Are You Ready For That Triathlon Distance?
Let’s face it, triathlon is an addictive sport. After finishing your first couple races, you’ll glow in the success of your achievements. But soon enough, you’ll start thinking about the next race, or your next P.R.
The seed has been planted. You’ll be thinking of longer distance races to compete in. However, sometimes it’s easy to let our goals get in the way of reality. To help gauge what race distances you’re ready for, the following are some fitness benchmarks.
Swim Benchmarks
- Sprint Distances: You can swim 500 – 800 meters
- Olympic Distances: You can swim 1,200 – 1,500 meters
- Half Ironman Distances: You can swim 2,000 – 3,000 meters
- Full Ironman Distances: You can swim 3,500 – 4,200 meters
Bike Benchmarks
- Sprint Distances: You can ride 45 minutes – 60 minutes
- Olympic Distances: You can ride 60 minutes – 75 minutes
- Half Ironman Distances: You can ride 3 – 4 hours
- Full Ironman Distances: You can ride 5 – 6+ hours
Run Benchmarks
- Sprint Distances: You can run 30 – 45 minutes
- Olympic Distances: You can run 45 – 60 minutes
- Half Ironman Distances: You can run 90 – 120 minutes
- Full Ironman Distances: You can run 3 – 4 hours
As a general rule, you’ll need to be able to complete these distances in your training program to be ready for that distance race. Consider a shorter distance race if you’re struggling with any of the swimming, bicycling, or running benchmarks.
A race is no fun if it turns into a grueling test of survival.
Source : triathlon.about .com/od/Competition/ss/What-Kind-Of-Triathlon-Are-You-Ready-For.htm
Featured image source : gracestribulations.blogspot .com/2011/07/port-dickson-international-triathlon_29.html
