I want to get healthier for the new year and maybe do a triathlon this summer. Do you have any suggestions that can help me?

Joe N. from Kansas

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Hi Joe,
Thank you for contacting Triathanewbie.com!

We can definitely get you pointed in the right direction. Where we don't know if you are a couch potato or an active person, we'll start from the beginning. The idea is to get your body to a point where it can sustain intense physical activity for almost three hours (that should cover a mini/sprint triathlon). This normally takes 6-9 months on the average and you should check with your doctor before starting any new exercise regime (legally, we have to say that). There are many ways to train:

• You can join a triathlon training club. They will take you through guided training and you'll meet a great bunch of people who are exactly like you.
• You can pick from some of the books at the end of this email (or check out website for more triathlon resources) and train on your own.
• You can find a friend that has the same goals and pick any other above options. It's always better to have a friend who can help motivate you.

First, we suggest you find a Triathlon Event and sign up for it. This has many benefits:

• You have the goal in place and there's no way to back out.
• You will know when you need to start training.
• You will know what distances to train for.

Second, you want to make sure that you are a good swimmer. Where swimming can be the most dangerous part of the event, it's necessary to make sure that you can swim roughly 100 yards further than the distance of the race in which you intend to participate (read our Triathlon Swim section to learn why). Here are a couple of ways to work towards being a safe and effective swimmer:

• If you can't swim, take swim lessons.
• If you can swim, but you just stink at it, hire a swim coach to watch you swim and make suggestions. It may take only one session or it make take ten, but having a personal coach can help you fix your stroke imperfections and get you to a point where you are safe, feel confident and can finish the swim with leftover energy for the bike and run.
• If you are a determined novice or decent swimmer and just want to get better, simply go to your local adult swim, take a few Terry Laughlin (Total Immersion) workoutswith you and get busy.
• Another option is to join a Masters swim team, which is basically an adult swim team (not to be confused with swim lessons).
• Head over to our Triathlon Swim page for encouragement, recommended swim gear and more...

Next is the Triathlon Bike. Safety is first, so make sure you have a bike and a helmet made in this decade. Here are some training options:

• You can join a gym and take spin classes. Spin is not an equal alternative for training on a real bike, but it's a nice option for winter months if you live in snow-infested country. Be sure that you get some time on the road when the sun comes out because you will need to learn to deal with road conditions, weather conditions, your bike quirks and riding with other people/road traffic.
• If you are in a triathlon club, you can train with your pals there under guided supervision.
• Go it alone. Check out the books at the bottom of this email (or see more Triathlon Bike Resources here), hop on your bike and follow some of the training instructions.
• You can also invest in a Indoor Bicycle Trainer. It's a stand that you can put your bike on and ride in your own house in front of your own TV or stereo. It's very cool!
• Head over to our Triathlon Bike page for more in-depth explinations, recommended bike gear and more.

Last is the Triathlon Run. The most important part of running is the Running Shoes and Socks. If they are the right fit for you, it will cut down on a lot of the problems (blisters, sore knees and sore feet) that plague so many other runners. Training for this part is the easiest in terms of accessibility:

• You can go outside and just start jogging alone. Check out some of the books listed at the bottom of this email for training guides.
• If you are in a triathlon club, you can train with your pals there under guided supervision.
• If you are part of a gym or have a treadmill, you can train indoors. This is especially good for the people living in the thick of ice and snow in the winter. Be sure to get yourself out when things thaw out because you will need to learn how to deal with weather, terrain and other people.
• Head over to our Triathlon Run page for more tips, recommended gear and more.

We're hoping that this is a good jumping off point and wish you the best in your triathlon goals.

Be well
~Jack

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