Triathlons are an excellent way for athletes of all fitness levels and devotions to prove their ability and push their bodies to new limits. Regardless of their motivation, whether to lose weight, get in shape, or purely to earn bragging rights, all types of athletes are getting involved in triathlons. There are very few people who can roll out of bed one morning and compete in a triathlon (successfully) without prior training. Once athletes make the decision to compete in their first triathlon they must then take the next step of mapping out a training regimen with an experienced and knowledgeable triathlon coach.
Wendy M., a CoachUp triathlon trainer, believes the best way to begin preparation is to consult with a coach and set up a personal triathlon training plan. By working with a personal coach athletes can get “education, mentoring, and highly customized training plans” specific to their own body to maximize their training efforts. Wendy states that working with a coach also gives “athletes more focus while they train by offering support and reassurance throughout the training period.” A tailored plan focuses directly on what the athlete needs to improve as well as provides support and guidance to areas in which they otherwise lack knowledge.
Another reason having a personal trainer benefits athletes on the quest to compete in a triathlon is that the trainer can maximize the time available for training. No athlete, no matter how dedicated they are, has unlimited training time at their disposal, therefore it is critical to make the most out of the time they have. CoachUp triathlon coach Lou C. strongly advocates “training smarter, not longer.” By targeting specific aspects such as “bio-mechanics, sport specific muscular strength, balance, leg speed, and flexibility,” Lou improves his athletes and reduces empty training time.
After establishing the athlete’s starting point which helps coaches plot and gauge the athlete’s progress, the actual triathlon training can begin. Triathlon coaches usually recommend around12 weeks for training, an amount of time that ranges depending on the athlete’s schedule and aptitude. The main key for success in competing in a triathlon is building a solid base off of which to compete, which is where proper training and strategy from a coach is instrumental.
