You Signed Up for a Triathlon - What's Next?

It’s official you have signed up for a triathlon BUT now what?

The race may be months away, so when should you start training for it? 

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 at least 16 weeks 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 can create 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 your schedule

• You are looking for accountability

Group Coaching - this is a great option if...

• You have a flexible schedule that allows you to make it out to practices

• You need to improve your technique in swim, biking, 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 Canada?

A quick peruse of the club website will give you insight into whether the club and coaches are a good fit. The most obvious and probably the most important thing to consider is whether the class schedule and times work for you. If you are social, check to make sure that the club has social events and meet-ups. 

You will also want to know that the coaches have experience coaching triathlon. If you are hiring a personal coach make sure they are certified in triathlon and even better be sure they are educated in exercise physiology. Triathlon involves 3 sports, strength training plus nutrition. It's important that the coach can either address all of these pieces or have another coach who specializes in them.

Finally, it is important to consider whether the club has members who have been or are currently at your level.  

Are you ready to start your triathlon journey?  

If you are looking for a club, Team Triumph is 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 athletes that have participated in a Half Ironman, and athletes that were middle-of-the-pack finishers to Kona World Championship 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.