Back to step number 5 on my 10 point guide to becoming a successful athlete! Here are some tips on how to Develop a Training Plan
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Choose a target race – this may be a multisport event from a Sprint distance triathlon to an full distance Ironman or could be a single discipline event like a Cycling Time Trial or a Running race.
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Set your goals – small ones to start with which will help you build up towards achieving your big target. It could be that your main target is to run 5k without stopping so your small goals may be something like starting with 1 min walk/1 min jog. Or if your main target is to complete a full distance multi-sport event and you have already done a Sprint distance then enter something mid-way like an Olympic or Half distance to keep you on track.
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Recognise your strengths and weaknesses – If you are a great swimmer but struggle on the bike then make yourself do more bike training. I can guarantee your swimming will remain good but you’ll start enjoying cycling more if you do more of it and start improving! Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses and tailor your training plan around them.
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Track your workouts and progress – Apps such as Strava and Training Peaks (there are others out there) are brilliant for planning your training around hectic life/work schedules but are also very good for highlighting your progress and helping you understand your training zones and making sure you don’t over-train and take rest days.
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Nutrition – Eat well and healthy. Don’t restrict your food intake if you are increasing your training volume. Enjoy lots of fruit, vegetables, protein and lean meats and carbohydrates and keep unhealthy snacks to a minimum. I am a firm believer in that you are what you eat! Eat healthily and you will soon feel the benefits and rewards. Oh and don’t forget to drink lots of water!
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And of course if all this seems a bit too much to take on on your own then enlist the help of a coach – I’m more than happy to assist!