Getting Started into Triathlon

The Distances

First lets clarify some confusion, Triathlon is the Sport, Ironman is the distance. Triathlon is a sport comprised of a swim, bike and run in that order. They are organized into different distances:

The Gear

Swim Gear

Goggles - You have two choices either traditional swim googles that swimmers wear at your local pool. Or a swim mask, a hybrid of the swim googles and scuba mask. The mask goggles have two advantages: less restricted vision and greater comfort. They may look a little odd but these are incredibly helpful for open water swimming.

Wetsuit - the speed weapon for the water. Yes, a wet suit gives you warmth, but the modern triathlon wet suit also provides floatation and speed in the water. A wet suit is tight and takes time to get use to the feeling. Once your accustom to swimming in a wet suit you will find you can swim fast and longer then ever before. TIP - try to practice swimming in open water with your wet suit and learn to float. The is helpful in gaining confidence in the water, your wet suit will act like a life vest.

Body Glide - If your wearing a wet suit you need body glide. Body glide acts a lubrication between your skin and the wet suit, rub it on your wrists, armpits, elbows, behind your knees, ankles and most importantly around your neck to prevent rashes.

Bike Gear

Bike - The bike is self explanatory but here are some tips for someone just getting started. Most sprint distance races will allow you to ride any type of bike (road, mountain, cruisers). I highly recommend a road bike, they are half the weight of a mountain bike and are much fast on the pavement. Also, so your training for a triathlon, do you need a triathlon bike....answer no. tri vs. road A road bike is far more verist-al for training and racing. Once your ready for more speed then you can buy that ferrari..I mean triathlon bike.

Helmet - Any CEE approved bike helmet will work. Suggestions: buy a helmet with good ventilation.

Pedals - Pedals are intimidating to the new cyclist, but they make your cycling so much more efficient. Without pedals you loss the energy in your up pedal stroke. When you clipped into your pedal you retain and gain that energy. Two choices in pedals either clip in like Shiamno and Look or Step (Speed play).

Run Gear

Shoes - When buying a running shoe don't let the look be your determining factor. Your buying a shoe that will support your body for many miles not to impress your neighbor. I highly recommend going to a running speciality store and get properly fitted. They will check for your ankle pronation, heel strike, and the arch of your foot. The right shoe will make or brake you.

Socks - don't wear cotton socks for a long run. buy a pair of running socks your feet will thank you later when they are blister free.

Sunglasses - While training for a triathlon you will spend many hours in the sun both on the bike and running. Not only are they protection your eyes but when you traveling at 20+ mph down the road you don't need your eyes blinking. Two companies are designing glasses for triathlon Rudy Project and Oakley.

Electronics

GPS - While training you will find your self asking how far did I ride? what was my average running pace? What was my heart rate? Although not a nessatiy for the new triathlete, but if you want take your training seriously and keeping you honest with your time and distance I would recommend getting a Garmin GPS device.

The Training

To help you get started in your training here is are some examples of a typical triathlon training week.

The Training Hours Workouts

Recommended average weekly training hours and workouts.

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