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good benefits for triathlon

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So, why are triathlons becoming more and more popular? Newitts takes a look below at 10 benefits to becoming a triathlete.

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Triathlons have come a long way since 1974, when 46 people competed in the first swim/bike/run race, held in San Diego, CA. If you've decided to try this exciting, addicting and challenging sport, you're in good company-today, more than 2 million people participate in triathlons each year.

To get ready, you'll need a well-designed training plan that will increase your performance in all three areas, while also helping to keep you in healthy shape as you train.

As always, be sure to consult with your doctor before starting any new training routine.

Triathlon Distances

Triathlons feature a wide range of distances. While this article focuses specifically on the introductory sprint distance, here's a quick breakdown of all triathlon types:

Sprint (16 miles): This is a great option for anyone new to the sport. Distances vary, but typically the swim portion is about 0.5 miles (750m), the bike is 12.4 miles (20km) and the run is 3.1 miles (5km).

Olympic (51.5km): First introduced during the 2000 Summer Games held in Sydney, Australia, this race features a 0.93 mile (1.5km) swim, a 24.8 mile (40km) bike, and a 6.2 mile (10km) run.

Half Ironman (70.3 miles): For veterans who are looking to challenge their endurance, but are not ready or able to put forth the time commitment for a full Ironman, the Half Ironman is a great choice. Race venues can make these longer races very challenging, but the distance is always the same: swim 1.2 miles (1.9km), bike 56 miles (90km), and run 13.1 miles (21.09km).

Ironman (140.6 miles): Although Ironman competitions take place all over the world, the one event most people think of is the annual World Championships held in Kona, Hawaii. This race consists of a 2.4 mile (3.8km) swim, 112 mile (180km) bike, and a 26.2 (42.2km) run.

Set a Triathlon Training Plan

When to begin: In general, if you are aiming to complete your first sprint triathlon, plan for at least 12 weeks of training prior to your event. If you are very healthy, physically fit, and familiar with swimming, biking and running, an 8-week build program could be sufficient. If you are starting from scratch, you may want to give yourself 16 weeks to train.

Establish your swim/bike/run schedule: Complete a minimum of two sessions of each activity (swim, bike and run) during the week. Also include a brick session, which is your bike and run workout completed back-to-back (and which can also be a swim/bike workout). Finally, include an open water swim or two each week if your race is taking place in a body of water other than a pool.

Gradually build and increase your distances by no more than 10 percent per week. Prior to the race, you should be able to complete at least 10 percent more than the total race distance in each sport (for a sprint, that translates to a 0.55-mile swim, a 13.6-mile bike ride and 3.4-mile run).

Resistance training: Be sure to include resistance training as part of your weekly program, which can be done after your main endurance work. Include exercises that strengthen the primary muscles needed in each discipline, as well as create mobility and stability for effective, healthy range of motion.

For the swim, you want to enhance strength in the back, shoulders, and arms and create mobility in the trunk. For the bike, focus on increasing strength in the quads, glutes and hamstrings and creating stability in the trunk and chest. And for the run, you want to build strength in the legs, mobility through the hips and stability through the trunk and shoulders.

Incorporate rest: Taking off a day or two each week is essential for recovery. Rest days should be taken either before or right after your long brick workout, or both if you are including two rest days in your program.

Sample Week

Triathlon Training Tips

Take the time to familiarize yourself with the course of the race you have chosen and, if possible, practice swimming, biking and running each portion.

Swimming Basics

The swim portion of a triathlon is often the most challenging for those new to triathlons. If you are new to swimming, it is important to find a coach or team that you can practice with to be sure you are using correct technique. Often the hardest part is learning how to coordinate your breath with your stroke-if your stroke is inefficient and you're struggling to breathe, you'll head into the bike and run segments with less energy.

Equipment: For your race, you will be given a swim cap that indicates your start time (determined by age category), so you will want to practice swimming with a cap to get use to the feeling.

Make sure to find goggles that fit and have a good seal around the eyes. When swimming, put the goggles on first, then the cap, as this will help to keep your goggles from getting lost in the open water should you get bumped by another swimmer during the race. Shop for swim goggles and accessories.

Depending on your swim venue, you may also want to invest in a wetsuit. According to USA Triathlon rules, if the water temperature is below 78 degrees
Fahrenheit, wetsuits are legal and actually offer a bit of an advantage due to extra floatation. With water temperatures between 78-84 degrees, wetsuits are allowed; however, if you choose to wear one you will not be eligible for any awards. Above 84 degrees, wetsuits are not allowed as they pose more of a health hazard due to overheating. All wetsuits must be less than 5mm thick to avoid disqualification. Shop for wetsuits.

Under your wetsuit, or as your swim attire, you should wear some type of triathlon-specific race suit. There are many options for both males and females (one piece, two piece, triathlon-specific shorts, built-in sports bras, etc.). If you can, try out a few options over the course of your training so you are comfortable on race day. Word to the wise: Do not wear traditional bike shorts during the swim! The extra padding when wet is not comfortable for the remainder of the race.

Technique: When swimming, the most important thing to remember is to keep your head down. Imagine that you have a dowel rod that goes through the top of your head and out your feet. You should be rotating about this rod from one side to the other side of your body with every stroke, breathing every two to three strokes to the side (not up) during the recovery (or glide) phase of the stroke.

For triathletes, it is important to be able to breathe bilaterally to be able to adjust to the venue, water conditions and other swimmers around you. Sighting is also something to practice during training so that you are able to stay on course. Every 3-5 strokes, look up and make sure you are still on track toward your next buoy or turn and then put your head back down to get the most out of each stroke.

Training schedule: To get in shape for this part of the event, aim for two swims per week. For a sprint event, work up to swimming between 0.5-1.0 mile in the pool, as well as in open water, as most races take place in oceans or lakes. Before swimming in open water, be sure you are comfortable and competent swimming in a controlled environment. When you do decide to practice in open water, be sure you know your venue and whether there are any rip currents, sea creatures or regulations in the area you are swimming. It is always safer to swim with a partner or group and make sure you swim during daylight hours.

Biking Basics

Equipment: When compared to the other legs of a triathlon, the bike portion requires the most technical gear. There are only a few race rules regarding the actual bike, so you don't need to buy a completely new carbon frame with disc race wheels for your event. If you choose, you can complete a race using your weekend beach cruiser or trusty mountain bike, although a standard road bike will likely give you a much better race time. Using clipless bike pedals and compatible shoes will also help you get the most out of each pedal stroke. (See our Expert Advice article about how to choose clipless bike pedals.)

Regardless of the type of bike you own (or you can choose to rent one from a local bike shop for your training and event), it is important that the bike is fitted specifically to your body. Take the time and effort to see a bike specialist to have a professional bike fitting done.

Also remember that you will be required to wear a helmet when participating in a triathlon. Shop for bike helmets.

Technique: When cycling, think of your foot moving with the pedals like a clock. From the top of the pedal stroke (12 o'clock) to the bottom (6 o'clock), use your glutes and quads to push down. Then pretend from about 5 o'clock to 7 o'clock that you are scraping gum off the bottom of your shoe and keep your foot flat. From 6 o'clock back up to 12 o'clock, which is the recovery portion of the stroke, use your hamstrings to pull the pedal back up. Your most efficient cadence will vary depending on your bike, your fitness level and the terrain, so practice riding in different gears and on varied elevation to find what is best for you and your body.

Practice shifting smoothly between different gears on your bike, particularly as you encounter hills. Ride outdoors as much as possible and familiarize yourself with the rules of the road when it comes to cycling, and use bike lanes as much as possible while training. Never ride with headphones, as this is both dangerous and not allowed during a race.

On your rides, practice stopping, starting, turning, slowing down, shifting gears (particularly when approaching hills) clipping in and out of your pedals (if applicable) and taking a drink from your water bottle (which you should always have on your bike). It's also a good idea to practice riding in a group; local bike clubs are a great resource.

When you can't get outdoors, you can use an indoor stationary bike (the kind used in indoor cycling classes).

Training schedule: If you're training for your first sprint, include two to three bike sessions per week, depending on your fitness level and experience on the bike. Build up to 15 to 20 miles, and don't forget to include some hill training, especially if your race includes hills.

Running Basics

Equipment: All you need for this portion of the race is comfortable running clothes and a pair of high-quality running shoes. During a sprint race, there will likely be a couple of aid stations on the run that offer water and/or electrolyte drinks, so be sure to take advantage of those stops to stay hydrated. See our Expert Advice articles on how to choose running shoes and how to choose running clothing.

Technique: When doing endurance running, stride cadence is essential. Lean forward slightly through your chest, relax the hands, and allow the arms to swing forward and back from the shoulders, keeping the elbows bent at 90 degrees. As each foot hits the ground, think of hot lava and quickly lift the foot to move on to the next step. Aim for a pace of 150-180 beats per minute (or between 75 and 90 foot strikes per minute/per foot).

Training schedule: Include two to three runs per week, with one run immediately following your longest bike ride (your brick). To build speed and endurance, include speed workouts on a track, but make sure that you are able to complete at least three miles or 30 minutes consecutively before adding in this type of higher intensity running into your program. These workouts may include 4 x 400s on a track (one lap equals 400 meters) with 1-3 minutes of recovery between laps. By doing short bursts on a measured track, you are able to improve speed and also learn about pacing yourself to help you reach your race goals.

Sample Resistance Workout

Perform the following workout after completing a five- to 10-minute warm-up that consists of either cycling or jogging and some light foam rolling. After the workout, be sure to foam roll again and perform static stretches for the chest, triceps, glutes, quads, hamstrings and calves.

Begin with Circuit #1 and perform each exercise for 30 seconds, quickly transitioning between each exercise. Rest for 60 seconds and then move on to Circuit #2 and perform each exercise for 30 seconds. Once you've finished Circuit #2, rest for 60 seconds and then repeat both circuits two to four more times, depending on your fitness level and time available.

Hold a medicine ball overhead with arms extended.

Position feet hip- to shoulder-width apart with a slight external rotation of the feet.

Sit the hips down and back into a deep squat until the hips roll under your body or the arms are no longer able to stay straight
(whichever comes first).

Repeat exercise for 30 seconds.

Assume a plank position with the hands positioned below the shoulders.

Step one leg out to the side and bring it quickly back in toward the other.

Repeat on the other side so that each leg is quickly moving in and out like a pendulum.

Keep the hips stable and the core engaged.

Repeat exercise for 30 seconds.

With your back foot elevated on a low platform, step out your front foot to a comfortable lunging position.

Keep your chest up as you lower your body and bend the front knee to 90 degrees, or until you feel a comfortable stretch in the rear hip flexor.

Repeat the lunges for 30 seconds and then switch sides. Perform the second side for 30 seconds before moving on to the next exercise.

Using a bar or suspension trainer, begin with the arms straight and the feet placed a comfortable distance away that enables you to maintain a stable backward lean with your body in alignment from head to toe.

Keep the body rigid and engage the lats and upper back muscles to pull the elbows back and bring the chest upward.

Repeat exercise for 30 seconds.

The nonprofit American Council on Exercise (ACE) educates, certifies, and represents more than 53,000 fitness professionals, health coaches, and other allied health professionals. This publication is not intended to provide medical advice on personal health issues, which should be obtained directly from a physician.

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Triathlons have come a long way since 1974, when 46 people competed in the first swim/bike/run race, held in San Diego, CA. If you've decided to try this exciting, addicting and challenging sport, you're in good company-today, more than 2 million people participate in triathlons each year.

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Video for their first one!

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10 Things You Need To Know Before Your First Triathlon

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Health benefits

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When you canâ€™t remember the last time you saw your running shoes, and you find it difficult to see your feet when standing upright, attempting a triathlon might seem as achievable as winning the lottery.

If youâ€™re serious about it though, and you give yourself enough time to train and increase you fitness, it is sure to be the best decision you will ever make.
image credit
The benefits to your health will be one hundred-fold, but in the interests of taking up too much of your time (away from formulating your triathlon training program), I have compiled the top five benefits to spur you on in achieving the seemingly impossible:

1. Shedding those lbs

Nothing burns more calories than training for a triathlon.

The combination of swimming, cycling and running - known as cross training - will make you fitter than youâ€™ve ever been in your life, as well as burning huge amounts of fat from every area of your body.

Training for this three sport event will push you to eat a well-balanced diet, as well as fuelling yourself with things you know will give you energy to reach that next milestone. The age-old method of guilt-induced diets and tedious exercise plans are gone. Say hello to exercise you want to do, and a healthy diet that seems less of a chore to stick to.

2. 10 years younger

As well as slimming down, your body will be given a new lease of life. The lower health and fitness standards of pre-triathlon you, will be replaced with higher expectations and achievable goals to getting you to the fitness level you need to compete.

As we get older, we begin to accept that our health is deteriorating and that our fitness will deplete, but that does not have to be the case. Weâ€™ve all seen the 60-year-old guy smashing through marathons, triathlons and any other hard-core event you can think of.

So, no matter how wrinkly or rotund you feel, there is always a way to turn it around with a gently increasing training program that will take you from zero to hero, knocking ten years off you in a matter of months.

Each aspect of a triathlon offers its own health benefits, helping to sculpt you into a god or goddess. Swimming creates definition in your upper body and improves flexibility, while running develops long and lean muscles, leaving cycling to tone the lower body while slowly building strength.

3. Increase in energy

A dramatic increase in your exercise and the change in your diet will help to heighten your energy levels and improve productivity. Although some training sessions will be gruelling to get through, and you will obviously be tired afterwards, your overall energy levels will be much higher offering a positive effect.

You will also be able to focus and think more clearly, eradicating those days when you donâ€™t know whether youâ€™re coming or going.

Triathlon training is an effective method of getting fit without fatigue, and with each barrier you push though, the achievement will spur you on to reach the next goal, and the next.

4. Reducing the risk of injury

When you stick to just one sport â€" running, for example - you continue to stress the same body parts resulting in common injuries such as shin splints.

There is nothing more frustrating than a willing mind, but a body that is lacking. Injuries can set you back weeks in terms of your training, and seriously affect your level of enthusiasm and commitment to getting fit.

With triathlon training, you are pushing yourself in three different sports, which each focus on different parts of your body. So, with a more balanced method of fitness, you can enjoy being injury-free for longer, resulting in less pain and a stronger body.

5. Mental Health

Looking at the myriad of physical health benefits to triathlon training, it would be easy to overlook the mental aspects of improvement, in terms of happiness and motivation.

When you begin to improve your health, you also start to improve your perspective on what you can achieve and how far you can push yourself. You will begin to notice an increased level of self-confidence and a difference in the way others perceive you.

Completing a triathlon is highly impressive, so you will have to try to reign in the bragging and name-dropping in every conversion you partake in. Acting nonchalant about the 1.5km swim, 40km cycle and the 10km run you are about to undertake will be a hard task to attempt, but attempt it you must.
Author Bio:

So, with all these benefits the only question left for you to ask, is â€œWhen can I start?â€!
Katherine Weir is an avid writer of all things health, food and exercise related, working in collaboration with ActivInstinct.Â
This post was written by a guest author and edited by Hive Health Media Staff. If you would like to submit health or fitness news, click here.

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Top 5 Health Benefits of Triathlon Training

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When you canâ€™t remember the last time you saw your running shoes, and you find it difficult to see your feet when standing upright, attempting a triathlon might seem as achievable as winning the lottery. If youâ€™re serious about it though, and you give yourself enough time to train and increase you fitness, it is sure to be the best decision you will ever make.

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Simple rules and regulations to folow

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We can't blame you if you've been putting off studying the densely worded, 25-page official USAT race guidelines. You probably have better things to, like, say, training. Or taking a nap. So we enlisted a few experts to distill the document down to the basics, focusing on the areas where triathlon newbies typically run afoul of the law.

"Triathlon is very complicated to begin with. There's a lot going on," says Ian Murray, founder of the Triathlon Training Series and one of only 16 level-3 triathlon coaches in the country. "And that's before people come to realize there are rules they have to follow where they can get penalized or disqualified."

As you prepare for your first race, keep in mind the guidelines below to reach the finish line without fault.
More: How to Train for a Triathlon
All Stages

Rule 1: Unplug your iPod. For safety's sake, you can't blast "Born to Run", or any music, during the race. So if you're accustomed to jogging with your tunes on full-blast, get used to the silence. "As a coach, one of my laws of triathlons is nothing new on race day," Murray says. "You have a chance to try everything in training. You might need a workout or two where you don't use the music in order to find the groove and the motivation without it."
More: Why You Should Ditch the Tunes While Training
Rule 2: Keep it clean. Long story short, keep your garbage to yourself. You'll get docked serious minutes if you're caught tossing any of those gel packs or Power Bar wrappers to the street. The problem: "Lots of triathlon shorts and shirts have a very small pocket," Murray says. The solution: "Take your gel tab or your wrapper and either tuck it underneath the leg or in the pocket of your race suit."
More: How to Set Up Your Transition Area
Rule 3: Fly solo. Your family, your friends, and your lady can cheer all they want from the sidelines, but they can't do a thing that might help you gain even a miniscule advantage. "You can't have a family member or a friend or even a stranger hand you something during the event," Murray says. "You can only get race-provided support." And there should be plenty of that: Aid stations are typically well supplied with water and sports drinks like Gatorade.

Rule 4: Keep your own pace. Just in case rule three didn't make it clear enough, your friends can't even shout your time. We know, lighten up, right? They also can't run along with you for a few feet, Rocky-style, to help buoy your spirits. "You have to do it all yourself," Murray says. "Officials cruise around the course looking for these infractions and they can give you a penalty, a 2- or 3-minute infraction, which in a short race can mean the difference between third and twelfth." Don't worry, pick up your own pace by following these 3 Easy Ways to Run Faster.
More: Pace Strategies for Race Day

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We can't blame you if you've been putting off studying the densely worded, 25-page official USAT race guidelines. You probably have better things to, like, say, training. Or taking a nap. So we enlisted a few experts to distill the document down to the basics, focusing on the areas where triathlon newbies typically run afoul of the law.

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this image is great - should use it for the multimedia resource

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Looks a good place to hold the triathlon

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What - Saundersfoot Triathlon

When - 8th September 2018

Where - Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire

Distance - 750m Swim, 20k Bike & 5k Run

Price - £45
Where to enter - Why should I take part:- www.saundersfoottriathlon.com What our athletes had to say:-
Saundersfoot Triathlon is an ideal event for beginners and experienced athletes. With Ironman Wales the following day, we offer athletes a chance to take home their own medal and support there team members/family or friends competing in Ironman Wales the following day. The route is a a quick swim, followed by a supportive 2 lap bike, finishing with a flat run through the tunnels to Wisemans Bridge and back. For ages 14 and over, you can make a family affair out of the weekend.

Fantastic location and event for a Sprint Tri.

'I signed up the event as i was in Tenby the following day supporting the Ironman event, but also as a good way to finish the year with a sprint triathlon and one i knew would be well organised by the Activity Wales team.

Registration on the friday evening was no problem, easy enough to park either by the harbour or hall where the registration took place. Little disappointed at registration that you had to pay extra for an event tshirt but it was fine, i was there for the event not the tshirt.

First and foremost the weather didn't disappoint. Stunning location and with the sun rising over a very flat and calm sea it couldn't have been better. I managed to park the car just up the road from the town which meant a nice gentle stroll down to the front with the bike and bags. Transition was buzzing and the events team had gone all out with a huge stage in front of the transition area.

Race briefing was great as usual with Scott on the mic and the organisers had changed the swim to one lap rather than 2 small laps which suited everyone better. Felt like lots of newbies which was reassuring and everyone was having a good laugh and chat as we started and made our way into the water down the slip way. Other than the odd elbow, it was a pretty tidy swim and run back up to tranistion.

The bike took us out from the harbour and straight up a hill (although thankfully it wasnt heartbreak hill!) 2 laps followed of a rolling route, couple of steep hills, flat bits, descent down heartbreak hill and back into the town. I will say people in this part of town really know how to support events. The locals on their front gardens and the sheer amount of cheering and clapping down the harbour and town was just fantastic!

The run then was the oppostite direction down the front, through 2/3 very dark tunnels which were also a little uneven and towards the forest area by wisemans bridge. All flat except for the slilght incline through the forest but this was nothing at all. The route took you right along the sea front and with the sun still rising, it was a pretty stunning route!

Good run back then to the town and across the line alongisde the sea. Fantastic medal as well and a brilliant event. Highly recommended!!' Gaz Pritchard 2016

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Saundersfoot Triathlon Profile Activity Wales Events

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What - Saundersfoot Triathlon When - 8th September 2018 Where - Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire Distance - 750m Swim, 20k Bike & 5k Run Price - £45 Where to enter - Why should I take part:- www.saundersfoottriathlon.com What our athletes had to say:- Saundersfoot Triathlon is an ideal event for beginners and experienced athletes.

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Good video. Take a look.

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Triathlon Training Benefits - 4 Reasons to do a Triathlon

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take a look at this website, It has some really good info on the history of triathlons