By: Don Crenshaw 

Years ago, running a marathon was for the ‘elite’ athlete. Triathletes were held in higher regard. And the Ironman? That
was unheard of for the average person. Today we’re breaking all boundaries and setting new records in all arenas. Adventure
racers complete 135 mile extreme runs in temperatures up to 135 F°. Triathletes are more plentiful than ever. It’s estimated
that close to 450,000 Americans will compete in a triathlon this year, compared to 225,000 in 2000. This is a far cry from
the 46 athletes who competed in the first modern day triathlon held in San Diego’s Mission Bay on September 25, 1974.

The popularity of the sport is attributed to the variety offered, as well as he opportunity to develop a well-rounded, healthy lifestyle. As we become ncreasingly savvy at knowing more about our bodies, how they can adapt
and improve with professional guidance such as the sports factoryonline coahcing programs , proper nutrition, and personal xperience, the possibilities to become faster, stronger, and better seem imited by our own imagination. If you think you can, you can!  f you want to take your fitness goals to the next level  You can be a triathlete!  Not only will you have the benefits f a well-conditioned body, but the exhilaration of accomplishing what was once regarded as an ‘elite’ event will become your reality! And with the professional expertise and first-hand experience of our trainers and fellow triathletes, you’ll be on your way to becoming part of an increasing wave of Fitness.

The Worry:  I'm not a good swimmer

The Solution: For most triathletes, the greatest challenge is with wimming. Triathlon swim clinics, triathlon swim practice with coached guidance, organized open water swims, group and private lessons will all help improve your swimming skills and swimming endurance. 

Tips: Be sure to practice swimming in your wetsuit since it feels different from swimming without one. Don’t kick too hard or you’ll tire out your legs which you need for the other events. Learn how to pull yourself through the water using our arms. learn theTotal Immersion technique to achieve your most efficient swimming form possible

The Worry: I have'nt ridden a bike in years

The Solution: attend a bicycle handling clinic, they cover the basics from bicycle maintenance to how to make smooth transitions between events. REI runs these oftern and inexpensively.  if you can go on rides on portions of the major triathlon race courses . For practice on long rides do a charity event such as the ADA tour De Cure , a fully supported ride of differnt distnaces When the weather not suitable for riding go to an Indoor Cycling classe or set your bike uo on a trainer and pedal away to build stamina and endurance on the bicycle.

Tips: Remember when you were a teenager and cycling was fun and exhilarating? That hasn’t changed – enjoy the ride! Match your practice course to the race course. Practice your transitions from swimming to biking so you have some experience with removing your wetsuit and slipping on your bike shoes. Use your bike to practise refueling. 

 The Worry: I hate running

The Solution: Being a triathlete means that you get to cross-train in all hree sports and build strength and endurance in a balanced way. You don’t have to run all the time, just enough to complete the distance of the triathlon.

Tips: Practice transitioning from bike to running.  Brick Workouts  help with this. In pacing yourself, pay attention to your breath. If you’re breathing too hard even though your legs seem to be doing okay, you’re  running to fast. Make sure your running shoes are broken in before you use them in a race.

The Worry: I'm not an Athlete, Triathlons are for Athlete's 

The Solution: Triathletes come in all shapes, sizes and fitness levels, you don't have to start at IronMan. Triathlons vary in distance from Super Sprint to Ironman. the thought of competing in a triathlon has even once crossed your mind, it’s
worth considering. Start out slow. Triathlons vary in distance from SuperSprint to Ironman. . When you break down a major goal into bite-sized achievable portions, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish!

Tips: for added guidance and support join a triathlon club, get a triathlon coach, or join an online coaching program .  

Authors Note: For what it is worth I grew to love running but not as much as the bike,I am still not a fast swimmer but by using proper techniques I am faster than I was. . I found a combination of online coaching and swimming lessons worked.