Trick or Tri Training Plan Coach Darrell Myrick – USAT Level 1 Triathlon Coach
Attached you will find am 8 week training plan for both the Sprint and Olympic distance triathlons. Both are aimed at beginner level athletes who do not have an extensive background in any of the disciplines and are starting with a limited endurance base. Both of the plans have several assumptions:
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The athlete is in good health and has been cleared by their medical professional(s) to train for and compete in a triathlon.
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The athlete has acceptable equipment to train for and compete in a triathlon, i.e. a bicycle, running shoes, goggles, helmet, etc.
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For the Sprint distance the assumption is that the athlete can run/jog for 20 minutes, cycle for 30 minutes and swim continuously for 10 minutes. A training period may be necessary to build up to these distances prior to following the training plan.
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For the Olympic distance the assumption is that the athlete can run/jog for 2 miles, cycle for 20 miles and swim for 300 yards. Again, athletes may need a training period to build up to the distances prior to following the training plan.
Many athletes come to the sport of triathlon with a background in one or more of the disciplines, running for instance. If you are an accomplished 10K competitor and wish to become a triathlete, you may find the running portion of this training plan too rudimentary. This plan, and all training plans, are suggestive guidelines only. The true training plan is the plan the athlete decides is best for them. If the running portion, or any portion, of the training plan is not challenging enough make the adjustments you deem necessary, however, the best way to make improvements and to succeed in triathlons is to work on your weaknesses. If you are a runner, but have limited experience with cycling and swimming, your greatest opportunity for improvement is in the improvement of your weaknesses – cycling and swimming. Same holds true with cyclists and swimmers. For the more experienced athletes and for all athletes following the training plan after week 3 or 4, the opportunity to train and interact with other triathletes exists several times per week. California Triathlon has a training calendar at Californiatriathlon.org that lists trainings available to everyone, free of charge. Saturday rides, Sunday runs and bricks on Wednesdays are only a sampling of trainings that would fit well into this training plan with the most minor of alterations – show up at one of my trainings with your training plan and I’ll personally make the adjustments for you. Training and interacting with others is the best way to remain motivated and learn from the wealth of knowledge that has been gained by members of California Triathlon. California Triathlon is a 501(C)3 charitable organization and membership is completely free of charge. Sigh up and be part of one of the largest and best run triathlon clubs in the nation.