What distance triathlon should you sign up for?
- Craig Miskin
- Jul 17
- 3 min read
It's one of the questions I get asked more than many other. This question and how do I fit training around work and all my other commitments. We'll discuss that in the next blog.
The interesting part to this question is that most people who say it - already know the answer or have already made up their mind. What they are really looking for is permission. Permission to often justify going for the big one. The Ironman. On very rare occasion is someone looking for a coach to say - it's okay to smart smaller than they think they should
This is where I often like to sit. Shorter than what the social norm is. Certainly to start with.
The most common version of this conversation goes something like this:
I've been training (generally) for a while now, done a few events (normally running ones) and looking to get into triathlon
I was thinking either a 70.3 because they look great supported, good events and you know that little bit longer and harder....or maybe even the big one...an Ironman.
Do you think I could one of those?
What Do You Say
Firstly, there is no one way to have this conversation. Athletes are unique and the factors that play in the decision making - training and injury history, time availability, commitments, equipment, location, timing vary wildly.
The safest place to normally start, and particularly with those new to the sport, is in a Sprint or Olympic Distance triathlon.
Before the proliferation of Ironman and 70.3s there was a really grounded approach to the serious to which one undertook an Ironman. It was a 3 year project. Year 1 - Sprint and Olympic Distances. Year 2 - Olympic and 70.3 Distances. Year 3 - Olympic, 70.3 and Ironman Distance.
The reason for this might surprise you. It's not because it's too hard to go straight in at 70.3 and Ironman. It's more that the shorter ones and getting a grounding in racing in Triathlon can teach you things that a training plan never can.
Transitions. Pacing under stress. Nutrition adjustments when the stomach says no because your body is processing race stress alongside physical effort. How to manage a niggle when the finish line approaches. What a puncture means when a time on a clock matters more.
Racing and experiences these things in that environment compound to make you a better athlete. Your fitness from training is a component but it is not the full answer. Everything you learn in the shorter events makes the longer more manageable, more familiar and more reasonable.
What To Do With This
Firstly, you have to be brutally realistic about your consistent minimum availability to train. If you're unsure what this means - it's asking on a very bad, stressful, busy week -> what amount of training can you still guarantee you'll do. Training for longer races requires more time, more training and more commitment. You can get by on 8-10 hours per week but it can't often be less and certainly on specific weeks it needs to be much more. You shouldn't undertake an Ironman when not prepared - you either need to be a gifted athlete or ready to have a long day.
Once you've made that decision on race decision. The next question is what race? I did a blog on this before which you can find here.
The sport of triathlon is amazing. Get involved as much as you can. And if you were to ask a friend what they thought about you doing a race... they might say something like.....this?
If you want to get started on your future training and racing goals and are ready to work with me, then either find me on my socials @cm_endurance or drop me a contact message through the website.
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No resets. Just evolution.
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