The sprint distance triathlon is a perfect distance for the beginner triathlete, with its 750-metre swim, 20km bike and 5km run. You can reasonably expect to finish your race in around time than it would take to run a half marathon (1 to 2 hours). An Olympic distance race (1500-metre swim, 40km bike, and 10km run) takes most elites around 2 hours, while an age-grouper will complete the course somewhere between 2 and 4 hours.

To race in a triathlon, you will need a swimsuit or race suit, the bicycle you already have (or you can borrow one from a friend), a helmet, sunglasses and running shoes.

Ideally you’ll want to train 2 or 3 sessions per discipline each week. One session of each activity should consist of slight over-distance. For example, if you are training for a sprint distance race, you will want to swim a comfortable 1000 metres straight in the pool; the same is true for the bike and the run. Once per week, break up the distance into shorter, smaller intervals at a faster pace. Focus on technique in the swim (take a few swim lessons if you can!), and build your aerobic engine in the bike and the run. Hill sessions and interval workouts are great ways to get fit fast, but don’t forget the 10% rule (ie. Don’t increase your total distance or number of hours of training per week by any more than 10%).

Before your first triathlon, if you can, volunteer as a body-marker for a race near you. After your duties are done, you can take time to hang around transition area and see how the race is run. You can gain invaluable experience by watching others.

Most importantly, have fun! Join a club (there are a number of clubs In Nova Scotia) or find some training partners to make training time go faster. Take time to enjoy getting fitter and meeting new people, and don’t be surprised if you’re hooked after your first race!