Are you new to triathlons?

By Heather Fuhr

What tips would you give someone new to the sport? I'm excited to try my hand at this!

The most important thing to remember is that triathlon is a sport in itself, and you must approach your training with that in mind. You should not try and train each sport as a single sport athlete would. You gain an aerobic benefit from the cross training in all three sports - therefore the volume of training in each sport can be decreased.

I always tell people that are just getting into the sport of triathlon to just go out there and give it a try. Use the bike that you have in the garage and just go and have fun. Triathlon is a sport where the equipment can be overwhelming. Let yourself get a taste of the sport before you start worrying about getting all the latest and greatest equipment.

If you can find a local triathlon club in your area, I would suggest getting involved with them. This helps to keep the sport more social, while at the same time, you can learn a lot from your fellow club members. Within the club, there will be many resources available to you to help you learn more about the sport and the training involved.

Finally have fun and remember - triathlon is not only a sport, it is a lifestyle. Enjoy!!!

Heather has been racing in the sport of triathlon for the past 17 years. Throughout her career she has specialized in Ironman distance racing. With 15 Ironman victories to her credit she is second only to the great Paula Newby Fraser on the all time Ironman Win List. Included in those 15 Ironman victories is a World Championship title at the 1997 Ironman World Triathlon Championships in Kona, Hawaii.