Triathlon looks like a tough sport to get into. I never knew I wanted to be a triathlete. Nobody wakes up one day and says, “I want to be a triathlete” (at least most people). There is a story behind every journey. I enjoy listening to and hearing about these stories because they are so different. My story began without any experience in triathlon just like you.

 

No one gets into the sport of triathlon the same way. Everyone finds it a different way. You may still have to forge your story. Do you see competing in triathlon as impossible? Where do people find their motivation? People think that triathletes put themselves through grueling months of training for a few hours of race time? Where is the fulfillment?

 

If you ask any triathlete they would tell you that, “yes training can be difficult but it is so worth it.” The feeling you get while racing and seeing your goals accomplished is incredible. Despite popular belief, many different type of people do triathlons. There are people of all ages and all sizes (after all I am 6’6″ and 200 lbs). The truth is triathletes are like everyone else. I also find that a lot of the training and racing in itself is fun. Personally, I enjoy being able to see what my body and mind can accomplish. It is a great feeling in general being able to work towards something and accomplish it. Crossing the finish line and knowing you gave it your all is an amazing feeling.

 

So why should you start training for triathlon?

 

I think the answer to this question really depends on the person. I know that when I started I really did not understand everything that went into a triathlon. It can be super overwhelming. Wait I have to swim, then bike, and run??? How do I even get between the three? Do I even have time to train for three sports at once? These questions and others come up when someone is thinking about becoming a triathlete.

 

The truth is that when starting these questions aren’t that important. The real question you should be asking yourself is why do you want to do a triathlon? What is the motivation for you and why do you want to race? Before even starting, you should figure this out because it will motivate all your training and racing in the future.

What type of triathlete are you?

 

Not everyone has the same motivations when it comes to training and committing to a fitness filled lifestyle. Triathletes are typically casual weekend warriors, health obsessed, or semi-professional. Some people are more of the casual triathlete who trains because it adds a little bit of variety to their life. They may not be as serious about beating their PRs or competing in races.

 

Others are training simply to lose weight and maintain good health. They may not care about racing at all and fulfillment comes from feeling and looking better. Semi-professional triathletes are obsessed with that next milestone; whether it is hitting a new PR or completing a new distance. These people dedicate a significant amount of time to training.

 

These categories may exist but that does not mean you fit into one of them. In fact, I know that I have moved between all 3 categories multiple times. Your motivations may change over time, but setting goals for training will provide the motivation to keep going. Know why you want to train and what you want to get out of it. If you want to be a casual weekend warrior that’s fine and of course it’s also fine if you want to win an Iron-man. Your goals will shape your training and lifestyle.

 

Becoming a triathlete is not as difficult as it looks.

 

Triathlon training, racing, nutrition, and equipment looks complicated, but it really isn’t. Everyone had to start somewhere. You would be amazed at the variety of people that train and compete in triathlon. The variety of people that participate in the sport is astounding. Triathletes are everyday people who set a goal and committed.

 

Starting can be the hardest thing but once you get going it is hard to not get addicted. Feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty finding where to start? I am here to help. Please contact me or head over to our training services page to see if there is a plan that fits you! I know triathlon can be overwhelming, but the fulfillment you find from finishing is unbelievable. As always let me know if you have any questions or comments.