Men and women from all over the world joined together on Sunday, July 16 to participate in the annual New York City Triathlon. The event consisted of a 1500m swim, followed by a 40K bike ride, and then a 10K run, which I think we can all agree, preparing for cannot happen over night. In fact many participants dedicated a full year (and in some cases longer) to build their stamina for the event. If you are thinking about participating in a triathlon in the future, below are some tips on ways to prep for the tremendous feat.
- Be Realistic. If it is your first time participating in a triathlon you may not be Ironman ready. Instead, do your research and find an event that suits your experience. Start out by participating in shorter events as you train, and work from there.
- Purchase the proper gear. Running 6 miles in your lucky pair of Converse sneakers sounds extremely uncomfortable, and terrible for your feet. Head to a store that specializes in athletic gear, and let them know you plan to participate in a triathlon. They can guide you through the process of purchasing everything from running shoes that match your running history to the perfect goggles.
- Rest-stops are essential. It is natural to have the urge to push yourself to your limit, but it is important to get in the mind-set that it is okay to take a moment to breathe. This doesn’t mean come to a full stop, but remember to slow down when your body needs time. Getting into this habit will allow you to preserve your energy so that you can finish while enjoying yourself.
- Plan your workouts ahead of time. Like any commitment, training for a triathlon can be time consuming. Create a schedule that allows you to balance your family, work life, and training.
- Train with others. Training with someone can help you identify the areas where you struggle, help you stay focused, and provide you with encouragement when you think you’ve reached your max. Consider hiring a coach, join a training group, or reaching out to someone who you know has competed in the past. Completing a triathlon is indeed a personal achievement, but you don’t have to do it alone!
For more on how to train for a triathlon, check out 10-tips for first time tri-athletes on active.com
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