The Facts behind a Triathlon

Source: http://leehuang.blogspot.com/2010/04/urban-triathlon.html

What is a triathlon?
A triathlon is a major sporting event that combines 3 activities in one race; running, biking and swimming. To date, there are 5 variations on the length of the triathlon:



• Sprint - 750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run
• Super Sprint - 400m swim, 10k bike, 2.5k run
• Olympic - 1500m, swim 40km bike, 10km run
• Half Ironman - 1.9m swim, 90km bike, 21.1km run
• Ironman - 3.8m swim, 180km bike, 42.2km (marathon) run

How does one prepare for a triathlon?
A triathlon is not a walk in the park, nor is it something that you can do out of impulse. A triathlete trains for months before an upcoming event and improving his or her physical condition, including cardiovascular strength, mental and even physical strength. A triathlete also needs to consume the right amount of food months and a day before the race.

Since there are 3 parts of a triathlon, the athlete must train in running, biking and swimming. Because there are variations to the length of the triathlon, your training requirements will also vary; a sprint type of triathlon will require you to run 3.1 miles, swim ½ mile and then bike for 12.4 miles.

What are the equipments needed?
You only need a handful of trigear, or triathlon equipment, for a triathlon event. You’d need basic marathon apparel like customized running shirts, 2 to 3 pairs of running shoes, cycling shorts, swimming apparel and biking gear.

There’s no big secret in winning a triathlon; it’s a race where the last man or woman standing wins. If you feel like you want to challenge yourself, then you can join a triathlon event in your state or area; just make sure you train properly so you won’t put yourself in harm’s way.