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BY: RACHEL SMITH

I found this article on Active.com.  It includes tips and advice for those looking to do their first triathlon.  As I skimmed through the slides, it hit me that anyone really CAN give it a TRI.

  1. Dispel your Fears
    1. This is a big one. Because, honestly, it can be scary.  And most of that scary is because of the unknown.  If you’re not a super-athletic type of person, I totally get it.  You don’t know where to start, and you don’t want to look like an idiot as you muffle your way through.  Well here’s a bit of advice – You CAN swim.  You DON’T need to spend a fortune on gear.  And yes, you DO have time to train.
  2. Sign up for a Race
    1. Well this might just be the easiest part of all. In fact, here’s the link to sign up for TRI Clear Lake.  Just point, click, sign up, and away you go!
    2. https://www.trisignup.com/Race/IA/ClearLake/TRIClearLake19
  1. Get the Gear
    1. Basic gear is key to helping you through the triathlon. No, it doesn’t need to be top-of-the-line, fancy-schmancy gear.  It just needs to work for training, and for the race.  Your basic lot includes goggles, running shoes, a bike and a helmet.
  2. Follow a Training Plan
    1. Google will be your best friend on this one. I suggest doing a bit of research and finding a training plan that best suits your goals.  It will become your best friend in the whole, wide world.  Follow it, and you’ll be golden!
  3. Overcome your Fear of the Swim
    1. THIS!!! I hear it ALL THE TIME.  “Well, I’d love to do TRI Clear Lake, but I don’t think I can do the swim.”
    2. News Flash – YOU CAN! Coming soon, watch for posts on the TRI Clear Lake Facebook page for open swim at State Beach.  It’s a chance to practice with others who are, honestly, just as scared about the swim as you.    Bond.  Share your worries and then get in the darn water and swim.  Once you do it a few times, race day will be a breeze!
  4. Practice Nutrition
    1. This one tends to be overlooked easily. If you’re training for TRI, it’s easy to forget that nutrition is also an important step.  Plus, it helps prepare your stomach for nerves and stress on race day!
  5. Practice Transitions
    1. Your goal, especially if this is your first triathlon, is to make transitions happen smoothly. Go through the motions, practice your swim-to-bike and bike-to-run changes.
  6. Trust your Training
    1. It’s okay to be nervous. It’s okay to have second thoughts, or think you’re not ready.  If you’ve followed your training plan, however, then stick to it until the end.  Do not make any last minute changes to your strategy or your gear.  TRUST that you’ve done everything you could – and followed your plan – to prepare for race day.
  7. Rock the Race
    1. Try not to let nerves rule your race day. Just have FUN!  Breathe – enjoy – you’ve earned this!
  8. Celebrate Your Accomplishment!
    1. DID. IT. What better way to enjoy it than with a sweet swag bag, finisher prize, and a super-awesome-incredibly-fun finish line party!!!!

We hope to see you on race day, June 8th in Clear Lake.  Trust me, you’ll be SO happy you decided to give it a TRI with TRI Clear Lake!