Where to even start with triathlon training?

[Abcdecat]

Hello

I’m feeling like I need a new challenge, something other than work. I really fancy doing the aviemore triathlon ( the short version !) it’s in September, but could well be cancelled.

It’s 500m open water swim, 12km mountain bike and 5km trail run.

I can run a slow 5k and wish to get back into this, I can mountain bike but not at any great speed and although I can swim, I have never intentionally done it in open water.

The other problem is I live in an area of England where there isn’t much areas I could practice (plus lockdown). I will be moving up to Scotland in a few months and have more places available but anyway, I still don’t know where to start 😂

I’m not at all bothered about doing well, just looking to finish and have something to work towards.

Thanks x

Can you find a club. I’ve done one, getting off your bike and starting running is weird - make sure you practice the transition too.

The place I joined to swim (a diving quarry, lifeguarded) there are quite often people running or cycling nearby so I imagine triathlon training. I guess start training in all three as much as you can (pool/swimming might need to be after lockdown) join some Facebook groups or buy a book and pick up tips. Can you afford the kit you need?

Zone 3 do ex display wetsuits regularly presume some are triathlon friendly.
For open water swimming learning to spot so you go in the right direction is important! And the depth can be daunting.

Definitely join a club, my one is very small and very lovely! There’s a coached running session once a week, then in summer we do a session at the bike track and there’s coached swimming too. All the coaching is included in the price and everyone I’ve met has been really friendly and happy to share tips. My club is currently half price because of Covid so it’s an insane £30 for the entire year. Look at British Triathlon and search for your area

Thanks guys

I’ll look into a club - looks like most are doing some kind of online / zoom training atm. I’m not the fittest person, and work (nurse) has taken over my life a bit so this might be best.

For kit I will be able to afford it (on payday lol)

Aside from running outside, I quite fancy getting an exercise bike, kettlebells and dumbbells (to build my very limited strength) but nowhere has them in stock/at a reasonable price

Its not the time of year to start outdoor swimming - the triathlon swimming season starts in April, but you'll be surprised the places you can swim when things start up. I live in a very unpromising area, but locally you can go to organised swimming at a fishing lake, a couple of watersports ex gravel lakes, and a stately home boating lake. The tri clubs normally have coached pool sessions at least weekly.

I'd focus on cycling and running now as you can't do anything about the swimming, then you can pick that up later

If you’re starting from scratch you can go quite a way with 2 x 2 litre bottles of water for strength training. Keep your eye on Facebook marketplace, I managed to get a full set of dumbbells and a barbell for about £100 but I did have to look consistently for about 2 weeks.

Actually Lidl had kettlebells recently, worth a look!

How are you getting on @Abcdecat?

I've booked a Go Tri on the 5th June and did an open water swim on Sunday as part of a group so feeling better about that!

Total novice here and whilst I'm not worried about my times I want to make sure I'm as prepared as can be!