Heather BlackmonIf you work full-time, fitting in triathlon training workouts can take a lot of negotiating at times. Many triathletes are squeezing two-a-day sessions into their schedule regularly, which often includes quality time on the treadmill and trainer to get it done. Planning a triathlon training weekend getaway is a great way to maximize your training time and reinvigorate your training, if it’s starting to feel a bit stale.
While you can also find organized triathlon training camps in many areas, we like to plan weekend getaways to fit in training more regularly. Outside of racing, these weekends are one of the best ways to remember why you love the sport!
Tips for Planning Your Triathlon Training Weekend
1. Choose Your Destination
Look for a location that has plenty of bike-friendly roads with wide shoulders or cycling trails. You may explore some of the top bike-friendly cities for inspiration or look at options within easy driving distance from home. Sometimes it only takes a 1-2 hour drive to explore a whole new area and feel like you’re on vacation.
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2. Plan Your Routes
Adjust your training schedule so that your longest workouts are fall on the days you’ll be at your destination. Then it’s time to research the best routes for those workouts. Call the hotel and ask for recommendations in the area. Many hotels have recommended running and cycling routes available, or can at least point you in the right direction. You can also use tools like MapMyRide to research popular routes in the area.
Ideally, I prefer to plan different routes for each workout, so you can really take advantage of the new destination. On a recent training weekend in Vail, Colorado, we trained primarily on a paved mixed-use trail. To vary our training courses, we ran West on Saturday and rode East on Sunday – a completely different experience each day.
3. Pack Everything You Need
Packing for a triathlon training weekend is very similar to packing for a race. Go through your race checklist to make sure you don’t leave anything important at home. This is a great opportunity to practice your race nutrition, so make sure you have what you need for your pre-workout nutrition and fueling options for the workout itself.
I also like to ride with a credit card and cell phone for emergencies. And the phone comes in handy to snap pictures along the way!
4. Plan Recovery Activities
While you’re visiting a new area, make the most of your weekend away by planning other activities to explore. Check event calendars in the area for festivals that might be scheduled during your visit. Search “things to do” with the city name to see what is recommended for visitors that you would enjoy. Or book a hotel with a great pool and spa to really recover after your training each day.
If you plan a higher volume of training than normal during your weekend, remember to also plan a little extra recovery time as you return home.
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How would planning a triathlon training weekend help your own training?
