Triathlon Training Program Interview
A Conversation with Beverly Peterson, Triathlon Training Program Director and Triathlon Swim Coach
OPEN HOUSE - November 7th, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. - Hunterdon Health and Wellness Center, 1738 Rte. 31 North, Clinton. For more information call 908-735-6884.
Q. Why do you think triathlons are becoming increasingly popular in the US and here in Hunterdon County?
A. Triathlons are gaining in popularity mainly due to the cross training involved in a multisport competition. Cross training can help prevent the boredom or burnout often associated with single sport workouts and it can reduce injuries by distributing the stress more evenly across the body. Some people like the variety of training for three sports and others like the challenge of setting out to do something they never imagined doing. Besides the challenges and rewards, triathlons are fun, too! They are a great way to get motivated, inspired and meet new people who share similar goals.
Q: Briefly describe the HWC Triathlon Training Program.
A. Ours is a 20-week swimming and 10-week cycling and running training program that prepares the triathlete for competing in three sports events, through a series of clinics, workshops and one-on-one instructional sessions led by a team of experienced coaches.
Q. Who is the program intended for?
A. Our program is open to anyone who’s competing in their first triathlon or even a returning triathlete who may be looking for supplemental training in any of the three sports events. It is targeted toward the athlete who needs or wants guidance in a structured environment to train for a specific triathlon event, such as swimming, or to just achieve better fitness and cross training results.
Q. What essential equipment do you need to compete in a triathlon?
A. You will need the right gear. Running shoes and a bike are obviously essential to competing in a triathlon. For both, it’s best to go to a running and bike store and discuss with them your goals for competing in a triathlon and any physical issues you may have. They can then suggest appropriate equipment. If you already have a bike you can check with your local bike shop and ask about upgrades or modifications that may help improve the bike’s performance. As for swim equipment, you’ll need two good pair of goggles and a swim suit. You can either rent a tri-wetsuit for use in colder water or buy your own.
Q. How much training is required?
A. Training for the triathlon is not intended to consume your life and it should fit seamlessly into your schedule and lifestyle. However, I do want to emphasize that it requires a time commitment of training for 3 to 5 days a week with at least two days for rest and recovery. For instance, our program features 20-weeks of swim instruction for one hour, and the cycling and running programs include a series of workshops, clinics and practices over a 10-week period.
Q. How is this program different from other triathlon training programs?
A. We believe good technique leads to the best performance, so our program offers instructional techniques that help prevent injury, build endurance and promote greater speed, distance and strength with less effort. Lastly, we train for the specific race. Our hands-on approach through a team of coaches allows them to share their insights, expertise and sports-related experiences with program participants. For instance, we’ll introduce new techniques such as Total Immersion Swimming and ChiRunning, both methods of instruction that use core muscle strength.
Our program can also accommodate the participant who is interested in competing in either one or two triathlon events. For that athlete, we’ll try to match him/her with a relay partner who’s also looking to compete on a two-person team. For some, this may be a good way to get a taste for triathlon training and competition by focusing their attention on only one or two sports.
Q. When does the triathlon training program start?
A. Our next program starts on December 28, 2009 through the first or second week of May 2010, with race date not yet posted. There is a Triathlon Open House at the Clinton Wellness Center on Saturday, November 8 from 10:00 -11:30 a.m. I’d encourage anyone who is interested in learning more to attend and bring their friends and family, too! You’ll be amazed at what you can learn in an hour and a half!