Creating a Triathlon Schedule for Beginners

As a beginner, your triathlon training will vary depending if you are already active or you are starting from "couch potato" status. However, the triathlon schedule for the beginner may be about the same no matter what level you are at when you start.

Whether you are already active or not, you can prepare for your first triathlon with 4 to 7 hours training a week. Can you fit a triathlon schedule in your life? Sometimes it's not easy. You may need to be creative (can you bike to work or run with the kid in a jogging stroller). You may need to give up something (maybe TV and or extra sleep). I've done all of this at one time or another. You will find that payoff is so worth it.

What does this training consist of? Again it depends on your physical condition. A balanced triathlon schedule for one week includes 2 sessions of swim, 2 of running, 2 of biking, and at least 1 strength training.

Don't worry about strength training in the beginning if you can't fit it in. It's not crucial right away and you can add it later as you become comfortable in your schedule.

Your training sessions in the beginning are NOT and should NOT be an hour. For instance, one recommended schedule for a beginner's week one is:

one 12 minute swim session
one 20 minute swim session
one 12 minute run
one 20 minute run
one 24 minute bike session
one 35 minute bike session

This is doable right? The idea is to start small, build a solid base and build on that base. A beginner's triathlon schedule does not have to overwhelm your life, but with some organization, you can fit it in.