Are you a swimmer? A biker? A runner? Why not try all three? Here are ten reasons why you should consider giving triathlon a shot. Just a word of warning, though – triathlon can be highly addictive!
1. MONOTONY BE GONE
Specializing in one sport certainly has its advantages, but it can also become dull after a while. The same old routine can quickly become monotonous. With triathlon, your training has more variety, which could mean expanding your strength training or combining workouts to "brick" after swimming with a bike ride. With more skills to train in your weekly schedule, you'll have more to look forward to.
2. CROSS-TRAINING BENEFITS YOUR PRIMARY SPORT
Whether you're a passionate cyclist, dedicated runner, or experienced swimmer, training in the two other sports you don't primarily compete in will help make you a better athlete in your sport of choice. For instance, swimming is excellent for building endurance and strengthening your breathing and diaphragm when you need to use your lung capacity while biking uphill or speeding up for the final kick of your 5k. Training to control your cadence on the bike can also help with tempo runs and rhythmic breathing in the water. And, when you're doing all those hill repeats, the power you're building in your quadriceps and glutes will make you a formidable presence on any hill in a bike race and give you the strength to get around slower swimmers in the water.
3. FABULOUS VENUES
Triathlon races occur in some of the most breathtaking and exciting locations globally. From events held on white sand beaches to courses that take you through the heart of some of the world's most stunning cityscapes, there's no better excuse to use your vacation days than to travel to a fun race destination.
4. TRIATHLON SINGLETS ARE LIKE SUPERHERO OUTFITS
With their bright colors, cool patterns, and compression in all the right areas, you'll feel like you can conquer the world in one. Boom!
5. THE GEAR IS COOL
If you're a gear enthusiast, triathlon is the sport for you. From those sleek tri singlets mentioned above to aero helmets and moisture-wicking socks, there's no end to the gear available for a triathlon. And that needs to include essential items such as wetsuits, bikes, and other training equipment to outfit your home gym and prepare you for your new favorite sport.
6. YOU'RE PART OF THE COOLEST CLUB
There's nothing like camaraderie, friendships, and encouragement in the triathlon community. From training partners to keep you motivated to high-fives and cheers at events, no sport is friendlier or more enjoyable than multisport.
7. SNACKS WHILE YOU RACE
Say goodbye to that warm gel packet you stashed inside your sports bra for the first 12 miles of your marathon. With triathlon, there are several opportunities to refuel during a race, whether shoving a homemade protein bite into your mouth during a transition or munching down a granola bar on the bike.
8. YOU LOVE A CHALLENGE
You compete to crush the competition, exceed your goal times, and set new PRs. Triathlon is no different, except that you increase the intensity and break off the knob. Give it your all in not one, not two, but three sports back-to-back. The sense of achievement is unmatched.
9. TURN THE RACE INTO A CHALLENGE
If the thrill of completing a race isn't enough, triathlon offers an additional challenge: transitions. Moving from swim to bike and bike to run counts towards your overall time, so practicing those movements is just as crucial as the actual race. Plus, you'll amuse your neighbors when you practice ripping off your swim cap and goggles while running around your yard.
10. BRAGGING RIGHTS GALORE
Finishing a triathlon is a significant achievement. Imagine the awe-inspiring reaction you'll receive from your friends, family, and colleagues when you tell them about your incredible performance: a 10k run, a 25-mile bike ride, and a 1-mile swim. Completing a triathlon automatically earns you significant bragging rights.