hi everyone
i just had a few questions about training for triathlons. My boyfriend is a really good long distance runner, but he has decided he wants to move into tri's. he is 19 and is an ok bike rider but not that great at swimming. he has never done a triathlon before. can anyone help me out with tips on how to train up for the swimming, what distances to start with in his first couple of races, etc. thanks guys! peace

Hi there,

A good starting point might be www.forums.transitions.org.au which is the triathlon equivalent of cool running.

As for distances there is a lot to choose from ranging from sprint series to olympic distance all the way up to ironman. Its really up to him to decide what his strengths are and whether he prefers gruelling endurance to the excitement of a shorter race.

The best way to build up swimming is probably join a squad at a local swimming pool. They're relatively cheap and you get friendship, support and coaching advice.

Not sure where in australia you are but theres plenty of triathlon clubs around also. In victoria go to www.trivic.org.au to find a club.

Hope that helps

james

www.trinewbies.com is your friend

lozzahj, another Ballaratian finally!!!

I'm a bit older than your boyfriend (33), but I'm heading down the same path so I'll tell you what I've done so far. I'll try to make it the short version:

Background: I was running and cycling for fitness. I'm a reasonable runner (10K PB 45m and coming down) and a good rider (30k time trial in 52m and also coming down) but couldn't swim with my head under water for more than a few metres.

So this is what I suggest

1. Read heaps and pick a training plan (alter it to suit) and start training.

http://www.trinewbies.com/
http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/default.asp

Just jump in the pool and start swimming, he'll start to get the breathing right and it will get easier as his swim fitness improves. (I highly recommend Unisports especially if he's a uni student)

I haven't plucked up the courage yet, but joining a swim squad or getting some coaching is highly recommended by everyone, and at 19 he's probably not as far gone as me ;)

He'll also need to get some ocean swimming in eventually.

2. Ask questions if he's got them
Coolrunnings of course
and http://forums.transitions.org.au/

2. Have a goal race in mind, some options are:

Local:
http://www.ballarattriclub.com/CMS/index.php
- They run winter duathlons, and a full summer series of duathlons/aquathons/tris. I haven't joined yet, but am thinking about joining this year. Great place to start for him, as distances are short and the swims are either Uni pool or Lake Esmond (so no need for ocean swimming right up front).

Brooks: Mini Tris (I did the the last one in Geelong as my first tri recently, good intro to 'real' race days)
http://www.supersprint.com.au/Default.aspx...t=31&Template=3

Distances up to 400m swim/16k bike/ 4k run

Gatorade: (Time to get serious, my aim for next summer)
http://www.supersprint.com.au/Default.aspx...nt=4&Template=5

Distances up to 1.5k swim/40k bike/10k run

3. Start planning for his Ironman debut ;) Ballarat has an abnormally high number of Ironman participants every year!

4. Next thing you know he'll be looking at every multisport race on the planet with lustful eyes. Mars Challenge (Ballarat), Ananconda races(Lorne)...

Now for your first tri ;) ....

Thanks for all these links they are really useful.

Plu

Swimming training is SO much better with a squad. Is there somewhere in Ballarat you can do winter training? I'm pretty sure the Ballarat Uni has a heated indoor 25m pool - see if they have squad training.

hi everyone, thanks heaps for the links and tips. even though i am from ballarat he lives in templestowe in melbourne, but now i think he may be going to join a swimming club which is great! i think he's a bit nervous about actually competing but im sure he'll be fine. also, what kind of stuff should he eat before doing a tri? i mean just with swimming and stuff, like i dont want him to get cramps or anything!

quote:

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he lives in templestowe in melbourne, but now i think he may be going to join a swimming club which is great!

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If he lives in Templestowe he can head down to AquaArena (the Doncaster pool) and get the times for Aquanauts and Oceanauts. These are squads anyone can train with for something like 50cents extra on top of the pool entrance fee. I've been swimming on and off with the Aquanauts for the past two years and its a great intro to squad swimming.