How to race your first triathlon race. A guide for dummies.
What do you need to take part in a triathlon;
A vision.
The conditions that will succour, the time, the mood, the circumstances and the stimuli that will coexist to make you see this vision, may be different than what are for others. Some may get stimulation from a tribute to the TV, some other from highlights of the Olympics, and another from a poster, and several of us act impulsively from those who are around us.
Now, to make it simple and easy. The material resources required to run a triathlon race are just four objects. A swimsuit, a bike, a helmet and a pair of running shoes. I believe that nobody should spend a lot of money on equipment, especially in a first reconnaissance participation. It’s better for an athlete to run with what he already has and focus on the most important thing. And this is nothing else but to have fun. This is a new experience so the best investment is to enjoy yourself. Don’t get into the vortex of anxiety about your performance or equipment in any circumstances.
Is this your first time in Triathlon? Check out this online course that will help you successfully complete your first triathlon !!!
Equipment
Helmet A bicycle helmet at the appropriate size and fits perfectly. The strap, when it is buckled up, should not be very tight to create discomfort at breathing.
Shoes. A pair of running shoes. It doesn’t need to be the most expensive model in the market.
Swimwear. A long athletic swimwear / shorts / leggings is ideal since it can be used to also cycle and run.
Bike. Any bike is suitable as long as it is comfortable and safe to drive. It is recommended that the athlete familiarizes with the bicycle before the race and the bicycle has been recently maintained, the tires and brakes must be in a good condition.
If you know how to swim and feel comfortable in the "deep" and whatever possible there is below you in the sea, like seaweed, rocks, reefs etc, you can practice swimming in the sea, preferably accompanied by someone for security reasons.
For my first triathlon (in June of 2015) I did workouts in the sea in May, three times a week. I was wearing my swimming glasses; I was equipping myself with enough courage and was diving. I was swimming fast the first minutes to warm up and get used of the water temperature.
I used to put a virtual target to swim to, a buoy, and swam to it taking my head out of the water every 7-8 strokes to make sure I am swimming in a straight line. After a few times I was covering the distance forth and back without any stops.
I think it's something that doesn’t need special preparation and everyone can manage this part, WITHOUT worrying too much about the outcome. Among all those who can manage, you are, too.
So what if you turn the cycling part into a casual thing, nobody chases you, right? Is this a competition? What? It is?
Well, okay. You will have to add cycling in the weekly program, too, to get used to riding a bike and get used of staying on the saddle in intensive conditions. (Tip: It is necessary to lift your pelvis from the saddle every 5-6 minutes to allow the blood circulation in the area. This is worth more than the most expensive saddle.)
Still, if cycling outside is not meant for you due to cold, traffic, lack of time or other factors, and you have access to a training/exercise bike, then take a look here about training in the house. It can give you an idea about how you can spend your time training in a less boring way. Because, let’s face it, cycling outside is spent in a more fun way because the eyes and mind are distracted by the scenery. But this is not the case with indoor cycling.
Swimwear. A long athletic swimwear / shorts / leggings is ideal since it can be used to also cycle and run.
Bike. Any bike is suitable as long as it is comfortable and safe to drive. It is recommended that the athlete familiarizes with the bicycle before the race and the bicycle has been recently maintained, the tires and brakes must be in a good condition.
Preparation - Training.
And now the simple part of equipment is covered, let’s talk a bit about the preparation.How to become fit and finish the race effortless.Swimming
Supposedly you know how to swim, right? If not, then this means that you must take swimming lessons without giving it any second thought.If you know how to swim and feel comfortable in the "deep" and whatever possible there is below you in the sea, like seaweed, rocks, reefs etc, you can practice swimming in the sea, preferably accompanied by someone for security reasons.
For my first triathlon (in June of 2015) I did workouts in the sea in May, three times a week. I was wearing my swimming glasses; I was equipping myself with enough courage and was diving. I was swimming fast the first minutes to warm up and get used of the water temperature.
I used to put a virtual target to swim to, a buoy, and swam to it taking my head out of the water every 7-8 strokes to make sure I am swimming in a straight line. After a few times I was covering the distance forth and back without any stops.
Cycling
I think it's something that doesn’t need special preparation and everyone can manage this part, WITHOUT worrying too much about the outcome. Among all those who can manage, you are, too.
So what if you turn the cycling part into a casual thing, nobody chases you, right? Is this a competition? What? It is?
Well, okay. You will have to add cycling in the weekly program, too, to get used to riding a bike and get used of staying on the saddle in intensive conditions. (Tip: It is necessary to lift your pelvis from the saddle every 5-6 minutes to allow the blood circulation in the area. This is worth more than the most expensive saddle.)
Still, if cycling outside is not meant for you due to cold, traffic, lack of time or other factors, and you have access to a training/exercise bike, then take a look here about training in the house. It can give you an idea about how you can spend your time training in a less boring way. Because, let’s face it, cycling outside is spent in a more fun way because the eyes and mind are distracted by the scenery. But this is not the case with indoor cycling.
Run
For me the hardest part of the triathlon was the running part as I was not into running and I had to start from the beginning, like I did in high school, 17 years ago. As a total ignorant I was about this process I did some research about it. Where else? Google. Okay, it’s not about medication /medical advice /construction of nuclear weapons of mass destruction and anything else some can be searched there! After a lot of search I bumped into a program that seemed "bearable" and so I started. And so simple and without further guidance I managed to run five kilometers in half an hour after 8 weeks. And yes, for a couch potato who had done only cycling so far, to run five kilometers and in just a half an hour, it was a miracle.
If you are unfamiliar with running you can try yourself this eight weeks program . It is free of charge, without any obligations, and if you don’t feel comfortable to move on to the next week’s programme you can repeat the same weekly programme as if nothing has happened.
(Tip: Apply of ice on joints, ankles, knees just after each workout. It’s a must!!!)
Ready; Not yet!
You have prepared, you have the basic equipment and now ....Wait for a minute guys; let’s go back to the basics. Have you asked your mom for permission? Does she agree? Good.
OK, seriously now, what about your doctor? Have you visited him?
If by chance you asked a doctor you know to skip the exam and just hand you over a permit to present to your local pool and allow you to swim, forget this can happen with running a race. You have an obligation to have a full cardio exam as soon as possible.
A person can manage some cycling, some light jogging and playing in the pool, but in race conditions things change. Pulses in this case reach the maximum throughout the race so a cardio exam is obligatory.
Races
Yes! You decided to race your first triathlon. But which race will be your first?First of all look up what triathlon competitions have been launched in the coming months and where.
You can easily check the race program in the public group " HYPERLINK "https://www.facebook.com/groups/118822331562700/" \t "_blank" Triathlon Greece Friends" on Facebook (at the Pinned Post) or in this blog in HYPERLINK "http://apogeiwsh.blogspot.gr/p/blog-page_22.html" \t "_blank" this link in case you are not a Facebook user. In these links you will find the races that have been launched, the area and the dates, as well as the websites of the events so you can get more informed.
Below are typical racing distances:
Super-Sprint "300m swim, 20km bike, 5km run"
Sprint "750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run"
Olympic "1500m swimming, 40km cycling, 10km running"
Half Ironman "1900m swim, 90km bike, 21km run"
And finally .... Chasing the impossible… there is the race of the class…
Ironman "3800m swimming, 180km cycling, 42km running"
Practical advices
a. A good tip is to use Vaseline or a similar product to avoid rash and burns by friction in places like armpits, inner thighs, and nipples for men. Some put such products also between the toes, but I never had a problem with blisters or calluses like the good hairy Hobbit I am!
b. Use a bottle of water to rinse your feet in the change zones. Yes, you will lose half a minute from your race and maybe left 2-3 positions behind but there is nothing worse than to race with sand or pebbles in your shoes.
c. Last 2-3 days before the race you should eat a lot of carbohydrates to get energized. To avoid searches in Goggle about what the heck these carbohydrates are, like I did, let me simply say that it’s all kinds of pasta, all kinds of bread, rice and similar foods. So simple I describe it. Now, what kind of brand of pasta you will put in your plate, that’s to your preference.
d. To get into all this with friend who is also inexperienced, will give you support and a solid mutual encouragement in the course of preparation, the training and the planning of the whole day of the race. You can share transportation and engage into something that may be fun for both of you. So talk a friend into it. But don’t be afraid anyway, you will find friends in the race.
I think I've just told you everything a clueless man needs to know to become a from simply clueless to a “triathlon finisher clueless”
If I haven’t convinced you yet and you need a bit of encouragement more that you CAN run in a small Super Sprint or Sprint race but you need a final push to convince you, dedicate 05:40 minutes to see the following clip, sound on and plenty of handkerchiefs in your disposal.
The stars are Dick Hoyt and his quadriplegic son, the amazing Team Hoyt!
Because when a man wants, he can do even the impossible!
Is this your first time in Triathlon? Check out this online course that will help you successfully complete your first triathlon !!!
ANNEX
Moments from my first race.
The time when I was clueless myself. Well, I am still an ignorant, nothing has changed. But I'm just a happy ignorant enjoying my triathlon races as an age grouper.
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| Psathatlon triathlon June of 2015. Before the race |
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| My Tri- buddies, Dimitrios and Andrew just after that race |
PS1. In order to become fast and effective with the time you spend on triathlon trainings, and also to avoid overtraining injuries you should consult a specialist. A coach. So please don’t ask me questions about coaching topics, consult a specialist. I'm just a blogger who likes to train, to run in races and then record them all in his Race Reports.
PS2. If you have found all this to be useful, then go and run your first race and and come and leave a comment below about your efforts and achievements.
PS3. Leave a comment if you found my article interesting and feel free to share it with your friends!
3 comments
Click here for commentsThis post is really the best on this valuable topic.
ReplyWho can tell the best product among those listed on this site?
ReplyBest Triathlon Watches/!
Who has been able to sample the various products on this list and can be able to pick out the best one?
ReplyBest Triathlon Watches/!
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