The Triathlon Experts

It is a small world and despite our best efforts we are all connected together in the game of life. This true fact of life becomes very clear with your life is about to end - as mine was a few years ago.

I am writing this post because of a comment on another post from a gentleman named Russel James at watzzupsport.com who also has embraced triathlons as a method of self discovery and recovery from his battles with brain disease.

In 2005, I was diagnosed with Leukemia and spent the better part of the year in the hospital (very, very sick). Somehow I managed to drag myself back to life with the help of my devoted wife, great medical care, an extremely positive attitude, and a fierce desire to live.

As a testament to the power of the triathlon as a recovery mechanism - in 2006, I completed a sprint triathlon, an Olympic distance triathlon, and my first Half Ironman (Harvest Moon Triathlon). It was at that point of crossing the finish line some 7 or so hours later, that I knew that I had returned from the (near) dead and was fully recovered!

Having a Focused Triathlon Training Plan Gave Me Inspiration to Recover

After recovering from numerous close calls with death because of a destroyed immune system - not to mention recovering from a morphine addiction (which was a necessary evil in my treatment) - my 2006 triathlon training and events were just the ticket to help me recover from severe atrophy and depression.

When I started, I could not walk up a flight of stairs without nearly passing out. Within 6 months, I was smiling from ear to ear in the transition area of the My Way or the Tri Way Triathlon at Aurora reservoir outside of Denver. A month later, I was cruising to the finish line in the Rattlesnake Olympic Triathlon. Another month or so later, I was grinding out the 70.3 at the Harvest Moon Half Ironman. Amazing!

I was so happy to be human again and able to play the triathlon game with others of like mind. What could be better than that? Nothing makes you appreciate the smallest of details of life than when they are being taken away from you.

Three Years Later…and Still Going Strong

Life goes on for everyone…and we keep on keepin’ on. I still love triathlons and what they represent. In my opinion, they are a wonderful expression of total body fitness and of being fully alive. I look forward to the next season and all of the fun along the way to the next race.

If you have a similar situation, I hope this post is inspiring and gets you out on the road and in the water to feel the greatness of being alive. If you have had a similar experience, please comment so others can be inspired from your journey. See you on the course!

Because triathlons as competitive as they are today, it is no secret that there is a surge of amateur athletes who are leveraging the GPS watch technology of the professional triathletes to make their training and racing more enjoyable and satisfying.

As an very amateur triathlete, I am very excited about the potential of using a GPS watch to help me get through the endless running, swimming and cycling training sessions as well as improving my racing experiences.

My GPS Watch is My Personal Triathlon Coach

Many amateur and pro triathletes keep a written log of their training and racing events to track their progress and plan for the next efforts. I have always found this a tedious process and would rather just be out there training.

Instead of spending all of that time writing, a GPS watch can be used to log your distance, heart rate information, and other valuable training data - automatically! Let’s see what a GPS watch can do to help you understand your training and racing metrics.

See Your Results in Real Time with a GPS Watch

As you know, anyone who has ever trained for and competed in a triathlon knows the challenging and lengthy amount of preparation, coordination and dedication that goes on for months. If you do not get the chance to see the fruits of your labor frequently, you could slowly lose motivation.

Additionally, training for a triathlon of any distance is such a significant undertaking, we definitely need to see the results of our hard work. The BPS watch can paint that clear picture of your progress with little effort on your behalf.

There is a Reason that Elite Triathletes Use GPS Watches

Professional triathletes have taken a lesson from the adventure racers and recognized the value of having an electronic training parter helping them acheive their desired success. Not surprising, since elite athletes are usually looking for anything that will give them the edge at any cost.

Elite athletes are usually training and racing at the boundaries of human performance, and thus make great candidates for applying leading and the technology eventually gets down the the rest of us. GPS watches give them a clear view into how they are performing in racing and training at any moment.

For Under $100, You Can Have a GPS Watch

Whether you are a slow poke elephant in the back of the pack or a fast-footed gazelle in the front, you could certainly benefit from using a GPS watch to enhance both your triathlon training and racing efforts.

With an entry level price of less than $100, a GPS watch should be a no brainer (consider what your fancy triathlon bike costs…). I am confident that you will find that a GPS watch will add a whole new dimension to your triathlon training and racing. Go for it!

I can clearly remember when I had became inspired to train for an complete my first triathlon. I would have to say it was one of the best moments of my life, and can be for you tool.

The fact that you are reading this article means that you are probably toying with the idea that doing a triathlon might be possible for you. Hold that thought, because this site is all about getting you to the finish.

If you are feeling a bit timid on the idea, let me tell you - if you can swim a bit, ride a bike (most children can), and jog around the neighborhood you can do it. With a little planning, training, and enthusiasm, you will be well on your way.

Five Key Steps to Get Started with Your First Triathlon

Getting started on the right foot (so to speak) is very important to your success. To point you in the right direction, here are five good guidelines and starting points to get you pointed in the right direction. This is where I would start my exciting triathlon adventure!

1. Devise Your Triathlon Training Plan
   Since the triathlon event is a demanding and slightly complicated endevour, I would suggest you spend a little time up front thinking about how to execute this adventure. I think the best place to start is to drop a couple of bucks and get a solid training plan. Many great coaches make a living by putting together success plans that can buy for a nominal fee.
2. Find a Good Place To Train
   I have always liked doing my basic training at a health club that has a pool. Since I am a busy person, I need to get in and get out as quickly as possible. When you have more time (like weekends), definitely get out on your bike and on the road or trail for real-world running. Some people have an open water area to swim, but the pool is usually the cleanest and easiest way to get your basic swimming training completed.
3. Assemble a Triathlon Bike (whatever you can get)
   Despite what you see on TV and the magazines, you do not need a super-charged carbon fiber triathlon bike to complete your first event. In fact, you can use any sort of bike to get the job done. I did my first triathlon on a clunky mountain bike and it was just fine. You can get into the high-tech gear game later - and the worse your gear now, the more you will appreciate new gear later!
4. Register for the Event Early
   Yes, although it is tempting, do not wait until the week before the event to sign up. First, you may find that the event you have worked so hard in preparation for has filled to capacity. That would be devastating! Second, I have noticed that when you sign up and pay the entry fee, you “commit” on a certain level - and it makes sticking to the training easier.
5. Start Training in Small Amounts
   The funny thing about inspiration is that it comes on very fast and can slowly peter out when you push it too much from the start. With triathlon training, it is best to ease into it by only allowing yourself to do short sessions of running, biking and swimming. I have noticed that if I leave the gym wanting more, then I am more enthusiastic to come back and completely avoid injury. You can ramp up your training after you let you body get used to the new stresses.

So, now you have a few tips and guidelines for getting started. These are not just random thoughts, but lessons learned the hard way. I think that the goal of your first triathlon is to have a great adventurous experience, improve the overall fitness of your body, and to fall in love with the sport for a lifetime. If you take it nice and easy, these great gifts will naturally come to you. Enjoy!