So You Want to Do a Triathlon. Part 5: Tips for Success

Here are some tips that may help you in your quest to do a triathlon.

• Start with a sprint tri. Train at least 3 months before your first race.
• Get shoes at quality running store with knowledgeable salespeople.
• Unless you are a great swimmer, get swim lessons and consider doing at least a couple of outdoor swims before your first race.
• Unless you are a great swimmer or you are swimming in very warm water, get or rent a wetsuit.
• Consider attending a triathlon clinic or camp.
• Get a decent road bike, bike shoes and clipless pedals. Only the super competitive need a "tri bike".
• Read up on the sport, especially on the transitions. Get a book or check out the many web sites including http://www.beginnertriathlete.com
• Find a training plan (check out books and online plans such as those found at http://www.beginnertriathlete.com) and go slow. Start training in the winter or spring for a summer sprint race.
• Do several brick workouts prior to your first race. A brick workout is when you do 2 of the three events in a race-like setting. This means swimming and then quickly jumping on your bike or biking followed by a run or a swim followed by a run. This will help condition your body for what to expect. It's especially important to do the bike/run brick workout. Also consider doing at least one tri workout where you do all three events back to back.
• Set goals early in the season and space out your races. Get lessons in which ever event you are weakest.
• Get a tri buddy or join a triathlon, running, biking or swimming group.
• If you develop running or biking injuries, see a sports doctor, podiatrist, or a sports physical therapist. In Seattle, I’ve had good success with Real Rehab physical therapy (http://www.realrehab.com). Many of Real Rehab therapists are competitive athletes.

So You Want to Do a Triathlon. Part 4: Finding a Race