Triathlon

The sport of triathlon is challenging, intense, fun and unfortunately expensive. From running shoes, wetsuits, bikes shoes, trisuits, and not to mention bike accessories, the money adds up. Then, you have to purchase the bike. Sure some people start out with whatever bikes they have around, some even try to compete with mountain bikes. Quickly they find that without the right kind of bike, the cycling part of a triathlon is beyond grueling.

Triathlon Bike vs. Road Bike

A road bike is certainly adequate for competing in triathlons, but most people who train and race for any extended period of time, usually end up purchasing a triathlon specific bike. Why? There are many reasons, but mainly because a triathlon bike has been specifically engineered for a triathlon.

Athletes competing in triathlon have just expended massive amounts of energy using almost all of the muscle groups of the body in the pool, and immediately after the ride will have to run. Triathlon bikes are designed to conserve muscles for the run, during the ride. Read the rest of this entry »

The first time I participated in a triathlon, I wanted to stop. As I plowed up hills (who picked this course?) on my heavy mountain bike, women who passed me would encourage me on and yell “you go girl”! As I ran–no, plodded–down the trail, sometimes slowing to a walk, the women coming from the other direction would cheer me on telling me I didn’t have much further to go. And as I finally and unbelievably crossed the finish line, those who finished earlier stood around the finish line hooting and rooting for those of us bringing up the rear. I wanted to stop, but they weren’t going to let me. The support and companionship of a womens triathlon is an incredible push, especially for beginner triathletes.

When organized triathlons were first held in the 1970′s, the competitors, male or female, were often hard-core athletes who were previously competitors in college swimming, distance biking or marathons. Triathlon participants were looking to be the fastest and garner a spot on the podium. Read the rest of this entry »