Beginner Triathlon Tips From TriRock Colorado

Published July 12, 2013 10:58PM

We spent the day at the TriRock Colorado expo in Aurora, Colo. chatting with the race participants. We asked triathletes, ranging from beginners to veterans, to share the number one tip they’d give someone who is just getting started in the sport. Answers ranged from swim tips to advice on enjoying the experience. See what some of the participants had to say below. The TriRock Series will next head to Asbury Park, N.J. on Aug. 25. Learn more about TriRock at Trirockseries.com.

Mark S.
Highlands Ranch, Colo.
Has been competing in triathlon for three years.
“I think the biggest piece of advice is before you do your first triathlon you should do an open-water swim. The swim is the scariest part of the race. A lot of us don’t know swimming until we do our first triathlon and it can be scary.”

David D.
Aurora, Colo.
Has been competing in triathlon for three years.
“Get used to the wetsuit and the open-water swimming. Training is great, but it’s different on race day. I’d also say do as much biking as possible. I think most people are comfortable with the run, but those two things can be tough at first.”

Kim S.
Denver, Colo.
Has been competing in triathlon for three years.
“Make sure you eat a good meal before the race.”

Amy S.
Tucson, Ariz.
Has been competing in triathlon for three years.
“Just have fun with it. Don’t take yourself too seriously. And I’d also say to make sure you have the proper nutrition. And of course wear sunscreen!”

Jimmy M.
Has been competing in triathlon for five years.
“Don’t have any fear.”

Jean M.
Omaha, Neb.
Has been competing in triathlon for one year.
“Show up way ahead of time on the day of the race and look at all of the information online ahead of time.”

Carmel B.
Jefferson, S.D.
Has been competing in triathlon for one year.
“Try to talk to other triathletes and get as much helpful information as you can prior to your first race.”

Linda C.
Phoenix, Ariz.
Has been competing in triathlon for just over a year.
“I would say have fun with it. I came from a running background and I think triathlons are the most fun.”

Sam M.
Hawaii
Has been competing in triathlon for 15 years.
“I’d say train hard for the swim. I think once you get out of the water it’s not as difficult.”

Tricia K.
Aurora, Colo.
Has been competing in triathlon for a few months.
“I would say take advantage of the clinics that the sport offers. That was a huge help to me. You can look on websites, or at your local triathlon store.”

Denise J.
Parker, Colo.
Has been competing in triathlon for four years.
“Keep it fun. Don’t let yourself get too serious. And celebrate every little victory.”

Pam W.
Alaska
“I would say make sure to have fun. Make sure you’ve trained for the distance and have a good time.”

Hailey D.
Westminster, Colo.
Has been competing in triathlon for nine months.
“Don’t be intimidated. It’s so fun and people are so supportive. Most people are worried about the swim, but it’s really not as bad as you think. Swim at your own pace and don’t worry about those around you.”

Ann B.
Aurora, Colo.
Has been competing in triathlon for 11 years.
“I would say enjoy it. I used to hate running and now I do marathons and it’s my best part. So you never know. One piece of advice I give people is to break up the race using the water stations.”