Triathlon Coach Maryland

Triathlon Coach Maryland

Participating in a triathlon may seem pretty simple. Practice swimming. Practice biking. Practice running. Increase endurance. Enjoy the triathlon.

In reality, it’s not quite so simple. There are proven strategies you can use to increase your effectiveness and not overdo your training. This is where a triathlon coach in Maryland can be an invaluable asset to you as you prepare.

Solidarity isn’t your friend

As a triathlete, you’re determined and driven to do things on your own. This can prove to be a beneficial trait in many areas of your life. But not when training for a triathlon.

You may want to be constantly on the go. Your triathlon coach in Maryland will help you keep your energy in check so that you can give it your best effort on triathlon day. If you burn out beforehand, you won’t have anything left to give and your triathlon results will suffer.

Your coach has experience too

Even if this isn’t your first triathlon, two heads are better than one. Maybe your coach can provide you some training tips and techniques you haven’t thought of before.

More than that, your triathlon coach in Maryland can see your training from a perspective other than your own. Even if you’re an experienced triathlete, your coach will give you their experienced opinion.

Your coach’s motivation won’t fluctuate

Your motivation and your energy may fluctuate greatly during your triathlon training. Your coach’s won’t.

Even more than that, your coach will keep you honest and accountable. Your triathlon coach in Maryland will know if you slacked off or even if you pushed too hard. You can make excuses to yourself but your coach will call you on it.

You can say to yourself that skipping today is fine, who will know, anyway. Well if you’re using a coach, they will know and they won’t let you skip that day.

You want to do this

Remember that competing in a triathlon is your choice. You should want to be as successful as you can. And we want to help you.

When training for a triathlon, consistency is key. Your coach will create a training plan as unique as you. We’ve learned templates don’t work. You need something specific to you, your experience level, and your ability. Having a training plan that is created for you will keep your motivation and confidence levels high.

Your triathlon coach in Maryland will keep your schedule. You don’t have an option to skip a day or take an easy day. This takes pressure off of you. All you have to do is train. You don’t have to worry about whether you’re doing the right activity today. Your coach keeps you in check and on schedule. This allows your brain to focus on the one thing that matters for your upcoming triathlon: training.

We want to help you get there. We know this is a difficult process but we’ve done it countless times. Our clients trust us to keep them motivated, keep their training structured, and make their triathlon a success.

Come see why our clients keep coming back.

If you have decided to train for the triathlon, it may be beneficial to hire a triathlon coach from Team Z. A coach can help you safely and effectively prepare for the event and provide you with valuable advice along the way. Coaching can be quite expensive for the average person, so it’s important to get the very best out of your experience.

Here are some tips for getting the most out of your Maryland triathlon coach:

Follow Your Coach’s Plan

When you first hire a triathlon coach, of course you have every intention of following his or her training plan to a T. However, life can sometimes get in the way and you don’t always have the time or desire to get every workout in. It’s still important to try your best to complete every workout and give it your all during every session. That’s the only way you will get better and be ready for the triathlon. If you do have to cut a workout short, just tell your coach and he or she will tell you what to do next.

Plan Ahead

It’s important to look ahead in your work and life schedule to ensure that you can still get your training sessions in. For example, if you have a big project due at work and have to stay later in the office next week, you may have to adjust your workout times. You may have to head to the gym early in the morning or later in the evening.

Communicate

In order to get the most out of your coaching experience, you have to know how to communicate effectively with him or her. Coaches can’t read minds, so you have to tell yours how you are feeling. For instance, if you think you pulled a muscle in your leg, tell your coach right away. He or she may tell you to take a break from training or modify your workout so that you don’t injure yourself any further.

Ask Your Coach Before Taking Other Advice

If you are training for a triathlon, you may occasionally come across different training articles or receive advice from others. While it’s great to receive extra pointers, you shouldn’t take any action before talking to your coach. An experienced triathlon coach has trained many other athletes in the past and knows what works and what doesn’t. If you try other methods without first talking to your coach about it, you could fall short of your goal.

There are endless benefits to hiring a triathlon coach. However, you are still the one in charge of your training. If you take your coach’s advice seriously and work your hardest, you should be able to meet your goals.

At Team Z, we have successfully trained hundreds of triathlon athletes. Our dedicated coaches do everything possible to prepare athletes for the triathlon. Call us today to schedule a consultation with a triathlon coach Maryland clients recommend.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TRIATHLON COACHING IN MARYLAND

How long does it take to train for a triathlon?

If you are a beginner triathlete in Maryland and looking to complete your first sprint triathlon, it is recommended that you plan for approximately 12 weeks of training with a triathlon coach in Maryland before your event. If you are physically fit, healthy and familiar to swimming, biking and running, an 8 week training model may be efficient. If you are starting at the complete beginning, allowing yourself 16 weeks may be best. Team Z can help you determine a good workout plan based on your current physical level and which race you are entering.

What gear do I need as a beginner triathlete?

A Maryland triathlon coach from Team Z has put together a list of items that every triathlete should have before race day:

  1. Goggles
  2. Swimsuit
  3. Wetsuit
  4. Bike
  5. Helmet
  6. Socks
  7. Running shoes
  8. Bike shoes
  9. Sunscreen
  10. Sunglasses
  11. Hat
  12. Water bottle
  13. Hand towel

These are the basic items that you will most likely want to have during your race. The level in which you are competing may increase the expense for these items. If you are new to triathlons you may want to wait and see if you enjoy them, before investing in a $2,000 bike.

What do I need to know about nutrition?

Hydration is very important during both the training and the race. You will want to make sure you are drinking adequate amounts of water before and during your workouts. Nutrition also plays a vital role and fueling your body with healthy proteins will help you to feel better. Creating a nutrition plan is very individualized and depends on how many calories you burn per hour. A triathlon coach in Maryland from Team Z can work with you to determine what eating plan you should have to help prepare for your race.

What do I need to know about the transitions?

Transitioning from one sport to the next is a sport all in itself. Your time does not stop when transition from the swim to bike or bike to run so knowing how to have a smooth transition can help in your race. A triathlon coach in Maryland can teach you how to seamlessly transition between one sport to the next. The first transition is called the T1 and is when you go from the swim to the biking leg. The second transition is called the T2 and if from the bike to the run.  To make the transitions easier, you should do a pre-race walk through to where your bike will be racked and where you will park your bike before the running portion. This will make the transition easier, since you will already be familiar with the area. Also, having a transition bag and all of the proper gear organized and in the right place will help you feel more comfortable on race day. Some of the items your bag may have at each station include:

  • Swimming:
    • Goggles
    • Wetsuit
    • Swimcap
  • Biking:
    • Helmet
    • Bike shoes
    • Water bottle
    • Sunscreen
    • Nutrition bars
    • Sunglasses
    • Socks
    • Hand towel
  • Running:
    • Running shoes
    • hat

Getting prepared with a triathlon coach Maryland recommends from Team Z can help you train and be prepared for race day. There are several different aspects that go into a triathlon and learning as much as you can will help you achieve your goal of completing your first triathlon. Call today at 703-200-3081 to get started!

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Growing up, I was never even remotely athletic, a distinct liability in a sports-mad country. Moreover, I grew to associate the idea of people being “sporty” with people who were generally obnoxious, who loved to lord their athletic prowess over others.

Triathlon, therefore, was a revelation for me: very ordinary people who were able to achieve extraordinary things. Team Z is the essence of triathlon in that regard, an amazing mix of experienced athletes (who turned out to be quite nice people) and absolute beginners, all sharing their different journeys. The team is full of people who push me when I need to be pushed and who push me when I don’t think I want to be pushed. Because the team pushes me, I’ve become something I never would have believed I could become: an athlete.

Mark Mullen

Kathy-Hsu-680x1024

Never say never on Team Z! I never thought I would do a triathlon let alone a half Ironman. I told anyone who would listen that the only way I would ever run another marathon was if it was in an Ironman and since I was never going to do an Ironman I had nothing to worry about. Well, so much for my “never” list. With the support of Team Z, I have raced numerous short distance triathlons, several half Ironmans, raced my best injury free marathon (I beat Oprah’s time), and signed up for an Ironman.
Regardless of your experience, speed, motivation, and goals there is a place for you on Team Z. When I joined the Team in December 2011, I did not know what to expect. My old game plan was to go as fast and as hard as possible regardless of the consequences. I do not recommend this strategy. I somehow always fell to side with an injury and burned out long before I reached the start line. This all changed when I joined Team Z. With the help of the coaches and my teammates, I am learning everyday how to find balance physically, set reachable goals, listen to my body, and enjoy the experience. I have a good friend on the Team that says that all the training and hard work is the journey. Race day is the victory lap. Gotta Love Team Z!

Kathy Hsu

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In 2009 I ran the Disney Marathon with my mom, accompanying her on her first 26.2 mile adventure. I remember standing at the start next to her and saying, “just think, those Ironman people have to do this after swimming 2.4 miles and biking 112”¦..freaking lunatics!.” Two years later with a couple of sprint and Olympic triathlons under my belt, and after a couple of glasses of wine, I started to wonder, “Maybe I can do an Ironman too?” So I pulled the trigger, dropped the cash, and signed up for Ironman Cozumel. This followed by immediate panic. “Oh dear God, what have I done? I haven’t the slightest clue how to train for an Ironman.” A couple months later, by chance, I ran into a Z’er outside of my work and as we started talking Triathlon, she told me about Team Z. “Why not? It can’t hurt” I thought to myself. So I joined. It didn’t take me long to realize that this team had everything I wanted: knowledgeable and supportive coaches, structured training plans for all levels and abilities, fantastic teammates, and most importantly cold beers ready for you after every race!

Scott Leary