My preparation for the National Senior Games
The plan!
I needed a plan! My plan would be simple although maybe a bit naïve. I would first look for a triathlon early in the summer that would meet the minimum NSG requirements. Next, I would search the internet for a free training plan for beginners. My intent would be to just complete the race and qualify for the National Senior Games. Once done, I would train hard for NSG Triathlon.
I found a race!
The Fairmont, MN Sprint Triathlon on 20 June 2020 seemed to be the perfect fit for me. The race distances were the same as the NSG Triathlon. They said it was a beginner friendly event and it was outside the Greater Twin City Area which meant fewer participants and less pressure. I registered, received confirmation, and began looking for a training plan. Game on!
My Training Program
I next searched the internet for a training plan. There were many especially for first timers like me. I finally found a plan! The Original 13 Week Sprint Training Plan. The program is not based on speed but on endurance. Its goal is to just get you to finish. It was originally designed for a coach’s mother who was racing her first sprint triathlon. She was 59 years old and started from scratch. Ha – I was only 56. So, if she can do it, so can I!
In order to use this plan, it stated you should be able to the following:
- Swim at any pace for 20 minutes straight
- Bike at any pace for 30 minutes straight
- Run at any pace for 20 minutes straight
The program consisted of 5 training days a week. It included a brick (back-to-back training events) in most weeks and at least two open water swims towards the end of the program. There was also a rest week between the 6th and 7th week.
The next step
My next step was to count back 13 weeks from the date of the Fairmont Triathlon. My training plan start date would be 22 March 2020. I put the entire plan on a calendar. It was now January 2020. This was now serious! I would now spend my time ensuring I could meet the minimum program start criteria so I would be ready to begin the training plan in March.
