BY: RACHEL SMITH

I know what you’re thinking:  Triathlons are for the super-athletic.  The people who spend hours and hours at the gym each day.  The gung-ho, only-eat-healthy-and-workout types.

Well… that’s not entirely true.  In fact, TRI Clear Lake is the perfect example of where one could start on their Triathlon journey.  It’s a mix of newbies and seasoned veterans, so you won’t feel out of place or awkward if it’s something you’ve never done before.

I promise!

So what’s holding you back from getting signed up?  I’m guess it’s the fact you’ve never done anything like this before and are not sure where to start… so here’s a bit of help to get you on the right path.

According to www.active.com, here are a few tips and tricks for training for a Triathlon.

  1. Go short before going long.
    1. PERFECT! Tri Clear Lake is what’s considered a Sprint Triathlon.  Unlike The Ironman World Championship, which is arguable the most recognizable (and challenging) triathlon in the World, TRI Clear Lake is a shortened, much easier version.  Perfect for a first-timer.
  2. Stay close to Home.
    1. This one is a no-brainer, Clear Lakers. Eliminate the unknown elements and do an event in your own town.  You’re familiar with the surroundings which will help your overall nerves and anxiety on race day.
  3. Just a swim suit and goggles for the swim.
    1. TRI Clear Lake does not require a wetsuit, however, with our random array of temps it might be a good idea to invest in one in case the water is chilly. Still… a swimsuit and a pair of goggles will work just fine!
  4. Your bike is fine!
    1. Whether it’s a road bike, mountain bike or hybrid – it’s FINE! Just be sure it’s correctly fit to you and is in good working order.
  5. You need running shoes.
    1. This is totally worth the investment. Your feet are very important, and a good pair of running shoes can save you from serious harm or injury down the road.
  6. It doesn’t’ take as much training as you might think.
    1. True story! You do not need to be training hours upon hours upon hours for TRI Clear Lake.  You can be ready for a sprint-distance race, like this one, on less than five hours per week of training.  Find a good training plan and stick to it!
  7. Plan to rest.
    1. You want to do enough training to complete the event and have fun, but don’t overdo it. Rest is just as important as training.
  8. Transition time counts too.
    1. This means that the time in between your swim, bike and run count for your overall triathlon time. Practice smooth and swift transitions so you’re not adding extra to your overall time.
  9. Plan to do the first half of the race slower.
    1. It’s easy to be excited and jump into the race at full speed ahead. Plan to start out easy.  When you reach the half-way point, pick up the pace and finish strong.
  10. One piece of “trick” equipment.
    1. Look into buying elastic shoe laces. They allow you to slip your feed into your running shoes and eliminate the need to stop and tie them.  A simple trick you may not think of, but will save time in your overall race.

See?  Seems like easy-peasy, right?  And for those of you who are still on the fence, remember that you CAN do TRI Clear Lake as a relay.  If it’s your first triathlon event, maybe that’s the best way to dip your toes into the sport.  Find a few friends and sign up together!

To register, click on the link below.  I hope you see you at the Lake, friends – especially on June 8th!

https://www.trisignup.com/Race/IA/ClearLake/TRIClearLake19