Tips for Summer Biathlon Training

Summer biathlon originated from a winter biathlon which traditionally included skiing and shooting. During the summer season, the skiing is replaced with biking, or running - and the shooting is included into the race. Most often, the summer biathlon includes a race of five to ten kilometers with two shooting stops throughout the process.

Training for a biathlon can be difficult - especially in the summer. It is important the body become adjusted to the high temperatures while training. In fact, training should occur in environments that mimic the temperatures of the race to obtain optimal results and a good finish time.

Last year I ran and biked by first summer biathlon, it was a challenge to me to get in shape for the race - and since I was a novice I spoke to many seasoned race runners to get advice. Here is a compilation of some of the best advice that I received.

Practice shooting from the recommended twenty five or fifty meters. This will create an environment for practice that is closest to that of the race. Shoot with the same type of knock-down targets, and keep track of your progress.

It takes effort to prepare for a summer biathlon, which often includes; running or biking, along with shooting of a rifle - than another bout of running and biking. Keep in mind that missed shot come with a penalty of up to one hundred meters, and therefore can be detrimental in the race. Practice shooting before hand and become familiar with the types of guns that are being used in the biathlon. Summer biathlons are easier to shoot in - as the hands are uncovered and runners are not trying to shoot in freezing temperatures.

Valuable moments can be lost in the transition from running to shooting - if the runner is moving quickly than the speed can be difficult to downturn, practice stopping quickly, and allow time to catch your breath before moving on.

Speaking of breathing - proper techniques should be used throughout the race to maintain stamina.

One of the most important pieces of advice that I was told while training was to keep hydrated. In the summer, it is so easy to become dehydrated - and dehydration could lead to a racer becoming ill and not being able to finish the race. The important of maintaining proper hydration cannot be stressed enough.

Ensure that shooting portion of the biathlon is done in a calm manner. It can be tiring running, than shooting - take deep breaths and allow yourself to focus through the process.

Prepare for the running or cycling portion by running two to three times per week in the pace of four to five mile runs, or bike rides - whichever the biathlon entails. To run quickly, it is important that the runner builds stamina, because stamina leads to speed.