Duncan John Wyse says people of every fitness level can compete in triathlons. Every triathlon is designed to test your mettle. But your primary goal in a triathlon is to go the distance, not to post the fastest possible time the first time you go out.
An Ironman Is Not Your Only Option
If the only triathlon you know anything about is the Ironman, it is only natural that you would be intimidated. An Ironman Triathlon is one of about 170 races organized by the World Triathlon Corporation. Every Ironman includes a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.22-mile run, in that order.
The World Triathlon Corporation annually organizes eight Ironman events in the United States. Each event has about 2,000 finishers. This means that about 16,000 women and men complete an Ironman every year. Many contestants complete multiple competitions, so suppose that maybe 400,000 people in the United States have completed this “ultimate test” of fitness.
That is a little more than one in a thousand people in the United States. Ironman athletes are in the top 0.1 percent of all competitors, at least by this measure.
Let’s face it: A 2.4-mile swim is not where you want to discover your swimming limitations. Fortunately, every triathlon is not an Ironman competition.
Start with a Supersprint, John Wyse Suggests
Consider a more attainable goal, like a Supersprint. in 2023, there will be at least 119 opportunities to do an accredited race that consists of a 400-meter swim, a 10-kilometer bike ride, and a 2.5-meter run.
Super sprints allow you to use the full range of your competitive abilities. The Moose on the Loose Supersprint, in Idaho in February, for instance, puts contestants through a 6-mile ride on a fat bike, 1-1/2 miles of snowshoeing, and 6 miles of cross-country skiing. Like many other events, Moose on the Loose also offers a duathlon in which contestants choose any two events.
Some Supersprints incorporate pool swimming, aqua biking, walking, and relay races. Many events hand out separate awards for youth and novice competitors. There are Supersprints tied to holidays, incorporated into summer camps, and celebrating the arrival of good weather in parts of the country that require wicking fabric and good hydration.
You Can Get in Shape for Your Triathlon
If you are interested in a triathlon, Duncan Wyse points out that you are already familiar with the basics of getting into shape. Eat right. Stay active, getting some kind of exercise, preferably including some fun exercise, every day. Take advantage of the buddy system whenever possible, working with someone you know who shares your goals and can challenge you just enough to keep improving.
However, the most important part of getting in shape for a triathlon is setting attainable goals. The sport of triathlon offers something for everyone. Choose goals you aren’t sure you can meet, and then work on them daily.
