Guide to doing your best in a Triathlon

By Monty H Smedley

A triathlon is a multi-stage athletic competition that assesses an individual's swimming, cycling, and running capabilities. Those who take part in this type of race are known as triathletes and they contend for the quickest completion of the three parts of the race.

The several different types of this competition are classified according to range. The first of those types is known as the Sprint. Should you join this competition, you will go swimming for 750 meters, ride the bike for 20 kilometers and then finish off by running for 5 kilometers.

The second type is known as the Intermediate distance. With this particular race, the swimming section will cover 1.5 kilometers. The following riding and running parts will cover 40 kilometers and 10 kilometers respectively. The Intermediate distance is also often identified as the Olympic distance.

The next competition form is called the Long Course. If you become a participant of this event, you will be required to be in great shape as the distances of each get longer still. The swimming part will cover 1.9 kilometers. You will then get on your bike and cycle a long 90 kilometers followed by a run for 21.1 kilometers.

The final type of triathlon is known as the Ultra distance and is the most formidable event in this category. This competition consists of an initial 42.2 kilometer run, a grueling swim of 3.8 kilometer which is then rounded off with a 180 kilometer bicycle ride.

If you dream of becoming a triathlete, the length of race you want to take part in will dictate how much training you need to put in and what type of activity you focus on during your preparations. Obviously, beginners should set their sights on shorter events first. Once they have laid down a solid foundation and have started to build their endurance they can then think about joining the more advanced races with taking part in the Ironman as an attainable goal.

A wonderful way to get free from the dull tendency to do the same thing every day when exercising is to make use of triathlon training to get in great shape. Since you are exercising for three different disciplines, you will hardly have a chance to get bored of your training program. Training for the swimming, cycling, and running stages gives you a great opportunity to train all the main parts of your body giving you a rounded level of ability and an in-proportion physique.

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If you are thinking of entering one of these tough races have a look at the triathlon wetsuits website for ideas on what sort of equipment you might need. Good luck with you race and let us know how you get on! For more information on these type of products head over the triathlon wetsuits information pages.