What I'm interested in:
- WHAT IS A TRIATHLON?
According to "The American Heritage College Dictionary," a triathlon is an athletic contest consisting of three successive events, usually long distance swimming, bicycling, and running. You will first swim, then bicycle, then run. It is easy as that! It sounds easy, but it takes many many hours of practice and training to be the best triathlete that you could be. I'm sure you have heard of the Ironman Triathlon in Hawaii. If you haven't, I'm sure you have seen the "Ironman Triathlete Timex" watch. It is a major sport, and the Olympic Committee had thought so too, that is way in 2000, the Triathlon will be introduced as an Olympic Event. There are plenty of Triathlons for all skill levels. There is a Sprint, Olympic, Half-Ironman, and Ironman distance races. For the beginners, I recomment the Sprint distance. The Sprint distance is usually a 825 yard swim; 12.1 mile bike ride; and a 5k run.
Not only is a triathlon fun, you get physically fit training for one. I recommend any and all people to TRY A TRI. If you want to be the best triathlete you can be, start not. Don't spend the rest of your life wondering if you can do it.
- TRIATHLON COSTS
Many people have asked me how much does a Triathlon cost. Well, the races themselves have different cost, depending on the race. It could range from $20+ each race. The entry fees go to pay the bills that is involved in races such as this. The race officials must pay for street closures, rental fees, police fees, city permits, plus many other fees, including your T-Shirt (which is given to participants if they register) and awards. So really, you are getting a deal.
How about racing stuff? Well, if your a beginner triathlete, I recommend just training, and doing one before you go out a spend lots of money. Just make sure that a Triathlon is going to be part of your life. If it is, I recommend first buying a "Polar" heart rate monitor($70-$300). This is great for training, so you don't overtrain. You might what to find a coach as well. Coaches may charge you($10-$100/hour), but if you join a triathlon club, you should be set. For the swim, you will need a swimsuit($20-$60), and a pair of goggles($5-$30). That is all you will need, unless you want a swimming cap, and/or a wetsuit. But make sure you see the indidivual race rules for details about wearing a wetsuit. Some races will not allow you to wear one. For the Biking portion, you will need a bike. A mountain bike will do, but a road bike is highly recommended. You could get a good price on used road bikes. Ask and look around. Bikes new could cost about $600-$3000, but a used bike, you could get for $90-$800. All triathlons require you to wear a snell/ansi helmet ($20-$100). You don't need "biker shorts." You will be wearing your swimsuit for the entire event. It takes too long for you to change. If you get a road bike, you'll need to get cycling shoes ($80-$300). Ask your local bike shop for more details about that. I personally purchase "Carnac." It is up to you to make that decision. For the run, all you will need is a pair of good running shoes($60-$150). Make sure the shoes are broken-in before wearing them in a race, or you could take the other alternative, get blisters. Well, that is about all you will need. There is other stuff out there that you could use, but for starters, this is about it.
- TINFOILMAN TRIATHLON RESULTS
This was my first triathlon. I have only been training for two weeks, but felt really good during the race. I finished the race in 1:15:59 (At least I beat 1:16:00 - Barely). It was awesome. I was placed in a "faster" heat in the swim, and was the last one out, but was swimming at a comfortable pace. I got out of the pool, and went to work on the bike. I didn't spend much time at all in the transition. I did not put a shirt/jersey on, just strapped my Carnac Cycling Shoes, and my helmet on, and I was off. I would later pass many participants that were in my heat. I was off and going on the bike. It was awesome!!!!! I got of the bike, and started the run. I ran at a good fast comfortable pace. I would again pass more people. I felt really good after the race, and I can't wait until November 1, when I will participate in the Casa Grande Triathlon. **Final results will not be posted for awhile. Stay tuned for the upcoming races, and times**
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