A Beginners Guide To Doing Your First Triathlon

A triathlon, from an outsider's perspective, can be overwhelming. Swimming, cycling and running all at once sounds absolutely mental, doing one alone is enough! The good news though? Triathlons are way more beginner friendly than what you may initially think! You don't have to be a super athlete to get started, you just need to be willing.

So let's break it down into smaller, manageable chunks.

So... What Is A Triathlon?

A triathlon is a race made up of three sports, done back-to-back;

Swim

Bike

Run

You finish one, move onto the next whilst the clock keeps ticking. Between each sport is a quick change area called a transition area, where you swap gear and prepare for the next section!

There are different distances, but beginners usually start with a Sprint Triathlon, which is very manageable!!!

Swim: ~400-750 meters (often in a pool or calm water)

Bike: ~20km (12 miles)

Run: ~5km (3.1 miles)

The main thing to keep in mind is that you don't have to be fast, most people just aim to finish, not reach the podium!

Do You Have To Be Amazing At All Three?

Short answer? Absolutely not. 

Most triathletes have one thing they're decent at, one thing they're working on and one thing they... don't like very much to say the least.

This is totally normal! You don't need to be a strong swimmer and a fast cyclist and an entrepreneur runner to start. Triathlons are about balance, consistency and just trying something new, not being perfect.

What Gear Do You Actually Need?

You don't have to spend thousands on expensive gear, to start you really just need the basics!

Swim

A costume or a wetsuit (check the requirements for your specific race)

Goggles

Bike

Any bike is fine

A helmet

Run

Comfortable running shoes

Clothes you can move in

Good Extras

A trisuit (worn throughout the whole race under the wetsuit and for the cycle and run)

A race belt

And that's it!!!

How Do You Train Without Being Overwhelmed?

People's training vary depending on their personal circumstances. My best advice? Keep it simple, keey it classy. 

A beginner's training week might look like:

2 Short Swims

2 Bike Rides

2 Easy Runs

1 Rest Day

Workouts don't need to even be long! 20-40 minutes can add up very quickly! The goal is to get comfortable with the sport, not to push yourself to the brink of exhaustion every time you train!

Listening to your body is super important. Rest day's aren't 'lazy', they are part of training.

Your First Race And What To Expect

Beginner triathlons are usually very welcoming. You'll see people of all ages there, volunteers guiding you, athletes cheering each other on and most importantly, lots of first time com probably a banana or two. The most important thing to remember though is that no one expects you to know everything. 

Pro Tip? Just enjoy what you can. It's the experience that matters more, not the time on the clock.

Why People Fall In Love With Triathlons

There are many reasons to love triathlons, and they can end up being quite addictive to many people! They can help build your confidence, show what you're capable of and can feel incredibly rewarding!

Crossing that finish line, even if you're a bit wobbly at the end, is an unforgettable feeling. Not to mention it can also bring a sense of community and belonging to find a bunch of like-minded people!