure you attend.

We have lots of guides on our website for First Timers:

First Timer Guide – Swimming: https://www.activitywalesevents.com/guides/first-timer-guide-swim/

First Timer Guide – Cycling: https://www.activitywalesevents.com/guides/first-timer-guide-cycle/

First Timer Guide – Running: https://www.activitywalesevents.com/guides/first-timer-guide-running/

First Timer Guide – Triathlon: https://www.activitywalesevents.com/guides/first-timer-guide-triathlon/

 

Head over to our Nutrition section on our website via: https://www.activitywalesevents.com/nutrition/

For articles and blogs submitted by our AWE Ambassador coach to learn all things triathlon. You can find articles on nutrition, hydration, training advice and much more. Learning about nutrition, hydration and how to fuel is really important for your training and during your triathlon. It is important to support your body always, but particularly when it is working under intensity.

There are so many podcasts to choose from on Spotify and Apple Music so you can find one that suits you. A great podcast is: The Triathlete Beat – A beginner Triathlon Podcast. This series by Jeremy Tri provides a great introduction for beginners and provides lots of tips for swimming, cycling or running, stories from experienced athletes and information on hydration etc. Follow this link to listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-triathlete-beat-a-beginner-triathlon-podcast/id1352884223

There are also copious amounts of books and magazines you can subscribe to that will provide you with industry news, tips, tricks and information. Some brands that produce magazines that we suggest: 220 Triathlon, Cycling World, Cycling World and Tri 247. An example of some books you can read are: Triathlon for Beginners, The Triathlete Training Bible, Dare to Tri, Triathlon for the Every Woman, A Life Without Limits: A World Champion’s Journey.

 

#8: Recovery during training:

Recovery is key! Allow yourself time to rest, ensure you have a strong sleeping pattern, eat the right nutrients, maybe treat yourself to a massage? 

We recommend CBD Triathlete; their brand advocates supporting athletes in training and recovery through natural and harmless products that aid muscle soreness. You can find more about CBD Triathlete and how their products can help you at: https://www.activitywalesevents.com/training/cbd-triathlete-products-for-performing-athletes/

#9: Remember: your race your pace. This one is really important.

Don’t worry about how the people around you are doing. Everyone’s progress moves at a different pace. It is great to be inspired but don’t let this take over and become a confidence knocker. Maintain your focus. Good things take time and always remember to look back and celebrate your journey.