Are you ready to train for your next (or first) triathlon, but short on time?
Many successful triathletes also have many of the same time constraints that you do. A full time job, two part time jobs, kids with activities, a spouse who also works…none of these things mean that you can find the time to train.
If you have downloaded my First Time Finisher’s plan, (sign up box on the right), you’ll notice that there are workouts scheduled six days a week. What if you really can’t find the time to train every single day save one? with the First Time Finisher’s Plan, the workout durations are relatively short. Most people shouldn’t have any problem “doubling up” and doing two workouts in one day. In fact, most triathletes training for an Olympic Distance Triathlon or longer are doing two workouts a day on several days of the week.
Here’s how you could change up your training plan to create more time in your week:
Original Sprint Triathlon Training Plan example:
MON Swim: 1000yds |
TUE Bike: 40 min |
WED Run: 30 min |
THU Swim: 1200yds |
FRI Bike: 60 min |
SAT Run: 45 min |
SUN Rest |
Simply combine one or two workouts into a “two-a-day” format like this:
MON Swim: 1000yds Bike: 40 min |
TUE Off |
WED Run: 30 min Swim: 1200yds |
THU Off |
FRI Bike: 60 min |
SAT Run: 45 min |
SUN Rest |
How should you fit two triathlon training workouts into your day?
The answer to this will depend on your own training schedule. If you have a full time job with a lunch break, your options for training include before work, lunchtime and afterwork. When possible, I”d recommend separating your workouts by at least a few hours in order to get some recovery after the first workout. This will help your second workout be more productive.
Brick workouts should be planned deliberately so that you can do both disciplines one right after the other. But for the majority of your workouts, having a few hours of recovery will give you the biggest benefit for the time invested.
You could train before breakfast and at lunch, train at lunch and after work, or train before breakfast and after work. For some people with young children, there may be a small window of training available after you put the kids to bed. Be sure you plan ahead with your spouse to be sure that each of you gets the personal time you need.
Do you feel that’s a lot tougher than it sounds?