Set your sights on a specific race
Now comes the moment for you to put it all on the line and choose a specific race as your triathlon goal. A pool based Triathlon such as the
on 11th May is the ideal event to aim for as your first Triathlon.

Work on your weakest sport
Once you do decide to go for it, don't make the mistake of working on the one or two legs of a triathlon that you're most familiar with, or that you currently have the most training in. If you're going to comfortably finish your first triathlon, you'll have to spend some time on your weakest discipline. Chances are, since most triathletes come from a running background and you probably aren't totally averse to cycling, swimming is your Achilles heel. Don't feel bad. Most triathletes begin with the same trepidation towards water. Before you start worrying about your speed or focusing on distance, learn technique. Swimming takes a lifetime to learn, if possible have a swim coach, or somebody who is a good swimmer look at your stroke and give you advice, or point out any obvious errors. We shall take a look at specific swimming tips in a later article.

Get fitted on the bike
The most important thing you can do to improve your cycling is to make sure you are riding a properly-fitted bicycle. While "properly-fitted" may sound like tailoring advice, a bicycle that you can comfortably ride will translate into greater efficiency, preserving precious energy for that final discipline, the run. Again we shall be looking at bike specific tips in a later article.

Have fun
Most of all, no matter what you do to prepare for your first triathlon, don't take the whole thing too seriously. The sport of triathlon came about as a result of a bar bet, some slightly inebriated fools trying to outdo each other. With that in mind, keep your approach to the sport on the light-hearted side. If you do that, you'll remember what it's like to feel like a kid again.

In the next issue we shall take a look at some specific swimming tips to help you get through that first discipline in relative comfort.