Be the Beast Triathlon Coaching

They’re relatively inexpensive, and they lay out the rough groundwork for what needs to be accomplished to complete a triathlon. But they aren’t for everyone. While a 12 week training plan can be a helpful way to structure your training for your first triathlon, it’s important to recognize that this type of plan may not be optimal for everyone. Here are a few reasons why a 12 week training plan may not be the best approach:

1. Lack of flexibility: A 12 week training plan can be inflexible and may not allow for the adjustments that are often needed due to factors such as work schedule, family commitments, or unforeseen circumstances. It’s important to have some flexibility in your training plan to allow for life’s inevitable interruptions.
2. Not enough time for beginners: For people who are new to triathlon training, 12 weeks may not be enough time to build a strong foundation and gradually increase their endurance. It’s important to start slowly and gradually increase your training volume to avoid overuse injuries and burnout.
3. Too much time for experienced athletes: On the other hand, if you’re an experienced triathlete with a solid base of endurance, a 12 week training plan may be too long and may lead to boredom or burnout if there are no other races built into the plan. It’s important to find a training plan that is tailored to your individual needs and goals, which can really only be accomplished by working with a triathlon coach.
4. One-size-fits-all approach: A 12 week training plan is a generic approach that doesn’t take into account individual differences such as age, fitness level, and experience. What works for one person may not be effective for another. It’s important to consider your unique needs and goals when selecting a training plan. Plus, a 12-week triathlon training plan does not take into account your work, life, and family schedule. You should be able to build your training around your life, not the other way around.
5. Limited progress: A 12 week training plan may not allow for the progress that is needed to reach your full potential as a triathlete. It’s important to continually assess your progress and make adjustments to your training plan as needed. If simply completing a triathlon is something you want to cross off your bucket list, a 12-week plan for an Olympic or even 70.3 distance race might be just fine, depending on your current fitness and athletic background. But if you want to find your true potential, it takes longer than three months. It takes years of dedicated training and racing before you really know what you are capable of.

Overall, while a 12 week training plan can be a useful tool, it’s important to recognize that it may not be the best approach for everyone. It’s important to find a training plan that is tailored to your individual needs and goals and that allows for flexibility and progress. Many athletes find that it is best to work with a true triathlon coach—someone who will create and adapt a weekly training plan for you and your specific needs. Do not hesitate to reach out to triathlon coach Kennett Peterson to learn from someone who has been in the sport at the top level for nearly a decade. Email Be The Beast Coaching at kennettpeterson@gmail.com today!