Ask Our Coaches: Six Months To An Olympic Triathlon
Question
We received the following question about the time required to train for an Olympic distance triathlon. For those of you not yet conversant in the distances of the various triathlon types, the Olympic distance triathlon comprises a 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike, and 10 km run.
Here is our senior triathletes question:
“Is six months sufficient time for a 72 year-old male to train for an Olympic Triathlon?
I’m generally fit, but have been going to the gym less frequently in the past 6 months than I did prior to that time. At the gym I exercise for strength and cardio (running on the treadmill and cycling).
Coach Tony Washington’s Reply
David,
Terry passed along the question you sent through the SeniorTriathletes.com website.
Congrats on being 72 years young and taking charge of your health and fitness. Life changing stuff.
I’d love to hear more specifically about your current regimen but I’ll make some little assumptions in general. Since you are cycling and running, you are ready to roll. If any of these sessions are already over 30 mins, even better. How’s your swimming? I highly recommend TriDot Pool School. I can help with video analysis too.
Where are you located? While 50% of the athletes I coach are local, I travel the country for work and often meet up with my remote folks for one on one sessions.
I love that you do strength work. Building a strong frame is critical to sustain the training load. Your strength and core are the foundation of keeping you moving forward in an Olympic triathlon. It’ll keep you injury free and flexible too.
TriDot is an amazing program personalized to you and your goal race. We’ll evaluate your fitness changes every month and reset your training zones. I’ve been using it as an athlete for over a decade and coaching using it for 6 years.
Keep the questions coming,
Tony Washington
Senior International Captain/Grandpa
Founder and Head Coach – Team No Coasting
IRONMAN U Certified
Certified TriDot Coach
Certified TriDot Pool School Lane Lead
https://app.tridot.com/onboard/sign-up/tonywashington
Join the Conversation
Share your comments, questions, and experience below. You may also submit your question(s) through the website here.
Comments: Join the conversation below — Click on “Subscribe” (located above the Comment box) if you’d like to be alerted to replies to your Comment. Even if you do not submit a comment, you may subscribe to be notified when a new comment is published. Please note that I review all comments before they are posted.
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. I am not a physician. Always consult your healthcare provider before making training or treatment decisions. You assume full responsibility for your participation in any exercise program.
