Ironman Triathlon Training Plan

Are you looking to compete in your first ironman distance triathlon? Have you competed in an Ironman before and you are looking to perform better? In either case you want an Ironman Training Plan that will get you properly prepared for the event and allow you to compete up to your full potential. Whatever your reason for doing triathlons you should remember to enjoy them and participate safely!

The Ironman Triathlon is an outstanding competitive fitness sport and something that many fitness enthusiats strive to participate in. Triathlon is a multi-discipline endurance activity and race consisting of swimming, bicycling and running. The Ironman triathlon is often considered the ultimate of endurance events. The officialironman distances as determined by the International Triathlon Union and USA Triathlon are 2.4 miles for the swim, 112 miles for the bike ride and 26.2 miles (Marathon distance) for the run portion. Because of the distances for this event it can be a gueling and extremely difficult event and should not be taken lightly by any athlete. A proper training program is vital.

You should have a specific training program to follow if you plan on competing in a full Ironman triathlon. It is important that you have previous endurance event and more specifically triathlon experience. Having sufficient training and experience behind you is vital to you success and safety in a full length triathlon. Your training program should have a gradual build up to adequate distances for the event.

There is no such thing as the ideal training plan that works great for everybody. Each athlete has there own abilities and their body reacts and recovers differently to training. Most triathletes have one of the three events that they are weakest on. It is only logical that you focus a bit more on that event since that is where you need more improvement.

This is a commonly asked question. The answer is a simple no. During your ironman training program you do not need to run a marathon. It may seem like a good confidence builder but a marathon requires a lot of recovery for your body. Your training should include plenty of long runs. If you have extra available training time and motivation you may want to spend that time on your bike as your potential speed increase is greater and there is less stress on you joints compared to running. Competing in a half ironman triathlon is an excellent way to supplement your regular training program.

 

Remember that your food is your energy and for proper triathlon training you will be using a lot of energy. Adequate calories and carbohydrates will be required for you body to train well. Recovering after your workouts is actually when your body adapts to the stress you have put it through. During the first few hours after a tough workout you should focus on good food and rehydration. Drink plenty of water, before during and after training. The ironman triathlon event itself requires a highly focus approach to your nutrition program, much more then shorter distance traithlons. What is easily digested on a 70 mile bike ride may not work so well on a much longer ride. An improper nutrition plan can be more of a hindrance then the physical exertion on race day. Your training leading up to the triathlon may go great and then you can inadvertently ruin that with a poor eating program.
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