Sprint Triathlon!

So you've been working out hard these last couple months to get ready for bikini season right?
If you're doing cardio for at least 30 minutes 3 times a week or more you're ready for a sprint triathlon! Yep I'm talking to YOU!! If you've met goals with your weight, getting bored with your workout, or just looking for something new, it's time to set new goals. You can swim, bike, and run your way to a healthier body. I thouroughly enjoyed running the 5k event in May, but a little variety would be fun too. While I really love to run now, running every day can get tedious and boring.  Training for a specific day and event was fun as well as motivating because the goal was a circled date on my calendar. I knew that if I didn't do what I needed to do, the race was going to come anyway. Ready or not! All the more motivation to train hard for the big day.

Here's a couple things to keep in mind if you're a tri newbie:

Train Right!
To get ready for the tri is going to take 5-6 workouts/week for 12 weeks. (So find the race you'll be competing in now & stick to your schedule!)

A sprint triathlon is:
0.25 mi swim


12 mile bike


2 mile run

So obviously these are the areas of concentration for your training!

                                                      Swim!

Hit the pool twice a week and swim your race distance. If you're new to swimming (like me!) get some instruction on correct form and breathing & break the distance into smaller pieces to start with. Make sure to cover the distance continuously before the race!

                                      Bike!

Go for an hour long ride 1-2 times a week, being sure to practice your pedaling technique (keeping constant force throughout the cycle) as well as how to smoothly change gears through hilly and flat terrain.

                                     Run!

Lace up & work up to running 3 milers 1-2 times a week.

Also once a week do a bike-to-run "brick" - cycle for 20-30 minutes and follow immediately with a 1-2 mile run. These bricks will improve your endurance and get you used to running on tired legs!
 
 
So google a race near you and sign up today! :) Grab a friend who's motivated as well and sign up together. You can help each other through the workouts and help keep you going. Tell your friends and family about your plans to race, so you're less likely to back out.
Good luck! You're well on your way to becoming healthy & hot ;)