Fairfield Iowa Convention & Visitors Bureau

Preparing for the SEI-TRI

Triathlons can be a shot of adrenaline and the inspiration you need to embark on a life- long practice of exercising. Although the Tri is three consecutive events: the swim, the bike ride, and the run, many first timers compete in teams of three, biting off only one of three. Newbies should consider this an endurance event; you’re here to complete it happily and safely. If you decide to participate in the September Super Sprint, you may find that the thrill of being with other fitness enthusiasts is very contagious. The camaraderie and the possibilities for finding other “fitness buddies” makes this worth it, both physically and emotionally.

There are a myriad of training resources available on the web,www.fitnesssports.com (for events and links to training routines) and www.active.com/triathlon for lots of helpful articles to point you in the right direction for doing a TRI. One of the best books for beginners is Gale Bernhardt’s Triathlon Training Basics. Her articles are also featured at active.com . Our local women’s triathlon group, FIT, (Fairfield Iowa Triathletes), has a blog that has some helpful tips and links, http://fairfieldtrinewbies.wordpress.com

The training aspect of any exercise routine should be approached with common sense. Start easily with any of the three disciplines, don’t train under extreme conditions, -whether it be heat or cold-, and give yourself time to adapt to the new exercise, with time set aside for stretching and relaxation. An important thing to remember about a training regimen is that one size does not fit all! You must find one that you can handle, physically and mentally. You must not think that it is overwhelming to do: If you do, it is. If you’re a beginner, your goal should be to add to your training distances in order to get close to the distance of the event in which you’ll compete. Let’s say for example you’re going to do the bike portion of the event. If you can regularly bike four miles and the event distance is six miles, over the next several weeks slowly and comfortably increase your distance to the race distance. Even if you can get close to the distance, come race day you WILL be able to do it: The excitement and adrenaline will move you to the line.

If you’re attempting this endurance event for the first time, “slow and steady” should be your chant. If you’ve overdone it, your body will very clearly tell you so, either immediately, with a dose of pain, or the next day, when you try and get out of bed. If you feel like you’re 113 and can barely move, well, then, you know you’ve done too much! The goal should be to feel at least as good as the day before, if not a bit stronger. You want to establish a life- long habit of exercising regularly. This should not be tedious and painful, but fun and invigorating. Enjoy the process. See you at the SEI-TRI!!