Triathlon is a multi-disciplinary endurance sport that includes swimming, cycling, and running. The sport began in San Diego over 50 years ago and is now practiced worldwide, including in the Olympics. Athletes compete for the fastest overall time, from the start of the swim, through the transitions between disciplines, until crossing the finish line. Triathlon is a big part of my life and enables me to push my limits, channel my physical energy, and create balance in my life.
“You can keep going and your legs might hurt for a week, or you can quit and your mind will hurt for a lifetime.” - Mark Allen.
The origins of triathlon are widely debated, but it is believed to have begun in Mission Bay in the mid-1970s. The Ironman distance triathlon was famously conceived in Oahu, Hawaii. Judy and John Collins debated with friends about which discipline of triathlon was the most challenging, leading them to attempt the Waikiki Rough Water Swim (2.4 miles), a local bike club’s route around the entire island (112 miles), and the Honolulu Marathon (26.2 miles) back to back.
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The triathlon begins with the swim. Athletes may enter the water from a beach, a dock, or may even start lined up in the water. The swim can take place in the ocean, a lake, a river, a reservoir, or even a pool. Distances range from 750 meters (sprint) to 2.4 miles (Ironman).
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The second and penultimate leg of a triathlon is the bike. Professional athletes often use a time trial bike, although a road bike is preferred for the Olympic distance. Drafting is typically illegal, though there are occasionally draft-legal races (such as the Olympic distance).
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The final component of a triathlon is the run. It is straightforward: move as quickly as possible to the finish line. Running off the bike can be challenging, with some describing the sensation as "jelly legs."
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An important element of triathlon is the transition between swimming, cycling, and running. Transition time is included in the overall race time, so efficiency is key. Transitioning from swimming to cycling (T1) involves removing your wetsuit, swim cap, and goggles, and putting on your helmet and cycling shoes. Transitioning from the bike to the run (T2) involves dismounting your bike, removing your helmet, and putting on your running shoes, and perhaps a hat or sunglasses.
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There are four primary triathlon race distances, although these can vary depending on location, competitiveness, and whether the race is officially sanctioned. The shortest distance is a sprint, featuring a 750-meter swim, a 20-kilometer bike, and a 5-kilometer run. The Olympic distance is a 1.5-kilometer swim, a 40-kilometer bike, and a 10-kilometer run. The long-distance triathlon, also known as Ironman, includes a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike, and a 26.2-mile run, totaling 140.6 miles. There is also a half-distance Ironman, which is exactly half of these distances, totaling 70.3 miles.
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Triathlon is an equipment-intensive sport since it involves competing in three different disciplines. The minimum equipment required includes goggles, a bike, a helmet, and running shoes. Competitive athletes will likely have a wetsuit or swim skin, a race bike, cycling shoes, an aerodynamic helmet, running shoes, sunglasses, a hat, a race belt, and a race suit to wear throughout the entire race.
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