Training for a 5150 triathlon

Three sports, one race – this is the allure to many to try their hand at triathlon. Completing a 5150 triathlon is extremely achievable yet very rewarding. It is a short enough challenge to take up, yet long enough for the sense of achievement to linger. The 5150 is the catalyst in the genesis of new triathletes.
Depending on the course topography and conditions, the winners will typically complete a 5150 in about 01:50, with the bulk of the pack coming in around two and a three quarter hours. The back markers finish around three and a half hours. 

Below are two triathlon programmes for a 5150. The first programme is aimed at experienced athletes while the second programme is for beginners
Three important principles on triathlon training:

• Fit the programme into your life style. You can swop sessions around in terms of days or in terms of mornings and afternoons. Keep your family and employers onboard in your triathlon endeavour.
• Don’t fret about missed sessions and don’t add lost session onto future ones, as this will put plenty of strain on your body. The key is recovery from sessions in time for the next one, so should you feel you can do more on a particular day, then don’t! Rest is part of triathlon training.
• Triathlon is complex as it is about the mastering of three sports and then wrapping them all up as one. Very few humans are proficient swimmers, cyclists and runners. We all have some weakness or two, or even three. They are all bridgeable. It’s merely about patience and perseverance.
• Basic Beginners 5150 programme (11 weeks) link
• For expert advanced/custom made triathlon programmes, please e mail Alan Timms alan@triangle.cc