Triathlon training

Question
I am 37 and would like to enter a certain triathlon for beginners in April 2008.  I used to weight train a good bit but in the past several years work and kids have dwarfed whatever time I had to do so.  Can you recommend a good training program for me to prepare myself for this triathlon.  I am a good swimmer.  I guess my weakness would be the running portion.  Any recommendations would be appreciated!

Answer
Hi Casey,

There are numerous sites dealing with triathlon training, basically you are better off if you are good at all three than if you are poor in any of them.

Her is an article on ivillage that may help you somewhat with your training.

Here is another that may help http://ezinearticles.com/?Triathlon-Training---a-Transition-to-a-New-Lifestyle&i...

Personally I have trouble with the run myself and so instead I do long distance cycling and some small amount of racing here and there. I will likely compete in the Golden Olympics here in Georgia next year, but have not made that decision as yet.

I would do a workout setup around the triathlon itself, being sure to include swimming, running and cycling into my training. I would also include weight training and eat very clean while in training. You want to give the body high performance food if you expect it to perform like a high performance machine.

You will want to make sure you hit all the major muscles in the body once a week. Here is how I would do it. I would do weight training on monday, probably upper body. Tuesday I would swim, Wednesday do lower body, Thursday Cycle, Friday cycle, Saturday I would have the grandkids, run and play with them and you will be surprised how good a workout you get without even trying. Sunday would be rest day. You can of course mix this up anyway you want, but I would do weight training 3 days and the events on the other days. I would start out with short distances and work up to where I am running, swimming, and cycling at my best for at least 1/2 the distance that I will have to in the Tri- event. Even better if you can work up to where you can do the entire distances.

Hope this helps, check out the sites and if you need further assistance please don't hesitate, I will be happy to help all I can.

Jerry Goodwin