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Four Sprint Triathlons and 2 Olympic Distance Triathlons. Several marathons and Boston qualified. Because of my new found love of these sports, I got my Personal Training Certification and USAT Level I Coaching Certification so I could help others attain their goals!
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Super Sprint Triathlon Training
Since I didn't have much time and since it's a super sprint, am I OK just go to at the training relatively hard through Thursday or even Friday?
Member Question:
About 2 weeks ago I decided to start training for a sprint in August. But just after I started training found a super sprint that is this weekend. Saturday - like 4 days away! I signed up for it and have been hammering along training. Anyhow - since I didn't have much time and since it's a super sprint, am I OK just go to at the training relatively hard thru Thursday or even Friday? Then be OK for Saturday? I've got a swim tonight, run and weight training tomorrow, bike/spin and swim Thursday and maybe easy spin Friday.
Answer:
That is great that you have a Sprint Triathlon coming up and I wish you the VERY best! However, the thought of you doing even a Super Sprint with VERY little training makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up.
One of the BIGGEST mistakes people make is assuming they can do a triathlon, no matter how short, with little to no training. It’s a BIG difference going out for a swim, run, or bike ride than it is trying to put all three events together. Even a Super Sprint will take a new triathlete about an hour to finish…an hour of constant exercise is a LONG time and is very intense…especially when you are in ‘racing’ mode. It is VERY important that you follow a training plan and train safely and effectively.
There are MANY components to training for a triathlon that you will have no time for if you’re trying to cram it all into 4 days. You need to practice transitions, hydration, fueling, on top of swimming, biking and running. There is A LOT to think about when you get out on the roads in a competitive environment. You also need to consider the USAT rules and regulations (if it is a USAT sanctioned race) and practicing a ride in a group is a great idea as well.
So, that being said, I strongly advise following a training plan from start to finish before participating in any distance triathlon. This will contribute not only to a successful finish, but to injury PREVENTION as well as pre-race tapers, fueling time and REST!
Good Luck and train well!!
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