There are several factors to consider when choosing the best triathlon training program. Most importantly, the best triathlon training program will be tailored to help you reach your individual goals based on your current abilities. Therefore, it is advisable to choose a program that considers your current physical capabilities, the distances of each leg of the race, the time you wish to devote to training sessions, your goals for finishing and your prior experience in each event.
Prior to picking any training program, it is necessary to determine your physical fitness level. For instance, if you are overweight or are recovering from previous injury, you will not be able to start off at high intensity levels. If this is the case, you should choose a program that allows you to start slowly and build your strength with walking and other less-strenuous exercises. Conversely, if you have avoided recent injury and have been exercising regularly, you should choose a program that begins at a higher intensity level and begins building your endurance running, biking and swimming.
In order to make sure your training is successful, you should consider the distance of the race. Longer triathlons will require you to build up higher levels of endurance than required to compete in shorter sprint-style triathlons or medium-length triathlons. Your triathlon training program should therefore be geared specifically for the distance you will need to finish in order to make sure that you are at the appropriate level of fitness to compete safely and remain free of injury.
Successful completion of any triathlon race will require you to devote a minimum amount of time to training sessions. For instance, training for a half-distance race will take less training time each week than training for full-distance triathlon. Consider the distance and your current physical capabilities when determining how much time you will have to train each week in order to be successful and then choose a triathlon training program that meets those needs.
Decide what your goals are for finishing. If your main goal is simply to cross the finish line, then you can pick a training program that will build up your endurance and allow you to finish in a reasonable amount of time. If your goal is to finish in a specified amount of time or place in the top 10, then you need a training program that will help you increase your speeds in each event while also building endurance. The best program for you will be tailored to suit your finishing goals.
Finally, it is important to consider your experience in each event when choosing the best triathlon training program. If you are an avid runner but are an inexperienced swimmer, choose a program that devotes more time to swimming. If you can already bike the distances required during the race with ease, concentrate on running and swimming.