Triathlons are one of the fastest growing sports in Ireland and are not just for the superfit athlete. The variety in triathlon training makes it one of the most enjoyable ways to get in all around great shape. It is an endurance sport, in which the individual carries out a swimming, a cycling and a running segment and in the order as stated. The three disciplines combine and complement one another to improve an individuals overall fitness, but most of all it’s the sheer enjoyment, adrenaline rush and the sense of accomplishment that comes when you cross the finish line, that gets you hooked.
If you are looking for a new challenge to kick start the New Year then – Give it a Tri!
So what is involved?
There are various distances that a triathlon can come in:
Sprint: 750m Swim, 20k Cycle, 5k Run
Standard (Olympic): 1500m Swim, 40K Cycle, 10k Run
Long (Ironman): 3800m Swim, 180k cycle, 42.2k Run
What do I need to get started?
There is specific triathlon wear that you can buy but if it’s your first event, swimming togs will suffice for the swim and shorts & top/jersey for the cycle and run will do fine. Swim: Togs, Goggles & Hat. If the swim is open water then you will probably need a wetsuit:
Cycle: Bike – a racing bike is probably the best option, but you could use a mountain or hybrid bike. A helmet is compulsory for all races. As you get more into the triathlons there are a lot of accessories you can purchase for the bike, but don’t rush into buying all the expensive gear.
Run: Good pair of runners.
Where do I find out about events?
Generally, the triathlon season commences in February and runs up until September. There are races in almost every county in Ireland.
Limerick Triathlon club www.limericktriathlon.com is the longest running triathlon club in Ireland. Founded in 1985 the club has recently gone through a boom in with membership now totalling over 120 members. Every year the club organises numerous races. New members are always welcome and an application form can be completed on-line.
You Can do it
Yes you can! It just takes patience and willpower and once you have these the training will come easy.
Some useful websites:
www.limericktiathlon.com
www.triathlonireland.com
www.beginnertriathlete.com
www.indi.ie – Useful information on nutrition
www.activeeurope.com – A list of fitness events globally
Limerick Triathlon Club has a wide variety of club training sessions organised to suit different abilities and needs and a training timetable is available on the website. Once you join the club you will meet many more like minded people so you will have training partners in no time!
