Getting Started?
- So...you're THINKING about it, hmm?
- Can't swim?
- Neither could I when I started. Like, at ALL. Now's a good chance to learn one of the nicest sports around. Easy on your joints and good for you!
- Can't run?
- Who says you have to run? You can walk, jog, shuffle, skip, whatever it takes until you can run.
- Can't bike?
- Start slow. It will come with time!
- Wah, I look fat in a swimsuit/wetsuit/bike shorts!!
- Welcome to my world. I look like an oversized sea mammal in my wetsuit, sometimes my thighs are too big for my bike shorts and sometimes I feel totally silly in my running attire.
- Who really cares? Who's really looking? How else are you going to get fit?
- Is it expensive?
- Triathlon can be as affordable or as expensive as you make it. You can rent a wetsuit for the race, borrow a nicer bike for the race (or use any darn bike you have!), and you can use the running shoes that are sitting neglected in your closet.
- Does it take a lot of time?
- Depends on your goals. Just want to finish? In relatively good shape? Couch potato? Want to place? Most of the plans you'll see available are done according to time per week you want to spend. The more time you train, the faster and/or easier the race will be! For beginners, I'd suggest a minimum of 2x each sport each week. I personally do 3x each sport each week plus core work.
- WHY NOT?! Let's look at WHY!
- It will motivate you to be active.
- It will move you out of your comfort zones.
- You will learn new skills.
- You will build confidence.
- You will find out that you are capable of so much more than you think.
- You will inspire others!
- It's a balanced sport - the swimming and biking help your body recover from running.
- Sign up for a local sprint race in your area on Active.com
- Put your money where your mouth is! Nothing holds you to your promises like spending your own hard earned cash.
- Tell everyone you know that you signed up for a triathlon. Ask them for their support!! This keeps you accountable to finishing.
- Pick a race that is close to home, short in distance and is roughly 4+ months away.
- Select a basic training plan on Training Peaks with someone well known like Gale Bearnheardt or Joe Friel and a free (or I recommend premium if you can afford it) account on Training Peaks.
- Don't waste time figuring out what to do - use a pre-made plan by a pro!
- Easily track, log and plan your workouts using Training Peaks software
