I'm training for my first triathlon and wondered if anyone can point me to some training programs for the Olympic / International distance. I'll be doing the Life Time Fitness tri in July and the Trinona (sprint) in June as a practice run. I'd welcome any suggestions on training programs I should follow to ensure I'll be ready. Thank you!

Hey,

I've used Gail Bernhardt's book:

Training Plans for Multisport Athletes

For a few of the plans. It's based on the Friel "bible", but takes the plan one step further, by giving you workouts/durations. That's what I initially missed in Joe's books.

My GF and I will be at Trinona and LTF, too.

I'm looking forward to a lot of short course racing after a few years of HIM's.

Enjoy!
Ryan

This is great, thanks so much!

In addition to training plans I might also look at utilizing coaching services (depending on your goals and how serious you want to get with the sport) I wish I would have done that my first year of training. I learned a lot about things I was doing wrong or could have been doing better. I utilized Jonny J and meet all my 2009 goals.

Thanks,

Mitch

See you at the races.

When I first started in Sprints/Oly I was using some plans from Beginner Triathlete

The plans are simple and don't require a lot of time. The one thing they don't do is tailor specifically to your strengths or weaknesses.

As Mitch was saying, your best bang for your buck is a personalized training plan. If that isn't in the cards due to time/money, coming to spin class/run group/strength class you will definitely get stronger in ways you wouldn't otherwise on your own.

Johnny J recommended Joe Friel’s the Triathletes training bible to me and that is well worth the read. Its like 25-30 bucks at Barnes and Noble.