Five Things you must know before doing a triathlon

The Top 5 Things Nobody Told Me Before I Did My First Triathlon.
By: Erin Purrington, GOTRIbal member
 

1.  Triathletes look intimidating, but who wouldn’t with all that spandex? Triathletes are pretty nice folks actually.  There will always be an exception to that rule, but most triathletes are glad to help you out with advice, encouragement, or even giving you their extra pair of goggles or spare gel.  Just before the start of my race, a woman sitting on the wall next to me asked, very sincerely, if I was okay.  Apparently, I looked more than a little nervous.  When my chain came off on the bike course, people didn’t just whiz past me, they slowed down and asked if I was all right.  If you need anything as a newbie triathlete, just ask. Help is just a tire pump, or extra gel, away.

2.  Massages, hickeys and lube will become a regular part of your life.  Much to my husband’s dismay, none of these involve him.  I’m talking about the sports massages to relieve aches in muscles I didn’t know I had, the dreaded “wetsuit hickey”, and Bodyglide. 
Self-massage is a great option for those of us that don’t have the time or money for regular visits to a masseuse.  A foam roller is a wonderful tool for self-massaging sore muscles.  Tennis balls or a rolling pin provide a more portable option. 
Bodyglide will become your new best friend.  For preventing “wetsuit hickeys”, saddle sores, and other chafing a non-petroleum based lubricant is essential. 
 

3.  It’s okay to pee your pants.  Say what?  Yep, it’s actually a common technique for warming up your wetsuit in cold conditions.  Competitive racers learn to pee while on their bike as well.  (I don’t think I’ll ever be fast enough to have to worry about that!)  Not comfortable peeing in your wetsuit?  Bring a thermos of warm water to pour inside your suit instead.
 

4.  Be prepared to be hungry.  I mean ravenously, gnaw your own arm off hungry!  I’m used to having an increased appetite after long runs (a phenomenon affectionately called “runger” by some of my friends), but nothing like the constant hunger that comes with multisport training.  As your body tries to fuel all the workouts your (three)sport(s) of choice demand, it cries out for more and more food.  This is not the time to try to lose weight.  You would likely be left tired, hungry and cranky.  Focus instead on fueling the amazing body that is getting you through all those hard workouts. 
 

5.  Something can suck and be awesome all at the same time.  I had this thought halfway through the run.  I was tired, thirsty, everything hurt, and I was having a blast!  I can’t wait for my next triathlon!
 

For more juicy tidbits on how to enjoy the sport of triathlon, become part of GOTRIbal.  With a focus on providing accessible and educational resources for all women in endurance sport, you’re bound to find a way to slide easily into your first wetsuit… and then pee in it later unashamed.