TRIATHLON IS AMONG the fastest-growing sports in the country right now with some events selling out six months before they’re due to take place.
The multi-discipline activity is fun, sociable and can be taken as seriously or not, as you like.
Another part of their appeal is how they allow participants to travel to places they might otherwise not get to see.
But whether you’re a complete novice or been at them for years, don’t hide the fact you’ve made a few mistakes along the way…
You’ve experienced some or all of the following, haven’t you?
You’ll realise your equipment is a bit of an embarrassment
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Ryan Byrne / INPHO
Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO
Granted, some only agree to do a triathlon the night before and will spend more time trying to scavenge the requisite equipment to take part as actually competing.
Some bikes will be top of the range, carbon-fibre time machines, but many, many more won’t.
Hands up if you’ve been ‘that’ person with the bike which can be heard long before it’s seen?
You’ll have a panic attack in the water and cling to anything, or anyone
Morgan Treacy / INPHO
Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO
We’re land-based creatures and operate best there. Being cast into a triathlon, especially if it’s in open water, is a fairly terrifying experience.
As much as you might want to, try not to adopt the approach of ‘it’ll be alright on the night’.
The swim element of a triathlon is no joke, no matter how short it is.
If you’ve never done it before, consider goggles steaming up, wetsuits restricting your stroke and that panic attack that just might set in when you realise you’re 200 metre from shore in a freezing cold lake.
You’ll eat far more than you need beforehand (and definitely afterwards)
Ryan Byrne / INPHO
Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO
Triathlons are taxing events that require adequate pre-race nutrition. Four steaks and six bowls of pasta is a little over the top, though.
Carb-loading is a term often used, but very often abused insofar as you do not need to stuff your face for three days in the lead-up to an event.
Your body can only process so much at a time so resist the urge to binge eat as it’ll only leave you feeling bloated and lethargic.
Are we wasting our time telling you to go handy at the post-race pasta party?
3 things that will definitely happen to you during your first triathlon
TRIATHLON IS AMONG the fastest-growing sports in the country right now with some events selling out six months before they’re due to take place.
The multi-discipline activity is fun, sociable and can be taken as seriously or not, as you like.
Another part of their appeal is how they allow participants to travel to places they might otherwise not get to see.
But whether you’re a complete novice or been at them for years, don’t hide the fact you’ve made a few mistakes along the way…
You’ve experienced some or all of the following, haven’t you?
You’ll realise your equipment is a bit of an embarrassment
Granted, some only agree to do a triathlon the night before and will spend more time trying to scavenge the requisite equipment to take part as actually competing.
Some bikes will be top of the range, carbon-fibre time machines, but many, many more won’t.
Hands up if you’ve been ‘that’ person with the bike which can be heard long before it’s seen?
You’ll have a panic attack in the water and cling to anything, or anyone
We’re land-based creatures and operate best there. Being cast into a triathlon, especially if it’s in open water, is a fairly terrifying experience.
As much as you might want to, try not to adopt the approach of ‘it’ll be alright on the night’.
The swim element of a triathlon is no joke, no matter how short it is.
If you’ve never done it before, consider goggles steaming up, wetsuits restricting your stroke and that panic attack that just might set in when you realise you’re 200 metre from shore in a freezing cold lake.
You’ll eat far more than you need beforehand (and definitely afterwards)
Triathlons are taxing events that require adequate pre-race nutrition. Four steaks and six bowls of pasta is a little over the top, though.
Carb-loading is a term often used, but very often abused insofar as you do not need to stuff your face for three days in the lead-up to an event.
Your body can only process so much at a time so resist the urge to binge eat as it’ll only leave you feeling bloated and lethargic.
Are we wasting our time telling you to go handy at the post-race pasta party?
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