Your First Triathlon

If you can:
- swim (15-20 minutes)
- bike (60 minutes) and
- walk (45 minutes),
you can finish your first triathlon.

Most first-time triathletes train for a sprint-distance race. Sprint triathlons usually include a .25-mile swim, 15 mile bike and a 3.2-mile walk, jog or run. Really speedy triathletes will finish the entire event in about an hour, while many will finish between 90 minutes and two hours, depending on the course and the weather.

You can train for a sprint-distance race in 4-6 hours a week, for 6 weeks, as long as you train correctly. Since fitness is specific, you must swim, bike and run. And, you must add time, distance and intensity gradually to avoid injury.

Some resources to get you started:

• Sprint triathlons: The possible dream
• 10 Tips for First-time Triathletes
• http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/
• Training Tips for Beginner Triathletes
• 10 Most Common Multisport Mistakes
• Newbie Forum

Triathlon is for everyone, of all ages and abilities. Sign up, train well and have a blast.
Enjoy!