What a Beginner Triathlete Needs to Know

Unlike athletes in some other sports, triathletes must have a very well-rounded physique. As triathlons are composed of three different types of races -- swimming, cycling and running -- the athletes must train equally in all three. This much training can be challenging; thus, an important aspect of training for a triathlon is understanding your body and how to safely train it for the event. You should also know the type of equipment required for the triathlon and what to expect on race day.

  1. Equipment

    • It's important to have the right swimwear and goggles for the swimming portion.

      The type of equipment you use can affect how successful you are in the triathlon. There are three different sports that you need to purchase equipment for: running, swimming and cycling. You'll need a sports swimsuit -- bikinis or swimming trunks will not be effective -- and goggles for the swimming portion. You can either use a standard road bike or a triathlon-specific bicycle. While the latter is usually more expensive, it is specifically made for triathlons and may improve your performance. You will also need a helmet and proper attire such as cycling shorts and high-quality running shoes, as cheaper shoes will wear out quickly.

    Training

    • How you train for a triathlon depends on your current lifestyle. For example, if you are starting from a sedentary lifestyle, you will go through a much slower training program than someone who is already a professional athlete. Triathlons are divided into several categories based on the length and intensity of the races, with sprint races being the shortest and iron man races the longest. If you begin from a sedentary lifestyle, it is best to work up through the races; start by training for a sprint race, which consists of half a mile of swimming, 13 miles of cycling and just over 3 miles of running.

    Race Day

    • On the day of the race, you must bring the liquids and foods necessary to keep your energy up. Depending on the length of the race, you may only need water during the race or you may need something else to provide you with more energy. Energy drinks are a good choice, as it is more effective to get energy from liquid than from solids. If you eat before the event, make sure it is at least two hours before the start of the race.

    Warnings

    • Don't overtrain. Training too hard and too quickly can have the opposite effect of what you are trying to achieve and can actually hinder your performance and potentially cause health problems. If you are starting from a very sedentary lifestyle or you are obese, you should consult a doctor before beginning a triathlon plan. The same is true of anyone with a medical condition who may be affected by physical exertion.