{"id":23480,"date":"2023-06-19T14:27:28","date_gmt":"2023-06-19T12:27:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.220triathlon.com\/?p=139780"},"modified":"2023-06-19T14:39:53","modified_gmt":"2023-06-19T12:39:53","slug":"how-to-complete-a-middle-distance-as-your-first-ever-triathlon","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/220triathlon\/rss_feed\/how-to-complete-a-middle-distance-as-your-first-ever-triathlon\/","title":{"rendered":"How to complete a middle-distance as your first-ever triathlon"},"content":{"rendered":"

Want to skip sprints and Olympic-distance triathlons and go straight for a middle-distance? Here’s all the advice you need to make the leap\u2026 <\/p>

By Philip Hatzis\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Monday, 19 June 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

\n\n

Everyone remembers their first time: their first driving test, first kiss, or first day at work; the significance of the first is created because of all the unknowns. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Looking back at those first-time nerves, the genuine concern was the unknown of the challenge. So, with training for a middle distance<\/strong><\/a> as your first-ever triathlon the more you can familiarise yourself with said distance, the better.<\/p>\n

[Already done a sprint and\/or an Olympic distance? Then check out our advice on how to train for your first middle-distance\/70.3 triathlon<\/strong><\/a>.]<\/p>\n

What distance is a middle-distance triathlon?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The three middle-distance disciplines \u2013 a 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21.1km run<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 are significant on their own but are all still manageable; putting them all together is where the challenge lies.<\/p>\n

Because you\u2019re racing for four to nine hours, pacing<\/strong><\/a> and nutrition<\/strong><\/a> can have a big impact on the overall outcome, which is why some prior endurance experience is helpful.<\/p>\n

The training durations can be significant for those trying to avoid the cut-offs \u2013 eight hours is a long time to exercise, so you must prepare yourself for that. This means you may train more on weekends and evenings, which could impact family life more.<\/p>\n

How long should I train for before my first race?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Ideally, you should follow a middle-distance training plan<\/strong><\/a> which lasts five to six months to help you build your endurance steadily over time.<\/p>\n

For athletes looking to finish, your longer rides and long steady swims will be most important to you. We wouldn\u2019t usually suggest many long runs \u2028as that increases the chance of injury, but try introducing a 5-10min run after your long \u2028bike rides to get used to running on tired legs.<\/p>\n

Increasing endurance and committing more time to train requires mental grit \u2013 an essential skill trained and developed in endurance athletes. This should be remembered when the training feels tough; you\u2019re preparing for this moment in the event!<\/p>\n

\n