If you’re a beginner to triathlon, the first thing you need to know is that it’s a great sport, which is welcoming to people of all levels and abilities.
There are lots of options for getting started in triathlon and you don’t need to go straight into a race to get involved. Here we share with you all our triathlon tips for beginners, including where to go, what to wear, how to train and how to get the most enjoyment from triathlon!
Tip 1 – Start small
There are lots of different triathlon distances to choose from. We recommend you start small and build up to the longer distances. You can find hundreds of races nationwide on our Event Finder and filter which triathlon distance you’d like to do.
A great place to start is with our Swim Bike Run events, which are hosted by clubs and organisations all-round the country. These allow you to learn new skills and get a taste of triathlon, without the pressure of a full race. Many have six week courses on offer to build up your skills in specific aspects of triathlon. You can also meet lots of other budding triathletes and maybe even enter your first race together!
Learn More About Swim Bike Run
Tip 2 - Build up your training gradually
You don’t need to be skilled at all three elements of the triathlon, it’s not about being the best or the fastest, you just want to be able to complete and feel comfortable doing it. We’ll let you into a little secret…even the pros have one element which they like the least.
When you’re training for a triathlon it’s important to build up your distance for each element gradually. You’ve got three sports to train for, so having a plan is a great help, and can stop you feeling overwhelmed.
You may want to download a training plan and/or engage a private coach to help get you ready for the day.
Practising the back-to-back elements is crucial in your training. Finding your swim to cycle and cycle to run legs is a whole new feeling.
Bringing swim, bike and run together makes for a very different experience, but the main thing is to take your time and enjoy it.
Tip 3 –Don’t go it alone!
Triathletes are a really friendly bunch. Joining your local triathlon club can be a great way to get support and meet new people. Many British Triathlon affiliated clubs offer potential new members up to three FREE taster sessions. There you’ll also will meet lots of other people at all stages in their triathlon journey, including experienced coaches, who can help advise and encourage you.
If clubs aren’t for you why not encourage a friend or family member to join you on your triathlon journey, or explore advice and triathlon groups online?
Tip 4 – Research your kit – you don’t need expensive gear to begin with
What equipment do I need to get started in triathlon? Is a very common question, it can seem a lot to think of triathlon equipment for all three disciplines. When you’re considering what triathlon equipment you need our advice is to keep it simple.
If you’re doing one of our Swim Bike Run events you don’t need any specialist kit. Just a pair of trainers, access to a bike and your swimming kit. This is similar if you’re taking part in your first full triathlon event. It’s better to keep it simple to start with.
Triathlon Bike
You may think you need a special triathlon bike, but the reality is any bike in good, serviced condition will be fine for your first triathlon. It’s not a problem to use a mountain bike or a hybrid bike. If you don’t already have a bike, you could buy one second-hand to start you off.
There are some cycling charities which give away reconditioned bikes, such as this one. Second-hand is great for sustainability and the environment too – plus, you can pass your bike on again if you decide to upgrade in the future!
Triathlon Shoes
Some people have different shoes for the bike and run but there’s nothing to stop you wearing the same pair of trainers for both when you’re starting out. Ensure your trainers are comfortable and suitable and make sure you’ve trained in them.
Triathlon Clothing
It’s all about what you feel comfortable in. If your swim is in a pool you just need your normal swimming costume/trunks, a swim hat and goggles, if you wear them.
For the cycle and run you can just pop a t-shirt and shorts over the swimwear if you like. The main thing is to practise in whatever you’re going to wear on the day, so you know it feels right for you.
Triathlon Suits and Triathlon Wetsuits
If the swim is outdoors, you may want a triathlon suit (often know as a Tri suit) or triathlon wetsuit. A Tri suit is designed to be worn for all three elements, so you don’t need to change in between and is usually worn under the wetsuit. Looking to purchase a tri suit or some new kit? Take a look at the British Triathlon official merchandise – currently we have a 40% discount on our Tri suit.
A triathlon wetsuit is designed to give the swimmer more buoyancy and keep them warmer in the water. You would remove this after the swim and have a triathlon suit on underneath to cycle and run in. Wetsuits are mandatory in water below 14 degrees and forbidden above 22 degrees. Please check the British Triathlon competition rules for full guidance.
If you don’t want to invest in a wetsuit straight away, you can often hire them from the event provider, or a private wetsuit hire company. Again, it’s important to have practised in these before the day. Swimming in a wetsuit is very different to swimming without one!
Tip 5 – Practice transitions
Often described as the fourth discipline in triathlon, transition is something you’ll hear mentioned a lot and a key skill that’s useful to hone when you come to do an event. Essentially, it’s the bit in-between the disciplines, where you switch from one sport to another. Before you do a triathlon it’s good to practice doing transitions. Here is an article that give you some top tips for transitions.
Tip 6 - Enjoy it
Absolutely the most important thing! Whether you’re just starting out, or training for your first event, enjoying it should always be an outcome.
Get your family and friends behind you to support you in your training or come and cheer you on. Think of what reward you’re going to give yourself afterwards and spend time basking in the glory when you cross the finish line!
If you haven’t yet got an event booked, what are you waiting for? Come and join the triathlon family and find an event near you!
