[sheldorofazaroth]

Does anyone take part in triathlon who could give some advice for a beginner?

I normally lift weights but fancied doing some long distance events, my diet is pretty stacked and I'm unsure on the diet for a triathlete,


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[D.O'T]

First point to be made is that you cannot just jump straight into a Triathlon. The normal start point for training is the run, it is normally the swing section. The swing section is were the runners make up for time lost over the swim and cycle sections, and the bulkier com-peter's lose their leads. You realistically should be able to run a marathon before becoming a triathlete, as it will give you a competitive advantage (its also needed if you decided you want to become an Iron Man). You say that you are a lifter, so I presume that you are unlikely to be a great runner (correct me if I am wrong). Therefore you will need to be a great swimmer and cyclist. These are what most people find tough, so you can build a good lead if your quick enough. I found the cycling was relatively easy, but the swimming is tough (even for a big b****** like me). Its not so bad if your swimming indoors, however the open-water swimming is physically demanding.

The diet usually consists of high carbohydrate intake (oats, rice etc.) to provide enough energy for a long period of time. The bulkier com-peters also have a higher intake of protein. However, the key, is the fluids. Hydration is a major factor to the performance on the day, however too much will make you sick.

[Marlo Stanfield]

There's a variety of different distances in which you can compete in, so I'm not sure why the poster above is going on about needing to be able to run a marathon.

Having a good cardiovascular system is key. You need to be able to run whatever distance you're entering in for comfortably, this can be from 5km, to 10km or even half a marathon to a full one. Though, you'll be doing this after a fairly long cycle too so a very important aspect of your training is to practice cycling and then running immediately after it.

The swim is first and for most people it's a question of being able to get through it without exerting yourself and using up much energy at all. Being confident in your stroke and technique is crucial here, all the mores so if you're swimming in open water. Even for experience swimmers, this can be quite a big shock as you find yourself in very cold and murky conditions, with hundreds of other swimmers all battling for position.

[SirMasterKey]

(Original post by D.O'T)
First point to be made is that you cannot just jump straight into a Triathlon. The normal start point for training is the run, it is normally the swing section. The swing section is were the runners make up for time lost over the swim and cycle sections, and the bulkier com-peter's lose their leads. You realistically should be able to run a marathon before becoming a triathlete, as it will give you a competitive advantage (its also needed if you decided you want to become an Iron Man). You say that you are a lifter, so I presume that you are unlikely to be a great runner (correct me if I am wrong). Therefore you will need to be a great swimmer and cyclist. These are what most people find tough, so you can build a good lead if your quick enough. I found the cycling was relatively easy, but the swimming is tough (even for a big b****** like me). Its not so bad if your swimming indoors, however the open-water swimming is physically demanding.

The diet usually consists of high carbohydrate intake (oats, rice etc.) to provide enough energy for a long period of time. The bulkier com-peters also have a higher intake of protein. However, the key, is the fluids. Hydration is a major factor to the performance on the day, however too much will make you sick.

Wouldn't outdoor swimming practise be advisable as well then?


I would like to compete in a triathlon before I am thirty so I have just under 10 years to do it in. However I do want to do a marathon first. Unlikely I will do it before I graduate if I'm honest with myself.

[sheldorofazaroth]

How could you practice in open water safely? Around my proximity there's only the river Humber and that's fairly shallow and a risk of getting stuck in eyots in the river?


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[SirMasterKey]

(Original post by sheldorofazaroth)
How could you practice in open water safely? Around my proximity there's only the river Humber and that's fairly shallow and a risk of getting stuck in eyots in the river?


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No idea to be honest.

[Alix23]

(Original post by sheldorofazaroth)
How could you practice in open water safely? Around my proximity there's only the river Humber and that's fairly shallow and a risk of getting stuck in eyots in the river?


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Try local lakes, a lot will have open water times with people watching the swimmers in case of issues.
If there isn't anything like this and your completely new to it, I suggest paying for a beginners session or joining a club. Have a look at the open water swim society.