Son's first Sprint Tri - Training question

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MomtoNewbie

11 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

Jul 11, 2006 12:45 PM

Son's first Sprint Tri - Training question

My son, who turned 13 today, is competing in his 1st sprint tri this coming weekend (Spruce Pine NC). He has competed in three kids' triathlons (one last weekend in Atlanta), and does pretty well. He has a couple more sprint distance races schedule in the next month or so. He is swims on a swim team (practices approx 8hrs per week), and runs cross-country during the school year, but is just getting into road biking. He has been riding approx 6 miles 4-5 days per week, with a longer ride thrown in once a week. He focuses on running the least - a couple of miles a few times a week, with 2 or 3 brick workouts. Does this training regimen seem appropriate for sprint triathlons, or should he be doing more or less?

Joe_H1

1,036 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

1. Jul 12, 2006 7:11 AM

in response to: MomtoNewbie

does he have a rest day?

can't workout all the time. everyone's body needs rest to rebuild and get stronger -does he ever take a day off?
the july insidetriathlon magazine has an article on kid's triathlons sorry I only glanced at it but it maybe useful to you.

MomtoNewbie

11 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

2. Jul 12, 2006 10:14 AM

in response to: MomtoNewbie

Re: Son's first Sprint Tri - Training question

Thanks for the response! He does not have a scheduled rest day, but it usually works out that one or two days a week he is unable to train due to conflicts. His swim team practices M-F at 10:00 am and 7:00 pm for one hour at a time. That pretty much means he has to "triple-up" work-outs if he wants to get in any running or cycling.
I will check out the article - maybe some helpful info.

Thanks ~

avillasi

13 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

3. Jul 21, 2006 4:43 PM

in response to: MomtoNewbie

Re: Son's first Sprint Tri - Training question

This seems like a good training program to me - but the previous responder is correct - he needs one to two days rest a week.

My coach told me that I should try to train in each sport three times a week - that's nine workouts a week. One should be short but difficult (to work on speed), one should be long (to increase endurance) and one that is either recovery or easy.

Sounds like he is on the way to being the next Hunter Kemper!

xraytriguy

79 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

4. Jul 24, 2006 7:38 AM

in response to: MomtoNewbie

Re: Son's first Sprint Tri - Training question

You need a good triathlon coach! At your son's age, he is poised to do two things: grow and improve at a tremendous rate, and become injured. The two do not get along

A qualified triathlon coach will be able to shape his training regimen to incorporate the disciplines and grow the overall athlete with an eye for "the big picture". Swim coaches/cycling coaches/cross country coaches tend to be single-minded. Congrats to your son for taking his age division at Spruce Pine. I like that race venue - wicked climb at the end of the cycle leg, though... was the pond (yes, pond) as cold this year as last?

Xraytriguy

MomtoNewbie

11 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

5. Jul 24, 2006 11:54 AM

in response to: MomtoNewbie

Re: Son's first Sprint Tri - Training question

First - thanks for responding - we're pretty new to the whole triathlon thing, so all the advice is welcome. After the Swiss Pine tri, we did sit down and make up a training schedule of sorts, with rest days, "speed" days, long runs/rides, etc. - and though I'm sure it could use a lot of refining - it's a place to start. He does have a tendency to go all out, all the time, which is probably what attracted him to the sport in the 1st place...
Where does one find a triathlon coach?

Jul 11, 2006 12:45 PM

Son's first Sprint Tri - Training question

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