So you want to be a triathlete? Of course you do! Triathlon is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and millions of people are slowly waking up to the realization that swimming, biking, and running, all at the same time, can actually be a fun way to spend a couple of hours on a weekend.
But if the sport of triathlon is something of a mystery to you, read on for some couch to sprint triathlon training tips.
What is a triathlon anyway? Triathlon is based around three sports: swimming, cycling and running.
Most sensible people are of the opinion that just one of those sports is probably enough for any sane individual to attempt, but in triathlon, you have to do all three sports, one after the other...
with no break in between! Do I have to be good at each sport before entering a triathlon? No, you do not have to be great at any one sport.
The majority of sprint triathlons are suitable for beginners, so as long as you can swim at least 400m, cycle 20k, and run 5k, you will be able to make it round the course in one piece.
It might not be pretty, but you can do it-trust me! A lot of people come to triathlon from at least one of the sports.
For example, runners decide to add cycling into their training in order to cut down on running related injuries and cyclists take up running for a new challenge as both sports compliment each other very well.
Swimmers are less likely to cross over into cycling and running, but fitness does count, so they have a head start over somebody who is a total couch potato.
But what if I AM a couch potato - will I be able to compete in a triathlon? If physical fitness is an alien concept to you, or you are very overweight, it is probably a good idea to have a check-up at the doctors before embarking on a triathlon training programme.
But with the right training, there is no reason why you will not be able to start and finish a sprint distance triathlon.
You might finish last, but there is no shame in being the slowest person-at least you were willing to take part, which is more than most people! Couch to sprint triathlon training tips: Training for a triathlon will require a lot of discipline.
You will need to push yourself to train for at least five or six days per week over a minimum of twelve weeks.
Ideally you should do a training session in each sport, twice per week, but if you are pushed for time due to work and family commitments, it is acceptable to cut down to one session per week in your strongest sport.
Swimming is the most technical of the three sports, but as long as you can swim the distance, it will not matter too much how efficient you are for your first triathlon.
Do not be concerned about what swimming stroke you do-anything goes in a pool triathlon, although "butterfly" is probably not a great choice! Cycling-you will need to beg, borrow, or buy a bike in order to compete in a triathlon.
Make sure the bike is roadworthy and the right size for you.
Put in enough cycling prior to the event so you know you can cycle the distance fairly easily.
Ideally practice running straight off the bike a few times as well to ensure you are accustomed to the sensation of jelly legs.
Running is easy-you simply put one foot in front of the other.
As long as you can comfortably run 5k you will be able to manage the run section on the day of your triathlon.
You will be slower after cycling 20k, but that is to be expected.
There is no great mystery to competing in a triathlon.
Put in some time training, and go along and enjoy taking part.
It will not be easy-nothing worth doing ever is-but I can guarantee you will feel an enormous sense of pride once you cross over that finish line and can finally call yourself a triathlete!