Looking to get started training for a triathlon, but not sure where to begin? Well, as an amateur myself I wanted to share all of my training resources completely free for you to build your own. The following post isn’t a post that will get you started, but rather all the resources that you can use to get started. These articles, training plans, and sites are all related to the triathlon, but they are not under the same system.
So below, is a breakdown of some valuable resources that you can use to get started and understand how to train for the triathlon. This will be a living document and be regularly updated with some of the latest resources that I personally found useful, or recommended by others!
Last Update: 4/7/2025
Helpful Triathlon Sites and Other Getting Started Resources
- https://www.outsideonline.com/featured
- https://www.triathlete.com/
- https://www.ironman.com/training/beginners/start-basics
- An official Ironman beginner article series covering all basics from the swim, bike, and run.
- https://www.globaltrinetwork.com/
- A website dedicated to all things triathlon.
Where to find a race?
There’s plenty of websites out there that list any local or national race. As an amateur you can find any types of swimming, bike, runs, or tri races through a couple of links below. I recommend just creating a separate email address for race and all things tri related registration so you can keep all of your information consolidated and get noted of any new races popping up;
- Open Water Swimming https://raysnotebook.info/ows/schedules/The%20Whole%20Shebang.html
- https://findarace.com/us
- https://www.trifind.com/
- https://runsignup.com/Races
- https://www.usatriathlon.org/events
- https://runningintheusa.com/multisport/list/triathlon
- https://www.ironman.com/races
- https://www.ahotu.com/
- This is the official site that is integrated with Garmin Connect when you look for a race on your calendar.
- https://www.aquabike.world/countries/aquabike-races-in-united-states-of-america/
- Coming off an injury or just looking for a fun race on a weekend?
- https://www.tri247.com/triathlon-events
Swimming Training Resources
Swimming Cues
- Breathe from the chin.
- Turn your chin up first not your forehead.
- Drop your shoulders.
- Pull using your forearms.
- Keep elbows high
- Finish pull through hip
- https://www.tri247.com/beginner-triathlon/open-water-swimming-beginners-guide
Various Swim Workout Sites
- How to Train with a Pull Buoy – https://www.swimjim.com/blog/how-to-train-with-a-pull-buoy
- Endurance Build Workouts – https://www.ironman.com/news/4-swim-workouts-build-endurance
- https://swimswam.com/swim-workouts/
- https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a28940942/swim-workouts/
- https://www.usms.org/workout-library
- https://www.triathlete.com/training/how-to-choose-the-best-swim-drills-for-you/
- https://www.eatsleepswimcoach.com/swim-pull-buoy/#rtoc-9
- https://www.triathlete.com/training/workouts/one-hour-workout-pull-buoy-swim-strength-session/
Drills
- https://www.yourswimlog.com/swimming-workouts-for-triathletes/
- https://www.triathlete.com/training/swim-training-pull-buoy-basics/
- https://www.formswim.com/blogs/all/swimming-workouts-triathlon-preparation?_ab=0&_fd=0&_sc=1
- https://www.220triathlon.com/training/swim-training/10-essential-pool-swim-drills-for-triathletes
Shopping and Gear
Training Plans
- https://www.220triathlon.com/training/triathlon-training-plans
- A great website offering tons of free training plans for the triathlon. Everything from beginner to advanced whether you need a 6 week or 12 month long training plan.
- https://www.trainingpeaks.com/training-plans/triathlon/?language=en&sort.field=soldCount&sort.dir=desc
- Training Peaks offers a section within their site that allows you as a user to buy a training plan from a coach! This is completely self-service, and has the workouts that integrate right into your Garmin or other tech wearable.
Misc
- Joe Friel Triathlon Training Bible
- What has been called the “Bible” of tri training, this is a must read to get yourself started with triathlon training. Pick this up if you are looking for a one stop shop from training to race day prep.
- What has been called the “Bible” of tri training, this is a must read to get yourself started with triathlon training. Pick this up if you are looking for a one stop shop from training to race day prep.
- https://www.220triathlon.com/gear/triathlon-gear-20-commonly-asked-questions-answered
Christopher Sandoli 
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