Your First Triathlon

Get ready for your first triathlon with the sports #1 coach! Joe Friel is the world’s most trusted triathlon coach and this accessible and friendly guide will get you ready for your first sprint or Olympic triathlon feeling strong, confident, and ready for the challenge.

Friel has helped hundreds of thousands of people to enjoy the challenges of triathlon with his clear and comprehensive Training Bible method. Your First Triathlon simplifies all the principles of Friel’s training approach for newcomers who want a simple, no-nonsense way to train for triathlon. Friel’s method will build the fitness and confidence you need to enjoy your first event. Your First Triathlon, 2nd Edition includes:

• Training Plans: Easy to follow in under 5 hours a week
• Workouts: Clearly explained for swim, bike, and run
• Technique: Effective drills to polish your form
• Tri gear: What you need and don’t need
• Nutrition & weight loss: Practical advice for being in ideal race shape
• Tips & Tricks: How to navigate your race packet pickup, lay out your gear, set up your transition area, fuel for your race, finish your swim without stress or fear, and ensure your race goes smoothly from the moment you wake up until you cross the finish line.

Your First Triathlon offers a 12-week training plan for total beginners as well as custom plans for athletes who have some experience in running, cycling, or swimming. Each triathlon training schedule includes realistic swimming, biking, and running workouts with options to add strength workouts. These simple plans will build anyone into a triathlete.

Triathlon is an amazing and challenging sport that can help you get fit, healthy, and feeling great. Your First Triathlon will help you get off to a great start in the swim-bike-run sport and excited for your next race.

Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1: Your New Challenge
Your Tri Goal
History
Race Distances
Your First Race
The Newbie
Can You Do It?
Chapter 2: Your Triathlon Lifestyle
Life as a Triathlete
Motivation
It's Okay to Stop Sometimes
Sleeping Your Way to Better Fitness
Do You Need to Lose Weight?
Getting Older Slower
Chapter 3: Your Nutrition
Fueling before Exercise
Fueling during Exercise
Refueling after Exercise
Eating during the Rest of the Day
Chapter 4: Your Support
Emotional Support
Motivational Support
Technical Support
Informational Support
Chapter 5: Your Swimming
Form--Not Fitness
Where to Swim
Fear of Water
Swim Stuff
Chapter 6: Your Biking
Dusting Off the Old Bike
Buying a Bike
Bike Fit
Bike Stuff
How to Ride a Bike
Bike Safety
Group Riding
Hills-Ups and Downs
Chapter 7: Your Running
Running and Walking
Group Running
Staying Healthy
Where to Run
Hot Weather
Running Stuff
Chapter 8: Your Muscles
Where Do I Find the Time?
Getting Stronger
Strength-Building Routines
How Much Weight to Use
Strength-Building Exercises
Strength Phases
Becoming More Flexible
How to Stretch
Stretching Exercises
Chapter 9: Your Training Plan
The Big Picture: How to Get Fit
Your Training Plan
Beginner Plan
Swimmer Plan
Cyclist Plan
Runner Plan
What to Do When Things Don't Go Right
Chapter 10: Your High-Tech Gear
Heart Rate Monitors
Power Meters
GPS Devices
Back to the Future
Chapter 11: Your First Triathlon
Choosing and Entering a Race
Race Week
Race Day!
After the Race
Epilogue
Appendix A: Triathlon Lingo
Appendix B: Swim Workouts
Appendix C: Bike Workouts
Appendix D: Run Workouts
Appendix E: Combination Workouts
Appendix F: Strength Workouts
Appendix G: Checklists
Appendix H: Newbie-Friendly Races
Appendix I: Triathlon Resources
Index
About the Author