Triathlon
Insider Info
A triathlon is a competition that tests athletes the world over.
A triathlon is a race that combines swimming, cycling and running.
Triathlons are usually thought of as one of the most grueling sports around.
Yet Steve Locke of USA Triathlon says a triathlon doesn't have to be.
"Triathletes are perceived to be the 'creme de la creme' of athletes, but
it's not as tough as people think," says Locke. "Most triathlons take under
two hours to complete."
 |
| Heather Fuhr is a professional triathlete. She was a champion in
the biggest triathlon in the world -- the 1997 Hawaii Ironman Triathlon. |
| Courtesy of: Heather Fuhr, California Dreaming Triathlon Training |
That's because there are different types of triathlons. There are the Olympic-level
ones, which are grueling.
Then there are plenty of shorter triathlons at lower levels. These are
called "sprint" or short triathlons. These involve a 0.3-mile swim, a five-
to 16-mile bike ride and a three-mile run. These distances can vary, depending
on the race.
The Olympic triathlon distances are one mile in the water, 25 miles on
the bicycle and six miles on foot. The long-distance triathlon can be up to
2.5 miles of swimming, between 30 and 60 miles of biking and six to 18 miles
of running.
The infamous Ironman triathlons give this sport its tough reputation. These
races include 2.5 miles of swimming, 112 miles of cycling and 25 miles of
running!
Top athletes finish the race in eight or nine hours of non-stop action.
Others have 18 hours to finish the race, and many never do cross the finish
line. Doing this race gives competitors a great feeling.
"The race was phenomenal and the feeling of accomplishment when you finish
is so emotional, people actually cry," says Richard Bennett. The most famous
Ironman is the Hawaii Ironman.
Triathlons are held practically everywhere. Usually, the swimming component
is held nearby, in the ocean or a lake. Typically, it has to be a big body
of water to accommodate all the competitors. Plus, that distance would be
boring to do in a swimming pool!
The triathlon developed as a sport around 1978. Since then, its popularity
has steadily increased. It will be the opening sport for the 2000 Olympics
in Sydney, Australia. The acceptance of triathlons as an Olympic sport in
1990 helped.
Triathlon USA has about 20,000 registered competitors and 55,000 one-day
membership holders. It estimates that there may be as many as 200,000 triathletes
across the United States.
There is quite a bit of equipment that you'll need to get into this sport.
Here are some of the essentials:
- bike
- biking gear
- helmet
- swimsuit
- wetsuit
- goggles
- bathing cap
- good running shoes
- running gear
- sunglasses
- watch (to time yourself)
- heart rate monitor (to measure your performance)
The most expensive items are the wetsuit ($100) and the bicycle. A good
new bike can cost around $2,000.
Experts recommend you buy a good used bike for around $300, rather than
a cheap new bike. And don't forget to purchase the best bike helmet you can
afford.
In addition to equipment costs, you'll have to pay race entrance fees.
Heather Fuhr is a professional triathlete. She warns beginners away from
spending lots of money on the sport before you really know what you are getting
into.
"It is important for anyone considering getting involved in triathlon to
realize that they just need to go out and give it a try. Use whatever equipment
you have, like a mountain bike, and just enjoy the experience," she says.
"Try not to have any expectations but rather just go out to finish your
first race and see if it is for you."
Triathlons require that you be in great physical shape, with all parts
working properly. It takes months to train for a race.
People like doing triathlons because it keeps them fit. Yet that's not
the only reason. They say this sport is a great way to stay fit and meet lots
of people.
"I've made lots of friends through training and competing, and because
I'm involved in three different sports -- cycling, running and swimming --
I have three times the friends supporting me in my efforts," says Cameron
Martz of Durham, North Carolina.
Sometimes triathlons are referred to as "multi-sports." Essentially, multi-sports
are those that combine more than one sport, such as duathlons and triathlons.
A duathlon is a race that combines cycling and running in a pattern that usually
goes: run-cycle-run.
Sometimes triathlons are referred to as "multi-sports." Essentially, multi-sports
are those that combine more than one sport, such as duathlons and triathlons.
A duathlon is a race that combines cycling and running in a pattern that usually
goes: run-cycle-run.
There are professional multi-sport athletes who regularly compete for cash
prizes in races. While there are a few athletes who make hundreds of thousands
of dollars per year doing this, most don't see any money for their efforts.
Instead, some multi-sport athletes work as personal trainers, making a
living by helping others keep in shape.
Getting Started
Don't expect to be entering races next week if you're just starting out.
Training for multi-sport competitions has to be done slowly and carefully.
"You need to start out slowly and build an endurance base," says Bennett.
"Don't try to do too much. Set small goals and build to bigger ones. It took
me 10 years to build up to the Ironman."
Here's what the typical schedule looks like for a triathlete preparing
for a race:
- Base building Strengthens and prepares your body for upcoming
training. While you may already be fit, base training strengthens your muscles,
ligaments and tendons, helping to prevent injuries. This can take from six
to 26 weeks.
- Intensity training Training that pushes your body just beyond
what's comfortable and then allowing a day to recover. This might include
uphill bike rides and runs and swimming extra laps.
- Peaking Takes place a few weeks before a race and is the time
to work on performance. During this time, an athlete reduces the distances
of the workout and focuses on speed and performance.
- Racing Depending on the size of the race, some athletes take a
few days off beforehand to allow their bodies to recover from a rigorous training
schedule.
Be prepared to make a major lifestyle change if you're going to get into
this sport. Most athletes say they spend between six and 14 hours per week
training.
"Training is hard! Some days I want to stay in bed all morning instead
of running 10 miles, but once I drag myself out of bed and get out running,
I'm usually glad I did," says Martz.
Don't be afraid to ask others for advice. You can get advice by joining
a local sport club for running, cycling, swimming or triathlon-duathlon. Bike
stores, running stores, and the local Y are good places to start looking.
"By joining a local club, you'll have access to coaching and support for
your training. You'll also make lots of friends who share your interests,"
says Martz.
Associations
USA Triathlon
250-1365 Garden of the Gods Rd.
Colorado Springs
,
CO
80907-3425
USA
Internet
:
http://www.usatriathlon.org/
Publications
Dave Scott's Triathlon Training,
by
Dave Scott
Iron Will: The Triathlete's Ultimate Challenge,
by
Mike Plant
Mark Allen's Total Triathlete,
by
Mark Allen
The Complete Triathlon Training Manual,
by
Bob Johnson, Patricia Braggs
Science of Triathlon Training and Competition,
by
Glenn Town
Links
Iron Man - Training
Some tips on how to train for a race
American Triathlon Calendar
Find a race
Triathalon Information
Find out rankings, competitions and the latest news
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