A lot of people who are new in Triathlon has different doubts on why or how are they going to do in the race. They are coming up with a lot of reasons why are they not sure about it.
Most professional in Triathlon has been there. They also thought of reasons why are they doing the race. But they were ready to pull it off and proceed with the race no matter what.
In this section, we will talk about why every one of us can do any distance triathlon. But let us discuss first some of the excuses everyone thought about and how they can overcome them. Every first-time triathlete’s excuses:
You think you are not built for running
The first excuse every first time triathlete ever think of is whether they can run or are they built for running.
The misconception about this is that they thought of themselves as out of shape, can’t run the length of four to five houses, can’t run to a stop sign without getting shin sprint, and a lot more. But that is not a big issue. As long as you know how to run, you can run!
The only thing you need to do is to practice your run every day. Run for at least ten to fifteen minutes a day, or even a week. So that your legs and body will remember that you can run, and when you were able to get there for about two to three months, then it will become a lot easier and fun for you to run in a race.
I can’t swim
The other excuse people are making is that they can not swim or they are not a good swimmer. It doesn’t matter how fast or how good of a swimmer you are; it will not matter at the end of the race. What will matter is if you can get yourself through it without freaking out.
So, it is not about becoming an excellent swimmer to do a triathlon; you have to be comfortable with it. You do not have to put in too much energy working out your swimming. As long as you can swim from finish to end, then that is okay.
I do not have gears
The third excuse is that you do not have any of the gear that is needed in Triathlon. You also thought that you would need thousands of dollars for the equipment such as wetsuits, road bike, aero helmet, aero wheels, triathlon shoes, and a triathlon kit so that you can start doing the sport.
The truth is, on your first Triathlon, you don’t need all those stuff. All you need is a pair of shoes, a pair of shorts that you don’t mind getting wet in the water, and a decent shirt.
Moreover, you can rent a wetsuit, or borrow a bike so that you can get started into the sport of Triathlon. You may need about a hundred or two hundred dollars worth for renting some gear, and that’s about it. You do not have to spend thousands of dollars to get into Triathlon.
I don’t have time
The fourth thing that might be holding you back from getting into Triathlon is that you do not have enough time for the sport.
You do not have to be as active as a professional athlete as possible. If you have the time for at least an hour every other day, two to three times a week, then that is more than enough to get into Triathlon.
That’s all it takes. It does not take that long to get into Triathlon. So, if you think that time is a limiting factor, try one out and train for it minimally. You will be surprised at how little training you can do to get through your first Triathlon.
Swimming, biking, and running is exhausting
First-time triathletes thought that swimming, biking, and running for that long is too exhausting. How you can get over that easily is by going into an entry-level Triathlon.
There are entry-level Triathlons that only take about forty or fifty minutes or even less than a sprint or super sprint.
So, if you want to get into Triathlon, but the distance is a big concern for you, then go into a very short race. Just rip the Band-Aid off and see how it feels.
I am not confident about this
The sixth thing that holding us back is we are not sure if we can do it. Or if we are confident enough to finish the race.
The thing is, you can do it whether you’ve got two strong legs, you got a contrite heart, you got one leg, you got no legs, you are in a wheelchair, you are sick, you are tired, you are injured.
Whatever your reason is, you can do this sport on your own. It is not that hard to go for a short race. As long as you can, or you want what you are doing, you will do it no matter what.
I am not fit or healthier enough
Most people thought when you start getting into Triathlon; you must be healthy or fit all in your first race. When it is all true since you are going to have a long race, but doing so is not that hard.
When you have absolutely no background in what healthy eating was, was not able to run to the end of the block, does not own a bike, never been on a bike, or barely know how to swim. Do not think that you are not even close to fit enough to attempt a triathlon.
Every first race is going to be a disaster, but if you try harder, focus more, and keep moving, it doesn’t matter how fit or healthy you are, you can do it.
Now, here is the last group of concerns is a valid issue but the things that can help you within your day-to-day life.
You are afraid of the water
The eighth excuse that you might be telling yourself is that you are afraid of the water.
Most people can relate to this because some of the triathletes before they even started the sport, is afraid of the water. They can’t swim farther because of this fear.
But when you do a triathlon, the more you do it, the more you are going to have to swim eventually. The more you swim, the lesser you become afraid of the water. It is not like you are actively trying not to be scared of the water; it’s just that you will realize that you can get away with it and started doing it more often.
There is no harm in trying, so try it out and do your best.
I have chronic injuries or issues
The ninth excuse that you are telling yourself is that you have a long-lasting chronic injury or something like asthma that is undoubtedly going to make it harder for you to do a triathlon. But there is no reason that you still can’t do it.
There is some triathlete who uses a puffer while doing the sport, yet, they were able to do it or become one of the best age group athletes in their area.
So, a person like that whom you can see every time you get into the sport is so inspiring. Why would you let yourself down? There are also some athletes that have an injury, or chronic diseases. Hence, they put so much effort and take away those difficulties and overcome what is lacking from them.
So, what is your reason to not start the sport and be a winner of your own?
Always focus on yourself, keep yourself up, and be the best version of yourself.
You are scared to try
The last thing you might be telling yourself is that you are scared to try. For you to know, Triathlon is a very humbling experience because it is so difficult.
It will benefit the people who are unsure of whether they can attempt a triathlon or not because being surrounded by an entire community of people that are just like you trying to become a little bit better as an athlete will do good with your decision to enter the race.
Get a little fitter and have a little bit more fun. It will make you more confident and more willing to take on challenges in your entire life.
So, I would highly recommend either joining a club, gaining some friends, or getting a training group that you regularly surrounded by is going to make your training a lot more enjoyable. It is going to make your life a lot more enjoyable.
