Thinking of entering a triathlon? Luisa Mcloughlin shares her top triathlon tips with Gymshark Central. Here’s everything you need to know...
If you fancy trying your hand at a triathlon, it is important you know what you’re signing up for. So, let’s start with the basics...
What is a triathlon?
A triathlon is a multi-sport endurance race consisting of swimming, biking and running and although around since the 1920s, it has become increasingly popular over recent years. If you are feeling bored with your current gym regime and need an event that will motivate and challenge you in equal measure, then a triathlon might be for you. With several distances available from a ‘super-sprint’ to a full ‘Ironman’, there is a race for everyone.
Here are my top five triathlon tips I’ve learnt on my journey.
Be realistic about your training
When deciding on a distance, it’s important to think about how much time you can actually dedicate to your training. When you put all three disciplines together, it can be easy to overlook just how much training is required. If you’ve signed up for a longer race, there will be times when you’d rather stay in bed on a Sunday morning than go for a three-hour bike ride. It can take its toll on you both mentally and physically.
That being said, the rewards when you actually complete the race is worth every second. Just be realistic about the time you’re willing to invest and remember why you started.
Work on your transitions
The time it takes for you to go from the water and onto your bike (transition 1) and again from bike to starting your run (transition 2) all count towards your final time, so it’s worth getting these transitions right. The key is to practise, practise and practise a bit more. You will be returning to the same transition area between each discipline, so have all your things laid out so that it’s easy and accessible.
Think about having your sunglasses and helmet on your bike for example and always make sure your helmet is on and fastened before you leave the transition area, or you face disqualification.
Up your nutrition game
With any endurance event, it’s essential to fuel your body correctly for optimum performance, and what you eat the day before the event is critical. Aim to up your water intake in the week before the triathlon and get carb loading in the days before. Pick tried and tested meals that you know work for you - you don’t need an upset stomach adding to race stress! Pasta with a good protein and plenty of vegetables is always a good option.
On race morning, choose something that will give you that boost; a bowl of porridge with peanut butter and banana is a firm favourite. If you are going to be taking advantage of the energy drinks and gels handed out during the race, then a top tip is to try these during your training, so you can get used to them and see if they work for you.
Be flexible with your training and gear
There are plenty of training plans for every triathlon distance and although nothing beats getting out there and putting the miles in, don’t be too rigid when it comes to training. It’s okay to miss a session if you’re not feeling your best as it’s easier to catch up than risk injury through overtraining.
When it comes to gear, your first triathlon can be quite expensive, potentially requiring you to invest in a wetsuit, bike and bike shoes. Don’t feel like you have to have the best, most expensive as there are some very affordable quality items on the market and when it comes down to it, if it’s comfortable and durable then that’s all that matters. On race day, everyone is preoccupied with themselves to worry about what you are wearing or riding.
Relax and enjoy the experience
By the time race day arrives, you’ll hopefully be ready to put all your hard work into action. Nerves are normal and show you care so harness them, give it your best and enjoy it. Know that all those early morning run’s and rides have led you to this moment and now is your time to shine.
I did my first triathlon last year at the UK Ultimate Triathlon Half, and I’m not going to say that a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride and a 13.1 mile run was easy, but it was one of the best experiences ever, and I loved it. The sense of achievement is amazing, and It’s inspired me to train for my second this September in the Shropshire Triathlon Middle Distance.
Hopefully, this article will inspire you to step out of your gym comfort zone, give a triathlon a go and try something new.
