It’s no secret that choosing to participate in a triathlon is a major undertaking. From the long hours of training to the unpredictable weather, there are a number of factors that keep people from signing up for their first race.
To help combat some of the most common fears associated with the sport, we’ve enlisted the help of Olympian, IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion and ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Champion Jodie Swallow Cunnama. Read on below for her take on how to overcome your nerves and tackle your first tri.
Fear: The Open Water
Jodie’s take: Open water can feel daunting, even for a part-time fish like me. There are many different reasons why you may fear diving into the deep blue. For some it’s the invisibility of the water and the unknown sea life, while for others it’s the lack of pool walls. In these situations it is best to keep task oriented. Focus on buoy-to-buoy swimming, and don’t let your imagination get the better of you. If you can concentrate on a small set or your stroke cadence you will divert your attention long enough to avoid obsessing over the uncontrollables. Then before you know it, you’re onto the bike!
Fear: The Elements
Jodie’s take: For many triathletes a closeness to nature is one of this sport’s greatest appeals. Moving through open water and mountainous terrain can feel very primal, much like an adventure sport. If you’re an adrenaline junky, this is a total win. However, for the more measured athlete or pool swimmer, the open elements can seem both hazardous and uncomfortable. From unpredictable rain to choppy waves caused by wind, the challenging irregularity of the elements is at the heart of this sport.
With that said, it is important to remember that races are never held in unsafe or un-swimmable conditions. Safety precautions are taken very seriously, and there are always resources available for athletes throughout the course. Let this fact be a comfort when heading out for your first race.
Fear: The “Pack”
Jodie’s take: While pool swimmers are used to having their own lane to train and swim in, triathlons are designed much differently. With thousands of people moving with no particular form of separation, the result can be very unfamiliar. At the start of the race movement is often tight and hectic, and although everyone is moving in the same direction there are usually swimmers of every level.
Don’t tap out just yet, though! By thinking strategically, you can find your own space in even the most hectic of races. To start, remain realistic about your personal speed. The more you train, the more comfortable you will be with your movement. Practicing swimming in a straight line is also a great guide to get you going. The more confident you are in your swim ability the less other peoples’ presence will bother you – a knock or a kick can easily be accelerated away from. Eventually, swimming with others will make you faster. Like a pod of dolphins, there is security and speed in group swimming. It takes some experience to come to grips with, but soon you will be craving company and competition around you.
Fear: The Gear
Jodie’s take: One attraction of the sport of triathlon is the variety it provides athletes. With three distinct disciplines triathletes can not only balance their training regimen but also find a variety of areas to excel in. For swimmers & runners, the big addition in triathlon is not the training itself. After all, most athletes already have great discipline. Instead, it is the preparation and maintenance of equipment that feels foreign. So when it comes to gear, just take things slow. You know all the nouns that you need to race already – wetsuit, race suit, bike, shoes. No bike or wheel-set can take the place of a well-trained body or steely determination. So, invest in additional equipment when and if you decide to get more serious.
Fear: The Distance
Jodie’s take: Triathlon is an endurance event – even an Olympic distance race typically lasts over two hours. That can seem really long to an athlete used to classifying endurance events as four minutes long (400m in the pool, 1500m on the track). While there is some carry-through of fatigue over the disciplines, it is not as significant as you may think. If you can complete each segment individually, it is probable you will be successful at combining them in a race. Concentrate on each discipline separately and don’t think too far ahead of yourself. If you can focus on executing the moment perfectly, the minutes will string together into hours and the finish line will creep up quickly.
Fear: The Body
Jodie’s take: Triathlon really is an all-inclusive sport that celebrates different physiques and skills. In addition, the mental challenge it presents to participants helps to attract a broad range of personality types and backgrounds. Embracing your body shape and celebrating the joy of a healthy body is what triathlon is all about. So, have faith in yourself and remember to just have fun.
Plus, triathlon is an arena that enthusiastically celebrates female participation, and that’s an awesome thing!
