Triathlon Training Tips: Preparing for a triathlon
We are officially half way through the Triathlon season! You may have experence in triathlons or you may be trying your first triathlon this year. Whichever one it is ,it's important to be ready with a plan and commit to your training ahead.
Below are Adam Walkers top tips for preparing for a Triathlon
1. Plan plan plan
Decide what events you are going to do this year and commit yourself to them. I would reccomend buying a 2023 wall chart and mark them on. They are now official and you have your goals to train for.
2. Training Sets
Build a training plan which you will stick to. If swimming is your weaker discipline it's worth proportioning more time to work on this as it could make all the difference in a race. Ideally you should look to do a minimum of 3 sessions per week, preferably 1 hour sessions and stick to them. If you are disciplined in training throughout the year it will provide you with the confidence at the start of the race season.
3. Training Partner
Try and train with someone who is faster than, or at least as competent as you. This will increase your drive to push yourself. It is a great way to boost moral as well. Training is tough at the best of times…let alone through the dark and gloomy months. Help each other to stay positive and keep up that competitive streak.
4. Technique
If swimming is one of the weaker disciplines, now is a good time to improve the technique. It's worth investing in a coach as you now have time to work on it without the concern of making any changes in the middle of the season. Technique can take seconds off your stroke and can also be the difference between winning and losing. Don't just settle for your old style if you feel it’s not efficient and effective.
5. Nutrition
If you are finding nutrition an issue, now is the time to try different fuels. Make sure you train using them to see how your body reacts. Everybody is different and the same product won't necessary suit everyone.
5. Equipment
Are you happy with your equipment? i.e. swimwear, goggles, swimming cap etc. Now is the time to look at replacing them and trying out different brands.
The most important piece of equipment for me is the goggle and I have used Zoggs Predator Flex for all seven of my ocean swims. For me they provided the best visibility in all conditions and are the most comfortable for my face shape.
Read more about the our top goggle picks for open water swimming here.
This advice has been prepared by Zoggs Open Water/Triathlon Ambassador, Adam Walker, the 1st Briton to swim the toughest 7 oceans in the world.