• USAT - The USA governing organization of triathlon: https://www.usatriathlon.org
• IronMan - Professional organized road triathlons of varied distances: https://www.ironman.com
• XTERRA - Professional organized off-road triathlon and trail run races of varied distances: https://www.xterraplanet.com
• SwimSmooth - Professional swim coaching and free blog/newsletter: https://www.swimsmooth.com

The nature of the sport focuses on training in each of the three disciplines, as well as combination (brick) workouts and general strength conditioning.

It’s important to note that all three disciplines are endurance sports, and fitness in one sport does not make one fit in the other sports.

So how does one train for a triathlon? It depends on the distance and type of triathlon. It will also depend on the individual (age, experience, natural ability, time to train, environment to train, etc.)  The following outlines the basic concepts of training.

1. Establish a routine/feel for training the three sport disciplines
2. Work on proper mechanics
3. Gradually increase distance
4. Provide for recovery

For the beginner "to-be triathlete", the first goal is to establish a training routine and your feel for multi-sport training. Consistency is key, even if you don’t think your workouts seem very impressive, they will add up over time!

Aim for 2 workouts per week, per sport, that are spread evenly throughout the week. For Instance, you might swim Tuesday and Friday, bike Wednesday and Saturday, and run Thursday and Sunday. Monday could serves as a recovery day, easy core strength, or yoga/stretching/muscle therapy day.

Attention and training time should be given to your weakest sport.  This is the time to take a few swim lessons, get a bike fit, and work on proper running mechanics. Don't worry initially about speed and intensity. Building your endurance by improving your aerobic system is more important, and speed will come later. 

Closer to your first race, training will become longer and more race specific, including short speed work, hill climbs, and "bricks" (the most common being a short run after a bike workout).

Finally, the week or two before a race, it is important to back off the training ("Taper") so that your body is rested and ready to RACE!

For the Beginner Triathlete:

• Supportive Swimsuit
• Goggles
• Swim cap
• Wetsuit (for cold Open Water Swimming)
• Bike
• Bike Helmet
• Bike/Running clothes
• Bike/Running shoes
• Water bottle or hydration pack
• Running Hat/Visor
• Sunglasses
• Watch

For the more experienced/competitive Triathlete:

• Tri Suit
• Wet Suit or Fast Skin – Temp driven
• Race specific bike (Road Bike/ Tri Bike / Mtn Bike)
• Triathlon specific bike shoes
• Bike gloves
• Aero Helmet – for Long Course road triathlons
• Running bib belt
• Quick lace elastic shoe laces (for running shoes)
• Multi-Sport watch
• Race nutrition for races longer than 1.5 hours