TriathaNewbie.com: Do I really have what it takes to train and complete a mini-triathlon?

Swim - Bike - Run - Race Day - Tracking Progress - Events - Great Resources - FAQ - Contact - Home

Do I really have what it takes to train and complete a mini-triathlon?

Article written by Niki Dobbyn

We've all asked ourselves this question at one point or another. Do I really have what it takes to train and complete a mini-triathlon? Yes, you do! Triathletes come in all shapes, sizes and ages. A majority of us don't enter these competitions to win the overall race. We enter because we want to win our own personal race. It takes hard work and dedication, but you can also train and compete in a mini-triathlon if you put your mind and body to it. Here are some things to consider when planning for your first mini-triathlon.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?
We all have strengths and weaknesses that we have to take into consideration before we decide on how we should train for a mini-triathlon. Some of us may be great runners and bikers but are terrible swimmers or, some can bike and swim but have never tried running. Others may not be athletes at all but are looking for a new challenge. Be honest with yourself so that you can find the best way to accomplish your goals.

Devise a realistic plan.
Be realistic in planning your training schedule. If you don't know how to swim, don't expect your first workout to be a one mile swim. For your first training session, you may want to work with a coach who can teach you how to drown-proof yourself and swim in a pool. As you learn more, you can begin working on distance swims until you can swim at least 100 yards further than the length of the swimming part of your mini-triathlon. Do your best at arranging a training schedule that you can complete. When you have mastered one workout, move on to a harder workout. If you force yourself into a schedule that is unrealistic, you will be unhappy at the end of every workout. The idea is to work at your own pace and enjoy the process.

Stick with the plan. We have kids, jobs, dentist appointments, car-pools, PTA meetings and household chores that make every day different. Training for a mini-triathlon requires dedication. Find creative ways to combine activities. Ride your bike to work, run a few miles during lunch, swim before work or let your kids ride bikes with you while you run in the evening after work. There are also triathlon groups you can join. Partnering up with a group of dedicated individuals can make all the difference in the world. They will encourage you on tough days and help you figure out creative ways to manipulate your schedule so that you can fit all of the important things in your life into each day.

Considering the advise above will only help you make better decisions in planning your triathlon goals. Enjoy the process and don't criticize the size of your accomplishments from day to day. Give yourself a pat on the back for working towards a big goal! Remember, there are some people who are natural triathletes and compete to win. Then there are the rest of us who work really hard and feel amazing because we complete the race!


	TriathaNewbie.com Recommended Resources:

Exciting News: TriathaNewbie.com featured in Triathlete Magazine as "Your one stop shop for beginner triathletes". Check it out!

Swim - Get the low-down on wetsuits and swim suits, find info on safe water workouts and read tips for training and events.

Bike -Learn how to structure bike workouts, find safety tips and read recommendations on great bike gear.

Run - Get the ultimate skinny on running sneakers, running gear, safety tips and much more.

Transitions are the times between the swim and bike and the bike and run. Any time you are in the transition area, you need to know how to get through it without wasting time. Here are some suggestions:

Setting Up Your Transition Spot
Triathlon Swim Transition (T1)
Triathlon Bike Transition (T2)
Triathlon Run Transition - There is no Run Transition, just a Finish Line!

There are NEWBIES Starting Triathlons Every Day. Today Just Happens to be YOUR day!

TRIATHLON QUESTIONS

TRIATHLON EVENTS

GENERAL TRI STUFF

Brick Training - I havent really trained multiple sports at a time or super long distances. Would you recommend that in the next few weeks, or do most people just find a way to pull it all together on race day?

Backstroke During a Triathlon - I read your reply to a question about using the backstroke in a triathalon. Your suggestion was to not use this stroke, but to learn to crawl for the event.

Triathlon Over 50 - Is there a mini triatholon competition for the over 50? I can\'t jog because of my knees but I enjoy walking.

Swim, Bike and Kayak - I am planning on doing my first Tri which is a 3 mile kayak for the water portion. I'm wondering what type of kayak I should buy for these types of triathlons?

What Do I Wear - im running a sprint race in a week....im having a hard time figuring out what to wear? do i wear my swim suit? do i wear running spandex under my swim suit?

Backstroke in a Triathlon - I can't swim and put my head underwater. I read a few articles on your website about first time TriathaNewbie's doing the backstroke.

Bike, Swim, Kayak or Walk in Ontario - I'd like to try a mini triatholon. I can bike, swim, kayak , walk but I can't run. Would you let me know if there's a race I could do in Ontario Canada?

Crisis of Confidence - HELP!! Doing my 1st tri on Sun. I'm very scared and nervous about the swim.

Triathlon Coach in Orlando - Can you recommend a coach here in Orlando for a person who is exercising but not running yet, needs to learn how to swim and get a tri bike?

Giving It Your Best Shot - I finished!! My time was 2:45:48 - not a great time, but I was just so happy to have made it.

Mark Wilson�s Triathlon Training Camp, Lake George, NY: August 23-27, 2010

Schedule for 2011 - I want to try my first tri at the beginning of 2011 and would like to know if there are any pending scheduled races in VA around that time.

Upcoming Somersault Events (Canada) - Almost mid-summer already - how time flies! We want to bring you up to date on Somersault event happenings...We invite you and your friends to come on out and join us at one of them.

Youth Triathlons in Colorado - If there are any other kids reading this article and want to send in any tips you think would be very helpful, send them in and we'll post them!

Hudson Valley Triathlon Club, Upcoming Events in New York

Graham Beasley Triathlon July 11th in Ottowa

NC Multisports Greater Cleveland Triathlon

Greater Kingston SYDENHAM Triathlon on July 4 in Ottowa

Pine Barrens Sports & Timing - Olympic Distance Triathlon in New Jersey

Rave Reviews on the Honolulu Triathlon - My first sprint triathalon was the Honolulu Triathalon. It was a great first race to enter.

DRC Sports Triathlon Race Calendar, Florida - There is something for everyone here.

v3 Multisport - Bike Q & A - June 8, 2010 - Come get your questions answered and learn from experienced Triathletes:

Arizona Triathlons - I am having some trouble finding options in the Western part of the US and would like to know if you could direct me to some specific first mini triathlons and/or websites.

The Fourth Discipline � Mental Ability - so why was I only thinking negative thoughts and why did I have a sick feeling in my gut? Does this sound familiar? For most athletes this happens to us at least once before a big race.

Breakthrough Bricks - The easiest way to get better at running after cycling is to practice. These challenging workouts are called bricks - you know, bike, run. Ick!

The Food Pyramid: What Should You Eat?! You're Navigation Guide

First Triathlon Story - Just a few weeks ago I completed my first-ever triathlon at one of the country�s largest triathlon events, the Lifetime Fitness Triathlon.

First Triathlon Story - I've got a little story of my own. I call it, "Everything that could go wrong, did."

First Triathlon Story - Thanks for all the helpful tips and suggestions this site has provided. A lot of them were very helpful on my first sprint triathlon yesterday.

Eating for Sumer Health - Summer is nature�s season of growth and maturity with an abundance of fruits and vegetables ripening in the sun. Nature�s energy is effervescent, making it the season for us to engage in outdoor recreation and soak up solar power.

Race Day Preparation - A must-read for those of you preparing to compete this summer!

The Sweat Test - How much should I drink during training or racing?

My "First Triathlon" Story - Can't Wait for the Next One! Though I didn't bring home any medals, I felt proud of myself. and cannot wait till next one in coming in 45 days. now I just need to learn to swim faster.

Enhancing Metabolism Through The Power of Breath - Did you know that you could control your stress levels?