Since that time, tens of thou- sands have completed an Ironman- distance triathlon. The sport has evolved considerably, but many things remain the same. Ironman- distance events are held all over the place now. They are still the same silly distance. There is still no drafting and everyone must be self- sufficient. The biggest thing that has changed is the equipment: it’s way more tricked-out…and expensive. Ironman is, and always will be, a
life-changing experience for most people who enter one. The level of psychological, physical, finan- cial and scheduling commitment is substantial, if not as daunting as the event itself. In my opinion, if it doesn’t change your life in a big way, you did something seriously wrong. You missed the friendships, the hard days, the easy days, the whole experience of preparing for some- thing that could leave you out on a highway, dehydrated in a pile of your own salt, and conquering it all. Triathlon has matured from being as long as imaginable into shorter events that are more achievable for a greater number of people. Tri- athlons are now set into relatively standard distances. The distances are rough guidelines because it’s hard to find exact routes that are more imaginative than the out-and- back format. There are, however, many non-standard distance events on the calendar. As a triathlon coach for more than
12 years, I have had the pleasure to work with a variety of person- alities and abilities. I’ve seen non- swimmers without bikes or running shoes sign up for a triathlon with a month to prepare, and do it with a smile. They may not be quick, but the look of satisfaction on their face is hard to mistake as they cross the finish line. More often than not, a triathlon is more intimidating than it is difficult
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to do. If you want to go fast, it’s harder. If you just want to get across the line, it’s not as hard as you might think. If you are interested in training
for your first triathlon, the following steps will help you get ready. These guidelines pertain to Try-A-Tri, Sprint or Olympic distance triathlon.
YOU SHOULD BE MOST CONCERNED WITH:
1. Having fun 2. Getting to the start line unin-
jured and enthusiastic 3. Getting to the finish line unin-
jured and enthusiastic 4. Going faster
YOU SHOULD BE LESS CONCERNED WITH:
1. The techno toys (they are not a
replacement for training) 2. Looks 3. Comparing times and/or perfor- mances with others Assess your current abilities in all
three disciplines and focus on your weakest, then the next weakest and pay least attention to your strongest. It should be reasonably safe to as-
sume that if you were a competitive swimmer, cyclist or runner at one point in your life, you can get back into it by remembering what it feels like. If you work up to 1½ times the distance of the actual race, you’ll be fine.
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