I found this story on foxnews.com. The advice they give in the end is timely, as I am currently putting together a course to help triathletes build more confidence in the open water. Without confidence going into a race, you are bound to get thrown off your game, and things can get out of control quickly. You won’t have as much fun either, as you would if you had major confidence going into each leg of the race.

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/07/05/training-for-triathlon/

Training for a triathlon

By Colleen Cappon

Published July 05, 2012

FoxNews.com

Triathlons are one of the fastest growing sporting events in the nation, with nearly two million participants in 2011.

Fox News’ Anna Kooiman is training for the New York City Triathlon, which is a one-mile swim, 25-mile bike ride, and 6-mile run. She recently got together with her triathlon coach, Robert Pennino of TerrierTri.com to talk about how even beginners can get involved.

Pennino said even though triathlons sound intimidating, there are shorter races called ‘sprint triathlons’ that are a great way to start.

“A sprint is usually about a half-mile swim, about a 15-mile bike, and a 3-mile run,” he said. “Just a little bit of training can get you through a sprint.”

Kooiman started her training day at Equinox gym with what she considers her most challenging event: swimming. She said the hardest part is sighting – watching where you are swimming.

“A lot of beginners will get in and say, ‘Oh, I don’t want to sight, it’s too much work.’ The next thing you know, they’re swimming circles and they don’t even realize it,” Pennino said.

When it comes to the biking portion of the race, Pennino said many people think you have to spend a lot on gear to do a triathlon, but that’s a myth.

“It’s just a matter of having a budget for yourself and going in with that budget. But if you’re new to the sport we recommend spending less money on a road bike,” he said. “If you love it, then you go out and get all the bells and whistles.”

Pennino said the most important piece of advice for those participating in a triathlon isn’t about gear or running times.

“Confidence. Just know anybody can do a triathlon and it’s more about the unknown of doing your own triathlon.”

To learn more about training for a triathlon, visit www.TerrierTri.com