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Triathlon 101

“They can because they think they can.” – Virgil

Welcome to TRIMORE Fitness Triathlon 101. Here you will find all articles, essential information for races, forms and a wide array of forms and charts that can assist all triathletes regardless of skill level.

NEW TO TRIATHLONS?

Welcome to one of the most fun and friendly sports around! We know that a triathlon can seem daunting, but when you break it all down, it’s pretty basic – and anyone can do it!

LET’S START AT THE BEGINNING

What is a triathlon?

Well, it’s a swim, bike and run – in that order. And, believe it or not, we’ve all done one, we just never got a medal for it. Think about it this way: as a kid, did you ever go to the neighborhood pool, swim around for a while and ride your bike home, only to play a game of tag later? That was a triathlon! What we do today really isn’t any different. You get time between each activity (called transition time) to change clothes and prepare. T1 (Transition 1) is between the swim and bike portions and T2 (Transition 2) is between the bike and run portions. There are dedicated transition areas where you can store your bike and gear.

But aren’t triathlons just for super-jocks or marathoners?

NO! This is the most common mis-perception. Triathletes come in all shapes, sizes, and abilities. In fact, they even have specific racing categories for different types of triathletes (Athena (women over 150 lbs), Clydesdale (men over 200 lbs), age group (grouped by age categories), Challenged (athletes with disabilities). Many athletes that cannot run due to knee or other problems will either walk the “run” portion, or do a modified “walk-run”.

And, you don’t have to be in shape to start training – all you need is a positive attitude and a little determination. In fact, the sport of triathlon, the single most important asset is your attitude. The body will do what the mind can see. With consistency and plenty of rest, you’ll be surprised how quickly you improve. At TRIMORE, we consistently take folks who have little or not athletic background from “sofa” to their first Olympic distance triathlon in about 10-12 weeks. .

What are the triathlon distances?

Ah, great question! Most folks assume that triathlons are this grueling, 14 hour event. Not true! Just as triathletes range in size and form, so do the actual triathlon racess! Here is a listing of the most common events. The distances listed are for average people, on flat courses. The more difficult the course, the longer the time.

• Sprint: These are great for a first timer. Usually it’s about a 400-750 swim (1/4-1/2 mile, or 16-32 lengths (from 1 end of a pool lane to the other), 12-20km bike ride (10-12 mile) , and a 5k run (3 miles). Sometimes they are even shorter! It will take the average person, on a flat course, between 45-75 min to achieve this distance.
• Olympic: 1500 meter swim (1.2 miles, or 64 lengths in a swimming pool), 40km bike ride (24.8miles) and 10km run (6.2 miles) . It will take the average person, on a flat course, between 2 – 3.5 hours to achieve this distance.
• Half-Iron or Long Course: 1900 km swim, 90 km bike ride, 21.1 km run. It will take the average person, on a flat course, between 4-6 hours to achieve this distance.
• Ironman: These are usually the grand-daddies of triathlons. a 2.4 mile open water swim, 112 mile bike ride, and a 26.2 mile run. It will take the average person, on a flat course, between 11-14 hours to achieve this distance.

Isn’t this sport expensive? My friend does triathlons, and she’s spent a ton of money on gear and specialty clothes.

You do need some gear, but not a lot. Like any lifestyle activity, you can spend up and down the dollar scale to suit your needs. If you are looking a frugal budget, the only gear you really need are:

• Swim Suit, Swim Cap and Goggles
• Bike (any kind will do)
• Bike Helmet
• Gym Shorts
• Running Shoes

Anything beyond the list above will add to your comfort and performance.

Check out our Essential Triathlon Checklist for more ideas and options.