Getting Started

The fundamentals of how to breathe when swimming so you stay comfortable, relaxed, and fast in the water.

Learning how to swim for triathlon—and then learning how to swim well—can be one of the biggest challenges that beginner triathletes face. Here’s our guide to making it a little easier.

To follow a training plan, first you have to understand it.

You can do a triathlon! Follow this road map to cross your first triathlon finish line in just eight weeks.

Sure, there are $10k bikes and $1k race entry fees, but you have more options with far less sticker shock. Check out our expert guide to racing triathlon on a budget.

From triathlon distances to race selection to training, gear, nutrition, and more - we’ve got everything you need to start the journey to your first triathlon.

Is running by time or by distance actually the same thing? (Yes...and no.)

Make sure to keep it fun — plus other tips from coach Marilyn Chychota.

Your guide to transitioning from road to trail.

Use these skills sessions to help you become a more efficient, confident and safer triathlete on the bike.

Masters swim coaches are great at working on the fine points of technique, but most don't have the training to work with adults on the fundamentals.

It can be tempting to try to jump back in where you left off. But don’t!

The best way to support your friend who is learning to swim as an adult is to encourage them, but to also stay in your lane.

What you should focus on in swim, bike, and run now, so you can have an amazing race season later.

Pushing it in all three sports, all the time, is a recipe for injury and burnout. Here’s what to do instead.

What might seem natural to some can be a struggle for others. We shed light on the dark art of how to shift bike gears and when.

You've logged endless hours in the water, but now you're ready to test your legs on dry land.

Did you start biking during the pandemic or ready to take on a new challenge with your cycling? It's time to try a tri.

You can find would-be-triathletes all around.

It can be one of the most intimidating parts of getting ready for your first triathlon. Clip in like a pro with these tips.

Starting out in triathlon can seem overwhelming—but here's some key information that'll help give you a headstart.

Training, racing, fueling, gear, and more—we talk about all the things you need to know when you're first starting out in triathlon.

Late-bloomer triathletes share the lessons they learned and the benefits they gained from starting triathlon later in life.

Ready to try your first tri? It doesn't have to be overwhelming! Jump in with this simple sprint training plan from coach Adam Zucco.

With a good coach, you’re getting more than peace of mind that your training is on track.

Google yields 24.8 million results for “triathlon coach.” There’s a better way.

There is no day like today to show up and start going after your goals, writes Meredith Atwood.

With proper training, getting to the finish line of your first triathlon is a very achievable goal.

Top tips, tricks, and bits of wisdom guaranteed to get you to your first start line ready to rock.

"Don’t doubt your ability to move forward, change your life and execute on a great day that will change your life forever."

The list of what you need to know before competing in your first triathlon is shorter than you might expect.

An Olympic-distance triathlon tests both your endurance and speed, so you need workouts that will allow you to work on both.

The lowdown on race selection, and how to get from A to Z.

Coach Drew Sapp breaks down the basics of building up to the biggest race in your season.

I’m training for my first sprint. What are the most important workouts I should be doing for each sport?

Looking to sign up for your first triathlon? This advice will help you have a successful first race.

Our editors and contributors share the best tips they’ve taken from Triathlete articles and have applied to their own training.

"Is there a magical number of days you need to run that will make you faster?" - Placido Plodder

The off-season is an opportunity to set long-term goals, note any weaknesses, and take steps to improve in those areas.

You will enjoy progressing through each phase as you gain fitness and speed throughout each four-week cycle.

Many of us tend to go to a dramatic place in the hours and minutes before a race.

Starting your training later than you had planned for an upcoming triathlon? It is possible to cram—in certain situations.

Once you get the hang of riding on two wheels, here are some basics to remember about riding safely (and friendly) on the road.

Jumping into the world of swimming is more than getting over a fear of water or mastering the art of circle swimming in a crowded pool.

Pacing the run leg is an issue that plagues even the most experienced triathletes.

We smooth out your learning curve and let you in on the rites of passage every triathlete must go through in their first year.

Just know you can do this, and we’ve got your back.

Feeling lost during your Masters workout? Brush up on common pool workout terms with our glossary.

Can you check off more than seven out of the 10 of these tri milestones?

Your first time getting in the pool as an adult can be downright scary.

It’s not uncommon to need a little “time-out” break during the first leg of a triathlon.

Here's what you really need to know ahead of your first triathlon.

Meredith Atwood shares the keys for becoming a well-rounded triathlete.

Seven tips to improve your swim stroke in time for your next triathlon.

A race-day dry run can lock in your training and lock out nerves. Enjoy the no-pressure prep, and get ready to crush.

A small shift in mindset is the key to success in your first triathlon!

This butterflier turned long-distance swimmer turned Ironman wowed the world when she placed second in her Kona debut last year.

"Beginner's Luck" columnist Meredith Atwood shares four key steps to take in pursuing your first triathlon finish.

A thing that is terrifying now, need not be terrifying forever.

You swim, you bike, and you run, and now it's time to do these three other things.

Interested in the idea of training for a triathlon? This sprint training plan keeps it simple so that someone with no swim, bike, or run experience can successfully reach the finish line.

The gear and training knowledge required to make it from T1 to T2 can feel overwhelming.

"Remember to keep a strong heart and an even stronger determination."

How to put more fun and less WTF into your first days of swim, bike, run.

Whether you’re just getting into running or returning after a hiatus, it’s important to take a smart, gradual approach to gaining fitness.

New to swimming? Print off these sessions from coach Sara McLarty to make the most of your time in the pool.

In other words, here's how to ride a bike.

The off-season is time for you to take a break from structured training and to refine your technique.

Beginner triathletes don't need to learn how to bilateral breathe, right? Wrong, writes Meredith Atwood.

Meredith Atwood on the power of just showing up, even if the weatherman isn't predicting the ideal conditions.

Here’s how to sneak some key exercises into an already full day for an extra edge.

A sprint triathlon is the perfect introduction to the sport, and you can get to the finish line triumphantly using this eight-week plan.

The pace, intensity and distance combine for a challenge that will put your body and mind to the test.

The latest research says there’s no best way to nail strength training. The important thing is that you're doing it.

Master four key open-water skills with this video series.

This progressive workout series is ideal for novice and intermediate athletes because it gradually builds speed and endurance.

Does riding downhill make you skittish? Read these tips.

The secret to recovery happens in practice and training sessions months and weeks before the start of the race.

Bob Babbitt gives his take on jumping into "the greatest sport ever invented."

Take your bike skills from cruising to race-ready with these tips.

Use this step-by-step guide to race with confidence.

We sought out experts—in training, nutrition, psychology and more—to provide solutions to newbie triathletes’ most common questions.

Pay attention, beginners! (And enjoy the refresher, veterans.) A quick lowdown on lap swim etiquette.

Coach Lance Watson shares some of the common barriers to getting started in triathlon, plus some handy solutions to overcome them.

Need a few talking points to secure your spouse’s ongoing support in 2016? Here are seven great reasons why you NEED to do triathlon!

New to the sport? One of the first things you'll want to do is pick a goal race so you can plot your course of action.

Your questions about swimming as a triathlete, answered by coach and professional triathlete Sara McLarty.