Tips for a 1st timer doing a triathlon?

thenewmanda
thenewmanda Posts: 189 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I'm signing up for my first Triathlon scheduled for April 28th. It consists of a 9 mile run followed by a 49 mile bike ride and ends with a 10 mile kayak race down a river. Anyone have tips, advice or pointers for a first timer?

Replies

  • gnalani
    gnalani Posts: 126
    Make sure you have enough food and water with you on the race!! My first tri I only had about 200 cals for breakfast, then attempted to swim a mile and bike 30 on that alone! Honestly can't believe I made it.

    Make sure you get your bike tuned up and checked out before the event, especially if you don't ride often.

    Transitions are often called the "fourth event" of triathlons. Not sure what your transitions will be like since its such an untraditional race, but I would research transition techniques and practice!!

    GOOD LUCK!
  • scottdeeby
    scottdeeby Posts: 95 Member
    Enjoy it! Don't worry about your time, set finishing the race as your goal.

    When training, after your run sessions hop on the bike and do a couple miles. You will adapt to the transition that way.

    Maybe go to a tri and watch, become familiar with the logistics of an event.

    It's been about 10 years since my last one so I can't remember much more right now 8 )

    bye!
  • jamiek917
    jamiek917 Posts: 610 Member
    never heard of a tri in that order (backwards!)- but i agree with the comment below- enjoy it. your first tri should have the goal of completing it and feeling strong. i never practiced transitions, but i wish i practiced getting off the bike and immediately going into a run- it would have helped my legs to not feel like jello for the first 5-10 minutes (but then again, yours is reverse order, so yuo shouldnt have that problem)

    depending on how big/organized your tri is- read up about the transitions so you feel comfortable knowing how much space you will have or if there are restrictions according to times (not sure if that makes sense. the tris i did were massive and very organized. i had the area to rack my bike and about a 12" x 2' area to call my own... so packed my duffle bag accordingly and laid out everything i would need by event so i didnt have to fish around for it. my tri also had timelines of when to be in and out of the transition area, and rules for bike racking)

    get a running belt and throw a nutritional bar/chew/gu/whatever u want in there- and remember to eat it. DRINK WATER.

    most of all, be proud of yourself. its an incredible feeling to cross that finish line.

    if you want to chat more- message or friend me :)

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