It all depends on the distance of the race and when it is. One essential element of any successful triathlete is to dedicate the time necessary to properly train for a race. Regardless of your experience or fitness level, it's important to start training long before your first race of the season. This can mean the difference between feeling good and finishing strong, struggling to get over that finish line or a DNF (did not finish).
We share in our blog “When Should I Start Training for a Triathlon” when we suggest you start training for your triathlon. Check it out.
Once you figure out when to start your training the next step is to decide whether you are going to do it alone (self-coached), with a coach or with a club (group coaching).
Here are some things to think about when trying to decide what is a good fit for you.
Self Coached - this is a great option if…
You have a busy work/life schedule which will make it difficult for you to make it out to group practices
You are self-disciplined
You have some experience in triathlon
You have a good training plan that you can follow
Private Coaching - this is a great option if…
You have a busy work/life schedule
You have no experience in triathlon
You are doing a Half Ironman or Ironman race
You have had injuries in the past
You are looking for an individualized program geared toward you
You are looking for accountability
Group Coaching - this is a great option if...
You have a flexible schedule that allows to make it out to practices
You need to improve your technique in swim, bike or run
You want tips on how to execute a triathlon
You are motivated by others and appreciate having training partners
You are self-coached or private-coached but like training with others
You are looking for accountability
If you have decided that group coaching is for you, how do you choose a club when there are so many good clubs in Ottawa? The most obvious and probably the most important thing to consider is whether the class schedule and times work for you. The second most important thing to consider is whether the club has members who have been or are currently at your level. We are pleased and proud to say that our club caters to all athletes regardless of where they are in their triathlon journey.
Just to mention a few of our successes, we have coached athletes who have a fear of the water or can not swim to participating in a Half Ironman and athletes that were middle of the pack finishers to Kona qualifiers. Here is a highlight reel of the Ironman Mont Tremblant 2019 weekend where we had members participating in the 5150 and Half Ironman triathlons. Have a look at how diverse our club is, and how we think you will fit in just fine, in our tribe.
Our fall/winter program is about to begin. Programs start Monday, September 30th. You can find the schedule here and the full details and prices here. Are you ready to start your triathlon journey for 2020?
Julia Aimers is the Head Coach and Founder ofTeam Triumph Triathlon Club established in the year 2000, in Ottawa, Canada. She has coached beginner triathletes to Kona qualifying athletes. Team Triumph is a Multisport and Social club dedicated to challenging your sense of adventure
A huge thank you to my Triathlon coach, Julia Cooper-Aimers. She took the time last week to drop off (from a distance because of COVID19 restrictions) some tri shorts I ordered along with a well-appreciated note to remind me that there will be ups and downs and that things will get better. She has gone above and beyond to support all of her athletes and our Team Triumph club, by providing almost daily strength, yoga, and spinning videos that have been uploaded to Youtube for anyone who needs a little motivation during these challenging times as well as many words of encouragement. I am grateful for her support and encouragement. ❤️
Anita Lacelle Taylor
Training with Team Triumph for 7 months (so far) made me faster and stronger while building nourishing connections with like-minded fitness nuts and shattering the expectations I had of myself. TT is a crew of inspiring people pursuing epic individual goals and encouraging each other along the way. Julia and her team have expert knowledge and provide a thoughtful evidence-based group program that works. I am privileged and thankful to have Team Triumph in my neighborhood and can't wait to get back to the pool!
Alex Bourne
I want to thank you for always putting our well-being at the forefront of your business model. You suspended face-to-face programs in a timely manner, leading the way in a fitness business world that took much too long to respond and put their members’ health and the community at risk. You « triumphed « in quickly acting to flatten the curve.
Your caring nature resulted in a series of innovative and fun virtual sessions and opened them to the community. I am missing the live interaction now that I am working for a few months but I appreciate that I can access the videos according to my schedule. Yin/yang session tonight, just what I needed.
Not to mention the check-ins, the home deliveries, the charitable events. Priceless.
Simone Rose-Oliver