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!

What I Love About Triathlon

The sport of triathlon is booming, especially among women. Most of us have taken swim lessons, ridden a 2-wheeler, or gone for a walk, jog or run around the block. So, the three elements of triathlon: swimming, biking and running, are familiar. To do a triathlon, you simply combine these 3 childhood skills into one fun event.

Women are drawn to triathlon as a sport for many reasons. This is what I love about triathlon:

• Getting and staying fit makes me feel good about myself. When I feel good about myself I'm a better wife, mom, sister, daughter, everything.
• I love the social aspect of meeting with my workout buddies to train, and seeing old friends at races and events.
• Training for an event forces me to save time for myself.
• The clothes and gear are cool.
• I like changing peoples' perceptions of what is possible.

What do you like about triathlon?

Have a great weekend.

Working Out While Sick

Last week my world was spinning. I had extreme dizziness and weakness. The doctor thought I had an inner ear infection causing Vertigo. She said I had to rest. No working out, no house work, no driving. Do as little as possible.


I am feeling better now, and am very grateful. Rest is a huge part of an exercise plan whether you are healthy or not. How do you know when to skip a planned workout due to illness?

Some suggestions from a CNN.com Health Minute article :
- It's a myth that you can sweat out germs and toxins.
- Your workout may prolong your illness.
- If you have a fever, don't exercise.
- Don't exercise if you have chest congestion, coughing or shortness of breath.
- Gentle exercise is probably OK if you just have the sniffles or a mild cold.

Wishing you a great workout.