What Is a Triathlon and How to Train For It

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Rachelle_Le_Monnier]Rachelle Le Monnier
If taking part in a triathlon is on your "to do" list, you are probably wondering whether or not competing in a triathlon is within your capabilities, as well as how to train for it. And for those who are total beginners to this exciting sport, what is a triathlon anyway?
What is a triathlon and how should you train for a triathlon?
A triathlon is three sports-swimming, cycling, and running-all rolled into one event. From the moment you enter the water until you stagger over the finish line at the end of the run, you are being timed, which means you cannot afford to waste lots of time changing from a swimming costume into cycling shorts, or having a leisurely bite to eat before heading out on the run!
What different types of triathlon are there?
In order to appeal to a large number of different people, there are many different types of triathlon, from super sprint distances for those who do not feel capable of managing a longer distance tri, all the way up to the fearsome Ironman event, otherwise known as a long course triathlon. However, most beginners start off with a "sprint distance" triathlon.
How long is a sprint distance triathlon?
A sprint distance triathlon is normally made up of a 400m or 750m swim (the distance of the swim varies according to the individual event), a 20km bike ride, and a 5k run. However, the important thing to remember is that no two courses are the same, and whilst in general a sprint distance tri is suitable for most beginners, some courses are a lot tougher than others and not all sprint triathlons have a pool-based swim section-some are open water swims.
What type of training do I need to do for my first sprint triathlon?
The most important thing to remember about training for a sprint distance triathlon is to be honest about your levels of fitness. If you are terribly unfit, you are going to need a longer period of time to prepare for the event, which is not to say you will not be able to complete it, but it is unlikely to be an enjoyable experience!
Before you start triathlon training, you should be able to swim at least 200m, ride a bike for thirty minutes, and run for around twenty minutes non-stop. If this is well beyond your capabilities, consider postponing your first triathlon until you are slightly fitter.
Ideally, give yourself at least twelve weeks of training before the event, but if you have less time available, just do your best and make every session count. Try and fit six training sessions in per week-two per sport-and always have at least one day of complete rest to allow your body to recover.
Training for a first triathlon does not need to be terribly complicated. All you need to concentrate on is completing the individual distances comfortably, so make sure you can swim, cycle, and run each distance before the event. It is also worth practicing a few bike-run transitions to make sure your legs are accustomed to the change from one discipline to another.
Find out as much as you can about what to expect on the big day-it is often the little bits of helpful advice that can make all the difference to your overall enjoyment of the event. And finally, look forward to your first triathlon-hopefully it will be the start of many more to come!
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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Is-a-Triathlon-and-How-to-Train-For-It&id=6598896] What Is a Triathlon and How to Train For It