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Do I have to know how to swim?
Yes, and no. Yes, you need to be able to move through the water without drowning. No, you do not
need to know how to do freestyle/crawl. Coach Freddie will work on that with you. But
many new triathletes simply do their own "customized stroke." I have seen newbies finish their first triathlon swim
doing sidestroke the entire time. The Danskin Disney Women's triathlon is perfect for those nervous about the swim --
they even pass out "floaty noodles" during the swim to those who end up needing one.
Do I have
to be in great shape?
It does not matter what your current size is (yes, you read
that right!) If you want to take that first step toward changing your life, you CAN. It all comes down to making the
commitment to start from your present level of fitness and begin an improvement process. Every individual
is different -- genetics has either blessed you or cursed you. Whether you are the first across the finish line or the
last, you are a finisher. That is what matters. Triathlon is not just a sport for the
elite - it can be a sport for you.
Do I need a road bike (mine has fat tires)?
For cycling, it doesn’t matter whether you have a mountain bike, hybrid, or road bike. The first triathon races that
I did were done on a basic mountain bike! Just make sure your bike fits you well – the height of your seat
post, the position of your saddle, and the location of your handlebars, among other things. If your bike doesn’t
fit you well, it will be uncomfortable, you will not get the power you need to ride efficiently, and you risk injury as you
increase your training mileage. Buy a used bike, just make sure it fits. Most cycling shops will
help fit your bike.
What else
do I need to buy? - Swimsuit - Your swimsuit should be one in
which you can comfortably swim laps
- Goggles - Different brands of goggles fit differently so try them out before you
purchase them: press the goggles against your face, without putting the elastic band around your head. If the goggles
fit well, they will stay on your face without the elastic.
- Helmet (required!) - A helmet is should always
be worn and it is extremely important that it fit you properly. Proper helmet fit should be comfortable but snug enough
to not rattle when you quickly turn your head from side to side. A poorly fitting helmet is almost as dangerous as no helmet
at all.
- Water bottle - Bring a water bottle / sports drink with you to all of your workouts. It is important
to stay hydrated during training. You should have a cage on your bike so you can keep your bottle with you during bike
rides.
- Running shoes- Whether you are running or walking, it is important to have running shoes that give you the
proper support. Everyone’s biomechanics are different, and you should purchase your running shoes from a running
specialty store, such as Hit the Trails in Fishhawk Ranch Park Square in Lithia, Florida. There, the experts will measure
your feet, watch you walk and run, and select the right shoe for your running needs.
How much time
will it take to train?
That depends on what kind of triathlon you want to do (and how
many) and what level you are starting at. If you sign up to receive coaching from Coach Freddie, you will
get a PERSONALIZED training schedule. Coach Freddie will customize it to help you reach your goals
and make it fit into your busy life.
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