A Triathlon Training Equipment Guide

Are you a first time triathlete who is looking for the best bike for training? Are you a veteran triathlete who is just looking for new bike equipment? Do you need assistance finding the right bikes for triathlons? There are many different brands and kinds of triathlon bikes available at your disposal, but choosing the right one can be hard. This article will assist you in choosing the right bike equipment for your triathlon needs and, if you are a beginner triathlete, how to start training for your very first triathlon.

A Triathlon Training Equipment Guide

Equipment Needs

First and foremost, especially for the beginner triathlete, you will first need to determine if you even need a new bike. You don't have to jump right in and buy all brand new equipment before your first competition, but you may decide after the first couple that the bike you're using is not right for you. For endurance competitions like these, bike fit becomes a bit more important.

Your local bike shop performs professional bike fitting and is able to provide you with tips and help to make your current bike a better fit. Your bike shop can also assist you in finding the correct bike for your triathlon needs.

Bike Considerations

If you do decide to keep competing, you will want to find a bike that is more suitable to your needs. Two of the most important factors to take under consideration when choosing a bike are comfort and speed. You want to ensure that the bike of your choosing is comfortable to ride on a consistent basis. The more comfortable you are while biking, the more likely you are to keep up with it on a long term basis. Ensuring that the bike fits well can also assist in reducing the number of injuries that can be sustained when bicycling. When choosing a bike, there are a multitude of performance road bikes at your disposal. A helpful tip to keep in mind is that name brands like Bianchi, Litespeed, KHS and Norco can offer better pricing and superior quality when compared with their big brand mainstream counter parts.

What is a Triathlon and What do I Need?

Next, once you have chosen your bike, it is time to get the rest of your equipment and start training for your first event. A triathlon is a series of three events which include:

• Swimming;
• Running a marathon;
• And bicycling.

You will need not only a bike, but also proper attire. Proper attire for a triathlon should include:

• Running and bicycling shoes;
• A swimsuit or wetsuit;
• Bicycling and running shorts;
• And swimming goggles and a water bottle for those longer bike rides.

Committing to Training

It is extremely important to know that training for a triathlon takes time and commitment. You should give yourself at least 12 weeks for sufficient training and to get in shape to avoid a potentially serious injury. This is especially important if you are not otherwise active. You should commit to training for 5 days a week, and training should be anywhere from 2 to 4 hours a week. On the weekends, you can commit to building your endurance by going on bike rides. Bike rides should be the longest workout of them all and should be anywhere from one to two hours long. Anything more than this, at least for a beginner, can result in injury.

Also, some folks with children or other commitments may have trouble finding time to fully commit to the time it can take to train for a triathlon. If possible, on workout training days, try to get up very early to start your workout. Not only does that still leave you plenty of time left in the day to spend with family or other commitments, but working out in the morning has been proven to give you more energy throughout the day. Also, you may just want to train less. Training less can actually be good for you when competing. You can be fresh and feel better overall as compared to someone who has did a full workout the day or week before.

Access Abilities and Set Goals

As an added measure to your workouts, remember to incorporate a variety of exercises into them for at least two of those workouts. Swimming is a great way to train and to slowly build your endurance and work on your breathing techniques. Swimming can be one of the easier training methods, however, that is why it should only be done a couple of times a week. For the most part, you want to train hard and really feel what you are doing later on. If your body isn't sore, you probably didn't train hard enough.

In conclusion, training for a triathlon the right way with the right equipment and bike for a triathlon is of the utmost importance. Not only will it ensure that you get in the best shape possible, but it can help you avoid a potentially serious injury. Competing in a triathlon can be one of the most rewarding experiences in your life. Training safely and with the right bike by following this Triathalon Training Equipment Guide can enhance your experience and hopefully, make you want to compete again.