What is a Triathlon?
A triathlon is an event in which the competitor
completes three consecutive legs comprising
a swim, followed by a bike stage then a run
to finish. In between each of the disciplines
is what is termed transition. Transition
allows athletes to prepare themselves for
the next discipline and can be a very important
part of the overall event
There is no need to panic........the swim
is not always outdoors! Once used to swimming
in a wetsuit it is not as daunting as it
may first appear. |
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Over what distances do you compete?
Distances range from what is termed "sprint"
distance events, in which you complete typically
a 400m or 750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run,
all the way up to Ironman events in which
the athlete completes a 3.8km swim, 180km
bike and then a marathon (42km). There are
various event distances in between with the
Olympic distance, generally recognised as
the standard distance, being a 1500m swim
followed by 40km bike and 10km run. At some
local events you may find the organisers
try to encourage new athletes into the sport
with a "try a tri" event where
the distances can be half that of the sprint
distance event.
Depending on local amenities the swim can
be staged in an indoor or outdoor pool although
the longer distance events are often "open
water" in a lake, river or the sea!
The bike stage is usually on the road and
the run can be over a variety of terrain
from roads, tracks to cross country courses.
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Do you need specialist equipment?
Essentially NO although you will
be required
to complete the bike stage wearing
a Cycle
Helmet. You can ride anything
from a butcher's
bike, mountain bike, up to the
latest carbon
fibre framed "softride"
cycle (if
you can afford it!). The main
requirement
is that it is road worthy.
The essential other items are a bathing suit
and running kit. Choose a pool swim event
for your first race and then you won't need
a wetsuit.
If you are just starting out it is advisable
not to get too carried away. The above will
suffice and you can get into the trendy kit
and a host of accessories once you are hooked! |
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Cannot swim or a weak swimmer?
No problem! So don't let it put you off.
You will see that competitors swim various
strokes...the main objective is to get to
the end, so stick to what you are comfortable
with. There is nothing wrong in taking a
breather at the end of a length...thats one
advantage of swimming in a pool. If you can't
swim try a Duathlon which is a run/bike/run
event. Many people don't swim freestyle when
they start out, when you get the bug and
start getting competitive with yourself then
we can advise on swimming lessons and you
will be more than welcome at our coaching
sessions. |
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If this has whetted your appetite & you want find out more
then the links below will take you to websites with lots of General
Information about Triathlon...........enjoy!! |
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beginnertriathlete.com |
i-tri.co.uk |
serpentine.org.uk |
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stuweb.co.uk |
transitiontimes.com |
triathlon.org |
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triathlon1st.co.uk |
trinewbies.com |
tritalk.co.uk |
