Triathlon Training Tips
Triathlons are not an easy thing to do, and they can be even harder if you don't respect them properly and prepare accordingly. Beginners often make the same basic mistakes, and then learn harsh lessons for the next one. So to help you avoid the most common mistakes that triathlon beginners make, here are some handy tips...
Plan Your Breakfast – Before taking part in a triathlon, it's crucial that you work out how much you need to eat, and what you need to eat, to be able to get you through the event. Plan months in advance, and find out what foods serve you best and keep you energised for longer. Whatever you do, don't try something completely new on the morning of the triathlon if you haven't tested the effect it will have on your body and energy levels!
Start Slowly – When it comes to the swimming page, make sure that you don't go out all guns blazing and run out of energy. If you go out too quickly in the early stages, you might have a hard time recovering. Just like with running and cycling, you need to pace yourself, so in the lead-up to the triathlon, test your endurance levels before hand and work out how long you can sustain a good early pace without it slowing you down towards the end.
Don't Change Your Routine – If you've been training hard for a triathlon, and everything's been going well, don't change anything just before the race. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, as they say! For example, if your Goggles have been fine in the training swim, don't suddenly decide to tighten them a notch, simply because it's a proper triathlon and not training.
Manage Your Time – Getting to a triathlon late can have a hugely negative impact on your performance. You'll be rushing around trying to get registered, you'll be flustered, and you'll be unable to concentrate on the task at hand. If you arrive early, you'll have plenty of time to register, sort out your gear and get mentally prepared. It will make a big difference, believe me.
Re-Hydrate Yourself – Make sure that you always have a drink with you during the cycling stage, and get used to drinking while riding. Also, try not to think too much about sugar and raising your energy levels. A certain amount of sugar in a sports drink is beneficial, but too much will make you feel sick and even add to your thirst!
Plan Your Breakfast – Before taking part in a triathlon, it's crucial that you work out how much you need to eat, and what you need to eat, to be able to get you through the event. Plan months in advance, and find out what foods serve you best and keep you energised for longer. Whatever you do, don't try something completely new on the morning of the triathlon if you haven't tested the effect it will have on your body and energy levels!
Start Slowly – When it comes to the swimming page, make sure that you don't go out all guns blazing and run out of energy. If you go out too quickly in the early stages, you might have a hard time recovering. Just like with running and cycling, you need to pace yourself, so in the lead-up to the triathlon, test your endurance levels before hand and work out how long you can sustain a good early pace without it slowing you down towards the end.
Don't Change Your Routine – If you've been training hard for a triathlon, and everything's been going well, don't change anything just before the race. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, as they say! For example, if your Goggles have been fine in the training swim, don't suddenly decide to tighten them a notch, simply because it's a proper triathlon and not training.
Manage Your Time – Getting to a triathlon late can have a hugely negative impact on your performance. You'll be rushing around trying to get registered, you'll be flustered, and you'll be unable to concentrate on the task at hand. If you arrive early, you'll have plenty of time to register, sort out your gear and get mentally prepared. It will make a big difference, believe me.
Re-Hydrate Yourself – Make sure that you always have a drink with you during the cycling stage, and get used to drinking while riding. Also, try not to think too much about sugar and raising your energy levels. A certain amount of sugar in a sports drink is beneficial, but too much will make you feel sick and even add to your thirst!
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