Fitness review: sprint triathlon
Sprint triathlons are a very achievable fitness goal no matter your age or fitness level. Give one a go and I guarantee you’ll become hooked!
Last weekend I did the Kakadu Triathlon in the stunning Northern Territory. It was my fourth sprint ‘tri’ and already I’m thinking about how I can improve my time for next year!
I stumbled into triathlons from my attempt to become a better swimmer. I needed a swim goal to work towards. So I thought signing up for a triathlon with work mates would be a way to achieve that fitness milestone. I knew I wouldn’t pull out because of my team mates, and I had a looming swim goal that forced me into action.
The great thing about preparing for a tri is it automatically gives you a scheduled and varied fitness routine. You’ll be alternating regularly between running, swimming and cycling over weeks and months, forming a great habit as a result. And over that time, you’ll start to see a physically stronger body and a mentally tougher mind.
The details:
Duration: 250-400 metre swim; 7.5-10km cycle; 2.5-4km run
Style: Individual entry or team (in a team, each member can complete the full tri like a relay; or just complete one leg)
Cost: From $40 for an individual entry, but varies greatly depending on the event and location
Who’s there: Men and women, all ages
What to wear: tri suit if you have one; or swimmers with run shorts, singlet/t-shirt. You’ll need a bike, helmet, goggles, swim cap and runners. You’ll also be given a timing chip which wraps around your ankle with Velcro.
What to expect:
Sprint triathlons are called ‘sprint’ because they cover a short distance, are designed to entice and give a positive experience to those just starting out. The standard distance, like your Noosa Triathlon, covers three times the sprint length. They tackle a 1.5km swim, 40km cycle and 10km run. For the professionals, there’s the IRONMAN. Now that’s gruelling. Competitors here complete a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42.2km run.
Triathlons are immensely popular so there are plenty of communities and clubs out there, loads of training tips, blogs to read, and free prep sessions to help you prepare and build up your confidence.
On the day, it can feel a little daunting and you’ll have a few butterflies and nerves especially if it’s your first time. For me, my nerves are high from the get go because I’m normally worried about the first leg, the swim. If I can, I always try to scope out the tri route prior to race day so I know what to expect and can visualise myself completing each leg. Here’s a rundown on the three stages:
Swim: Triathlons always start with the swim leg. For manageability, it’s divided up into different waves to stagger the event and cater to levels. You’ll know in your advance what wave you’re in by the organisers and what time you need to be at the swim area by. Take your time and don’t rush, control your breathing and try to enjoy the swim! There are lifeguards on patrol too who will come to your aid if anything goes pear shaped.
Cycle: From the swim leg, you’ll run into the transition zone where your bike is racked and where you’ve laid out your runners and any other clothing changes. In the pre-event briefing, the organisers will tell you the rules about retrieving your bike, entering and exiting this transition zone and helmet safety. Once you’re out on the cycle course, keep in mind too rules about drafting (following someone too closely on the bike and taking advantage of the drag they’ve created).
Run: After correctly dismounting from your bike back in the transition zone, you’ll run out from here immediately starting the run leg. Don’t forget to take your helmet off! (I’ve forgotten twice). This is where the mental toughness kicks in and all those running sessions finally pay off. Find someone running at a good pace and try your best to stick with them. Keep some energy in the tank so you can sprint the last 100 metres over the finishing line!
Would I recommend a sprint triathlon as a fitness goal to a friend?
Absolutely, 100%. The reason why triathlons are so addictive is because of the sense of accomplishment you get from crossing that finishing line. And that belief in yourself can spill over into other aspects of your life.
What I liked: mental strength, challenge, three workouts in one!
What I didn’t like: post-event assessment i.e. thinking I could have swum better, cycled harder and run faster!
What do I rate this fitness workout out of 5?
Fitness: 5/5 Strength and toning: 4/5
Weight loss: 5/5 Wellness (mind, body, soul connection): 4/5
What would I listen to while doing a sprint triathlon?
Has this review made you consider adding a triathlon to your bucket list? Let me know in the comments box below. The season is only just warming up!
Don’t forget to let me know if there’s a workout you’d like me to review. Just post it on my Facebook page.
Until next time,
Maryanne K
