The Triathlon Training Book

Triathlon is now one of the world’s fastestgrowing sports. Awareness has grown and grown since its inclusion in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, and there is now television coverage across more than 160 countries. It’s hardly surprising that more people than ever are—like you—driven to take part in this fantastic and rewarding sport.

THE PROFESSIONALS

Watching Olympic-distance triathlon on TV is both exciting and awe-inspiring. There’s nothing like the thrill of seeing a group of super-fit endurance athletes dive into a beautiful stretch of ocean, lake, or river for the swim. Soon they are out of the water and running into transition, ripping off wetsuits, caps, and goggles and putting on their helmets. Once they have grabbed their bikes, they perform a “flying mount” and head off to cycle at speeds of close to 25mph (40kph) for women and 28mph (45kph) for men. Finally they come to the last section. Having discarded their bikes and helmets, and pulled on their running shoes (all in around 45 seconds flat), they head out of transition at a blistering pace for the run.