FAQs
What is a Triathlon?
Triathlon is a multi-sport event that involves swimming, cycling, and running, typically in that order. It's a challenging sport that requires both physical and mental strength. Sometimes you will see other sports thrown in, but our club focuses on traditional competitive triathlon which is swimming, biking, and running.
What are the triathlon distances?
There are several different triathlon distances, and you can choose the one that best suits your goals.
The distances below are not always exact - some races have to adjust distances based on course limitations: A sprint triathlon involves a 750-meter swim, a 13-15 mile bike ride, and a 5-kilometer run. An Olympic triathlon is a 1,500 meter swim, 25-mile bike ride, and 5 kilometer run A Half Ironman involves a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile ride, and half-marathon run. An Ironman consists of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride, and a marathon run.
Who can join the Triathlon Club?
Anyone can join our triathlon club, regardless of their year, gender, or fitness level. Triathlon clubs are a great way to meet new people and learn more about the sport. The vibe is very supportive.
No, you don't have to be an experienced athlete to join a triathlon club. We welcome beginners and people training for their first race. If you are experienced, you will find some good, more-advanced training mates as well.
Ultimately, the frequency of training depends on your goals and schedule. Some members train every day, while others train a few times a week. It's important to find a training schedule that works for you and your class schedule, and allows for adequate rest and recovery.
Do you actually do triathlon races? When?
Yes. We mainly race in the summer, and many club members race on their own as well.
What equipment do I need to have to do triathlon?
Not as much as you think!
The equipment you need for triathlon includes a bike, helmet, bike shorts, swimsuit, goggles, swim cap, and running gear. Some athletes also use a triathlon wetsuit, triathlon-specific shorts and perhaps a triathlon singlet (top), and other accessories.
Why do people join the triathlon club?
People join triathlon clubs for many reasons, including socialization, motivation, and accountability. Many of our members love the support of teammates as they train for their first race, or try to get better and better at tri’s. Being part of a club can help you stay committed to your training and provide a supportive community.
What kind of bike do I need for triathlon?
Don’t let the bike intimidate you! If you have a good road bike, great. You can actually use any bike in a shorter triathlon. Some people buy a triathlon-specific bike, but that is not at all required for newer folks.
We would recommend trying to find a road or tri bike if you can, but if you decide to use a different style bike, you will still be welcomed!
I'm not a good swimmer. Can I still do triathlon?
Yes, you can still do triathlon even if you're not a strong swimmer. Many athletes struggle with the swim portion of the event and focus on improving their technique and endurance through training. Lots of our members are strong swimmers, and can help provide tips on how to get more confident in the water.
You train during the school year, which could be cold and wet. Any tips?
It's important to dress appropriately for the weather and wear layers that can be removed as you warm up. Training indoors is also an option, and many triathlon clubs have access to indoor facilities.
Riding in some rain can be pretty normal. It is key to be sure that you are taking corners a little more slowly, and allowing a safe stopping distance. Also, i tis not uncommon for your glasses to fog up in rain, so consider having a spare set along.
It is important to get your base level of fitness up, which can include doing things like spin classes, running indoors, or other workouts that are easy to do even if the weather outside is bad.
How much time do I need to allow for triathlon training each week?
The amount of time needed for training depends on your goals and fitness level.
Generally, athletes should aim for at least 3-4 hours of training per week for a sprint triathlon and 10-12 hours per week for an Ironman (a little more during the peak phase).
Most people can do a sprint triathlon in a competitive time by training 4 times a week for 3-4 months, increasing the intensity as they progress.
Where would you recommend I go for more information about triathlon?
There are lots of resources online. The USAT is the governing body of triathlon and has lots of good information. Sources like Complete Tri are good for some real-world tips. And talking with other club members will really increase your learning curve, too.