Most people who begin training for a sprint triathlon have a background in one of the three sports, either swimming, biking or running. If you have a strong background in one of the three, then you have a great head start with your sprint triathlon training.
In some ways, the background that gives beginners the biggest advantage in triathlons is a strong swimming background. Why is this the case? Of the three sports, swimming is the most technical of the three. in other words, Being a good swimmer is more about technique than it is about fitness. Good swimming form allows one to glide through the water efficiently, and will almost always give an advantage compared to the person who is trying to “muscle” their way through the water.
What about those with swimming or running backgrounds? Each has their own unique advantages as well. For runners, it is the most physically demanding of the three sports. Running is a weight bearing exercise and for those without a running background, it will take longer than swimming or biking before it begins to feel like you are fast and efficient. Those with weight to lose or with certain body types may never feel that running is their “best” activity of the three.
Cycling is typically the longest of the three triathlon events. Those with a background in cycling already have a good training base to get through the longest of the three events, possibly given them a good time advantage for the event compared to those who are new to cycling.
And what if you are new to all three sports and just want to give undertake sprint triathlon training from “scratch”? Well, you are no further from success than anyone else who is training for their first event.
Tags: sport, sprint triathlon