What Would You Tell Someone Interested In Triathlon?

"What Would You Tell Someone Interested In Triathlon?". This question was asked and I had to stop and think... I mean... do I consider myself a Triathlete if I haven't done a race? Naw... in 2 weeks I'll consider myself a graduate of Triathlon Toddlerhood. That being said, in preparation to my first Triathlon (baby one - 200m swim, 8m bike, 2m run), I would say the following - off the top of my head.

Sign up for One (anyone) as a Goal. I'm goal orientated and knowing that I'm going to attempt to be successful persuades me to get out there on the days I don't feel like it.

Don't Worry About Every Detail... just the important ones. There are just to many details and each person has a different idea of what is important... so I ask, why are you doing this and what will participating effect?
For swimming, I needed a teacher (it's my weakest sport). This helps me not get discouraged and gives me drills to spice up my swim practice. Next is finding a swimsuit where I look good but covers from my shoulders to my  upper thigh. This was important to me. I'm not swimming with flab and boobs hangin' out... I'm just not going to do it. My moderate details would be goggles & silicon cap. Least important details- board and pull buoy. I had difficult time finding goggles that didn't leak. Boad and pull buoy were an expense I was willing to put out there - The freebies from the YMCA and Wellness center had bite makes (assuming from children) and I'm scared to know how much pee the pool buoy takes every class.. ew...

Bike - Important detail - Bike. buy the best you can, you won't regret it. I bought a bottom range road bike and LOVE it. I see people trying to peddle their heavy metal bikes from the 80's and they are working so hard to go the same distance...Make sure it fits you! You will fall in love with biking... promise! Moderate Details - Clip In shoes & helmet. I understand Clip in shoes/pedals are the ultimate experience. But with such a short ride - you'll waste the time you saved changing shoes.Hydration system... water bottle, vest, whatever. make sure you have a drink.

Run - SHOES - suck it up and buy shoes that fit your feet and suit you. The difference in comfort and over all body health is crazy good. I have a pair of Asics because they were cheap and cute (blue with pink overlay). They are horrible on my knees. I ache every time I run in them.Learn/Practice to run properly. New Balance offers a running assessment class. http://www.goodformrunning.com/ totally worth making it a priority... save your body, your shoes, well everything. I started enjoying running once it stopped hurting! 

You don't need the expensive equipment, but sink your money items you will know will get a good return, either emotionally or physically. I don't need a $20 Headsweat visor to run in... but it makes me FEEL good. I know it protects me from the sun, collects the sweat and isn't going to break when it put it on my head (*cough* nike *cough*). I would say investing in the best bike you can... but if that's not a priority for you... then eh... it's not. When in doubt, ask other triathletes what they think of your decision. If there was ever a community with an opinion, and a everyone having their own, it's the triathlete community. You know I love that!

Training - You have to do it. Resting is also apart of Training. One of the tips I gathered from reading Chrissy Wellington's book is the value of rest day. You can read the book to understand how she comes to this conclusion but for me, I love it. At first I struggled. Rest? "I have so far to go! I sink instead of swim, I can peddle but not fast or with any strong winds, and running? um.. I walk..." But it makes perfect sense for your body when you try it out. For me, these are the days I drop weight. If I'm exercising, sleeping  and eating healthy I can see a gradual drop in weight. However, if I have a rest day... I can drop 1/2-1lbs in a day. It's like my body has time to focus on burning the fat instead of keeping my going. I'm no doctor... but whatever is happening. I like rest days for that reason... now, to stay away from the ice cream on a rest day.....SABATOGE

SLEEP - I think this needs to be emphasized. Again, I'm not a doctor, but from personal experience, if I don't get enough sleep, nothing goes as well as it could. I struggle with exercising (it's like extra lag or drag). I'm hunger increases. I tend to make the easiest decision not the best decision. Did I mention I lose weight when I sleep well? HELLO. I'm not sure what there is in sleep but I call it Magic!

 
Prioritize - We are human. Keep God, Family, Friends, Health and Paying the Bills First. Then Triathlon. This doesn't mean you wont miss a soccer game or 2 for training. You'll still have beer and pizza. But if you neglect any of the above things mentioned, you are in for a world of hurt - and it's not going to be the Triathlon's fault. 

Have Fun! Even when you don't wanna, enjoy it. Someone told me when I was younger (wish I could remember so I could give credit - maybe my parents?) There is always something you can enjoy even if you don't like what you are doing. It might be the feeling of the water or air skimming across your back as you move. It maybe a gratitude that you can move while other people struggle to. It might be excitement that you are doing something you've never done before. Whatever it is or can be for you - always look on the brighter side of the commitment you made to yourself.