When you first start reading magazine articles and listening other athletes, you’ll find all   this information is quite helpful. Then you start hearing contradictory information that in itself, sounds just as legitimate. Eventually, most people will go into their main goal race still not sure if they’ve prepared correctly. It’s very important to consider just how all this information applies to YOU, taking into account your athletic experience, your training hours available, your goals and your strengths and weaknesses within the 3 sports of triathlon. Whether your work is an office job or more "physical" should even be taken into account. There are various training methods out there and most of them work. Sticking to the ONE philosophy, without trying the next new thing you read, will probably serve you best. Paying someone who has a wealth of experience in the field in which you hope to improve, in order to take the guesswork out of what you do next, is money well spent. It’s much more efficient to learn from someone else’s experience than to make the same mistakes many before you have made.

If you are fairly active, but have had no previous triathlon experience, you can most likely prepare for a 2 hour event with as little as 2 to 3 months structured training. To lean on the minimal side, is usually not the best approach, although it is certainly better than trying to do too much training. This is a very personal question, as everyone will react differently to certain training techniques and training volumes. Seeking a coach’s guidance for your initial multisport endeavor would be your best approach.

There are many causes of running related injuries. Some are training related and others have to do with your technique and footwear selection. With the right advice from your doctor and physiotherapist, combined with the correct footwear and a personalized, progressive training schedule, you will greatly improve your chances for trouble free running.

Q. I've volunteered at Ironman for the last few years and would like to do it one day. Where do I start? 

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It’s possible for most people who have the desire, to complete an Ironman Distance triathlon. The real challenge (and real reward) is maintaining an athletic lifestlye around your work commitments and family life. There should only be a few weeks leading up to the big race, that will require more than 10 or 12 hours of training. Depending on the individual, a realistic time frame to allow for preparation may be anything from 1 to 5 years. There are many variables in taking on such a challenge, but the best time to start preparing is now. Regardless of the length of the journey, the eventual reward will be worth it.

No. If you plan on doing an Ironman Distance triathlon in years to come, it may be helpful, mentally, to finish a marathon run (42.2km) first. In the year you wish to do your first Ironman, I believe you should balance your swimming, cycling and running and build progressively toward the Ultra-distance event. A half-iron race 8 or 9 weeks before your Ironman would be a more effective preparation event. Of course, there are exceptions. An individuals athletic background, as well as their strengths and weaknesses in each sport, should always be taken into account.

by  Kevin Cutjar