Wednesday 30 March 2011

Does one need a training program?

The answer to this is simple, but first let me ask you, "how serious do you wish to take this sport?"

Surely you don't need someone to tell you that in order to prepare for a triathlon, you need to be able to compete in all three disciplines? After all, how hard can it be to put on your trainers and go for a good jog, or take a trip down to your local pool (if not the one in your back yard) or jump on the bike to do a few laps round the block, or for a "sight-see" round your neighbourhood...? That doesn't sound too complicated, too physical or that time consuming...?

However I am 99.9% sure that most of you reading this would aspire to shoot a bit higher than the scenario I have just described. 

Consider this, how will you know if you are improving aside from race times? This can only be gauged in a race which would normally only constitute about 10% or less of the time you spend in training. The very nature of the sport is designed to push your limits in each discipline which in turn will rely heavily on the amount of training and preparation you have sacrificed.

My advice, if you are looking to improve in the sport of triathlon, look to start off with a program. It needn't be advanced, simply setting you off in the right direction to prepare and train accordingly, with your goals in mind. This will also take into account your typical day, be it at work, fetching the kids from school, ext...  Should you wish to take the sport more seriously, your training program can be adapted to suit what you wish to achieve. As with anything, to achieve something, certain sacrifices are required, hard and smart work always pays off.

Training does come with benefits, such as meeting other people in a similar position as you, (group training) idea's and exchanging of tips and advice from others around you. One can learn more about the sport than if on your own. Consult your local triathlon club for assistance on a training program and look forward to better results in this sport...

Happy training!

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