 UW Health Sports Medicine's staff of exercise physiologists can help aspiring triathletes prepare for sprint distance triathlons.
What is a sprint distance triathlon?
Sprint triathlons involve a swim, bike and run completed continuously in this order and usually involve distances of:
Swim: .24-.62 miles
Bike: 5-15 miles
 Run: 1-3 miles
Tips: Swimming
- Try to get two swims workouts in per week
- Train in a lake, to get used to the choppy water and temperature, to improve your balance and to focus your vision (bring a partner, if possible)
- Sound swimming mechanics make this element less fearful
- Be prepared for the "pool of piranhas" - there is a lot of maneuvering and positioning at the start of the swim
Tips: Biking
- Try to get two to three bike workouts per week
- Strive for safety, comfort, aerodynamics and power (in that order)
- Strategy is the key to success, and successful bikers stake out a lead and hold on rather than hang back and try to catch up
- Learn how to change your own bike tires
- Must have: Good fitting bike with appropriate "top tube length" (from handles to seat) and comfortable saddle, bike shorts or padded undergarment, fluid bottle and cage (or camel pack), sunglasses, well-fitting bike helmet
- Nice to have: Gloves, biking shoes and associated pedals, bike shirt with back pockets for food, fluids, cell phone, clothing to keep sun off of your shoulders and back, aerobars
Tips: Running
- Try to get two to three run workouts in per week
- Improved technique can greatly benefit your economy: Compact stride, stay tall but avoid excessive vertical component, minimal ground contact time
- Strive to feel and finish strong
- Often ignored but the most brutal component of the triathlon
Tips: Transitions - The Glue That Holds It All Together
- Create a plan and practice it
- Mark your spot – a unique identifier - and begin to focus at the conclusion of each element
- Stick to the plan and keep the focus on you and not others
- Find space and use your time wisely
- Ask if you’re having problems, seek out a volunteer to help
- Remain calm
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