Triathlon Training For Beginners: The Red Original Guide

Looking for your next challenge? Well look no further as a Triathlon could be the thing for you! A three part race involving swimming, cycling and running, a triathlon is tough, however it’s also one of the most rewarding activities you can do.

If you’re unsure where to start with triathlon training, don’t panic! The following guide is here to help you approach training step by step. So, where should you start?

1. Pick A Race

It’s important to pick a race at the start of your training so that you have an end goal to work towards. It’s easy to find a local race near you using websites such as trifinder where you can search for races by postcode. 

There are many different course options that vary in distance and location to suit all abilities, so it’s a good idea to do some thorough research into the course before you sign up. If this is your first ever triathlon it’s best to start with a sprint distance race before working your way up to longer distances. The best advice is to choose a course that is tailored to you. For example, if you don’t like open water, find a course where the swim takes place in a pool. 

You should also take caution when choosing a race date. You don’t want to book a race that is too close and will not give you enough time to complete the necessary triathlon training. If you have an existing high fitness level, 6-8 weeks should be a long enough training period. If you don’t currently exercise regularly, give yourself a little longer, say 3 months or so. 

2. Pick a Plan

Now that you’ve got a race in mind, it’s time to get stuck into training. The most effective way to train is to pick a triathlon training program and stick to it. You don’t need to invest a load of money into training courses, it’s easy to find a free training plan online. Beginner Triathlete and Trinewbie are great places to start, offering a range of training plans to suit different fitness levels.  Remember to ensure that you are eating the right meals alongside your plan and staying hydrated throughout training sessions. 

3. Join a club

Remember, you don’t have to go it alone! A great way to approach triathlon training is by joining a club where you can receive guidance and support. Training alongside other triathletes can help keep you motivated and you’re likely to gain invaluable tips and tricks from your fellow club members who have completed races before. Most importantly, joining a club also makes triathlon training more fun! It’s a chance to be social and share your achievements with others on race day. You can find a club near you by searching on the British Triathlon site.

4. Get the gear 

Triathlon training is challenging enough without poor quality gear letting you down. That’s why it’s so important to invest in the right clothing and accessories that will allow you to perform at your best. 

Our triathlon range at Red Original is designed with versatility in mind. From performance t-shirts to changing robes, we have created a range that serves the needs of triathletes from pre-race to post-race. Keep all your gear and nutrition together in one place with our waterproof kit bag, ideal for multisport training sessions and keeping organised on race day. 

 A quick tip from us is to avoid buying new gear close to race day- make sure you have enough time to wear your kit in to avoid any discomfort that could hinder your performance. 

Now that you’ve got a race in mind, it’s time to get stuck into training. The most effective way to train is to pick a triathlon training program and stick to it. You don’t need to invest a load of money into training courses, it’s easy to find a free training plan online. Beginner Triathlete and Trinewbie are great places to start, offering a range of training plans to suit different fitness levels.  Remember to ensure that you are eating the right meals alongside your plan and staying hydrated throughout training sessions. 

5. Organisation is key 

When it comes to triathlon training, organisation really is the key to success. With swimming, biking and running to train for you really can’t afford to miss a week’s training. Planning your week out will help you stay on track with training and keep you motivated.  If you can, cook your meals for the week in advance and plan training sessions with friends or your club- if you’re feeling a bit sluggish one day it’s a lot harder to skip training when there are other people you could be letting down.

In order to help keep organised it’s also a great idea to use technology to your advantage. There are so many great triathlon training apps to help you track and monitor your progress so use these to your advantage, it really could make a big difference!