Getting Started – What you need

The fastest way to get started in triathlon is to join in with your local Club. provide coaching and training sessions along with lots of advice about getting started in triathlon.

Tools of the Trade

Swimming

Essentials:

  • Goggles, chlorine resistant bathers (they last longer!), swim cap

Desirables:

  • Flippers, kickboard, pull buoy, paddles, wetsuit, race suit

Cycling

Essentials:

  • A bike (preferably a road bike) helmet, spare tube (in case of the dreaded flat tyre!), mini pump, levers, water bottle holder and bottle, mobile phone

Desirables:

  • Carbon fibre bike, comfy bike pants with padding, cycle jersey with pockets, clip in pedals, cycling shoes

Running

Essentials:

  • Good quality pair of running shoes that suit your foot stride (flat, over-pronating etc), comfortable running clothing

Desirables:

  • Heart rate monitor and watch with gps 

 

 

 

  What to look for in a coach

 

  To help you as a beginner just starting out in triathlon to select a coach here are some questions you may like to ask your potential coach. Firstly consider your stage of development, training time    available , how much you are prepared to pay for coach support & what do you most need from a coach (e.g., programmes v skill development).

  Is your coach  …?

 

  • Qualified? – Do they hold an appropriate TWA qualification for triathlon that gives them coaching expertise in your stage of development (Level 0, 1,2, 3 ?)
    Experienced? – How long have they been coaching? How many triathletes have they coached?
  • Accredited? – Are they accredited by TWA ? This means they are up-to-date with their knowledge base and regularly attend coach development opportunities
  • How many events per year/season would they set for you
  • If a Junior -do they hold a current Working wirh Children card

Can the coach provide…

  • Environment – The right environment for your development as an athlete. Are there triathletes of similar age and gender to interact with and train together?
  • Programmes – Squad/individual training. Times that complement your school/work/family routine?
  • Location –accessible relative to where you live/work/go to school?
  • Links – To physiotherapists, massage therapist, nutrition, sports doctor, podiatrist, specific discipline coaches, conditioning coaches, sport science testing services?
  • Expertise – In the areas you require.
  • Technically – Improving an area
  • Planning – Can the coach develop a training and competition plan
  • Mentally – Help you improve your mental skills that will assist you in training and racing; self-confidence;
  • Physically – Improve your conditioning and develop your speed, endurance, strength, power, core strength, flexibility

Discuss with any new coach:

  • Expectations
  • Goals
  • Communication
  • Review–
  • Significant others in your life – Partner/Friends/Parents/Sponsors/etc

Using the above coach check list could help to ensure that you as a welcome beginner to triathlon only need to start once……