Why Try a Triathlon?

Tonya Boyer with TriHive Magazine is here with five reasons to get motivated.

Triathlon is growing by leaps and bounds, but would you believe that about 50 percent of that growth is attributed to female athletes? Triathlon training has become trendy, even referred to as the endurance sports golden child. Sprint, or short distance triathlons, roughly a ½ mile swim, 12 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run, are one of the fastest growing sports in North America, and it’s not the uber-athletes contributing to this growth. Many new triathletes are just ordinary women: the stay-at-home mom, the grandmother, the PTA President, the recent college graduate, looking for something a bit out of the ordinary.

Completion of a sprint distance race is within reach of people just like you and me, even those who feel they don’t have any spare time to train. Triathlon isn’t about being the uber-athlete with a hectic training schedule. It’s about trying something new, challenging the mind and body to accomplish something truly worthwhile and fulfilling.

With this in mind, here are 5 reasons to train for and complete a triathlon:

#1 – REAP THE HEALTH BENEFITS

Training for a triathlon will make you as fit as you have ever been in your life. The three disciplines in triathlon – swimming, biking, and running – will build a great cardio base and give your body a complete workout. They will also help you develop a balanced fitness level to prevent many overuse injuries such as tendinitis, stress fractures, IT band syndrome, or other issues that can occur with the constant, repeated stress of only one discipline. The aerobic workouts will immediately start to burn fat from every part of your body, and weight loss will naturally follow. Your body will also demand that you eat healthier to fuel your training. Finally, we all know that an exercise program will help lower blood pressure, risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and even stave off depression.

Click HERE to download a sprint distance triathlon training plan.

#2 – PARTAKE IN THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH

Have you been looking for that magic cure to give you more energy, look better, and feel young? Triathlon will do all that and more. You may wonder how triathlon training can actually give you more energy. Exercise gets the blood flowing, and studies have shown that, over time, you will experience increased energy and reduced fatigue. Research suggests that exercise acts directly on the central nervous system and produces a natural caffeine high, without the crash. Those who feel tired are most likely overtraining, not eating enough, or lack the required amount of sleep. Triathlon training is sure to make you look better because you’ll be acquiring the cross-training benefits of the three disciplines. Swimming develops upper-body strength, cycling builds strength in and tones the quads, while running develops long, lean muscles in the hamstrings and calves. Your body will be more agile. Take a look at many of the triathletes over age 40; they are in excellent physical condition and usually look ten years younger. When you look better, you feel better. And when you feel better on the inside, you are a happier individual.

#3 – MEET INSPIRING & MOTIVATING ATHLETES

No matter the age or ability, there is an inspirational story in those who “tri” for the first time or the hundredth time. All have a desire for self improvement from the inside out, and that is what unifies the triathlon community. Triathletes are very accepting of other participants, with the elites eager to give advice to the newbies. Don’t worry about feeling out of your comfort zone, and don’t let your lack of information stop you from a triathlon goal. Some of the best triathletes in the state own and manage PowerTri.com, a triathlon specialty shop in Lehi. These athletes will inform you, motivate you, and help you feel comfortable in your new endeavor. After talking with such experts you can’t help but feel excited about your triathlon quest.

#4 – GAIN UNMATCHED CONFIDENCE

Training for and completing a triathlon is a big challenge, one that will lift your confidence for years to come. While only one woman will win the race, the rest of the pack will experience victory in merely crossing the finish line. Nothing can take away from your feeling of greatness at that moment. Along the journey you have possibly conquered fears and self-doubts, found a renewed purpose in your life, and proved to doubters that you can do hard things. You have harnessed the power within and it will show in your countenance.

#5 – MOTIVATE YOUR CHILDREN AND OTHERS AROUND YOU

In this day of the bigscreen TV, the Wii, the internet and other “activities” that require a sitting position, your example of physical activity and hard work will be more beneficial and rewarding than anything purchased at the store. Your children will assume that getting out of the house for physical exercise is a normal, daily ritual. They may want to participate in athletic endeavors and will be more receptive to your expectations in that regard. Others around you may see your new commitment to a healthy lifestyle and also desire the benefits mentioned above. You may inspire your spouse, parent, sibling, co-worker, or neighbor. Knowing that you have helped other people make a positive change in their life is a wonderful gift; itself a reason to take on a triathlon.

No matter the time or place, finishing any triathlon can be a life-changing event. Training is hard and takes commitment. If women can push hard to the finish line of a triathlon, they realize their potential to do so many other hard things in life, physical or not. Other positive actions will be set in motion and the door will be opened to many opportunities. Most triathletes agree their lives are richer, healthier, and just plain better than they would be without the sport.

Tanya Boyer is the new managing editor for TriHive Magazine. Her main job, however, is that of mommy to three young children and wife to the most patient man in the world. Tanya received a BS in Business Management from Brigham Young University and a MBA from the University of Michigan. Her business experience includes working as a financial analyst for a Fortune 500 company and as a strategic planner for a small joint venture through the initial public offering. Triathlon is her way of staying young and mobile.