The season for triathlons will begin sooner than you could imagine, And the very last thing you want to do before the race is to be mentally and physically unprepared. This guide will outline the most important aspects of triathlon preparation and help you be mentally and physically ready for the upcoming triathlon season.
NUTRITION
Specific nutritional guidelines have been established for any physically demanding sports to ensure that you’re physically ready for the jobs ahead. Triathletes aren’t different. This sport can be very challenging for your body. Up to 3,000-5,000 calories are consumed during a race and in training. Here are a few most effective techniques to ensure your body gets enough energy and the correct fuel.
Diet preparations should begin before the race’s night. Three months before when the start of the triathlon season, you must eliminate any processed foods and maintain an energizing diet rich in fiber, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. They are an excellent source of carbohydrates that will ensure that your body is getting enough glycogen, which is the key to energy.
Beware of being enticed by the protein. Be cautious with your protein intake before increasing the levels of protein you consume in your food as you progress through your workout. That means you’ll build muscle using amino acids gradually and healthily.
When you are about a month away from your race, increase the amount of antioxidants and carbohydrates in your diet to ensure your body is fueled correctly. In contrast, your body’s immune system remains healthy.
With just a week left before your first race, you should begin drinking at least 2.5 milliliters of fluid daily and increase your carbs intake. As your first race is close by, you should only include easily digestible carbs, such as white flour and rice, to prevent digestive discomfort.
TRAINING AND TECHNIQUE
SWIMMING
Although there isn’t a mandatory swimming technique required during a triathlon, there are several ways that you can prepare for open swimming. It is essential to remember that swimming in open water differs from swimming in the pool. Therefore, if you’ve got an opportunity to practice in open water, it will allow you to familiarize yourself with race-day scenarios and the unique challenges open-water swimmers face.
If, for instance, the water is turbulent, you’ll need to lift your arms. It is also helpful to practice breathing from both sides if to a competitor and wish to avoid getting a component in your race; try not to sprint from the beginning and then burn out too quickly. Be mindful that it’s the first race from three. Instead, you should find a point that allows you to move away from the crowd. Then, find another swimmer with a similar speed and swim straight to the same pace. This helps you conserve your energy.
CYCLING
It is the longest race within triathlons, and your training must reflect this. Although it may sound obvious, the more time you spend on your bike, the faster you build confidence and improve your endurance and technique. If you plan to be an experienced triathlete, investing in clipless pedals to increase your power and speed is worthwhile.
Before racing, check and double-check that the bike is correctly set up. Check that you’re not climbing over the handrails and that your legs are not straight when you finish every pedal stroke.
RUNNING
Training is essential in all sports, but it takes off when competing against other athletes and causes muscle fatigue. Focus on speed and technique and include short runs, long intervals, and sprints in your workout routine. It is essential to vary your training so your body doesn’t become comfortable with a certain speed.
The day before, make sure you start at a comfortable pace to cover your distance within. Don’t forget that triathlons are an event with three phases. It is essential to plan some exercises that practice two sports simultaneously. This way, you’ll feel more at ease with changes.
TRIATHLON GEAR
On race day or even for training, it’s crucial to have the proper triathlon equipment. Not only will high-end triathlon equipment enhance performance, but it’s also essential to become familiar with the gear so that you don’t face any unexpected issues on race day and know the equipment you feel most comfortable in.
When you race, you’ll require triathlon equipment that you can rely on. As we’ve mentioned in the article, a few top-quality products, like tri-suits, are so ensconced in technology they could improve your performance. As a necessity, the triathlon kit you choose to use is designed to keep your body cool and comfortable throughout the course.
Wetsuits for triathlons are specifically designed to provide flexibility and speed. They are buoyancy and nono-coating that help in making it easier to glide across the water and get an edge over your rivals. At Swim, our range of wetsuits is also sourced from top triathlon brands that set the standard in design and technology. We offer plans suitable for any body type and to every level of a triathlete to ensure you choose the perfect fitting suit for the season you’re in.
Alongside the triathlon wetsuit, investing in the right pair of open-water goggles can be a significant difference. They typically come with anti-fog polarised lenses that can help you see when you swim and QuickFIT strap technology that can help provide an ideal fit and help speed the process of transitioning to bike.
One of the most essential items of kit that can often be overlooked is the Dryrobe. This primary product is ideal for open-water swimming and can keep you dry and warm before you race. This is a genuine concept that has been a hit among triathletes and open-water swimmers.
