By Jenny Alonzo Ford, triathlete & CAL TRI EMPOWER LA team member
As all triathletes know, marathons and triathlons are totally different things. However, they do have something in common. Both are seen as incredible feats that only the “crazy” people do, requiring heavy commitments of time and discipline to train and prepare. Both are difficult in their own respect, but triathlons are different in that they require three skill sets to master, back to back… to BACK. The swim, bike, and run legs all have their unique skill sets to conquer, both physical and mental, providing an experience where you cross the finish line knowing more about yourself than ever before. This amazing self-victory is often misunderstood, creating an intimidation factor among the community and individuals who choose to tri. But that is just it. Triathletes push themselves out of their comfort zones, creating new experiences that can be utilized in everyday life. It is not about the distance. It’s not about the race. It’s about the journey!
Running is the most accessible and familiar of triathlon’s three disciplines, (although running after the swim & bike can feel very different than just going for a run). New triathletes are often intimidated by the swim and the bike. Below I will reflect briefly on the first two legs of triathlon, and share reflections from CAL TRI EMPOWER team members about confronting their fears to successfully complete their first triathlons.
THE SWIM – In triathlon, swim distances vary from 200 meters for a sprint or super sprint, to 2.4 miles for a full or Iron distance race. Swims can be in a pool or in open water. and conditions for the latter can be calm (swimming in a serene lake) or challenging (swimming out past breaking ocean waves). Swim starts can be crowded, and it’s not uncommon to get kicked or bumped before finding some open space. Most of the time you can’t see anything underneath you and you have to control your mind at all times to focus on the task at hand. IF your mind wanders, you can really put yourself in a bad place. BUT that is the beauty of a Triathlon! As you exit the water, you don’t care where you’re at! You did it!.
“The number one thing I had to overcome for my first tri was my fear of the open water. During the warm up, I walked into the water and I was SHOCKED. It was very cold and very dark – two things you just don’t experience in a pool. I panicked, was hyperventilating, and could not get my breathing under control. I came out of the water crying because I felt like I would not be able to do the swim; that I would never even start because of my fear. Luckily, a very kind woman spotted me and recognized my fear. She was a volunteer swim angel. She offered to swim next to me the entire time. She stayed on my right side because that’s the side I breathe on. She talked me through the entire swim, encouraging me, telling me I was strong, and doing a great job. I was the last out of the water in my age group, but I had finished the swim! My swim angel and I are still friends to this day.” – Linda Maily
THE BIKE – The distance for the bike leg of a triathlon can vary from 5 miles for a super sprint, to 112 miles for a full or Iron distance race. The bike tests patience and will power. You’ve made it through the swim and you may be thinking ahead to the run. You want to go fast, but you need to pace yourself and avoid pushing too hard so you can save something for the run and make it to the finish line. AND safety is paramount. On the bike, you have to be attentive to your equipment, training, and handling skills. Hazards come in many forms, including road conditions and the actions of other riders. Do your homework when picking a race and choose one with a course that is closed to cars. Remember the old sayings “Practice makes perfect” and “try and try again.” These are especially relevant when it comes to the bike and learning to use clip-in pedals. Falling over while clipped in can be humbling, but don’t let it discourage you. It happens to everyone!
“The biggest thing I’ve had to overcome is riding my bike. Now, I always knew how to ride a bike, but to ride a road bike is a whole different story. It is something I am still trying to overcome. I’m still trying to improve my bike handling skills. My biggest issue in the beginning had been clipping in and out. There were times when I couldn’t clip out in time, so I would fall over just to make sure I stop. A mentor of mine took me to a parking lot and spent an hour with me on just clipping in and out. That really helped. But until this day, I am still struggling with clipping in and out on a hill. This is another challenge for me. I’m definitely working on it!” – Natalie Guerboian
We would love to hear your own stories about overcoming fears, learning the ropes, and getting started in triathlon. If you’re tri-curious (or tri-scared), please share your questions and anxieties too. We’ve all been there! Please feel free to comment, start a conversation on our forum, and connect with us over social media with the hashtag #CalTriEmpower. Thanks!