A Beginner Perspective on Triathlons – My Second Triathlon   by DC Trux

Eldora, Colorado is located about 35 miles east of Boulder in the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains. A ski resort by winter, Today Eldora was to become the host of the Xterra Indian Peaks triathlon. It’s August 2, 2009 at 8 am in the morning and this is my second triathlon. When I was contemplating my first triathlon (and even to this day), I found it very interesting and inspiring to hear about the experiences of other beginner triathletes. So here is my story to share with you.

First, a little about the Indian Peaks triathlon… This is somewhat of a non-traditional triathlon. I call it a mountain triathlon. It consists of a 1000 meter swim in the icy cold Peterson lake of Eldora. This is followed by a 18k mountain bike race through a combination of double track and technical single track. Finally, it wraps up with a scenic 6k trail run.

My training

My training for my first triathlon was challenging and fun. I firmly believe that any type of training and exercise should be fun or most people will simply give up or do it for the wrong reasons. I combined another hobby of mine, Krav Maga (an Isreali form of martial arts) with spinning class 2 times a week and regular mountain and road rides. Oh, and I can’t forget my nemesis… THE RUN. I do enjoy running AFTER about 20 minutes. For whatever reason I don’t get motivated running until I am a few minutes into it.

Finally, about once per week, I would supplement my training by performing wind sprints and plyometric exercises (jumps, hops, bounds, etc.) with a weight vest. I stumbled across training with a weight vest here and I must say that it was a powerful contributing factor to my overall fitness for my triathlon. You don’t have to be a pro athlete (I certainly am not!!) to utilize this technique. It’s just fun and challenging way to supplement your triathlon training.

This all may sound intense but I want to assure you that I tempered my workouts according to my own ability. I approached my training with consistency but I also listened to my body and made sure I received enough proper rest between all of my workouts.

Race Day

The early morning in the Colorado Rockies can be intimidating to a beginner triathlete. Even in the summer, the piercing mountain cold can be a jolt to the senses. I was not only up, awake and outdoors in this cold but I was about to jump into an icy cold mountain lake and swim for ½ mile. Of course my wetsuit would offer a good deal thermal protection but the cold is still biting and fierce.

Our race was a time trial so I wouldn’t have to deal with the mad dash of hundreds of other triathletes tumbling into the water. Each of us would be separated by 3 to 5 seconds. Once it was my time, I successfully jumped into the water and navigated the ½ mile swim. Once I reached the swim finish I knew the worst of it would be over. I clawed my way to shore and stumbled to my shoes. The beginner triathlete should not that it’s not uncommon to lose a bit of your equilibrium after you get out of the water.

After and 850 meter run to the transition area, I found my mountain bike and proceeded to bike portion of the triathlon. This was an 18k (about 10 miles) race in single and double track. There was about a mile of the track that was impossible to navigate on the bike, so most of the triathletes pushed their mountain rides up the mountain. The Rockies had received rain in the previous week so there were a lot of lose stones and boulders on the track. A highly technical ride to say the least.

With the ride completed there was only one leg left of my triathlon. The run was grueling but beautiful. The trail run through the scenic forests of the Rocky Mountains was also exhilarating. This isn’t a flat land run. You need to have sure feet and good balance to navigate the rocky trail.

Finally the finish line was in sight and with a great amount of satisfaction, I had finished my second triathlon. My keys to success were adequate training and a positive attitude toward the race. I would highly recommend diversifying your training by including activities that you enjoy along with the traditional run, bike, swim training. Things like training in Krav Maga, spin classes and weight vest training helped more than thought they would.

About the Author

I am a beginner triathlete. I enjoy competing in triathlons and road bike tours.
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