How to Train for a Triathlon: Your First or Best One

By Raymond Britt

I'll admit it: I nearly quit my first triathlon about four minutes after the swim began. I was in over my head, literally and figuratively, certain my triathlon career had ended almost before it had started. Little did I know that 12 years later, I would have finished 40 triathlons, including 29 Ironman triathlon finishes.

I was not a natural born swimmer, biker or runner. At the age of 34, I began running and finished two marathons, but not fast by any means. Later that year, at the prodding of a friend, I decided to try a new challenge: the Chicago Olympic Distance (1500m swim, 40k bike, 10k run) triathlon. I thought: I can finish a marathon, so how hard could a triathlon be?

It was very hard. I was unprepared, and I was nearly dead last out of the 1500 meter swim, finishing in 46 terrifying, backstroking and dogpaddling minutes. As I exited the water, I swore I'd never try a triathlon again.

The following year, however, I had a change of heart, and tried the race again. I trained better, was mentally prepared, and I had a good race. I was hooked, and I soon graduated to racing the Ironman Triathlon distance, earning three trips to the Ironman Triathlon World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.

Because of my experience of starting triathlon from nearly zero experience to achieving USA Triathlon All-American ranking, a lot of triathletes -- from beginners to those hoping for better future races -- ask for training and coaching advice.

If you are one of these interested triathletes, start with the articles below.

- Triathlon Frequently Asked Questions
- Planning Your Training and Racing Season
- Triathlon Training: How Much Time? Part 1 -- Overview
- Training: How Much Time? Part 2 -- Specifics
- Runner or Triathlete? Why Not Both?
- Triathlon: Ready to Race?
- Attitude is Everything
- Getting Razor Sharp: Periodization
- How to Improve Triathlon Cycling in Races
- Triathlon: Tips for Faster Transitions
- The Next Best Thing: Indoor Training
- Tracking Your Training: Training Log Tips
- Balancing the Numbers: Inside Triathlon Magazine Cover Story
- Everything You Need to Know to Finish An Olympic Distance Triathlon

Questions about the right training and racing gear? See Inspired Racing Equipment Recommendations for our unbiased suggestions. Good luck on race day.


For more in-depth reading, see:
- Racing an Ironman: 22 Ironman race reports, from my races all over the world, including Austria, Germany, Switzerland, New Zealand, Canada, Florida, Lake Placid, Arizona and Wisconsin.
- Qualifying for Kona: for those hoping to qualify for the Ironman World Championship
- Raymond Britt's Training Plans: for training details in preparation for Olympic Distance and Ironman triathlons