My first bike was yellow. It had a basket in front and I thought its banana seat was cool. (That's me in the picture to the right.)Biking was fun. I rode my bike to school, to the park and to the pool in the summer. I forgot my bike lock combination a lot. I went over the handlebars a few times. Biking with no hands was too scary for me. But, overall, I liked riding my bike.
Biking as a kid made trying a triathlon as an adult seem doable. I'd been on a bike. I didn't have specific bike training, but I knew I could bike. And so can you!
If you can:
- swim (15-20 minutes)
- bike (60 minutes) and
- walk (45 minutes), you can finish your first triathlon.
A sprint distance triathlon usually includes a .25-mile swim, 15-mile bike and 3.2-mile run.
Some things to know about the bike segment of your first triathlon:
- Any bike works. You don't need something fancy to enter a triathlon. A basic bike is fine. Do take the time to tune-up your bike, pump the tires and lube the chain. Cleaning tips here from Terry Bicycles.
- Go your own speed. You may feel pressure to go faster on race day. Slow down. Your pace is the right pace.
- Be safe. Stay to the right of the road, allowing others to pass you on your left. Don't ride right up on someone's back tire either.
- Smile! Enjoy the ride. You are doing something for yourself, getting fit and hopefully having a great time. If you have the chance, encourage someone else as you pass them. Triathlon is known for its camaraderie.
Other resources include:
Your First Triathlon
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
Why Triathlon?
Get out on your bike for a ride, even a short one. Today is a great day to start!
(second picture: Me biking home from Paoli.)
3 comments:
My first bike was red with strawberries on a white seat. I loved it so much!
Good tips - I'm going to buy a very basic bike for my tri, just any second hand one i can get in half decent nick for under $100 I think!
Wow, you make me think I could actually do a triatholon, even being pregnant! Very inspiring blog! Maybe it will be my way of losing the baby weight when it is all said and done! :)
I like how you break it down and make it sound do-able. I'm not sure I could do all those in the same day, though.
Love your first bike - I never had a banana seat!
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