How to train for a Triathlon with WIRTUAL

Behind an able man there are always other able men, behind marathon there is triathlon. 

Triathlon has been known amongst sports enthusiasts and running fans as one of the most intensive and difficult competitions. Triathlon is an endurance multi-sport race consisting of swimming, cycling, and running. It is an all-in-one race over various distances. Participating in a triathlon requires more than just proper training and stamina, participants must also be physically and mentally well-prepared in order to tackle challenges throughout the race. 

The triathlon training method has to be well designed as it consists of 3 types of sports, making the training schedule tighter than a regular marathon. Without proper planning in advance, it could take weeks to practice up to two sports a day, especially if you're new to working out, HIIT (high-intensity interval training) may cause you an injury and lead you to want to give up. 

For those of you who are looking for a training tool, WIRTUAL is one of the best options for you to use as a training companion. In this article, we'll learn how the WIRTUAL app can assist you in helping you train for your triathlon. 

How the Triathlon began

The triathlon differs from the marathon in that it does not have a long history. The Triathlon was invented in the early 1970s by the San Diego Track Club as an alternative workout to the rigors of track training. It is comprised of a 500-meter swim, an 8-km bike race, and a 10-km run. Over the next decade, the triathlon’s popularity continued to build, and it soon gained worldwide recognition. 

An Ironman triathlon; one of a series of long-distance triathlon races which took place in 1977 at a running club awards banquet in Hawaii, where a debate began over which athletes— swimmers, cyclists, or runners were toughest. The only logical way to solve the argument was to combine all three events into one incredibly difficult endurance race, whereby the winner was to be named "Ironman." That’s how the Ironman triathlon was born. 

Getting the know the Triathlon

Before diving into triathlon training, we'll have a look at the most common triathlon distances. Triathlon is a mixture of three sports — swim, bike, and run with various distances. 

It is obvious that the triathlon distance is longer than the marathon, especially the Ironman race, which requires athletes to finish a 42-kilometer marathon as well as swim and cycle for a total distance of over 185 kilometers. Simply crossing the finish line is enough to claim a victory. 

Triathlon contests are currently held all over the world including Europe, America, and Asia with varieties of distances and levels of difficulty which are based on key factors such as the weather and geography conditions. The "Zalaris Norseman Xtreme triathlon" in Norway is internationally renowned amongst triathletes as one of the world's most challenging triathlons. Beyond its characteristic of being the hardest long-distance triathlon on earth, Norseman also has cold weather and landforms that rise prominently above its surroundings. As a triathlete, finishing the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon is a huge achievement. As soon as you cross the finish line, all the pain and fatigue fade and is replaced by an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment. 

How to train for your Triathlon

Triathlon training is more intensive than marathon training as it includes 3 sports in one race. However, it would not be as difficult, if you exercise or participate in all three types of sports on a regular basis. It will take at least 1-2 months of training to be able to compete in the sprint race. For those who would like to get started, here are a few tips for training. 

Build a solid foundation

Participating in a triathlon requires a solid foundation in all three sports, especially swimming. If you're not good at swimming, it could really set you back at the beginning of the race. Despite the short distance, the majority of these competitions are held in open waters such as rivers, lakes, and especially in the sea where the waves can make swimming more challenging. 

Training schedule

Planning a clear and organized training schedule is important as you are going to be training for three different sports weekly. Without an effective schedule, you may find yourself lost in inconsistent training; leading to failure of ability to achieve your goal. 

An Ironman athlete shares his six-week training program which includes one sport per day. Each week consists of two runs, two rides, two swims, and one rest day to allow the body to recover the muscles that have been working hard for several days. Anyone who would like to start practicing may use this schedule as a reference. 

Equipment

A standard marathon will not require as much equipment as a triathlon — triathletes usually have a specific list of triathlon items. In the triathlon race, there will be a transition area between disciplines where bicycles, helmets, running shoes, and other equipment are set up, ready to be used during the course of the event. In addition to their bicycles, triathletes are allowed to bring their own cap and sunglasses. 

How to train for a Triathlon with WIRTUAL

If you're looking for a tool to make your triathlon training even more fun, WIRTUAL is one of your best options. WIRTUAL is a fully-functioning application that offers you the ultimate training experience. Let’s take a look at two main triathlon training methods: 

Join a community

The first step is to join the community which includes the WIRTUAL players and a wide range of members from beginners to professional athletes across the world. Joining a triathlon community offers the perfect opportunity to engage with other triathletes, make great new friends who also want to learn more about triathlon, and get involved in a regular training program. It's a great way to keep the training schedule more interesting and to boost up your motivation. WIRTUAL's community is also available in Telegram where you can join the conversation with us. 

Create your own challenges

One of the unique advantages of WIRTUAL 2.0 is the challenges that offer its users the opportunity to use the results of their activities to earn WIRTUAL coins. Each of these challenges has various goals in mind: distances, speed/pace, and workout consistency. 

Yet another unique advantage on WIRTUAL is that it is an ideal fit for those who are practicing triathlon. The application includes challenges for all three sports: running, cycling, and swimming — allowing users the ability to enjoy their activities while earning WIRTUAL coins as well as 

fueling motivation to be the better. 

Conclusion 

Completing a triathlon is not as impossible as you think. It requires a proper plan with a well-organized training schedule. Preparing your body and practicing the fundamentals of each sport will provide you with greater possibilities to cross the finish line of the triathlon. In addition to enhancing your passion and motivation with your practice, the WIRTUAL app also offers you the opportunity to receive WIRTUAL Coins while enjoying activities.