Tips for your First Triathlon
Triathlon has become a super fast growing sport in the last two years. One of the reasons for the sudden surge in popularity is the amount of Sprint distance events that require just a few hours of training each week. Middle Tennessee is now home to numerous triathlon events thanks to our abundance of lakes, great roads and event companies based in this area.
Picking your first race/event is very important. Make sure you take special care to choose an event that will be fun for you and may even have special beginner clinics. If you are not a strong swimmer, you may want to choose a race with a very short swim , or even a pool swim. After finding that event, give yourself ample time, generally 12 – 15 weeks to prepare if you are planning to just complete the event. Training plans are readily available online, however hiring a coach can be beneficial if you want to compete.
Equipment needs for your first triathlon are basic. Let’s breakdown what you will need for training and race day.
Registration
You will need to register online as early as possible. Locking in that date keeps you on track for training and ensures that you get that super important event t-shirt!
On race day, be sure you have your driver’s license or id with photo as most events require this. A USA triathlon one day permit can be purchased onsite for your event, or you may get a one year license at www.team-usa.org if you plan to do more than one event swim.
Equipment
Swim Equipment:
Training for your swim event requires only proper fitting goggles. Be positive they fit properly and have two pair for race day just in case there is an issue.
Bike Equipment:
During the swim and run, there is little chance of equipment issues that would keep you from completing your first event, but the bike certainly can fail you if you are not on a well maintained machine. For a sprint triathlon, a hybrid or mountain bike can get you to the finish line. For longer races a road specific bike or triathlon bike can be much more efficient. The keys to having the right bike are something that is properly fitted, well maintained and what you can train on easily. Safety approved helmets are mandatory and must be worn any time you are in contact with your bike. Any staff member at our stores can help you with bike fit and find a helmet that suits your race day needs. Just give us a call if you have any questions or want to schedule a bike fit.
Run Equipment:
The run is by far the easiest equipped. Just grab your running shoes and your t-shirt with your race number pinned to it, or use a triathlon specific race number belt and gut it out to the finish.
Local Resources for Racing
Triheat.com (Hendersonville Endurance)
Workingtriathlete.com (nashville based)
Team Magic (https://team-magic.com)
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