Editor's note: This column is the ninth in a series on training for an Olympic triathlon.
If you've ever considered doing a triathlon, you should do it this year. And in this column, I'll not only tell you why, but I'll tell you how, in some very simple steps.
First, the top three reasons to do a triathlon:
To say you can: Probably the best reason of all, for me. I want to do a triathlon just so I can say to myself that I can do that -- the same reason I decided to do a marathon. It's a self-satisfaction thing.
To get in great shape: If you train for a triathlon, doing swimming, running and biking, you will begin to get in some great shape. And who doesn't want that?
It's a blast: The training, if you do it right, can be a lot of fun, even if it is a challenge. But doing a triathlon race is the best part of all. Just like doing a running race, there's a lot of camaraderie, and when you're done, there's this feeling of exhilaration and achievement that is extremely hard to find elsewhere.
OK, so let's say you decide you'd like to give it a shot. How do you start? First, I'd go online and do some research (try beginnertriathlete.com as a starting point), and look into different methods of training.
Here are my top 10 tips for starting out:
1) If you're not already a good swimmer who's had some training, start by getting a coach. This sounds intimidating but, really, most swim clubs offer classes for adults. This is important because swimming is mostly technique -- and if you're getting it wrong, it will take 10 times as much effort to do the same distance. Trust me.
2) You can use any old bike. Yes, the racing bikes will go faster and be easier to ride but, really, you don't need anything fancy when you're starting out. Just get an old mountain bike, one that you or someone you know might already own, and use that.
3) You don't need fancy gear. For swimming, you need some trunks and goggles. For biking and running, you need some shorts and a shirt and some running shoes. That's it. You can upgrade to the pro stuff later, but start out with that at first.
4) Start slowly. Don't kill yourself at first. Really. Everyone starts out thinking they can do a million miles at top speed, but you'll soon find yourself breaking down and burning out. Start slowly and increase only gradually.
5) Find a partner. You can train alone, but a partner makes it much more likely that you'll get out there and actually work out.
6) Fuel yourself. Lots of people forget to take in carbs before and after a workout, as well as to hydrate themselves. Your body is a machine that needs energy and water.
7) Be safe. Don't swim in places with rough currents, especially without a partner. Don't bike in the dark, as most drivers aren't looking out for you, and be sure you are very visible even in the light. Ride with a partner if possible.
8) Think positive. Don't get discouraged if things aren't going as well as you'd hoped. You can do this -- it just might take more time than you'd hoped.
9) Make it a habit. Do it at the same time, every day, and it will soon become a habit.
10) Have fun. Most important tip at all. Whatever you're doing, make sure that it's fun and not a chore.