Are you thinking of signing up for a triathlon? Read this to find out about the training and preparation needed.
Firstly, I am very sorry that I haven't blogged in weeks, I have been so busy!
So on March 26th I completed an Olympic distance triathlon! I am not a strong swimmer, and cycling is something that I never ever train, so I was only really confident that I could nail the run!
Training,
So I only really started training properly the week after my marathon! This only gave me 5 weeks. I would not suggest to anyone to train for a triathlon in just 5 weeks! I trained four times a week, two-three of the exercises. For example, a 1000m swim, then a 20k cycle. I always trained in the order I would be doing them on the day to get my body used to the different muscles being targeted. Realistically I feel I could have trained something every day, and I would have got a better time!
On the day,
The triathlon was indoors, which definitely made it easier! No currents to swim against and no hills to run or cycle up! The swim I had done the lest training for, I find it very boring and I'm not very good at it so I try to avoid it (never a good idea) 60 long, slow lengths, completed in 41 minutes! A mixture of breast stroke and very very bad front crawl! I got dried off and went to start my 40k cycle - 47 minutes in, and half way there I needed to pee! After a quick toilet break I was back on the bike and another 43 minutes later I was finished! I didn't even feel the cycle really, I think I was sooo relieved the swim was over I just enjoyed myself! Then to the run. I was expecting a new personal best... But no, my legs feel literally like jelly. I have to start with a very very slow jog! Then as my legs start to settle, I suddenly notice how weak my arms feel! Even holding them up at the side of me is a task in itself, the swim has come back to haunt me! I managed the run in a less than impressive 56 minutes, and shortly collapsed in a heap on the floor.
Triathlons are not for the faint hearted, your body will hate you for it! I suggest anyone wanting to complete one trains for at least 3 months. However, I loved trying something new, and it's another achievement to add to the list :) I organised the event and it raised £1,769.13 for nine different charities! Eleven other girls completed it with me, and I know it's something we can all be very proud of :)
So get your swimming costumes, goggles, lycra and your trainers, and try something new!
