Article written by Niki Jamieson
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text] You just completed your first Sprint/Mini-Triathlon and your body is really, really sore. Why do muscles react this way to working out?
We spoke with a local massage therapist to find out the technical reason why muscles hurt or are sore after a big workout or competition. She told us that when you work out, you create micro-tears in your muscle, which breaks down the muscles creating stiffness and soreness.
This is a normal body reaction. As the micro-tears heal, your muscles become stronger giving you stamina to sustain future workouts with less soreness and stiffness.
This is why workout schedules are not designed to have you working to your max 24/7. You need to have recovery days to allow your muscles to rebuild and re-energize. Without rest days, you can seriously injure your muscles which will be more painful and keep you sidlelined for a longer period of time.
Recovering from triathlon events and triathlon training:
-
Massage Therapy – When you get a massage, the therapist skillfully works the painful areas which stimulates blood flow into the the muscles. This allows the blood to heal the muscle so it can rebuild and become stronger. It also lets the muscle relax, which is what makes you feel like a million bucks when you walk out of the office.
I personally always treat myself to a massage after every triathlon. It is kinda like my reward for all of the hard work and dedication I put in over the year to keeping healthy and reaching my triathlon goal.
-
Everyday Recovery Methods – Give your body a rest or ease up on your training routine to allow your body to recover
Substitute a “walk” for a training run and be sure to stretch your muscles at different points during the walk. This will allow your muscles to warm up, get the blood flowing to the area and get them stretched out so that they heal quicker
You can also read these two great articles on Race Recovery:
- Recovery is Key, A Detailed Strategy for the Beginner Triathlete
- Recovery & Sprint Triathlon For Beginner Triathletes
How to tell if the muscle is injured:
-
If you have serious pain in the muscle or swelling occurs, it could indicate an injury. Get some ice on that bad boy and consult a doctor.
-
If you find that you are merely uncomfortable, achy and just sore, it is your badge of honor for completing an amazing workout or event — Congratulations!

Triathlon Bike: – Learn how to structure bike workouts, find safety tips and read recommendations on great bike gear.
Triathlon Run : – Get the ultimate skinny on running sneakers, running gear, safety tips and much more.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3135″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” el_class=”display_1024″]
“First Triathlon” Stories
Read stories written by people like YOU who talk about their first triathlon.
“Triathlete Profile
Read interviews of people like YOU who give advice on training, balance and much more.
” font_container=”tag:h5|font_size:25|text_align:center|color:%239a0000″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1487859193769{border-right-width: -20px !important;padding-left: -20px !important;background-color: #fdecc0 !important;}”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”1988″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1487921744448{background-color: #fdecc0 !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1488003962317{background-color: #fdecc0 !important;}” el_class=”colm-two-3″][vc_column width=”1/3″ el_class=”abc”][vc_single_image image=”1992″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1489217821521{background-color: #e2b950 !important;}”]
Pennsylvania Triathlon – Connellsville Parks and Recreation Triathlon –-Great sprint triathlon for beginners!
New York Triathlon – Brooklyn Sports Club Mini Indoor Triathlon – This unique indoor event is perfect for first-timers
Is My Bike Ready for a Triathlon? …My concern is I will start ramping up my training and my bike won’t last…
Buying a Triathlon Bike– Learn how to buy the right bike without breaking the bank from experts in the field
Running: Good for the Body and the Brain – Could running make you smarter? The answer may surprise you.
Triathlon QuestionWalking Instead of Running in a Triathlon –– The race promoters presented an award to a 69 year old female who had had 2 knee replacements…
New York Triathlon – Brooklyn Sports Club Mini Indoor Triathlon –This unique indoor event is perfect for first-timers
Georgia Triathlon – Tri for the Shelter Sprint Triathlon – USAT sanctioned, This triathlon takes place in the gorgeous Rocky Mountain Recreation..
My First Triathlon, Nicholas D’Angelo – It was the end of my life as I knew it and the beginning of the beginning. I decided that I wanted to live. I wanted to be a better husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend…
First Triathlon Story – Greg H. from Texas – just to raise your arms at the finish line and know that you accomplished a triathlon is such a great feeling.
Age Groups – Can you tell me why the age groups are 25 to 34 … while most races use 20 to 29, 30 to 39, and 40 to 49?
Triathlon ResourceWhat to Wear for a Triathlon – Is it insane to think I can bike/run in shorts and a sports bra that I swam in?