Triathlon Training: FAQs

-By Jaime Willis

"We can't solve problems using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."

First, I want to thank you all for reading and posting during Triathlon Training Blitz Week!  It is has been a whirlwind of a week, but I know the best is yet to come (and I'm not just talking about our TGIF Interview tomorrow, although that is going to be awesome!)

Here are some questions we've gotten these week about the Training program that we'd like to take a moment to answer.

What is a Sprint Triathlon?

A "sprint" triathlon is a shortened version a full-length triathlon.  Sprint does NOT refer to how fast you have to go!  The triathlon itself consists of three legs:

• 750 Meter Swim (about a half mile in a lake);
• 16.5 Mile Bike Ride (for reference, the average person bikes at about 13-15 miles an hour when not racing). 
• 5 Kilomter run (3.1 miles long). 

Where and when are you training?

As a group, we are training on Sunday mornings in beautiful Lake Audobon in Reston Virginia.  In addition to several great riding/running trails, we will have access to the lake during training days to help simulate the race conditions. 

Depending on the number of participants, we may also choose to hold informal training meetups during the week before or after work in DC.  

I live in the city and don't have a car - can I still participate?

Sure!  We are going to be organizing car pools on Sundays out to Reston, so you should be able to hitch a ride with one of your soon-to-be new friends. 

Are you sure this is for everyone? I am so out of shape!

I am POSITIVE this training is for you - we are focusing on COMPLETING, not COMPETING, so this training program should be FUN, not stressful.  Caveat: We are not doctors - please speak to a medical professional before starting any exercise regimen, particularly if you have any pre-existing medical concerns.

What if I can't come for all of the training dates?

That's fine.  If you are going to miss over half of the training sessions, you may consider signing up for 1 or 4 sessions a la carte.

I am just not sure if I am ready to commit - eek!

Anyone, signed up or not, can join us on May 1 to learn more about the program, see the beautiful training location, and meet your fearless training buddies.  If you decide to continue, you can sign up after the first session!

Should I register for the race now?

If you sign up for any of our training program options first, you'll get a coupon code for $10 off race registration! 

I'm in! Where do I sign up?

Right here.