The majority of us on this squad can still vividly recall what it was like when we were just beginning our triathlon careers and had only competed in a few sprint races up until that point. As soon as we started talking to one another, we realized that we had all been making the same novice triathlon blunders and had a great laugh at ourselves while sharing a glass of wine after we had all competed in the Kerrville Triathlon.
We can practically promise that if you are new to the sport of triathlon or duathlon, you have already committed at least three of the beginner triathlon training mistakes listed below or will very soon.
Top 10 Mistakes Most Beginner Triathletes Make
The following is a list of "transgressions" that #we, as rookie triathletes, committed early on in our journey to compete in triathlons and duathlons:
Putting an excessive amount of emphasis on gear
Having a workout routine that isn't compatible with the rest of your life
Training solo
Not putting enough practice/prep into transitions
Participate in group bike rides with lack of familiarity with the route/pace
Not having a flat repair kit/knowing how to change a tire
Choosing not to apply sunscreen (this is for all races/skin tones)
Riding without lube or with underwear that cause chaffing
Strava addiction and not resting/enjoying slow & easy days
Training randomly - not having structured workout or goals
Blah Blah Blah.. seriously - to improve our performance in triathlons, there is only one thing that we feel beginner triathletes need to do to get better:
Only by consistently training with purpose will you be able to maximize your progress. You don't have to train 24/7 or everyday. Choose one activity or discipline to concentrate on at a time. Those small incremental training victories will quickly accumulate into a massive snowball of success on race day.
Conclusion - Top Mistakes New Triathletes & Duathletes Make
Top 10 Errors That Most Newbie Triathletes Make is a list of "transgressions" that we personally experienced as novice triathletes and duathletes, learning to train for and to compete in multisport events.
This list is intended to help newbie triathletes avoid making the same errors that we did and to share WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES and it almost a right of passage. Don't beat yourself up.
There is only one thing that a beginner triathlete needs to do to get better, and that is to consistently train with a purpose each outing. This is the only way to ensure that you make the most progress possible. Pick one metric or sport to focus on completely before moving on to the next. On the day of the race, these seemingly insignificant victories in training will quickly accumulate into a massive snowball of success.
TRAINING BLOG BONUS BITE:
Focus on these F's When it Comes to #FEAR when racing Triathlons & Duathlons