Step 3 (read it here) covers the other equipment that can assist you with your racing and training. This post will look at actually getting started with your training.
The Nike slogan ‘Just Do It‘ really hits the nail on the head here. It is a matter of just getting out the door and getting stuck into your training, but what should you be doing?
An important aspect of getting started would be to discuss with a qualified and experienced coach about how best to train for the event. They will prepare a programme that will take you from your current level of fitness and capability and work with you to enhance it as you get ready for the event.
Often people have difficulty in the getting started part. Once they are out the door and going, there is no stopping them and the dread they may have felt prior to working out evaporates.
It will make the commitment real if you plan when you are going to workout the day before and assemble all the clothing and equipment you need. When the time comes to do your training, you simply need to grab your gear, get out the door and go.
Some of the things you will need to get ready for your training session are:
- Clothing (for either running or cycling) or togs and towel for swimming;
- Drink bottle with water in it;
- Essential equipment such as your bike (with air in the tyres) for a cycle workout or goggles for swimming;
- Anything else you need to take with you to complete the workout, i.e. membership card for the swimming pool etc.
Having training partners can be a great motivator to get you out the door to do your training. Having a commitment to meet them at a certain time ready to go for a particular workout makes you both accountable. Your coach will also help keep you accountable, as you are paying them for their advice and guidance and you will want to make the most of that investment.
To summarise:
- get a qualified and experienced coach to set your training for you;
- get your gear ready and commit to a time to workout
- workout with a training partner so you are accountable to both your coach and your training partner.
If you would like further advice feel free to contact Coach Ray.
Coach Ray is the Head Coach & Director of Qwik Kiwi – Endurance Sports Consultant.
Coach Ray specialises in assisting first timers and recreational athletes to achieve their sporting goals. He can be contacted at www.qwik.kiwi, ray@qwikkiwi.com and 021 348 729. Make sure you sign up to his monthly informative newsletter.
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