This week the CNN Fit Nation "6-Pack" is together in Clermont, Florida. Tabitha McMahon, Annette Miller, Will Cleveland, Douglas Mogle, Stacy Mantooth and Rae Timme are training to race the 2013 Nautica Malibu Triathlon on September 8 alongside CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta. Check back each day this week for more photos from their training sessions.
Editor's note: April Burkey is one of the coaches for the Fit Nation Triathlon Challenge program. Follow members of the "6-pack" on Twitter and Facebook as they train to race the Nautica Malibu Triathlon with CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta on September 8.
(CNN) -- The Fit Nation "6-Pack" is visiting the National Training Center in Clermont, Florida, this week to learn more about biking, swimming and running. Like many newcomers to the sport of triathlon, they've made some mistakes early on. This trip, halfway through the training, is about fixing those mistakes.
I've trained three groups of Fit Nation triathletes, and over the years I've come up with five simple rules all beginners should follow:
1. Find a love for each discipline.
It's OK not to love every training session, but I think it's important to enjoy your time swimming, biking and running. It's important to view this time as a gift -- as an opportunity for adventure, improved fitness and overall better quality of life.
2. Keep it simple.
The triathlon industry is fast paced and high tech, based on the demographic of the sports participants. Don't get lost in the heart rate, wattage, newest gadget, latest diet plan or running shoe.
At the end of the day, the sport is simply: Swim. Bike. Run.
I am not saying some of these gadgets won't help your progression as an athlete, but they are not all necessary, especially not early in your training. Don't get lost in the hype and the information overload.
3. Do not avoid the sport you favor the least.
It is human nature to do what we are more familiar with more frequently. If you are a weak swimmer, however, your swim will not improve by running three to four times a week and swimming only one to two times a week.
Aim for balance in your training rather than avoidance.
4. Follow a training plan.
Write your own plan, find a training plan online or work with a coach. Choose the path that is the best fit. A plan will help you reach your goals, create balance in training and help prevent injury.
5. Don't worry about the finish line.
Stay in the present throughout your triathlon progression. Break things up into manageable pieces and check them off as you accomplish bench marks.
For example, break your first 4-mile run effort into 2 x 2-mile efforts. Don't think about the second effort until you have accomplished the first. Acknowledge the accomplishment of the first 2-mile effort as you continue moving forward into the second part of the effort.
Follow Burkey on Twitter @aprils_awesome.
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Coach April Burkey instructs the team on proper stroke techniques.
A underwater view of the team during training.
Timme, right, rides with Denise Castelli, a previous Fit Nation participant.
Mogle struggles to make up it an intimidating hill.
Mantooth pushes forward on the group's 20-mile bike ride.
Miller tackles "Heart Attack Hill" as Burkey follows close behind.
The Fit Nation team tackles a long bike ride during training.
Rajesh Durbal joins the Fit Nation team on its ride. Durbal was the first triple amputee to compete in the Ironman World Championship.
Timme stretches her hip flexor at the National Training Center.
Mantooth has his swim kick analyzed at the National Training Center.
Castelli, right, and McMahon share a lane.
Hydration is key for the Fit Nation athletes. They carry water on them at all times, even while swimming.
Timme adjusts her goggles before jumping into the pool at the National Training Center.
Cleveland powers through the water.
Cleveland smiles as he comes up for air.
Mogle completes another lap during the training session.
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