I'm new to triathlons though I bike and swim about once a week for cross-training benefits. I primarily run and lift weights. I'm signed up for a sprint triathlon in September and a Standard Triathlon in October. Would appreciate any advice on how to train for a triathlon; specifically transitions and preparing to do three events back to back.

Blum,
I am no expert - I just did my first this past weekend and I started a lot further back than you in my fitness level. Some things that helped me a lot were:

1- My brother - he is an experienced Triathlete. He is building towards his first 1/2 iron this September. We have been emailing back and forth each day our workouts. This really helped me stay focused. He was also able to offer advice and tweak my workouts.

2- Bricks - do a few bricks as you get closer to the event. A brick is two of the events back to back in practice. Go out and do the ride and then get off and do the run. Or, do the swim and then jump on the bike. I have a lot harder time transitioning from bike to run as I am still building my leg strength and endurance. For you, it could be different. The only way you will know is to ge out and give it a whirl.

3- Read up on transitions and do a couple of practices right there in your driveway. It isn't hard, but you will be happy to know how you like your stuff laid out.

4- One thing I did not do was know the course until the night before when we picked up our race packet. We drove the bike then. There were more hills than I had trained for; I did okay, but it was a bit of a surprise. If you can drive or even bike the course before the event, then you won't be surprised by anything. The drive through did allow me to spot three very difficult/sharp turns coming off solid downhills. One could have easily caught me by surprise on race day and been a very nasty accident.

Good Luck!!!

Hey! I'm a beginner, too. There is a swim instructor, here, in Austin, that has posted some training videos online. He is also a triathlete, working on his first Ironman. The video is $2, but it's been helpful in starting my training. You can find it here: [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
Not sure if it's what you are looking for...

Good Luck!
Ali

I've been doing triathlons for several years, but am definitely not hard core, and I still feel like a beginner as far as training goes. I try to do each sport 2 times per week, plus do a toning class or 2 at the Y, and that's been effective for me.

I'm not sure what your swimming level is, but this article may be helpful:

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