A triathlon isn’t just an event; it’s a multi-race, endurance test that is composed of three parts: swimming, cycling, and running in one, consecutive motion. It’s about speed, focus, and momentum. If you have what it takes to train for a triathlon then there is no time like now to get started. There are a lot of factors that you’ll need to prepare your body and mind for. Because there are so many elements to this race, you need to be prepared for anything. Aside from the grueling training, you will need to practice your transitions from event to event. For instance, when you move from swimming to biking, you will have to remove your wetsuit, place your helmet on, and gear up your bicycle all within seconds. Some have compared the race transitions to a one-man NASCAR pit crew.

A three-sport athletic competition means that training is imperative. You will need to start early, at least 6 months, before the race. This will give you ample time to build endurance and momentum while you practice your transitions. Additionally, the proper equipment will help you in the process so be prepared to spend some cash but you will feel the payout when you cross the finish line.

IWhen training for a triathlon, you’ll want to a do a little research before. Luckily, there are a multitude of websites out there that feature training plans that work. For instance, beginnertriathlete.com is a great tool to use if you’re just beginning your first triathlon. Don’t feel the need to stick to a plan verbatim. Although they are good templates, feel free to mix it up a little depending on your personal needs, strengths, and weaknesses. As you begin to train, you’ll see the areas of which you need the most work on and you’ll have the opportunity to focus on those if you customize your plan a bit. Just as important as a proper plan is your equipment. The equipment, clothes, and footwear that you use to train and then perform in can make or break your personal time.

The basic equipment that you’ll need is as followed:http://www.active.com/triathlon/Articles/Beginner_s_triathlon_gear_list__No_need_to_break_the_bank.htm

• Swimsuit
• Goggles
• Swim Cap
• Towel
• Bike
• Helmet
• Water Bottle
• Shirt
• Running Shoes

The swimsuit, running shoes, and bike is the trifecta of the triathlon equipment. It’s best to purchase a triathlon bicycle from a local bike store. The professionals will help you choose the proper bike for your personal build and the course that the event will be on. Before purchasing your bike, do some research on the course so you’ll be able to receive the best bike for your buck.

The same method of thought goes for your running shoes and swimsuit. Your swimsuit should be an athletic one, not a typical suit you’d wear to the beach or for a leisurely swim. It’s as equally important that your running shoes be built for your body type, the course you’d be running, and your personal foot shape.

Despite popular belief, you never want to train as if it’s the day of the event. In other words, you never want to do all three events at full distance until the day of the event. You will want to mix biking, running, and swimming with strength training and stretching exercises. For instance, this is a sample training program for the first week:http://www.halhigdon.com/trifit/trifit.htm

• Monday: Bike and Strength Training – 30 Minutes Each
• Tuesday: Run – 30 Minutes
• Wednesday: Swim and Strength Training – 30 Minutes Each
• Thursday: Run—30 Minutes
• Friday: Rest
• Saturday: Run – 30 Minutes
• Sunday: Bike – 60 Minutes

As the weeks progress, you’ll want to increase the time and speed of each event. Additionally, as you draw closer to the event, you should pair two (at maximum) of the events together. For instance, 30 minutes of biking following by 30 minutes of swimming. Keep in mind that you don’t want to do this often. You’ll want to do this maybe once a week or bi-weekly to avoid straining your muscles and body. In addition to running, biking, and swimming, you’ll want to also keep up with your strength training and stretching. The strength training will help keep up your muscle endurance while stretching will keep your muscles and tendon loose and flexible.http://www.halhigdon.com/trifit/trifit.htmTry Yoga and Pilates to get a little bit of both: strength training and stretching.

Competing in a triathlon requires more attention to detail than most events. For this reason, you’ll really need to focus on every step you take, especially during your transitions. When you move from event to event, it requires multiple steps within seconds. Be sure to start practicing these a few weeks prior to your event. The most difficult, time consuming of the transitions is from swimming to biking. So, next time you hit the water, be sure to bring everything you will need to move from one event to another, including your bike, your helmet, and your shoes. Towards the end of your practice swim, get out of the water as if it were the real event and move into biking. Do this a few times until it starts to feel smooth. Work with your stop watch so you can get a better idea of how long it is taking you in between events.

The most important factor about training for a triathlon includes how you treat your body when you’re not performing. Be sure to continually stretch and keep your muscles warmed and loosened. You don’t want to be well in the middle of training when you falter from a pulled muscle or sprain. Take time, invest in yourself, and listen to your body. If you feel something that’s uncomfortable or surpasses normal soreness or tenderness, then be sure to check it out immediately.