How Do I Start?!The biggest question that I hear most often from beginners is: How do I start? With so many things to consider it's no wonder that people become confused. Think about it: when someone says the word "Triathlon" it conjures up images of the Ironman in Hawaii. You see over a thousand people running into the water at the start, hundreds of race volunteers & thousands of spectators. They are all trying to swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles & run 26.2 miles in one day. That's an overwhelming image. I think that image alone keeps many people from even trying. So...where to begin... First, I would start with taking an honest look at how much time you have available to train. If you are single, this isn't too hard, but if you have a family you will have a lot more planning to do. I have found in my own training with my new daughter, that if I have a window of time to train, I have to take it or I lose it. Remember also that you are not adding your race training to the exercise routine that you already have...you are replacing that routine WITH your training. Next, I would find someone to train with. That can be as simple as finding a friend to train with you. You could also join a local tri club. They would give you access to group workouts, training plans and maybe some coaching. You can also train with a charity team such as Team in Training. You would get coaching, race support, a uniform & wetsuit while you raise money for your charity. In addition to accomplishing your goal you help others in the process. Another alternative would be to hire a USA Triathlon Certified Coach to design a training plan around your schedule. Now you have to find a pool to train for your swim. If you already belong to a health club that has one, you're good to go. If not click on this link: www.swimmersguide.com to find a pool near you. If the swim is your weakest event, many pools offer swim stroke improvement classes & adult swimming lessons. The next thing you need to do is find a good bike shop. By good I mean a shop which has a staff that isn't too pushy, and is going to give you their full attention whether you by a bike for $400 or $4000. Use this link to find a bike shop in your area: http://nbda.com/page.cfm?pageID=32 Before you decide on one particular shop visit several of them. Don't just pick one because it's the closest. I have travelled as far as 30 miles before I found the right shop. The service I received there was well worth the drive. Also, don't be fooled by a store with flashy displays. Sometimes simpler is better. Before you decide on one particular shop visit several of them. Don't just pick one because it's the closest. I have travelled as far as 30 miles before I found the right shop. The service I received there was well worth the drive. Also, don't be fooled by a store with flashy displays. Sometimes simpler is better. Finally, you need to find a store that specializes in running. No more buying sneakers from the large chains because the colors match your running clothes. You need to have a knowledgable person help find the right shoe for you. a good running store will have you try on several pairs of shoes & run in them outside or on a treadmill if they have one. Runnner's World.com has some good information on choosing running shoes. Whew! Even simplified that's a whole lot to get through for just a "how to get started", but don't worry it isn't that bad. If you don't want to do all of that you do what I told you I did on the previous page...guess. I think you'll have a much better time though if you get some of this out of the way before it becomes a game of "Catch Up".
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