While most people, whether novice or experienced, want to get into an aggressive training schedule that will get them fit as quickly as possible, everyone needs to remember that the stress triathlon training places on the body can destroy even the most meticulously planned routine. So, make sure you build in injury preventing activities that will keep you healthy and on the path to a string of good races.

First, do not attempt to train endlessly. The body needs rest, so listen to it. Scheduling days off into your routine does not represent failure or lack of commitment; instead, it shows a mature thinker who knows the body must rest to grow. If you push the body too hard too often, it will let you know, and that will put a much larger than unanticipated break into your training than a nicely planned off day.

Second, develop a stretching plan that prepares the body for activity and helps it cool down afterwards. Because triathlon uses every muscle in your body, taking the time to stretch them out and keep them flexible will pay huge dividends as your training increases in intensity. Muscles that are stretched tend to respond to activity better, and they are less often injured as a result of the continual maintenance.

Third, create a logical strength training program that works the entire body. General muscle weakness represents a large factor in injury. Forcing muscles to do tasks they are incapable of is counterproductive; therefore, spend some time in the gym and make your body stronger. Total body workouts that emphasize high repetitions will be most beneficial to preparing your body for the strength needed for an endurance sport. Large bulky bodies are also less efficient, so lay off the big weights.

Finally, indulge and get a sports massage every now and then. Though not a spa treatment, a good sports rub down will get at the unseen, and it will help eliminate those pesky knots that tighten you up. It will break apart the scar tissue built up during hard training, which makes future injury less likely.

Thus, take care of your body so it can take care of you.