Training for a Triathlon

What goes into training for a Triathlon? It’s a question people often ask. 

The answer is there’s no one way to train for a triathlon – or any race for that matter.

How you train comes down to the goals you set. Since I’m not an expert on training, I consulted Triathlon coach, Coach Mike Ricci of D3 Multisport for a customized training for a triathlon plan which he offered to me at a discounted rate.

I knew that if I were going to do the Athleta Iron Girl Triathlon in Sandy Hook, NJ for a third time (previously called the Danskin Women’s Triathlon), I needed to set a new goal. This year, I want to shave ample time off my finish and maybe place in the Top 10 in my age group (last year I placed 12th). These are big goals and I knew I would need  a coach to reach them. Additionally, I wanted a training plan that wasn’t out-of-the-box. In other words, something customized to me.  .

To work with Coach Mike, I filled out a lengthy form and answered a few extra questions. After, he delivered a day-by-day training plan based on my strengths, weaknesses and preferred rest days. This plan would have me crossing the finish line in pursuit of my goals. For instance, running is my strongest discipline so my workouts tend to be heavier in cycling and swimming.

Some of the honest pros and cons of a customized plan:

Pros

• Designed to meet my specific goals
• Requires focus on weaker disciplines
• Challenging but no risk of over training
• Mix of speed drills and endurance training

Cons

• A lengthy form that took some time to fill out
• Some workouts didn’t seem specified to the equipment I stated I have available (for example, I don’t own a bike trainer, but some of the workouts specify they should be done on a bike trainer)
• Pool distances required conversion even though I stated my pool’s length on my form – probably to be expected since I don’t use a standard-size pool 
• The coach answered follow-up questions via email only briefly
• No real strength training built into the plan 
• Training alone as opposed to with a group 

The workouts are populated in TrainingPeaks which I access through an app on my phone so I always know and can plan ahead for the next day’s workout.

Mike also recommended an open water swim class or two to get more comfortable with open water swimming – something that has always terrified me about triathlons. So, I went to Brighton Beach to practice with a local open water swim group. 

Training for a triathlon is never a walk in the park, but I’m enjoying a totally different and more relaxed training experience than ever this time around. I know I can do it, so now it’s only a matter of bringing all my strength and focus come race day.

Are you thinking about training for a triathlon? What plan have you used or if you have yet to do it, what’s holding you back? 

Curious to know how I did? Read my Athleta Iron Girl 2013 Race Recap.