training advice (books, websites, partner (chicago area), etc)

Support | Event Directors & Organizers

Browse Community

d_doohaluk

1 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

Nov 8, 2004 7:48 AM

training advice (books, websites, partner (chicago area), etc)

Hello!!! I have just committed (to myself) to compete in one sprint triathlon this summer, either the 2005 Danskin Women's in Pleasant Prairie or the Reebok Women's triathlon in Naperville and now i need a training program. Any suggestions on websites, books, etc. that you have found helpful would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks!!

PS. I would also be interested in finding a training partner. I live on the west side of Chicago, near Oak Park

mattfitz71

24 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

1. Nov 8, 2004 8:20 AM

in response to: d_doohaluk

Re: training advice (books, websites, partner (chicago area), etc)

My book, [i]Triathlete Magazine's Complete Triathlon Book[/i], is a good one for newbies.

hammond65

9 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

2. Nov 9, 2004 12:33 PM

in response to: d_doohaluk

Re: training advice (books, websites, partner (chicago area), etc)

I've read "Triathlon 101" and "Triathlete's Training Bible". "Triathlon 101" is very basic but covers most topics. "Training Bible" is a great book but much more in-depth. There are tons of books out there. Just check out the ads on triathlon web sites.

jstewa1

41 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

3. Nov 9, 2004 4:24 PM

in response to: d_doohaluk

Re: training advice (books, websites, partner (chicago area), etc)

Might be time to hire a coach. Check out ours at www.peakscoachinggroup.com. We would love to help you reach those goals in 2005.

Jeb Stewart MS, CSCS, Coach

The Peaks Coaching Group
"We Care About Your Success!"
www.peakscoachinggroup.com
jeb@peakscoachinggroup.com
(540) 586-4200 phone
(540) 586-5715 fax

Buy Strength Training Plans Online!
http://www.trainingpeaks.com/jeb

rkarboviak

156 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

4. Nov 10, 2004 7:46 PM

in response to: d_doohaluk

Re: training advice (books, websites, partner (chicago area), etc)

Being a trainer and newbie triathlete myself, I would read some basic books on triathlon training. My first book was actually an 'old school' one from the mid-80's, published by Runners World, which I got for a buck. Some of its outdated, yet some of it still rings true. In preparation for my first sprint tri, I used this book as a guide, as well as reading websites, message boards, and looking for beginner help. After my tri, I felt the need to learn more about it, and got the aforementioned Triathlete Magazine's book. Very good resource. As a newbie, its probably best to take a 'keep it simple' approach, and not overwhelm yourself with loads of information and mixed signals on what to do, when to do it, and so forth.
Rick Karboviak, CSCS
www.thetipedge.com

jtaylor1024

31 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

5. Nov 11, 2004 7:38 AM

in response to: d_doohaluk

Re: training advice (books, websites, partner (chicago area), etc)

Excellent! Here are some tips from my experience...

The number one thing to keep in mind as you are training is "stay uninjured"! It is a real bummer to train for several months for a race and then not be able to do it because you have an overuse injury. As you train your muscles will likely develop faster than your connective tissue. This will make your brain want to push yourself faster and further. Don't let yourself feel like you are slacking to do slow long runs and bikes (can hold a conversation throughout). This level of effort should be the core of your workouts.

Search google for "Triathlon training" and read, read, read several different plans. You will start to see patterns in the training plans in order to develop something that will work for YOU. Usually regardless of the book, you generally do 80%+ slow distance for the first several weeks.

Read about "periodization".

Do some weight training.

Eat good food and get lots of sleep.

Listen to your body!

Good luck!

tribro

4 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

6. Nov 11, 2004 9:56 PM

in response to: d_doohaluk

Re: training advice (books, websites, partner (chicago area), etc)

there are a bunch of great articles on trifuel.com:
http://www.trifuel.com/triathlon/

and for books I used Workouts for Working People when I was getting started. I think you can still find it used through Amazon. Written by Mark Allen and Julie Moss. Good primer and several 16 week training plans to follow.

partners? post a message on the trifuel forums as well. should be some chi town people there. as well, here's a list of clubs to look into:
http://www.trifuel.com/yp/index.php?PID=18

welcome to the sport!

paul

barlau

1 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

7. Jan 3, 2005 11:40 AM

in response to: d_doohaluk

Re: training advice (books, websites, partner (chicago area), etc)

I did my first triathlon last summer -- the Danksin up in Pleasant Prairie (I'm located in the south burbs -- Tinley Park, by the way). Great supportive environment for the first time. A real "You go, girl!" kind of atmosphere.

This summer I might do both of the races you mentioned -- after getting some swimming lessons first, since I almost drowned last year!

When I was preparing, I found some good information at http://www.beginnertriathlete.com. Also, I've heard that the Total Immersion swimming program is top-notch, which is what I'm going to be doing this off-season (http://www.totalimmersion.net).

Laura.

rlmacdon

4 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

8. Jan 18, 2005 3:02 PM

in response to: d_doohaluk

Re: training advice (books, websites, partner (chicago area), etc)

If you are near Chicago training and are a newbie or intermediate go to www.maxmultisport.com

talairys

1 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

9. Jan 31, 2005 1:23 PM

in response to: d_doohaluk

Re: training advice (books, websites, partner (chicago area), etc)

Felt like deja vu reading your message - I was you last year

You'll be happy to know I did both the Reebok tri and the Accenture tri and made it through from couch potato to beginning triathlete in about 6 months. (i'd suggest the Reebok tri as a good first one as I heard that PP tri was poorly organized...)

In any case, I found 'Triathlon 101' to be the most helpful. That and some of the articles on the web were really useful on specific topics. I think it depends on whether you are just trying to finish or if you really want to compete in a specific time.

Also, sites like teamestrogen.com were really helpful for "women's questions".

If you're ever up for a long ride this summer, let me know, I am just west of you in the burbs.

Tammy
talairys@hotmail.com

JazzinJ

4 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

10. Feb 2, 2005 10:18 PM

in response to: d_doohaluk

Re: training advice (books, websites, partner (chicago area), etc)

Hi there,

I'm in the same boat - I've decided to commit myself to a triathlon in August. Completely out of shape, with a desk job, the only active thing I do is recreational volleyball! I've actually been following the 21 week training schedule that I found on this very site:

http://www.active.com/story.cfm?story_id=6730&sidebar=571&category=give_tri

Dan Empfield, the publisher of Slowtwitch.com (another great tri site, according to my friend) put together the guide.

So far so good...I'm on week 3 (had to stop this week, I'm down with a bad cold) Good luck with your training!

jstewa1

41 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

11. Feb 4, 2005 8:22 AM

in response to: d_doohaluk

Re: training advice (books, websites, partner (chicago area), etc)

Joe Friel's riathlete's raining Bible is a great place to start. You can also check out our web site. Let us know if we can help.

Jeb Stewart MS, CSCS
Owner/President
The Peaks Coaching Group
"We Care About Your Success!"
www.peakscoachinggroup.com
jeb@peakscoachinggroup.com
(540) 586-4200 phone
(540) 586-5715 fax

Click Here to Check Out Jeb's Strength Training Plans for Endurance Athletes Online at http://trainingpeaks.com

"Believing in people before they have proven themselves is the key to motivating them to reach their potential."

John Maxwell

Nov 8, 2004 7:48 AM

training advice (books, websites, partner (chicago area), etc)

Communities

View All