With proper equipment, guidance from training partners or a coach, and a realistic goal, triathlon is a sport that is certainly rewarding. It attracts individuals with various backgrounds- collegiate athletes who want to take on a new challenge of three disciplines, children who are inspired by watching their parents compete, middle aged men or women using training as a social outlet and break from work , or those who swim, bike and run just to stay in shape. The great thing about triathlon is that it can be whatever you want it to be. For me personally, I was influenced by the experiences of watching my mother compete, and began training just for fun. Now, four years later, it is evident that the sport is a direct reflection of what you put into it as my progressive hard work and dedication has allowed me to compete at a higher level than I ever thought possible. Whether taking on a sprint triathlon, or working towards completing an Ironman, triathlon offers an active lifestyle and introduces you to a unique community.
If you are interested in trying a tri, there are three components to focus on. First, having the equipment to train with is important. The essentials to get started consist of a swimsuit, cap and goggles, a bike and helmet, and running shoes. Getting involved with a local triathlon club, or finding a bike or triathlon shop in town can be helpful in assisting you in purchasing a bicycle, getting a tune up, finding the right running shoes, or meeting people to train with. The Waterbury YMCA triathlon club is a great place to get started and meet athletes of ranging abilities and commitment levels. When I began training more seriously for triathlon, I joined the Bethel Triathlon club and was fortunate to meet some more experienced athletes who offered wisdom at every turn. A great deal of equipment selection comes from experimenting individually with different choices through training and finding what works best for you. As triathlon continues to grow, and more fancy products appear, it is important to stick to the equipment that feels most comfortable to you so you can continue training, injury free, and perform at your best on race day.
The second key ingredient to getting started is finding a form of guidance through a coach or training group. A local triathlon club or shop can be very helpful if you are a beginner. Coaches or training partners can offer insight on what a weekly schedule should look like, ways to take care of your body outside of training such as massage or stretching, nutritional guidelines, or just suggest a nice trail to run on or safe loop to bike. Ninety percent of what I have learned about the sport of triathlon has come from peer athletes, coaches and friends. Taking tips from those who are more experienced, while blending in a regime that works for you will create the perfect formula for success.
The third and final part of getting started with triathlon is to create a realistic personal goal. Triathlon can be a way to stay in shape, a place to train and meet new people or a platform to compete, whatever you choose. If your goal is to be able to swim twenty laps in the pool, bike ten miles and run two miles, then devise a plan that will progress you towards your destination in a reasonable fashion. As a beginner, it is key to stay rooted in your individual ambitions since you will find athletes of ranging abilities and experience around you. As a triathlete, I believe that goal setting has been invaluable in my development over the past four years. With necessary training equipment, guidance from coaches and training partners, and a personalized goal, you too will reach your destination in triathlon.
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