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Dear Cat,
I was looking for your advice on the best place to find basic advice on
how to prepare for a kids triathlon. My son is 9, swims well, and is
motivated to try this. The event particulars are ages 7-12, 200 yds.
swim, 2 mi. bike and 1 mi. run. Race date is Aug. 11. The event is
through our county Parks & Rec.
My son rarely expresses any interest in traditional athletics (team
sports) so we are excited in his enthusiasm for this race. The main goal
would be for him to have fun and finish.
Ideas/advice on how not to screw this up for him would be GREATLY
appreciated!
Thank you,
Amy
Dear
Amy,
It's super that your child has found something that motivates him. You can encourage him and also help him make this event successful.
First, please purchase the book TRIATHLONS for kids by Sally Edwards. It has lots of great advice for kid triathletes.
Next, make sure your child has all the needed equipment: a safe bike, a good pair of running shoes, and a helmet.
You may wish to use the following schedule to help him train.
It is important that your child also practices transitions and has experienced what it's like to go for a swim, then get on a bike etc.
If you do plan on using the training schedule, monitor it carefully to make sure that your child is still having fun, isn't stressed and isn't pushing himself to max. As you mentioned, the goal is a finish and to have fun, but following the schedule will ensure that your child knows what to expect the day of the event.
Number of minutes/activity
S= swim, B= bike, R= run
| Week # | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Sat. | Sun. |
| 1 | S 10 | Rest | B 15 | Rest | R 10 | Rest | Rest |
| 2 | S 10 | S 5, B 5 | Rest | B 5 | R 15 | Rest | Rest |
| 3 | S 15 | Rest | B 10, R 10 | Rest | Rest | B 15 | Rest |
| 4 | S 10, B 5 | Rest | B 20 | Rest | Rest | R 15 | Rest |
| 5 | S 10, B 5 | Rest | Rest | B 10, R 5 | Rest | R 5 | Rest |
| 6 | S 5 | Rest | S5, B 5, R 5 | Rest | R 10 | Rest | Rest |
You may also want to practice setting equipment up for transitions, practice transitions, and practice mounting and dismounting from your bike.
Best of luck. This schedule is meant to be a guide. Please modify it to meet your child's needs. You may wish to have your son cross train or just do a very easy run on a rest day. Make sure that he starts his workouts easy and increases the intensity as his body warms up. Many days should be easy days, particularly when he puts the various events together.
Have fun with your Tri,
Cat
 Note from the kid's editor:
Do you have any questions about a child's running program? Feel free to email the kid's editor at carolgoodrow@verizon.net.
 
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