Having been trained by his wife, Florence Bachelet, Pierre-Mary Bachelet is a devoted triathlete. This article will take a closer look at triathlons, exploring the different components and providing pointers on the training and preparation required.
For the uninitiated, the notion of competing in a triathlon can be incredibly daunting. After all, triathletes have not just one but three sports to train for, namely swimming, cycling, and running. Not only do they need to practice for the race but they also need to maintain the right diet and invest in the right gear. However, as thousands of successful triathletes have discovered, training need not be intimidating and can actually be fun.
It is important to remember that no matter how accomplished they may appear, every triathlete was once a beginner. Some started as children, while others ventured into the sport in their late 50s and beyond. Some arrived as 5K runners seeking a new challenge, while others were introduced to the sport by a friend or came seeking ways to improve their health following a medical setback.
Triathlon is for everyone, with triathletes coming in all shapes, sizes, ages, and abilities. Just as running has different race distances so do triathlons, and there are a variety of different options to choose from.
The super sprint is the shortest triathlon distance. It is a non-standardized event that typically involves a 500-meter swim, six miles of cycling, and a one-mile run. Conversely, the ultra-triathlon is the longest triathlon distance, usually consisting of a swim of at least 2.4 miles, cycling 112 miles, and a minimum 26.2 mile run. However, since ‘ultra’ distances are non-standardized, events that fall within this remit can vary considerably.
Experienced triathletes recommend purchasing a cycling kit one size up, as they are tight fitting and very different to ordinary clothes. Sunglasses are a good idea even on cloudy days, ensuring that when cycling fast the triathlete will not be bothered by bugs. Some experienced triathletes wear carrier bags on their feet when changing into their wetsuits, enabling them to slide their feet and legs into the wetsuit’s tight ankles much faster and more easily. It is crucial to practice bike handling frequently, including cornering, changing gears, and drinking on the move at speed.
While a triathlon is not for the faint hearted not every event is an ironman, and all events are meant to be enjoyable and fun. The community of triathletes is incredibly supportive of novices, with numerous triathlon forums and other resources available online to help beginners prepare and provide encouragement for them to take the plunge.
