” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%23990000″][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
For those triathaNewbies who are worried about “walking” during the run portion of the race I’d like to tell my story.
Because of arthritis in the knee, I was told a number of years ago to stop running. In fact, I gave up physical fitness in general. But in January 2011, I decided to get back in shape and began swimming at the local YMCA. It took 6 months, but I was finally able to swim a mile. I was, however, interested in participating in a triathlon.
In August, 2011 I participated in a sprint triathlon relay with two friends: I completed the swim portion and my two friends completed the 
bike and ran. When the race was over (we weren’t last) I had caught the triathlon bug and wanted to complete a sprint triathlon on my own. Nature had something else in mind. After August I began having hip trouble and by January could barely walk. I could swim without difficulty, but walking was very painful. The treatment – a hip replacement in early May. One of the restrictions from my surgeon – absolutely no running at all!!! I followed all of my surgeons advice and rehab instructions and spent May and half of June recovering from the surgery. I began swimming again 6 weeks post-op and added a stationary bike and walking on the treadmill to my workout. By the end of July I was back up to a mile swim and could bike at least 10 miles and walk 2 miles. I was as ready as I’d ever be to participate in a sprint triathlon!
Unfortunately race day in early August was cold (60’s) and I drove to the race site in a torrential downpour. I did have second thought then. But by the time my age group heard the horn to start the swim, all thoughts of the bad weather vanished. I finished the swim with my best time ever. I was a bit slow on the bike (~53 minutes for 20 K) but I rode slow as I was concerned about falling on my new hip on the wet pavement. I started and ended the run portion with a walk – my overall pace (16:38/mile) much faster than my workout pace. I completed the entire sprint triathlon in 2 hours and 2 minutes – certainly not the fastest participant in my age/sex group but definitely far from last.
The race promoters even presented an award to a 69 year old female who had had 2 knee replacements and several neck surgeries but completed the sprint triathlon in just over 3 hours. She too completed the run by “walking.”
I say as long as you can finish within the allotted times of each segment of the race, and there are no rules against walking during the “run” portion, I say go for it!
I had a great time racing this year and will definitely be participating in several sprint triathlons in the future.
– Robin Bratton
Thank you for your note, Robin. We agree, while the third leg of a triathlon is called the “run” leg, the goal is to finish it however you can. Can you walk during a triathlon? Do a walk/run combo? Of course. We encourage people to train as best they can, but come race day just give an A+ effort that you can be proud of, no matter how fast it is.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2562″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2563″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1488346468682{border-top-width: 1px !important;border-right-width: 1px !important;border-left-width: 1px !important;background-color: #f5d078 !important;border-left-color: #990000 !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-color: #990000 !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-color: #990000 !important;border-top-style: solid !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]TriathaNewbie.com Recommended Resources:[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1488346518753{border-right-width: 1px !important;border-bottom-width: 1px !important;border-left-width: 1px !important;background-color: #f5d078 !important;border-left-color: #990000 !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-color: #990000 !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-bottom-color: #990000 !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1488347097567{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”3155″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://www.amazon.com/Triathlete-Magazines-Essential-Week-Training/dp/0446696765/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=triathanewbie08-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=XI4MNQVEAQR7CHTQ&creativeASIN=0446696765″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1488347113551{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”3156″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://www.amazon.com/Aqua-Sphere-Womens-K-180-Goggles/dp/B005Q475YY/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=triathanewbie08-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=BARVHEENMMCEZ2F5&creativeASIN=B005Q475YY”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1488347128711{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”2918″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://www.amazon.com/Triathlon-Beginners-Everything-nutrition-motivation/dp/1484946790/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=triathanewbie08-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=2DYKRAH3UE2II52W&creativeASIN=1484946790″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1487921034167{background-color: #eadcca !important;border-radius: 2px !important;}” el_class=”home-border”][vc_single_image image=”2959″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1488350393401{margin-top: -30px !important;}”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_single_image image=”1997″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1488277552954{margin-top: -10px !important;}”][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Triathlon Swim : – Get the low-down on gear and read tips for training and events.
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.
“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_1487859201231{background-color: #fdecc0 !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/3″ el_class=”abc”][vc_single_image image=”1992″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1490419765795{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?