As your coach I have the wonderful opportunity to help you either begin your career in triathlon or continue on in it. I’m excited to be working with you and anticipate great things for the coming year.
Here are a few housekeeping things before we dive into becoming the National Collegiate Triathlon Champions—and just plain have fun!
The training plan
I will be providing the guidance via a training plan to ensure we get into the proper shape for the spring racing season, whether your goal is to complete your first triathlon, go a longer distance, or be competitive in the Collegiate Regional and National Championships. The plan will be posted on the website forum. Sadly, I can’t make 75 individual training plans, but we will provide growth and variation through the Red/White/Blue programs. Each of these groups will have similar programs, but will vary in length and intensity.
Red: This is the most advanced group we will direct training to. Athletes with a few years or more in triathlon or sport-specific experience, or athletes who have an extensive background in that sport should be in this group. This isn’t to say that only All-Americans belong here, but these will be the longest and fastest workouts. Even with no triathlon experience, collegiate runners should run with the Red group, but may swim and bike with the Blue or White groups. If you place in Olympic distance triathlons, this may be your group. Workouts here will aim to prep the athlete to place in Nationals.
White: This is the intermediate group. I expect the majority of athletes in this group. If you have some experience, and are trying to or have raced Olympic distance, this group is for you. Workouts here will aim toward improvement in Olympic distance racing and Nationals.
Blue: Many of you have little or no experience, or may have experience, but minimal fitness right now. If so, this is your group. There’s no shame in saying you’re in the blue group—you will find these workouts challenging! Also, these workouts will grow throughout the season so as you gain fitness you will continue to be challenged. Also, you may be a national champion on the bike, but if you have never swum, you’re a White swimmer.
After a round of tests I will set recommended time splits to help you determine which group to be in. Most of you have a stronger and a weaker sport. You may find yourself in the Red group in swimming, but the white group in running. That’s OK. Avoid jumping into a group that is above your current level, which can lead to injury or ineffective training.
