| Deciding to do your first Triathlon? |
You can finish your first triathlon with a little effort.
I'm guessing that if you are reading this that you heard about triathlons through a friend or relative and
have decided to look a little further into what it takes to finish a race. If you can't ride, you will wobble, if
you can't run, you can walk but if you can't swim, well... For you runners and bikers (and even some
swimmers) the open water swimming piece of a triathlon is intimidating. Maybe you are thinking about
triathlons because you don;t feel you will be competitive enough in your single sport. is the perfect
sport as you don;t have to be great in any 1 event in order to be successful.
Here a couple of tips to help you finish your first tri:
If you are a non-swimmer: The first and most important thing to do is to stop fighting the water. You
need to start with swim drills in the pool and develop a good stroke. You can power your way through a
bike or run segment and not add to much extra effort. The swim is different. If you are a non-swimmer, I
recommend getting signed up with a local fitness center with a pool and take some lessons to see
where you stand. Then, work on your swim drills and build distance in the pool. Once you gain some
confidence, then begin to think about swimming in the open water. Remember, never swim alone in
open water! The swim leg of a triathlon is disorienting as in most events you can;t see the bottom. To
simulate, swim a few strokes with your eyes closed then look up and see where you are and correct
your course. Repeat this drill a few times every time you get into the pool. The key again is to keep
moving forward with your training.
If you don't bike: You can use any bike you already own. An un-modified road bike is probably the best
bet for a first timer. Don't add aero bars for your first race "just because everyone else has them". This
makes your bike more difficult to operate since your hands are away from the brakes and shifters. Core
strength is key in having a successful aero position, not the equipment. Stay in the drops of your
handlebars on the flat roads and changing position on the hills will do more then being more
aerodynamic. Being aerodynamic means very little under 15 MPH.
If you are not a runner: If your thought of running is only out of necessity when being chased, then this
segment will help you. The most important thing is having the right shoes. As I have mentioned in
previous articles, go to a running specific store and get fitted for the proper shoes. There are many
different types of feet and different running styles and it is easier to find the shoe that fits you rather then
change your style to fit a shoe. As with everything else, start out slow and work for a time goal, NOT a
distance goal. Soon, you will be able to achieve your distance goals and focus on your time. Once you
are comfortable running, try a 10 minute run after a bike ride. This will help your muscles get used to
the feeling of transitioning from the bike to the run. Finally, stretch after every run. It is more valuable to
cut a run short 5 minutes and stretch those last 5 minutes.
have decided to look a little further into what it takes to finish a race. If you can't ride, you will wobble, if
you can't run, you can walk but if you can't swim, well... For you runners and bikers (and even some
swimmers) the open water swimming piece of a triathlon is intimidating. Maybe you are thinking about
triathlons because you don;t feel you will be competitive enough in your single sport. is the perfect
sport as you don;t have to be great in any 1 event in order to be successful.
Here a couple of tips to help you finish your first tri:
If you are a non-swimmer: The first and most important thing to do is to stop fighting the water. You
need to start with swim drills in the pool and develop a good stroke. You can power your way through a
bike or run segment and not add to much extra effort. The swim is different. If you are a non-swimmer, I
recommend getting signed up with a local fitness center with a pool and take some lessons to see
where you stand. Then, work on your swim drills and build distance in the pool. Once you gain some
confidence, then begin to think about swimming in the open water. Remember, never swim alone in
open water! The swim leg of a triathlon is disorienting as in most events you can;t see the bottom. To
simulate, swim a few strokes with your eyes closed then look up and see where you are and correct
your course. Repeat this drill a few times every time you get into the pool. The key again is to keep
moving forward with your training.
If you don't bike: You can use any bike you already own. An un-modified road bike is probably the best
bet for a first timer. Don't add aero bars for your first race "just because everyone else has them". This
makes your bike more difficult to operate since your hands are away from the brakes and shifters. Core
strength is key in having a successful aero position, not the equipment. Stay in the drops of your
handlebars on the flat roads and changing position on the hills will do more then being more
aerodynamic. Being aerodynamic means very little under 15 MPH.
If you are not a runner: If your thought of running is only out of necessity when being chased, then this
segment will help you. The most important thing is having the right shoes. As I have mentioned in
previous articles, go to a running specific store and get fitted for the proper shoes. There are many
different types of feet and different running styles and it is easier to find the shoe that fits you rather then
change your style to fit a shoe. As with everything else, start out slow and work for a time goal, NOT a
distance goal. Soon, you will be able to achieve your distance goals and focus on your time. Once you
are comfortable running, try a 10 minute run after a bike ride. This will help your muscles get used to
the feeling of transitioning from the bike to the run. Finally, stretch after every run. It is more valuable to
cut a run short 5 minutes and stretch those last 5 minutes.
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |