Introduction

If you like to exercise regularly, you probably have heard of triathlon. It is not a sport for everyone because it combines three difficult disciplines that have to be well balanced.

In recent years it has become more popular among athletes, not only because it demands a great physical condition, but also because it is fun and it requires people to be disciplined and constant. The next sections will explain better what you need to do if you want to become a part of this amazing activity.

First skill: Swimming

Swimming is perhaps one of the most difficult and complete exercises a human being can do. First of all, you have to be very strong. Then, you have to learn how to breathe under the water in a rhythmic and economic way. Finally, you have to develop a great technique in order to swim faster.

But if you think the above tasks were easy, don’t get so confident. The vast majority of these competitions take place in open waters (a lake, river or even the sea), which is completely different to a swimming pool.

Some of the most experienced athletes suggest that your first swim in open water should never be in a competition. The reasons are simple:

1. Water is often colder than in a pool and your body has to get used to this temperature before competing.

2. You don’t see anything: Open water is never as clean as the water of a pool and if you are thinking that your pair of goggles is going to help, you are completely wrong.

3. You can’t grab anything: Once you are in the water there is no other option than swimming all the distance, so be sure that you are able to do it.

Second skill: Cycling

This part of the competition requires a lot of intelligence, planning ahead and having your own routine. Some people would prefer to start slow and increase the speed as the route develops. Some others suggest to have a constant pace all the time. There are no rules or restrictions in cycling, it is more about knowing your limits and not pushing them too far because you might end up hurting yourself.

Another important thing to consider in this part of the race is your bike. You may want to consider a light frame (probably made of aluminum), a good pair of wheels, a professional shifting gear that will help you with the slope changes down the road and a comfortable handle bar.

Third skill: Running

Finally, you have to be a good runner. People tend to think that running is the easiest part of the race and it might be, but you have to consider that your body will be tired from the previous efforts.

If you take this part of the race for granted, you might find yourself in a living hell with your legs sore and probably about to get crams. That is why your preparation must be great in all three disciplines.

General Tips

a) If you plan to run a triathlon soon, you have to design a good training plan and start training three or four months before the race. Doing so will make the race enjoyable and challenging. There are many great sites in the web where you can get your personal plan and you can measure your performance as the date of the competition approaches.

b) You may want to start by running a sprint triathlon (half the distance of an Olympic one) and see how you feel. Do not try to push your limits in the first try because you can cause yourself an injury or some other physical problem.

c) On the date of the race, make sure you have your equipment complete. The tires of your bike should be inflated when you take it to the starting point because if you do this before, you may end up with a flat tire.

d) For experienced competitors all details are important, including the transitions. Having a routine to change from your swimsuit to your cycling gear and then from cycling to running may represent a victory in a competition.

Conclusion

Triathlon is a great sport that will demand your best skills. Before you decide to enroll in one of these races, make sure to train well and be as prepared as you can to endure pain.

People who practice this sport are always encouraging each other because they know how hard it is to take your body to those levels of stress. The races are always full of good vibe and the crowd always supports every athlete in the same cheerful way. Now get out there and start training for your next race.