Planning Your First Triathlon | How To Become A Triathlete!

Are you ready for a new challenge? How about a triathlon? Putting all three sports of swim, bike and run together for the first time is quite daunting. We are here to guide you through the process so you know how to go about becoming a triathlete.
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[@gtn]

What are your 2021 goals? Share them with us - we'd love to know!

[@pedallife815]

I want to compete 5k non stop but feel a terrible pain in the belly and a burning sensation in my chest if I run continuously for more than 5 minutes. I am 12 but my weight is 183lbs please help me out gtn

[@leomichel9152]

My goal... Is... To have a goal 😅 Fingers crossed with C-19

[@prajwalkatwal4383]

current: 10 km 58.47 Goal: 10 km in 45 min

Ironman Cascais but its sold out already :( currently searching for some alternatives close by

[@peterritchie2554]

Started a training plan for a half marathon after watching yesterday’s GTN video, hopefully going to do a full marathon my the end of the year 🏃‍♂️

[@jennyy123021]

For beginners feeling interested but that it's out of reach, I am not and never have been great at any of the three events but fell in love with tri, anyway. I sort of knew how to swim, barely knew how to bike and had never run more than 3 consecutive miles in my entire life. Working out in one discipline always became tedious or boring and I was never able to stick to any program or routine. I started VERY small and worked my way up and still do not have a great wetsuit or bike but I can't explain just how much fun I have anyway. I've only competed for two years and have a blast with the positive energy of everyone at the few events where I've participated. I was incredibly nervous for my first races and asked plenty of strangers for advice--all of whom were lovely and very helpful. I won't go as far as to say tri has cured my depression or solved all my problems but it has become a lovely and stable way to stay as well as possible. I don't race to win, I just race to surprise myself and continue to have the time of my life. I hope you will give it a shot.

[@pawemadej94]

That is 100% me!

[@samw156]

I've been doing triathlon for 10+ years, and I'm still watching this

[@danieltdp]

I've never done one and don't intent to... And I'm here too!

[@maxsotelo9518]

I want to so badly!!! 😭😭😭🥺🥺🥺 I FRIGGEN WILL!!!!!!

[@iggalan]

For the first triathlon I recommend you read the rules well in advance, it's important. Make sure you're wearing your helmet always that you're touching your bike (in the transition area). Be sure that you check in with plenty of time, lines are expected and you don't want to rush. Sometimes the briefing is mandatory. Double check the schedules! And then just enjoy it and don't worry about time 💪 .

[@rustydagon598]

Doing my first tri this weekend! Really excited!

[@TriKaggie]

Good luck!!!

[@corecreekproductions6533]

Just did my first triathlon two weeks ago. I was already biking up to 100 miles a ride, ran a marathon (20 years ago!) and swam on a competitive team (30 years ago!). But I wasn’t able to train for the run or swim parts and went for it anyway. So glad I did…. Beat my goal time by 15 minutes, and am now looking to do an Olympic next summer. I got the big….

[@Bluefrenzy78]

2021 was supposed to be the year I do my first triathlon but didn't get enough swim practice in last year. 2022 will be the year for me!

[@user-in1fm8zz4e]

I watch tri videos. Particularly the ironman motivational type and literally come to tears and have a feeling that I am supposed to be doing one.... I cannot explain it. I hope that doesn't sound weird. I do have some running, biking and swimming experience. I love the three. I have gotten out of shape recently over the past several years. Life got very complicated and I turned to drinking to cope and in the process I am not anywhere near ready. I have started back in the gym but I need to get started. I'm just not sure what to do !

[@jaydizfishing6024]

Just completed my 1st Triathlon last weekend. Thank you GTN for the inspiration. I'm down 75lbs since February and looking forward to many more tri's in the future.

[@callumnotman5145]

Did my first triathlon (S) this sunday in the south west of France. 1h22min (finished 73rd out of 171... not great but really enjoyed it) French Paralympian Ahmed Andaloussi was there (his club organized the race) which was brilliant. Knowing that he just came back from Tokyo 2020 I binged as many GTN videos in the months before the race which helped my nerves. Your channel is brilliant...as is this sport. Cheers again, keep the videos coming! 😁

[@thegrayadventure2357]

I've been watching GTN for a year now and just finished my knee surgery a few months ago. Once I get cleared for full activity it will be time to train and complete a race! Thank you GTN for all the content.

[@3cc4]

Thanks a lot for this video 💪🏽

[@johnpedersen4162]

I have been in triathlon awhile now but I still love to watch your videos

[@dimrub]

Thanks for posting this - and at such an auspicious timing too. I think 2021 will finally be the tri year for me.

[@Accounting4Cycling]

My brother and I are going to do a triathlon this summer, first for me but he's done many in the past. Very excited to give it a go! I'm a strong cyclist, okay runner, and can survive swimming.

[@callumwarner2818]

Found a real love for the outdoors and pushing myself in 2020 and after coming across channels like GTN I’ve been on a one way path to setting challenges and smashing them! First triathlon booked Aug 2021 in Copenhagen and it’s Olympic distance. I wanted something to look forward to and long enough to psyche me up 💪🏽 🏃🏽‍♂️ I’m really excited for it! Love the channel 👊🏽

[@gmdado]

Thx for all the videos GTN team, they are a great help for me... actualy I started training by myself for my first triathlon -modified olympic distance(1,5/50/10) three months ago. I had no "endurance" sports experience, but have almost two decades in gym/strength training so it is interesting to see gradual body transformation. Looking forward for each of Your youtube videos!!!

[@frankconte264]

love your videos, my goal this year was to try for my first triathlon, but due to lockdowns they have all been cancelled so I'm taking it as a chance to train harder and longer to build my confidence.

[@jenslingspaint3523]

Great video. I've been training for my first Triathlon since October and unfortunately had a setback last week, I shattered my ring finger last week playing with my dog at the beach. I needed some surgery to put things back in place. Hopefully I won't lose too much of my fitness base as I recover. I'm definitely going to give this video a rewatch as I get closer to my first Triathlon in May.

[@spandexcore]

Great video, did my first standard distance in November, my friend gave me her old pink Wetsuit which made me a Lil self conscious as I'm a dude but no one judged (gotta save up) . The swim was terrifying as I clearly didnt train enough, especially on breathing I've since been in the pool and getting more prepared for my second the end of the month 😊. Thanks gtn for great content

[@s0nofp2l]

Decided I'd try a Tri for my 30th a year ago, giving me 3 years to train / gather the equipment (there's a theme yes). I used to be a really good swimmer, but I've not been in the pool for ages, always had a bike but only just started properly cycling and I've been running since school but not really focused enough on to get anywhere. This videos has really put my mind at ease and got me excited for my first even (I might try a sprint this year in prep for the main next). I've also recently got my tri suit which has made the idea seem a lot more real too.

[@lwittrock1]

Great video!

[@pumpkineater_4208]

I trained riding and running the last few months and got really good at it. The only thing is that pools are closed since november due to corona and there’s no possibility to train outside in rivers or lakes. So yeah, looking forward to make my first triathlon in 2022

[@paddywiggle]

I think I’m going to go for olympic distance first for the challenge. The swim is the most daunting for me! It’s not a new year’s resolution, but it’s about time for me to get into the pool and start swimming. My brother is a swimmer and I’ll start training with him. My goal is a half ironman in the next 2 years!

[@gtn]

Great to have goals!

[@garygreen1192]

The Best thing i ever did ❤️just an ordinary guy 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♂️🏃🏼‍♂️❤️

[@treasure_talks]

Thanks for the advice. Just signed up for my first half ironman (duathlon).. I am going to record a mini series on my KZbin, can't wait :)

[@thepalefox]

Planning my first tri event here in Singapore in April (Sprint distance in open water!). Have been self teaching myself to front crawl by following the Total Immersion technique. Am not fit but getting there by using Strava as an accountability tool and looking forward to the future and more triathlon adventures.

[@rustydagon598]

Keep your stroke long and imagine your body on an axis (that's why people train with snorkels)

[@alexandrarosen1785]

Im so excited for my first race coming up this year! Anyone else documenting their training journey? Would love to follow along! :) I've started to make some videos on my channel just to be able to look back at my progress. Happy training!

[@ThePlantParadigm]

I didn’t know about the Super Sprint or Sprint Triathalons. Doesn’t sound too strenuous and seems like a great start!

[@standandeliver8376]

I remember my first triathlon was a lake based Olympic distance and it was the first time I'd even swam in a lake. The starter horn sounded and after a few minutes of enthusiastic swimming, I looked up to find that I'd been swimming on a completely different bearing to everybody else! The rest of my swim was a zigzag shaped mess of overcompensating. My sighting in open water has since improved somewhat!

[@henrycruickshank7884]

I am going to try to do my first triathlon, the Aviemore off road triathlon (long) in august. Partly because racing around Aviemore has fond memories (MTB in the 90's), partly because I only have a mountain bike and partly because it's at the end of the year thus perhaps more likely to happen! Trying slowly to return to running but the swim terrifies me...but hoping the challenge will improve my all round fitness.

[@Boost00130]

I am looking to get a Tri in this year. Have done a Du which I lived (bloody hard work). I don't currently have easy access to a pool but I am hoping to change this in the spring.

[@DeanPattrick]

I always have a laugh when I hear about number belts. Back in the 90s you used to get a penalty if your number wasn’t affixed with safety pins 🤣🤣

[@lucolby626]

I’m planning on competing this November here in Santa Cruz CA. I have done a sprint years ago and it had a lake but this November is ocean water! A bit apprehensive about it! Love the video!

[@gtn]

Great to hear! Let us know how the training goes!

[@Sanko1960]

I just signed up for Santa Cruz too! Happy training!

[@factoroner]

Fells, Mark, Fraser 👍🏾HNY U guy's

[@joseminich4762]

Thanks so much! Been training hard last year. On sunday is my first short distance. I think it does not follow any format, and is on mountain bike but... thanks for advice will include the shoe laces tip definitely among with the other tips

[@joseminich4762]

I am writing an update. Yesterday was my first Triathlon. Everything was so familiar thanks to you. Transitions were really smooth and calm 1:33 , 1:44 . Some little details but only details. It was like if I´ve done it before. Performance was ok many things to improve on that area. Thanks for all content it really kept me clam and it was like i knew what i was doing.

[@xrayfish2020]

Yes I'd love to give it a go a smaller one first then grow as I get better 🤞 Happy belated New Year to all at GTN🎉👍🎈

[@gtn]

And to you! The Super Sprints are great places to start 🙌

[@xrayfish2020]

@@gtn Thank you I'll look into this after lockdown is ended

[@AkariMvo]

I find it interesting that many people struggle with the swimming part. I come from a strong swimming foundation, and running... biking is my weak sport I am afraid (and really afraid) ^.^ Still, triathlon is something I really would like to try someday. Currently I am sad I cannot go to the swimming pool to train due to the pandemic (Where I live everything is still closed) Thanks for the video. It just wants me to try even more now. I hope next year things will be open again.

[@Thelavern86]

I got a sponsor slot for norseman i 2018. Had never done a triathlon before. Just running and cycling alot. Did one olympic distance and one month later norseman. Off course my swimming was the worst in 2h. But survived in 15h8min and was happy as hell with that 🙌 Unfortunally i have not done any swimming after this 🙈 so first time Just enjoy and don't care if you get a result in the bottom. It doesn't mean everything. It was though a experience for life #whiteshirtfinisher2018 👍

[@seascape]

Lots of good tips. How do you schedule rest/recovery days, if you swim, bike and run two days each?

[@Alex-kr7zr]

Did my first speed one recently. Went pretty well, was worried about the mass start, but not a problem at all. However, I was overdoing the bike part which lead to me almost collapsing during the run and being super slow, so yeah the transition should be trained.

[@nikitaw1982]

Could do ur own due to gov over reaction. Be good to have a mate for the cycle though.

[@MsChocolatio]

I wan't to run a halfmarathon, already training for a few months^^ And I want to ride my bike in Zwift 😁 How can I get the GTN Trikots? 🙃

[@MrBraindead101]

Not planning a triathlon but aiming for: 1500m swim in less than 21 min. 1 hr bike at more than 30kph. 10k run in less than 55 min.

[@mariefowler6149]

I have signed up for my first triathlon in April 21. I wondered if anyone could recommend a training programme to help me prepare.

[@danieltdp]

One day I will take part on a thriathlon with a foldable bike, no wetsuit and a pair os old snikers 😂

[@caglarjohnnysingletary6058]

TRIATHON,BODYBUILDING ,MARTIALARTS,? Would this work?

[@joshgoolden763]

Got my first triathlon booked later this year. Training on my weakness currently which is cycling. Swim training will have to wait it seems as I have no easy access to open water

[@gtn]

Now is a great time to work on our weaknesses - hopefully the pools won't be closed too long for you 🙏

[@joshgoolden763]

@@gtn I have plenty of time till my event, shall do all that I can 💪

[@theivpillars]

"Every day is the day. Eventually you will learn that the competition is against the little voice inside you that wants you to quit!" Let's get to WORK!

[@peterdebondt2823]

After abusing my body for 15 years (drinking/smoking/eating/...) I have been getting back into sports bit by bit for the past 6 months, with the eventualngoal of an olympic distance triathlon or xterra event for my 40th. It has been, and still is, very hard to get back into sports after 15 years of doing nothing. A lot harder than expected actually.

[@chasedavies6890]

If you’ve signed up for your first tri in 2021 leave a reply! Where is everyone competing??? 🏊🏼🚴🏽‍♂️🏃🏽

[@andresvelasco707]

70.3 IM Cartagena, December 5th, my first one

[@jaywhitney789]

Hi so yea ive booked my first triathlon, its the sprint. Before Christmas i could hardly swim at all now with 5 weeks out im doing well. The bike and the run will be fine. Its just the breathing part of the swim, when im taking my breath, i sometimes take on water 🤦‍♂️

[@gtn]

Hey, great to hear you're giving a triathlon a go! We have a video on breathing technique here 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIKbgGmmhJl4mMU which I hope might help! Keep at it and be sure to update us on your progress! 🙌

[@jaywhitney789]

@@gtn thank-you 😊🏊🏽‍♂️

[@tunde5463]

Hi there, I’d like to get into triathlon just checking if I’d be able to get sponsors without being a pro

[@MrRickyrecon]

What if I only did a sprint Triathlon in 2007 and now am signed up for a 1/2 Ironman? Would that make me dumb? (Rhetorical Question, I am dumb)

[@Samuelclark11]

My first triathlon is this August and its Ironman Finland... haha! What is the best kit (suit tri/wet, shoes) for full distance

[@gtn]

Great to hear! Check this out 👉 gtn.io/AllTheGear

[@Samuelclark11]

Love that - thank you. I would certainly classify myself as all the gear no idea however I was asking in specific aspect to Ironman distance, is there any comfort/power benefits for opting for say a road specific shoe over a tri shoe? The same question for a tri suit, whilst the padding may be okay for a 40km ride what about a 180km followed by a marathon? Would you suggest changing kit fully?

[@gaberiel4166]

I want to be a triathlete but i lack of equipments

[@LeShandy]

What brand are the trainers on the wall?

[@gtn]

They're made by ON, check them out 👉 gtn.io/On-Running

[@alexeyyakovlev6772]

Nothing to plan. Just register to full Iron from Your favorite sofa.

[@paddywiggle]

🤣

[@peterblake3062]

Last month I watched a bloke with no legs complete the London Triathlon and thought to myself 'if he can do it, you, the man with half a brain, must stand a chance'

[@randymorton2347]

I have my first Tri 70.3 scheduled this fall in Calgary, Alberta. Running isnt an issue, and been putting lots of hours on the trainer at home while its snowy. I have never had a problem with swimming, but it concerns me the most since I havent actually swam, let alone "race" style swimming, in a long time. With our pools still closed I will have to wait until some lakes around these parts open up to start getting some training in I suppose. Any thots?

[@stephenowens8398]

I'm in Calgary too, but havent heard about this race- is it a half ironman?

[@randymorton2347]

@@stephenowens8398 Yes it is. Calgary hosts a 70.3 (Half) event every year at the end of August or start of September. I am looking forward to it!

[@ridgehall1612]

I can’t yet, I’m just starting couch to 5k

[@gtn]

A really great place to start!

[@manfredmuench2657]

I'm just starting 5k to couch.

[@TheAtl0001]

🏊‍♂️ Not for me, I really suck at swimming. 😜

[@KarleighJJones]

Can always be part of it by doing a relay team. I did

[@sbyrstall]

Many races now have super-sprints. Only need to swim 250 meters.

[@HughS47]

my wife couldn't swim more than 1 width of a pool in 2016, took some lessons (less than 10) from a swimming coach plus practiced and last year finished 4th in age group in a quadrathlon that included a mile sea swim. Its one of the few skills that as an adult some coaching really really helps and you still have the ability to learn. Surprise yourself - a small investment to learn a new skill

[@WillCarrollHamilton]

why she no pronounce "L" ?

[@rmm2000]

does she

[@WillCarrollHamilton]

@@rmm2000 "try ath on", not "try ath a lon"

[@WillCarrollHamilton]

maybe that's just English pronunciation or when the English say slippy rather than slippery?

[@pillbox1240]

Bikes are too expensive