Triathlon Advice For Beginners - What You Need to Know
Ready to Compete in Your First Triathlon? - Top Eight Things to consider: YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE AN ENDURANCE ATHLETE TO COMPETE IN TRIATHLON.
There are several triathlon distances.
The Super Sprint (quarter mile swim (16 lengths of 25m pool), 6.
2 mile bike, 1.
5 mile run) is shortest.
A typical fitness enthusiast can reasonably complete this in less than an hour.
DON'T EXPECT TO BE COMPETITIVE ON A MOUNTAIN BIKE.
You probably won't finish in the top percent of your peers if you don't have a road bike.
It can be frustrating having to work twice as hard to keep up, while those on road bikes whiz past you effortlessly.
TRANSITION TIMES COUNT.
Although time spent training should be your priority, keep in mind your transitions (movement between each event) can make a huge impact on how well you place.
If you are concerned about your finish time, prepare accordingly.
EXCITEMENT LEVELS ARE HIGH IN TRIATHLON.
One of the unique aspects of triathlon is that it attracts athletes with drastically different levels of experience to the same race.
It is not uncommon to find elite triathletes competing in local races.
This can be unnerving.
A high percentage of triathletes seem to have type A and extreme personality characteristics.
This can lend itself to a lot of nervous energy and elaborate set-ups of race equipment.
If you find yourself feeling insecure among all the fanatics that surround you the morning of race day, just walk away.
Use the port-a-potty, hydrate, stretch, or jog.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT.
Don't get overwhelmed by the demands of preparing for a triathlon.
If you start well in advance, you will alleviate anxiety.
When I decided to compete in my first triathlon (which was a sprint distance), I prepared for at least six months in advance.
I placed third in my age group.
KEEP IT STUPID SIMPLE.
After reading all of the checklists and articles on triathlon preparation, I honestly felt inadequate and ill-prepared prior to my first race.
Five years later, I still struggle to tune out the distracting methods of others and tune in to my own needs.
We are all different.
Life goes on whether you forget your goggles or not.
You have a challenge to overcome.
Minimize the complications, and focus on getting the job done.
IT AIN'T CHEAP.
Triathlon is one of the fastest growing sports, and also one of the most expensive.
You can easily expect to spend $1000 or more in your first season.
You will not only need to pay for pricey race registration fees, but gear for three distinctly different sports.
The costs add up quickly.
If you are on a tight budget, think outside the box and consider buying quality used merchandise or borrowing from friends.
HAVE FUN.
One of the many joys of triathlon is that you get to do the three things most of us spent our summers doing as children: Swimming, Biking and Running.
Enjoy the race!!!
There are several triathlon distances.
The Super Sprint (quarter mile swim (16 lengths of 25m pool), 6.
2 mile bike, 1.
5 mile run) is shortest.
A typical fitness enthusiast can reasonably complete this in less than an hour.
DON'T EXPECT TO BE COMPETITIVE ON A MOUNTAIN BIKE.
You probably won't finish in the top percent of your peers if you don't have a road bike.
It can be frustrating having to work twice as hard to keep up, while those on road bikes whiz past you effortlessly.
TRANSITION TIMES COUNT.
Although time spent training should be your priority, keep in mind your transitions (movement between each event) can make a huge impact on how well you place.
If you are concerned about your finish time, prepare accordingly.
EXCITEMENT LEVELS ARE HIGH IN TRIATHLON.
One of the unique aspects of triathlon is that it attracts athletes with drastically different levels of experience to the same race.
It is not uncommon to find elite triathletes competing in local races.
This can be unnerving.
A high percentage of triathletes seem to have type A and extreme personality characteristics.
This can lend itself to a lot of nervous energy and elaborate set-ups of race equipment.
If you find yourself feeling insecure among all the fanatics that surround you the morning of race day, just walk away.
Use the port-a-potty, hydrate, stretch, or jog.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT.
Don't get overwhelmed by the demands of preparing for a triathlon.
If you start well in advance, you will alleviate anxiety.
When I decided to compete in my first triathlon (which was a sprint distance), I prepared for at least six months in advance.
I placed third in my age group.
KEEP IT STUPID SIMPLE.
After reading all of the checklists and articles on triathlon preparation, I honestly felt inadequate and ill-prepared prior to my first race.
Five years later, I still struggle to tune out the distracting methods of others and tune in to my own needs.
We are all different.
Life goes on whether you forget your goggles or not.
You have a challenge to overcome.
Minimize the complications, and focus on getting the job done.
IT AIN'T CHEAP.
Triathlon is one of the fastest growing sports, and also one of the most expensive.
You can easily expect to spend $1000 or more in your first season.
You will not only need to pay for pricey race registration fees, but gear for three distinctly different sports.
The costs add up quickly.
If you are on a tight budget, think outside the box and consider buying quality used merchandise or borrowing from friends.
HAVE FUN.
One of the many joys of triathlon is that you get to do the three things most of us spent our summers doing as children: Swimming, Biking and Running.
Enjoy the race!!!
Source...