More and more people are being drawn to competing in triathlons all around the world. This means more and more people are committing themselves to spend time each week working on cycling, swimming, running and the transitions between them. If you have never participated in a triathlon there are different events based on their length. For beginners, it makes sense to start with a sprint triathlon, especially if you are not especially fit, or you are just learning how to ride a bike or swim so need time to learn the skills. You might think it is not something you could manage but really anyone can do it with commitment and it helps to have some good triathlon training plans.
You decide how much time you want to commit
When it comes to a sprint triathlon it is a shorter event so it is possible to enter with a small amount of training and complete it. You might not enjoy the event however! You do need a basic level of fitness to only do the bare minimum. If you are not in shape then you need to do more work to get there, and if you cannot do one of the events, you need to learn it as part of your triathlon training plan. A very basic exercise regime would be to get to where you can swim between 100 to 200 metres, cycle for at least 30 minutes and run for 20 to 30 minutes. If you can handle these kinds of workouts then you are at a fitness level where you can compete and follow a beginner training plan.
If you are not already fit
If you are not able to do these distances or times then you would be categorised as overweight or unfit. This does not mean you have no chance, it means you need to give yourself time to reach those standards as a basic fitness level, and then you can work on things like strength, technique, times and so on. It is a good idea for your triathlon training plans to include working on your stamina.
Start off with a walking and running schedule. Then work on swimming and biking so that you have each at a comfortable level. You can expect to spend about 12 weeks on your training as long as you commit to it before the event, and you will be ready. If you are fit already then you could train for less time but it tends to be a good guide for beginners to work for 12 weeks. You should also aim just to finish the event for your first race. You can start making plans to crush other competitors for the subsequent races if you want to go again!
Training should include recovery time
You should train for each sport twice a week at least. There should then be one day a week when you rest to recover. There are a lot of plans for beginners out there, when you choose a triathlon training plan it tends to be better when you have one designed specifically for you.