- The challenge of combining all three sports;
swim, bike, and run, into one continuous event
has attracted more and more people.
- And as a result there are now more and more
events to choose from.
- If you're new to triathlon it can seem
a little overwhelming.
Choosing your first event is quite a challenge.
- Don't worry we have broken it down
and made a guide to help you.
So this is how to choose your first triathlon.
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- When working out what distance to choose,
you need to consider your current fitness
and also the time scale
in which you've got to train before the event.
- Obviously a shorter distance triathlon
is easier to complete as your first,
but if you are more suited to endurance,
then there's nothing to say you can't
do a longer distance triathlon straight away.
- I did a half Iron Man distance as my first triathlon,
cause I knew that the distance would challenge me
and it would really motivate me to train.
- It's also worth noting that as the distances
get longer in triathlon,
the bike becomes a larger percentage of the race.
So if you are a strong biker and not such a strong swimmer,
than the longer distance triathlons
may be a good option in the future.
- It's easy to be lured into the big well known
events for your first race,
and that's completely fine if that's what excites you,
got you motivated into the sport in the first place,
but there are actually many smaller options out there.
And they are just as fun, quite often a bit cheaper.
- Yeah many new comers will actually opt for
the small local races to test the water,
quite literally and so it doesn't put quite
so much pressure on the day.
Personally, that was my choice for my first event,
but equally it needs to be an event that excites you.
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- Right, before we go any further,
we probably should cover the different distances
that they offer for you to enter.
So starting off with the super sprint,
then there's the sprint, followed by the standard
also known as Olympic distance,
and then there's the middle distance,
also known as 70.3 or half Iron Man,
and finally there's a full distance,
also known as Iron Man.
Okay you're new to swimming,
then the thought of open water swimming
can be a little bit daunting,
but it's not actually as bad as you might think.
Although there are a few variables to bear in mind.
So for example, if it's a lake swim
or a quarry swim like this
then the water's likely to be pretty flat,
unlike an ocean swim.
But with a sea swim you do have the added bonus
of the salt content, making it a little bit more buoyant,
so easier to swim in.
And the same goes for wetsuit swims,
so if the water's cold enough,
you get to wear a wetsuit, you've got extra buoyancy
making it easier again from that.
So just check ahead of the race,
whether the water's cold enough.
But don't worry you can give yourself
a far more pleasant introduction to the sport
by finding a pool based triathlon.
Now there's plenty to choose from.
Especially earlier in the season
when it's too cold outside to swim in a lake or the sea.
And you've got the added bonus of well
heated water to start with,
you've got a lane rope if you really need to hold on,
and you've got the end of the wall
just to break it up a little bit.
Plus all you actually need is a swim suit or trisuit
to be able to do your first race.
And when it comes to transition,
it'll be that much easier as well.
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- Terrain tends to be the last thing you think about
when you're booking a race.
- New Yorker, that sounds lovely
(heavy breathing)
this is horrible.
- Do a little research on the course profile.
Because if you know you're not good at hills,
it's probably best to avoid a super hilly course
for your first race.
- The same goes for a technical twisty turny style course.
If you're not so confident with your bike handling skills,
then opt for a slightly smoother
and more flowing course instead.
- Most triathlon bike routes will be on public roads.
Sometimes they're closed, but usually
they're left open with marshals just to guide you.
So that's worth bearing in mind.
- Now the terrain is not just about the bike.
Make sure you check out the run course
in regards to hills and also the surface.
Now the bike must be on asphalt,
unless of course it's a cross triathlon,
but the run can be cross country,
can be on the track, can be on the road,
or it can be a mix of all.
So it's really worth checking it out
to make sure that you do the right training for that race.
And also you have the appropriate footwear.
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It's quite likely this is something you do naturally,
without putting too much thought into it,
but if you do have a blank canvas on the location
you fancy doing your first triathlon in,
then there are a few points that help you narrow it down.
- What is your budget?
If you want to race abroad then it's worth
checking out any cheap flights or accommodation costs
before you commit to the race.
Last year, I chose to race in South Africa
cause I knew once I got there,
that it would be fairly cheap due to the exchange rate,
plus I had friends to stay with.
And also, there was a really insignificant time difference.
Which is another thing worth bearing in mind.
- Doing your first triathlon or any triathlon
is made that bit more enjoyable with friends
there to support or even race alongside.
So it's maybe worth checking which events
your friends or people in your club
are planning on doing.
Or if you have a coach,
they're planning on attending any events
because seeing a familiar face
will always help with those prerace nerves
and also post race celebrations.
- If you're anything like me, then you'll prefer
to race somewhere warm,
so check out the climate before you enter a race.
But having said that,
racing in conditions that you're used to
and you train in all the time will make you more prepared.
It might just mean you get a little bit cold.
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- Assess what kit you already have
and plan whether you need to invest in any new kit,
or could you get away borrowing from some friends.
For example, do you have a wetsuit for a cold water swim.
Or do you have the correct trainers for
the terrain you're going to be running on,
or do you have the correct gear ratio setup
on your bike for the course you're gonna be undertaking.
- But don't worry, all you actually need
is working bike, a helmet, a swimsuit,
and a pair of trainers to be able to do
your first triathlon.
All you need to do now is sit down
and make a list of your criteria
following this guide to find the event for you.
- Then the final, yet possibly the hardest part
is to hid that enter button.
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And if you want a video on
joggenbusters just click down here.
- To see our unwritten rules of triathlon video
just click down here.