What is Train to Train?
Train to train is a series of blog posts that will help get you from where you are today to the start point of a specific training plan. This may be your first triathlon or event (park run etc).
Why Train to Train?
Train to train is is based upon my own personal experience. I was in the Army (over 30 years ago) and also competed in various sports at a fairly high level (also over 30 years ago). I knew what I needed to do to get ‘fit’ but this was based upon my early 20’s self. I didn’t have the experience of being a 51 year old, very overweight, bad knees and back, self that I had become.
I found some free training plans online, such as ‘Couch to 5k’ and ’12-week Sprint Triathlon.’ While these were helpful, they all shared a common issue—they assumed the progress I would make. For example, Week 2 started as if I had successfully completed Week 1. The problem is that if we can’t keep up with the plan for some reason, we might feel like we’re failing. Free training plans aim to appeal to a broad audience, but the starting point, progress, and training needs of a 19-year-old, slim, female athlete-to-be will differ from those of a 51-year-old, overweight male.
So the Train to Train series of blog posts will focus upon ‘bite sized’ plans that move you to a new milestone before you progress. In that way you will progress at your own pace. When you have achieved all milestones, you will be ready to start a specific training plan.
Can Train to Train be used in Conjunction with my Successful Weight Loss Journey?
Train to train is an ideal companion that will help to speed up your successful weight loss journey. Your successful weight loss journey will help your train to train. However, train for train isn’t only for people who deem themselves overweight. It is quite possible to not be overweight or indeed to be underweight and still be ‘unfit’.
What is the Key to Successfully Completing the Train to Train program?
We will be going into more detail throughout the Train to Train program, but at a high level here are my top tips;
- Keep it really simple
- Be realistic, make you accountable to you, but be kind to yourself
- Don’t compare yourself to others, or your younger self
- Don’t go and buy a load of expensive exercise gear (save your money you will need it when you get hooked on Triathlon)
- Don’t assume you know what others are thinking when they see you training.
Getting Ready for Train to Train
What you will need
Where ever possible start by using what you already have, but as a minimum I would suggest;
- A good, supportive pair of running shoes, trainers. If you are buying new I would suggest opting for ‘trail’ shoes as these will support you on and off the road.
- Leggings or shorts, ideally avoid thick materials like towelling and fleece and opt for exercise specific, nylon etc.
- T-Shirt / Top – As a base layer, normal T-shirts may be OK to start, but can become heavy and uncomfortable if you are (like me) prone to sweating. Light weight exercise tops that are described as ‘wicking’ have worked the best for me.
- Sports socks, you could get away with normal socks but you may find that these lead to increased friction and forefeet etc.
- For Men – If you only wear loss fitting boxer shorts, I would strongly recommend getting some ‘Trunk’ style underpants.
- For Females – Depending upon circumstances it may prove beneficial to invest in a sports specific bra.
- A least two water bottles, I would suggest that these are about 500ml each, light weight and cheap.
In addition to the above, you will need extra clothing if you are starting in the winter or cold weather. Try not to spend a lot of money at this stage, your needs will quickly change and you will start to discover what works for you and what you like. Also if you are combining train to train with a successful weight loss journey, what you buy today is unlikely to fit you in the very near future.
When to start
Personally I don’t believe in setting a ‘start date’ as this can create both too much pressure on ourselves and also provide us with an excuse not to start. “I planned to start today but work was busy, so I’ll set a new date and try again then”. If you have read to the end of this post then you are ready so start Now!
Conclusion
Train to train, will see you start the journey of a healthier and happier you. If followed you will see; an increase in your energy levels, increased self confidence and you will be ready to follow generic training plans.
You don’t need to spend a lot of money, to start or even complete train to train, you probably already own most of what is ‘needed’
The quicker you start train to train, the quicker you will start to feel the real benefits.
Train to train is an ideal companion program to a Successful weight loss journey.
If you feel that you are struggling or have any thoughts, please leave a comment below, or do email us, we try to respond to every email we receive.
The very best of luck, You’ve got this!!!
