The other day at work I was talking to someone who was thinking about entering her first triathlon. Of course, the second I heard that I got excited for her. I'm by no means an amazing triathlete but I love it and when I have the time, training and competing are some of my favorite things to do. Anyway, as we talked, I heard her mention a lot of fears. I realized that she probably wasn't the only one out there thinking of doing a triathlon but won't because of fear. Below is a summary of the things we talked about. Hopefully if you're considering it, these will help you get over the "hump" and try it.
Remember, you can do anything you put your mind to. My mom told me that years ago and I'm sticking with it.
Fear #1..I’m a competitive person. While I don’t expect to come in first place, I don’t want to be dead last.
My take is that if you finish, if you cross the finish line, you've not finished last. You have to remember that finishing a triathlon puts you in elite company. Don't worry about where you finish, push yourself and you'll be happy.
Fear #2...I’m used to swimming in a pool with maybe one or two other people around. Will the water be rocky from other people splashing around and will that throw off my swim? Will everyone else be a better swimmer? Do we share lanes? Not really sure what to expect on this part.
Swimming is by far my weakest leg in a triathlon. I'm just good enough not to drowned and I'm ok with that. Yes, the swim can be difficult; it just depends on the race. There will be better swimmers than you and that's ok. My recommendation is to do your research. Maybe find a race that has a timed individual entry versus everyone going in a group. That should help you avoid some of the confusion and difficulty that comes from swimming in a group.
You can also find a Master's Swim class in your area that will help you get used to swimming in groups. Sadly, I have yet to be able to get my swim fitness back up to where it was. I too have a long way to go. If you jump in, I will too.
Fear #3...I’m not sure how to tie it all together. I’ve swam, biked, and run but not consecutively. Will it be too much all together?
In the beginning it's challenging but what isn't. If you're interested in seeing what it might feel like to do some of these things back to back, head to the gym. Spin for 40 minutes then run for 10 or so. That is the tougher of the two transitions, at least it is for me. It takes a little while for your legs to adjust but they do and you'll settle into a run. When you train, you'll do "brick" workouts which combine a swim with a bike or a bike with a run or sometimes a little of all three. These workouts help you build up to the race.
Fear #4...Will everyone else be a super extreme athlete? I work out almost every day but you never know how you compare to others
Um..no. Not everyone is an extreme athlete. There will be those that are and then there will be those that just look like they are. But for everyone one super extreme triathlete, there will be 5 that are just like you and me...just a regular person who enjoys challenging yourself. If we stay in groups we can defeat the evil super extreme triathletes. Ok, maybe not but they aren't bad people, they are just bad ass. :)
Fear # 5...I’m a little nervous on the biking part. I’ve taken spin classes but haven’t in a few months and I haven’t been on a bike outdoors in a while. What if I get a flat?
I would be lying of I said this isn't a constant concern of mine too. I've luckily never gotten a flat but I see it happen a lot. I'd like to think I'm prepared if it were to happen. I've taken a class at my local bike shop on how to change a flat and when I do get to ride, I always carry the parts I need to change it. It's a little nerve wracking at first but it shouldn't be enough to keep you from riding. Just be prepared, always have a phone, an ID and some cash on you just in case you need it.
Fear #6...Isn’t the swimming first? How do you transition to the other parts? Do you change clothes or just throw on clothes over your suit? Do I wear a wetsuit or is a normal swimsuit ok?
Yes, swim is first. Transitions can be easy depending on how you plan for them. Oh and by the way, planning is the key to a successful triathlon. You have to think about everything you need at the transitions and lay it out so that you can easily get to it. Most triathlon specific clothes are meant to be worn throughout. You swim, bike and run in them. Wetsuits can be worn in open water swims where the water temperature allows. My recommendation is not to get into swimming with wetsuits till you're committed. They are expensive and can take some getting use to.
Finally, what if I get halfway in and want to give up or wonder what I have gotten myself into.
Guess what, you wouldn't be the first to think that. I distinctly remember that moment where I wondered why I was doing this but I did it anyway and am soo glad I did. It's an addicting feeling that you'll never regret. Pain only last for a short time, that feeling of accomplishment lasts forever. Suck it up! You'll get through it. If it makes you feel any better, one time, I actually had to walk my bike on a course. It was extremely hilly and my legs just wouldn't do it. No matter what you'll finish and you might even meet some amazing people along the way.
You can do it!!
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