Being a goal-oriented gal, I have learned I work out much more consistently when training for a race , be it a 5K or a triathlon. If cross training is your thing, why not try a triathlon? Mixing up the endurance sports of running, biking, and swimming helps to keep overuse injuries and boredom at bay. The easiest triathlon to tackle is the sprint distance : 750 meter (0.5 mile) or 500 meter (0.25 mile) swim, 20 km (12.4 mile) bike, and a 5 km (3.1 mile) run. The distances may vary a bit from course to course depending on the body of water for the swim and the terrain for biking. Caution: a sprint tri is the gateway race to longer and longer distances. Here is the training schedule, created by the YMCA Tri Club , that I used a couple of years ago when training for my first tri. It is a great training program that slowly builds so it is great for beginners but has easy recovery weeks every three weeks or so. Even if you are not planning on participating in a triathlon, this training schedule might just be the thing you need to get ready for the beach . To see the schedule,

just read more. Week Run Bike Swim Total workout time Extras Week 1 30, 20, 20 45, 30 30, 20 3 1/4 hours Week 2 30, 20, 20 45, 30 30, 20 3 1/4 Week 3 30, 30 45 30 2 1/4 Week 4 30, 45 60, 45 30, 30 4 hours Week 5 30, 45 60, 45 30, 30 4 hours Open water swim practice Week 6 30, 20, 20 45, 45 30, 20 3 1/2 hours Week 7 30, 45, 30 60, 60 30, 45 5 hours Week 8 30, 45, 30 60, 60 30, 45 5 hours Open water swim practice Week 9 30, 45, 30 60, 60 30, 45 5 hours Week 10 30, 45 60, 45 30, 30 4 hours Week 11 30, 45, 30 45, 60 30, 45 4 3/4 hours Work swim-to-bike transition Week 12 30, 45, 30 45, 60 30, 45, 30 5 1/4 hours Practice triathlon Week 13 30 45, 45 30 3 hours Open water swim practice Week 14 30 45 30 1 1/4 hours RACE Don’t forget to print this out and put it on your fridge. Nothing is as satisfying as crossing off a 60-minute bike ride!

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Sprint Tri Training Schedule