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Group of mature triathletes wearing wetsuits swim caps and goggles running into water at sunrise.

Training for a triathlon

Taking part in and completing a triathlon is an experience that will stay with you forever. Our training plans is designed to ensure that you get the maximum possible enjoyment from the experience.

Training plans

Our training plans focuses on each discipline (running, swimming and cycling) and is designed to make sure you’re confident and comfortable in all three when you line up at the start on race day. Our training plans are in PDF, if you require an alternative format please email us.

Olympic training triathlon plan

Follow our olympic triathlon training plan and we’ll show you how to incorporate training around your everyday life to make sure you’re ready for race day. The plan will mix in gym sessions, sprints and longer sessions to ensure that you’re ready and prepared for the day.

Access the olympic training triathlon plan(PDF, 292 KB)

Sprint training triathlon plan

Follow our sprint triathlon training plan and we’ll show you how to incorporate training around your everyday life to make sure you’re ready for race day. The plan will mix in gym sessions, sprints and longer sessions to ensure that you’re ready and prepared for the day.

Access the sprint training triathlon plan(PDF, 295 KB)

Things to consider

  • Please do a 15 minute warm up and cool down before Threshold, Continuous Hills or Interval sessions.

  • Please do a 4 x 25m or 2 x 50m easy warm up and cool down around faster swim sets.

  • Always substitute cross training for running if you are injured, very sore or if it is not safe to run.

  • Please add a core conditioning, Pilates or Yoga class once or twice a week if you have time.

  • Try to stretch every day for at least 10 mins.

  • Always eat within 20-30 mins of finishing a run, swim or cycle.

  • If your swim is in open water please practice some of your swims in a wetsuit.

  • Only swim open water in training in supervised and safe environments.

  • Always train at your target pace in race paced sessions, don’t compromise or run too hard.

  • Tiredness always catches up so take extra rest if required.

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Join #TeamCRUK

Already have a place in an event? We’d love to have you fundraising for #TeamCRUK!

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Nutrition guide

Our nutrition guide will help you to eat well whilst you train for your event.

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Training FAQs

Do you have any questions about your training? Read our most commonly asked questions.