What Is The Best Way To Train For First Timers?

There is so much information, training plans and advice out there about how to train for your first triathlon that many people have wondered what is the right way, wrong way or best way when it comes to stamina, increasing distance, working on heart rates and speed.

From my experience, for the first timer the most important training plan priority is to have fun.




A few years ago I participated in the Echo Sprint Triathlon in Coalville, Utah and remember what a high percentage of beginners there were in that race that had never participated in a triathlon before ever. It made me flash back and remember my first race and both the excitement and nervousness I felt. My senses were all on high alert as the race was going to start not knowing what to expect.

As I watched these newbies jump into the water at the sound of the starting gun and manage their way through their first race it was amazing to see them push through the finish line and experience the pure joy, excitement and sense of success and accomplishment that comes from finishing your first triathlon race.

Anyway, back to the point. From my experience, I would suggest a three point training plan. The first focus being on form so that your practice pays off by learning to swim, bike and run properly. This will help reduce injuries and also work to your favor when you eventually train for speed.

Secondly, I would suggest to work on endurance. Knowing you can swim, bike and run the full distance for each event brings a great deal of confidence and helps to reduce nerves when you saddle up to the start line on race day.

Lastly, after gaining good form and working on endurance I would then say you can work on speed. But don’t work on speed until you have the basics down comfortably. Speed work can include intervals, target heart rate zone training among others.

You may be saying wow that sounds pretty basic and I would agree. The basics are the foundation of success in my humble opinion. Remember, the goal for beginners is to learn correct basic training principles, avoid injuries and have FUN.

What is your most prominent memory from your first race experience? If you haven’t participated in your first race yet, what is your biggest concern or question?