Triathlons have a reputation for fast people, expensive gear, early mornings and serious faces. That reputation is not wrong, but it’s also not the whole story. There is an entire other world of triathlon made up of ordinary people doing something extraordinary for the first time. I know because I was one of them.

I have been on both sides of the triathlon conversation. One side has the person excitedly explaining something that sounds totally inspiring and completely overwhelming at the same time. The other side has the one doing the explaining, watching someone’s eyes transform from confused to curious to “hell, yeah!” That first-time feeling, the one that makes you pump both arms above your head and scream “I did it”, never gets old.

Here’s what nobody tells you…and what I wish someone had told me. Which side are you on? Let’s find out.

MY FIRST TRIATHLON: THE REAL, UNFILTERED STORY

Awkward Athlete Perspective: Adina 2009-2013

My first triathlon experience was doing only part of the race.  During a family gathering in 2009, my sister-in-law was talking about her triathlon training. She told us how nervous she was to swim in the ocean and by the end of the conversation I had agreed to be part of a relay with her. With two young children at home I hadn’t been in a pool for years. I managed a few swims, rented a wetsuit and literally dove right in without thinking anything more of it. Emerging from the water on race day, I felt so alive. I discovered a new way to challenge myself.

I wouldn’t attempt my first complete Sprint triathlon for another 4 years. I started paying more attention to my brother Mike’s triathlon training and watched both my kids do a triathlon. They all kept trying to convince me to do one, but I had the perfect excuse: I didn’t run. Until my friend Red corrupted me. That is the actual word I used at the time and has become a standing joke since I ended up actually enjoying myself. After doing that first 5K I really had no more excuses and my children practically challenged me to do a triathlon. They all believed that I COULD do it even if I didn’t…yet.

I remember being totally confused and nervous but super excited. I remember thinking Sprint meant I had to be really fast. I was relieved to learn that it referred to the distance, not a time requirement because I was far from speedy. I had to understand what gear I needed for 3 separate sports and figure out how to fit in all the training.

Swim…sure! Bike…I can probably do that. Run at the end…that sounds awful!!! And somehow I still decided to sign up.

The first order of business was getting a road bike. I treated myself to my first road bike for Mother’s Day. The guy at the shop asked so many questions I had no idea how to answer. I’m surprised I even walked out with a bike. Next was finding a training partner to help stay motivated. Sue had done a couple triathlons and agreed to mentor me. She was super helpful teaching me how to climb hills, practicing on the course and explaining what transition was.

I read articles, sifted through training plans, and asked a ton more questions, figuring it out as I went. I didn’t write anything down which I later regretted. Each day was like trial and error, hoping that it would be enough to get to the finish line.

Mark was on a work trip so my parents came up to help with the kids & cheer me on. Race day was gray and sprinkly so only my dad came. My friend Red met me there.

I wore a regular sports bra and spandex shorts under my wetsuit. I was told not to wear cycling shorts because the wet padding would feel like a saggy diaper. After the swim, I felt good and confidently ran into the transition area. I felt strong on my bike, especially as the rain eased off. There were a few hills, but I felt prepared having practiced on the course during training. I had one energy gel ready to eat before getting off the bike. The run was my biggest hurdle. I managed to maintain my pace, alternating between running for nine minutes and walking for one. I remember thinking how surreal the whole experience was.

Crossing the finish line was an overwhelming moment of triumph. “I did it!” I thought and pumped both arms above my head. My father and Red were there and seeing them both filled me with joy.

I will never forget that first race at Nantasket. I swim there regularly now and every so often a wave of nostalgia comes over me as I pass the boat ramp where it all began. Crossing the finish line and accomplishing something I never imagined possible taught me three important lessons: I can do so much more than I ever imagined, I have an amazing support network and it’s possible to learn from and set a good example for my kids at the same time.

YOUR FIRST TRIATHLON: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Confident Coach Perspective: Adina 2026

Wait…what even is a triathlon?

A triathlon is three sports back to back: a swim, a bike ride, and a run (walking is totally allowed). That’s it. And when you hear the distances for a Sprint triathlon you’ll be like “oh, that’s actually doable.” Because it is.

Most first-timers start with a Sprint. Olympic distance is a great next goal once you’ve got a race under your belt or if you already have solid fitness in all 3 sports.

CHOOSE YOUR DISTANCE:

SPRINT: .25 – .5 mile swim, 10-15 mile bike, 5K (3.1 miles) run

OLYMPIC: .9 mile swim, 26 mile bike, 10K (6.2 miles) run

WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS ON RACE DAY

Pre-Race: you will get an athlete guide that lays out the logistics for your specific race. When you arrive at the venue there will be plenty of volunteers to answer your questions. Many are triathletes themselves who were once in your shoes and can’t wait to help you.

Checkin: pick up your packet which will have a swim cap, stickers for your bike, a race bib, some fun swag, and a timing chip that goes on your ankle.

Body Marking: People with sharpies will be writing your race number on your arm, hand and calf so you’re easily identifiable.

Transition: This is your home base for the day with a small area to set up all of your gear, including your bike and the stuff in your packet. You’ll come back here after you swim and bike.

Warmup: take your bike for a spin or go for a quick jog. Some races allow you to get in the water to shake off some of the race day nerves.

Race Start: Everyone will be ushered out of transition to the start line. Grab a final snack or drink along with your swim cap, goggles and wetsuit. Your job now is to follow the crowd and listen to directions. It’s a lot of waiting around. This is my favorite time to chat with other athletes to distract me until it’s my turn.

GO: After you crush your swim, it’s off to transition to get out of your swim gear and grab your bike, helmet and any snacks for your ride. Volunteers will guide you where to start riding. When you return to transition you’ll rack your bike and head out to run (or walk) to the finish line. Make sure to look for photographers and smile big for the cameras!

Post-Race Party: time to celebrate with music, food, drink, and awards before you go back one last time to transition to pack up your belongings and get ready to sign up for your next race!

What I love most about a first race is that it’s always a PB = Personal Best.

Now that you know what to expect, the next step is picking a race, setting a goal, and following a plan.

Your first triathlon is out there waiting. Are you ready?