It almost seems impossible for a human to be able to complete the grueling triathalon competition, and yet each year thousands do. Triathlon is a summer sport that involves three main events – Swimming, riding and running. This combination makes it one of the most exciting challenges for both athletes and race directors as well. The next Annual Ironman World championships will be held in September, and already there are more than 3,000 Triathlons in the US alone scheduled to take part in the competitions.
If you wish to be one of them, then you are in the right place. In this review, we shall tell you how you can enter yourself into a triathlon competition, and also what you need to do in order to prepare. This is not a simple sport, and adequate preparations are required if you want to succeed on a specific day.
Now, one thing you need to know is that there isn’t any kind of qualification you must have, but it is your responsibility to get prepared to swim, bike and race back-to-back. You simply decide that you want to be a part of the event and simply register in your town, if it is taking place there. There are however different types of triathlons you shall need to choose from, and we're going to break it down for you next.
What Are The Types Of Triathlons
Sprint
This is the most popular triathlon and takes around 1-2 hours to complete. It includes a 0.5-0.75 km swim, a 20-22 km bike ride and a final 5 km run. There is one called a super sprint which has a 0.4km swim, a 10km run, and a final 2.5m run.
Olympic
This is usually in the Olympic Games and it is a shorter race than the annual Ironman completion. It takes at least 4-6 hours. Which includes 1.5km swimming, 10km running, and a 40km bike ride.
Half Ironman
This is also known as the Ironman 7.03. The race takes around 4-6 hours to complete and it includes 1.9km swim, 21km run, and 90km bike race.
Ironman
This is the full Ironman also known as the big kahuna. Originally, it was created through a combination of the three toughest races held in Hawaii that resulted in a 3.8 km swim, a 180km bike ride and a 42km run. It usually takes athletes around 8-17 hours to complete it.
What Are The Course Dstances?
| Swim | Bike | Run | |
| Super sprint triathlon | 500m | 10km | 2.5km |
| Sprint triathlon | 750m | 20km | 5km |
| Standard / Olympic distance triathlon | 1.5km | 40km | 10km |
| 70.3/middle/half-Ironman distance | 1.9km | 90km | 21.9km |
| Ironman triathlon | 3.9km | 180km | 42km (marathon) |
Now, as a new athlete, the first thing you shall need to do is decide which of the courses you wish to race in. This shall best help you to plot your course of action. It is recommended that you start with the sprint-distance race or an even shorter sprint. This offers you a solid challenge if you are a newbie and you shall not be overwhelmed.
Depending on where you live, there are probably plenty of triathlon distances and races that you can choose from taking time to think about this and choose what is comfortable for you in accordance with the price, the home, the open water and swimming pool.
What Does Triathlon Training Include?
The distances we have highlighted above represent the six main races in the triathlon sport. If you are training for a sprint you shall probably have a very different schedule, compared to someone training for the Ironman event. You should, however, know that triathlon events are endurance based and you should focus more on your ability to complete the race. Try to ensure you can hold a high-intensity competition for a long time.
Start working out in the zone that you shall be racing in, so you can become familiar with it before the day of competition. Train at completing the sessions and feature many intervals in between. It may be difficult to advise on the sessions, the intensity of the competition, the volume, and recovery as this depend on the tracks you shall be using.
How To Train For Swimming
It is extremely crucial that you prepare for swimming properly. You can have the best fitness in the world but end up much slower than others who hardly train but are in great form. If you are a new swimmer or someone who doesn’t train much, it is advisable that you attend the coached sessions, either at the local club or the local triathlon club in order to familiarize yourself with what is required of you during the event day.
How To Train For Biking
This could be easy if you are a regular bike rider, but if you are not, it may be a little difficult to keep riding for the required distance and time allotted for the event. Take as much time as possible before the event day and train on the terrains so you can have a smooth day with the competition.
How To Enter Yourself In A Triathalon Competition Conclusion
It may seem like a difficult sport, but triathlons make you extremely fit and they can be an excellent exercise regime for sporty people. If you are contemplating joining a triathalon competition, it is best to start training right away. You should be training in all three of the elements to determine if you have the capacity to compete. Whether you officially compete or not, training for a triathalon is going to make you feel like your own personal Ironman.
