Hi all,

I'm a tri newbie.

I have found the programs on the tri newbie website and I like them. I'm currently doing the beginners sprint distance program, on target for 1st event of the season = 16th November.

Thing is, I want to train for all of the races in the JT Cycles Triathlon Series (in Adelaide) including the Olympic distance event that is on Australia Day.... so, I'd appreciate some advice from more experienced competitors about how you structure your training to take in to account multiple events?

I've looked at the beginners Olympic Distance program. It starts out a bit easier than where I'll be at with my sprint distance program, but I guess that's OK... and then there's also the consideration of how the other ones fit in? Not sure... I'll attach what I've done so far for anyone who is willing to have a look at. I'll be a back of the packer. I feel I need a specific but achievable program to follow.

Thanks in advance!

Oh wait! one more thing - the beginners OD program doesn't have bricks in it. Thoughts on adding them in somewhere?

If I looked at the right Calendar, it's a 1k/35k/8k event on Australia Day?
What distances are you doing on the other events? There are multiple options for each.
If you're starting out with 300m/13/3 on 16/11 you could probably incorporate the 600/19.5/4 races on 21/12 and 11/01 into your training schedule for the Oz day event. Just use them as a semi competitive transition session.
I think you really need at least 1 brick a week, as well as a brick/transition session on the weekend.
What's the W in your plan?

It's walk. The guy who wrote the program likes it for active recovery... I think I have enough of a running base that I'll jog instead but I left them labelled as W incase it all gets to hard and I decide a stroll is preferrable.

Would it be a fair trade to make the Wednesday rides shorter but add a run on to them? Eg instead of doing 24k do 15km plus 5km run? This is just cos time is a problem for me; usual deal = work full time with a couple of little kids.

Also if I make Wednesday brick, shall drop either the Tuesday or Thursday run as well? Or should I keep it? (Does it depend on whether I cut the Wed bike ride short)?

Sorry just realised I didn't answer all your questions. Yes, you seem to have the right Calendar.

I'm undecided about what distance to start with. I did a mini last year and it just confirmed I'm soooo not fast. But I can run all day, so I find endurance options inviting. But I know that annoys lots of Cool Runners because they think people should concentrate on getting fast before they go long... so maybe I should start triathlon with faster intentions and focusing on building from better habits (my 10km PB pace is barely better than my marathon PB pace )

There is a block in there that has you with 5 straight weeks with no rest day.

I have no idea of your background or fitness but at a glance.

Swimming seems light on. There is enormous aerobic benefit to be had from swimming. swim training is not just about doing the distance but delivering yourself to the bike in the best possible shape.

I would suggest substituting time for distance with your bike. 45 mins/60 mins/90 mins/2 hours

Active recovery is pretty much essential I feel. I myself do it as a 45-60 minute ultra easy roll around the scenic areas where I train. Straight off and hit a carb drink to replenish the muscles.

In my experience, there is not such thing as a recovery run IF you have the option to do it on a bike.

Hi Plazbot,

Re: you concerns about lack of rest days, every Monday is a rest day (apart from the Australia day I race) you probably just didn't notice cos they are just a pattern at the start of the page.

In terms of background and fitness, I'm 28 yo female. I've done a couple of marathons (4:09 and 4:32, both GOR) and a bunch of fun run type stuff and a few very poorly prepared half marathons (most recently, a post-work-event-hung-over 2:04 ... but my PB isn't much better at 2:01something). A couple of weeks ago I ran Adelaide's 12km City to Bay in 1:03.

I had some swimming lessons last year to fix my stroke up but then I had a really rough trot with asthma and stayed away from the pool for a bit and then got distracted training for another marathon and then I've just kind of been doing not much.... I'm getting back in to it now and what I learned last year seems to have clicked in to place and I'm slowly but steadily improving. I am finding the pool sessions really easy and over too fast (I've been sneaking extra laps) so I will happily add on more. Might look to take the distances from the intermediate program?

I'd describe myself as a nervous bike rider. So I think I should take on board what you said about riding instead of running. I think riding to a time might be good from a psychological perspective too, eg if I say "Ok, I need 2hrs on Sunday for my bike ride" then the family knows exactly where they stand, and I can aim to get as much out of that 2hs as poss. Good idea!

Try riding with a group - most tri clubs are very accomodating of new riders. You can get some good tips from more experienced riders. check the trisa website for club details.

Hi Ajay,

I got as far as joining Meteors last year, but then before I realy got in to it, asthma and life got in the way and my season became a non-event. From what little I saw, they seemed like a great bunch.

My partner and I thought we would get a bit of experience under our belt this season, and then join a cool gang next season...