If you’re thinking “I’d like to have a go at triathlon!” but you’re discouraged by a lack of time and information, you’ll find this article useful.

Let’s start with an assumption: “If you can run for an hour at 5min/km (8min/mi) you have the physical capabilities to complete a triathlon”. You’ve already got the base!

Triathlon is not only the famous “Ironman” (that is like saying that running is just ultra trails).

There are races of different distances and different combinations of the three sports that can take participants from half an hour to 12 hours and more to complete. Advice: start with a Triathlon Sprint.

Where to start?

You’ll already have some level of familiarity or just “fondness” for one of the other three sports (swimming or cycling). In this case you can try your hand at the duathlon (run-bike-run) or acquathlon (run-swim-run). It is sufficient to carry out a few simulations in training trying out the required distances, then choose an event, register and take part.

Add another sport

If the sport that you’re missing is cycling, this raises the issue of the “means”. Advice: for the first race, try to borrow from a cyclist friend, or alternatively you can always dust off your old mountain bike.  Plan training sessions by substituting your long run with bike sessions until you can manage two hours on the bike easily, better if you can go out with a group.

If on the other hand your weak point is swimming, you need to plan a couple of sessions a week in the pool until you can manage 2000m, even if you’re alternating styles. Advice: make your debut in a swimming race, it’s an environment where less skilled swimmers can use to gain confidence.

Now you’re ready to select your first event.  You’re almostthere!