Sprint Triathlon Training Plan (Sort of)

on May 26, 2011
in All Posts

Ooooh yeah.  I’m back on track.

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Signed up for a triathlon, doin’ my exercise as I should, and getting excited.

 

Look – I even have a mini-training plan!  It’s a ‘sort of’ training plan because it’s only three weeks long.

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My race is in sixteen days (ahh), but I’ve been slowly building a base for this race for weeks.  I’ve been swimming three days a week and walking/running once or two a week. 

 

I’m SO excited to race because I haven’t race-raced (as opposing to walking races or pacing my Girls on the Run troops) much since my marathon in October 2010.    From October 2009 to May 2010, I ran TEN (!!!) races.  I really want to get back into it – I love racing so much.

 

My loose plan for the upcoming Sprint Triathlon (750 meter swim, 17 mile bike, and 5K run) includes:

 

  • Only running twice a week, max.  This way, I’ll be less likely to aggravate my leg injury.  The very cross-training nature of a triathlon is why I signed up!
  • Swim three times a week.  I’m also going to try to get to a LAKE!
  • Bike at home on the trainer and on the street (probably on the weekend only because I’ll have to drive my bike somewhere).

 

I’m excited!  It’s so motivating to have a plan.

 

And I’m back in Charlotte.  On the way over I had a mixed greens salad + a cookie and bag on peanuts on my flight.

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And a glass of vino and a PB sandwich at home:

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Plus some more bread… Yum.

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We had no power for four hours and all I could think to ‘cook’ was bread. 

 

The Husband and I have to run errands now – catch ya later!

 

Anyone else doing a triathlon soon?  Are you as nervous as I am?

{ 80 comments }

 

  • Amy May 26, 2011, 4:37 pm

    Lake Dunmore, Vermont- 8/7/11– my first since 2008- .9 lake swim, 28 bike, 6.2 run! Excited and nervous allllll at once! But mostly excited!

  • kelly May 26, 2011, 4:41 pm

    I have a sprint tri on June 11. It’s my first race since January, due to a stress fracture. I’m really excited, but also trying to not get too competitive about it!
    If that goes well, I have my eye on another sprint tri in July and an Olympic one in August.

  • Courtney May 26, 2011, 4:45 pm

    I love the tiny dog toy in the picture of you biking 😛 and I’ve never done a triathalon, but I really want to run a marathon! 🙂

  • kris (everyday oats) May 26, 2011, 4:51 pm

    The tiny dog in your picture is too cute! I don’t think I have the guts to do a triathalon yet. But hopefully one day!

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) May 26, 2011, 4:52 pm

    Next year I’m going to do a triathlon! 😉

    But I am SUPER nervous for my 2nd half-marathon next Saturday! It’s up in Hickory, NC (near your neck of the woods ;)) and, while I have been running again for 10 weeks post injury (and training for a marathon), I don’t feel nearly as prepared as I was for my 1st. 🙁

  • Sarah for Real May 26, 2011, 4:55 pm

    Did you ever get your luggage back?

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) May 26, 2011, 4:55 pm

    I don’t know if I’ll ever do a triathlon- the ones here are swam in the ocean, which is my biggest fear!

  • Amanda May 26, 2011, 4:56 pm

    I am doing a “mini” triathlon, 1/2 mile swim, 10 mile bike, and a 5K run, June 5th at my local YMCA. I am part of a local group/contest/TV show in Huntington, WV called Healthy Tri-State that involves a group of people making changes in their lifestyle to improve/get a jump start on better health. I stepped into the Y for the first time Feb 22nd and now I’m doing this mini tri! I’m sooo excited and nervous at the same time! You are so inspiring and your blog was a big push to get me involved in this program, thanks!

  • Ashley O. @ The Vegetable Life May 26, 2011, 4:56 pm

    No power too?! Geesh girl you need to catch a break!

    I bet your glad to finally be home!

    I wish to someday do a tri but I am soooo scared of swimming… I more like drown than swim 🙂

  • mel May 26, 2011, 4:58 pm

    I’m doing one in July and I’m very nervous/scared. I did three last summer and had the same exact feelings!! It never seems to get easier. haha. You will do great!

  • Holly @ The Runny Egg May 26, 2011, 5:08 pm

    I would be nervous for a tri — only because I’m not confident riding a bike or swimming (especially not in a lake!). I think you have a good plan!

    Did you ever get your suitcase?

    • Caitlin May 26, 2011, 6:31 pm

      nopeee wah.

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) May 26, 2011, 5:10 pm

    I know you’ll do great! Don’t be nervous. I’m glad you’re home with your family! Enjoy catching up with your man!

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) May 26, 2011, 5:16 pm

    Cant wait to hear how it all goes! Triathlon season is finished here in Australia – and I am having withrawals lol

  • Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) May 26, 2011, 5:16 pm

    Can’t wait to read about your tri- I’m hoping to get around to training for a mini one in the next year or two!

  • Jeannette May 26, 2011, 5:25 pm

    I’m doing the NYC Triathlon in August! It’s my first tri…go big or go home.

  • Chloe (South Beach Girl) May 26, 2011, 5:33 pm

    I’m researching a few for this summer. I’d love to do an Olympic – I’ve only done Sprints before – but don’t know if I have the time to train!

  • Kelly May 26, 2011, 5:39 pm

    Triathlon’s are too intense for me, good luck! 🙂

    I am doing my first half marathon this Sunday after having a few weeks away from running due to an injury so I’m definitely nervous for that!

  • Leanne (Bride to Mrs,) May 26, 2011, 5:45 pm

    Awesome training plan! You’re probably strengthening different muscles by adding in swimming & so much biking 🙂 When you start doing longer distances for running again, you’ll most likely feel stronger in a way from the new ways you’re using your body. <– I hope that makes sense!

    Ps. I like the little dog toy in your first picture haha 🙂

  • Amber May 26, 2011, 5:45 pm

    I am doing the Boise Half Ironman on June 11th. Definitely a bit freaked out!

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife May 26, 2011, 5:54 pm

    I want to do a half ironman sometime soon…. (have done a sprint before).I just need to decide and take the plunge. HA 🙂

    Looks like you have a great idea for a plan, that’s for sure!

  • Beth @ 990 Square May 26, 2011, 6:03 pm

    My husband is doing a sprint tri (his first) in August, and I’m nervous for him! His has a pool swim, so at least he doesn’t need to find a lake!

  • Mary May 26, 2011, 6:04 pm

    I did a reverse triathlon 2 weeks ago (run 4.4 miles, bike 18 miles, swim 300 yards in a pool). I was so nervous then, and it was my first. I am signed up for a traditional sprint in Aug. I am debating about one in June but the water is COLD here in Michigan, and I have never swam in a wetsuit before. Not sure yet about that one.

    • Amy May 26, 2011, 6:34 pm

      I think I would like reverse much better! And wetsuits are much more fun- they make you totally floaty!

  • Cait @ Beyond Bananas May 26, 2011, 6:12 pm

    I’ve never done a tri.. but it is something I would like to accomplish soon. I just have to get over my fear of swimming. Someday.. soon! 🙂

  • Jen May 26, 2011, 6:15 pm

    I have to say it…wine with peanut butter & oranges? Can’t say I’ve ever gone there, lol.

  • Molly @ RDexposed May 26, 2011, 6:16 pm

    I snacked on my leftover plane peanuts yesterday! ha

  • Shannon May 26, 2011, 7:11 pm

    I am doing my first triathlon June 26! I am super nervous for the bike part because it is supposed to be a super hilly course

  • Krista @ Journey to a Healthy Berg May 26, 2011, 7:24 pm

    I had never really heard of a sprint triathlon before I read it on your blog, but it sounds awesome! I really want to do one now. Good luck with your training!

  • Baking 'n' Books May 26, 2011, 7:30 pm

    You are so on the go and focused! And you have your own little gym 🙂

  • Ash @ Good Taste Healthy Me May 26, 2011, 7:43 pm

    Well at least bread is tasty and delicious!

  • Amber from Girl with the Red Hair May 26, 2011, 7:53 pm

    My first thought when this post popped up in my reader was “WOW those legs are tan!” :)<– they do look really, really dark in that first picture, moreso than the second picture of them!

    Plan looks great!

    • Caitlin May 26, 2011, 9:28 pm

      I am SO dark though! It’s crazy. I wore sunscreen like a nut in the Dominician.

  • Kayli (Running on Sunshine) May 26, 2011, 8:30 pm

    You go girl!! I have always wanted to do a triathlon, but fear stands in my way. Maybe someday… I’ll stick to road races for now.

  • Sam May 26, 2011, 8:39 pm

    Good luck with your triathlon! I like the first picture a lot 🙂 I haven’t swam at ALL in like a year so I don’t think a triathlon would be anywhere in my near future!

  • Christin May 26, 2011, 8:52 pm

    Caitlin, I love the pattern on your dress. I can’t see much of it but I love the colors – where did you get it?

  • Kim May 26, 2011, 9:05 pm

    Upcoming Latta is my first tri! I’m nervous but excited to get the first one under my belt. There’s an open water swim and run preview of the Latta course June 4. It’ll be my first lake swim, hoping to get the jitters out then! Good luck and yay for racing!!!

    • Caitlin May 26, 2011, 9:31 pm

      YAY! Are you doing Sunday, too?

      • Kim May 27, 2011, 9:02 am

        Yes!!! Yay for novice entries!!! 🙂

  • Kelly May 26, 2011, 9:21 pm

    also looking for a source on that dress! I love the pattern.

    and wow, a triathalon! I can’t imagine. I’m barely running right now but I just started.

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey May 26, 2011, 9:28 pm

    I have always wanted to do a triathlon because I used to swim in high school, and I think that’s the HARDEST part of a triathlon

  • Allison @ Happy Tales May 26, 2011, 9:37 pm

    Nope, no tri’s for me 😛 Your training plan sounds perfect for you… not too strict, and it sounds fun!! I’m glad you’re enjoying the xtraining aspect of the tri-training.

  • Luv What You Do May 26, 2011, 9:58 pm

    July 10th, 2011 a sprint triathlon. I NEED to get into the pool SOON! I am way behind on my training schedule. Any suggestions on post-race meals??? I always find myself so hungry when I increase my training!

  • Lauren May 26, 2011, 10:01 pm

    HI! long time reader and finally had to comment! i just signed up for my first ever sprint tri in philly at the end of june- ive been spinning and swimming alot recently (shin splints make you really good at cross training, haha), but i’m completely scared about transitioning, swimming in a lake, biking on the road, and basically everything else that comes with the territory of a tri… anyway- you continue to inspire me everyday, so THANK YOU for the motivation! you’re training plan looks great and you will be awesome! 🙂

  • Ellie@fitforthesoul May 26, 2011, 10:10 pm

    I’m not triathloning any time soon! Only thing that would reallly keep me for now is the swimming part haha. btw! it’s random but I love your sandals! i see them below the salad 😛

  • Katherine May 26, 2011, 10:30 pm

    Hey, so I am totally wanting to get back into running like I use to! I was wondering if you would be willing to write me a plan. I am not training for anything, but I just want to really, really get back to how I use to be: aka in shape. I haven’t ran in….o about 6 months. The running would be outside as I have no treadmill, so ya, could you help me? I suck at writing normal plans that are actually sane lol.

    • Amy May 27, 2011, 8:39 am

      What I did when I was getting back into running was look online for distance-specific programs. I wound up doing one of Hal Higdon’s 10k training programs which worked out great! http://www.halhigdon.com has a lot of different options.

      • Katherine May 27, 2011, 11:17 am

        Do you have to pay for those?

        • Amy May 27, 2011, 11:34 am

          nope, free.

      • Katherine May 27, 2011, 11:36 am

        Awesome! I have been looking around, looks like some pretty awesome plans!

  • Meaghan (My Spoonful Of Inspiration) May 26, 2011, 10:51 pm

    Your training inspires me! Good luck the next couple weeks- I hope your injury fades quickly- and stays away!

  • Courtney May 26, 2011, 10:52 pm

    I have a 10k this Saturday! I am excited 🙂 Good luck training!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing May 26, 2011, 11:51 pm

    Good luck! You’re going to ROCK it!

  • Khushboo May 27, 2011, 12:17 am

    Wine with your sandwich- now that’s a grown up way to enjoy peanut buttah :)!

  • Christine May 27, 2011, 2:57 am

    I’m definitely not doing a tri- probably ever 🙂 The swimming and the biking are my issues, haha. I’m really excited to see how yours goes, though!

  • Heather May 27, 2011, 5:11 am

    Three weeks from tomorrow and I am getting very nervous…especially about the swim. I am attending a practise open water swim tomorrow which will be my first so I am hoping for no panic attacks. The same group is doing a race simulation the week before my event that I will attend so I think I will be prepared as I can. I am enjoying reading all you tri posts. Good luck with your tri….I am sure you will do amazing.

    • Caitlin May 27, 2011, 7:48 am

      Nomeatathlete.com just had a good article about open water swims a couple of weeks back!

  • Jumanah @ Healthy Living in the Middle East May 27, 2011, 5:26 am

    Good luck with training! I am sure you will kick butt at your tri. I LOVE that you enjoy wine with a simple PB sandwich!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin May 27, 2011, 7:40 am

    I’ve never done a tri, but maybe someday! I’m excited to read about your experience with it.

  • McKayla (green groats) May 27, 2011, 8:28 am

    I’m trianing for my first half-iron in July (which is coming up sooner than I know). I’ve just finished up 2 high-volume weeks, and it’s kind of just starting to hit me how long 70.3 is going to be. Yikes. Right now, I’m a little more excited than nervous!! I’ll be excited to see how all my training pays off.

    Good luck with your next 3 weeks of training!

  • Caroline May 27, 2011, 8:34 am

    Hey! Have you been playing with the Vibrams any further?

    • Caitlin May 27, 2011, 8:36 am

      I took a Vibrams break when I hurt my leg so no! But thanks for reminding me to pull them out 🙂

  • Nikki May 27, 2011, 8:48 am

    I love going back and reading your marathon recaps before my (much shorter!) races. They ar so inspiring 🙂

  • Amber K May 27, 2011, 10:55 am

    You got a bag of peanuts on the plane? I miss the days when you get honey roasted peanuts. The last couple of times I’ve flown they give out crackers instead. Which is great for those with peanut allergies, but not for those with gluten-intolerances!!

  • Katherine: Unemployed May 27, 2011, 11:17 am

    that bike-training device has got to be so great for training!

  • Kristina May 27, 2011, 11:34 am

    I have a tri at the end of the summer – so it’s not soon, but it’s a bit longer than an Olympic, so I do want to get my butt in gear. I’m actually doing an open-water ocean swim this weekend which is so exciting!
    I’m also psyched about training for it all summer long! I teach and I love the idea of great, relaxed training because I’m not cramming it into a busy work day.

  • Rae May 27, 2011, 12:03 pm

    Good luck!!! Im doing an OLy tri next weekend, but its in upstate New York-the water is only 53 degrees-YIKES!!

  • Ashley @ the fit academic May 27, 2011, 12:08 pm

    Eeek! I’m doing a sprint tri on Memorial Day!!! I’m VERY nervous. Not only is it my first triathlon, I also don’t feel quite as prepared as I could’ve been. I’ve been training, but not nearly as hard or for as long as I have for my other “big” races (half marathons are my longest distance so far)

  • Sonia (the Mexigarian) May 27, 2011, 12:15 pm

    I have been contemplating whether or not to sign up for a Tri this fall. http://www.active.com/running/ukiah-ca/ukiah-triathlon-2011. The fear of failure in training is somewhat holding me back, that and I would be doing it on my own 🙁 . I am pretty sure I will freak out. . . Heck, I haven’t even officially ran a race yet, so I dunno why I am looking at a Tri.

    • Caitlin May 27, 2011, 12:16 pm

      oh that looks fun 🙂 I vote you do it.

  • Kristen May 28, 2011, 1:50 pm

    yea of triathlon!! I love them, and Im a little jealou sthat you are doing one! Im not prepared for one, but I really want to do the one in June.
    Happy training!

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