Mach3Multisport.com

So, you’ve decided to get in shape.  Maybe lose a few pounds.  Or you just saw a triathlon in town or on TV and decided it was time you give it a shot.   

Whatever the case, you want to become a triathlete.  Good for you.  Now, where to start?

Triathlon is a sport heavy in equipment and the training involving three sports and possibly weight or strength training can be a bit daunting.  Not to worry, there’s no need to let all the hype and talk get to you.  It’s actually quite simple to get started in the sport.   

If you’ve never done Endurance sports before, take it easy at first.  Start off with an easy schedule such as a 20 minute swim twice a week, a 30 minute bike ride twice a week and a 30 minute run twice a week.  If you come from a background in one of the three sports, it’s best to lay off that sport for a while and focus on improving on the others.  Your best plan is to find a training plan that suits your fitness level and background and use it.   

Again, triathlon can be equipment intensive, but it doesn’t have to be.  Chances are you have everything you need, but you may need to update a few things in the name of injury prevention.  For the swim, all you need is a pair of goggles and a swim suit.  That’s it.  Don’t worry about all the toys the person in the next lane has on the deck, or the fancy suits that are out there.  You can always use those later.  The bike requires the most equipment:  you will need a bike, a good helmet, a pair of sunglasses, maybe some bike gloves, cycling shorts, and a tool kit to fix a flat tire and do some simple maintenance.  And all you need to run is a good pair of running shoes and some shorts.  Let’s dive in to these a little more. 

Swim goggles have to fit and they have to stay relatively fog-free.  While almost all of the goggles on the market have some sort of anti-fog coating on them when new, it will wear off over time.  If your goggles begin to fog up regularly, coat them with a thin coating of a mild soap or shampoo solution, or get an anti-fog solution at any sporting goods store.  The best way to get a goggle that fits right is to try them on at the store.  Press them lightly onto your face while letting the strap hang.  If they create a seal and hold on your face without the strap, they fit.   

When shopping for running shoes go to a running shoe store rather than a huge chain or shop online.  It’s very important to get a shoe that not only fits correctly, but that is the proper shoe for your weight, foot type, and running style.  Today, there are many shoes on the market.  Some are made for runners with a high arch and who need little support, while others are made for those with a fallen arch who need more support.  The wrong shoe can lead to soreness or injury.  The best way to find which shoe is right for you is to have an expert look at your run volume, your foot and your stride.   

Now, any bike hanging in your garage will do.  But if you do decide to look for a new bike, set your budget and start at to your local bike shop.  Make sure you get a good, professional fit.  An expensive bike will only allow you to realize a fraction of your potential if it doesn’t fit properly.  If your helmet is more than about 5 years old, get a new one.  They do lose a fraction of their protection ability over time, so it’s best not to gamble with that which may save your life.  A good pair of cycling specific shorts and gloves can go a long way to increasing your comfort on rides, and a good pair of glasses will keep bugs and rocks thrown from cars out of your eyes.  Lastly, you know that Murphy’s Law states you’ll be 10 miles from home, and miles from a bike shop, and out of cell service when you get a flat tire, so be prepared to fix it.  Have a tool kit with two tire levers, a spare tube or two, and a small multi-tool so that you can tighten bolts that may come loose or adjust your seat, etc.  Your local bike shop can help you learn how to use them.   

And that’s it!  That’s all you need to get started.  Now, go out, have fun, and enjoy getting fit in your new sport!   

Brian

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