Top 12 Triathlon Frequently Asked Question's | Tips For Beginner Triathletes

Are you thinking about entering your first triathlon? If so we're sure you have lots of questions spinning around in your head. Heather is here to answer the common questions that all triathletes will have had at some point!

Are you thinking about entering your first triathlon? If so we're sure you’ve got 100’s of questions spinning around in your head?!

Well don’t worry, we are here to help! Heather is here to answer the most common questions that all triathletes will have had at some point!

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Salt Lake Seagull - Chris Shards
Monkey Throw Monkey - Arc De Soleil
I Want a Change (Instrumental Version) - The Big Let Down

Photos: © Triathlon / Getty Images

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What questions haven't we answered? Let us know in the comments!

[seulebrg]

0:36 - How to I know if I am ready for a Triathlon?
1:16 - How do I choose an event?
1:58 - Do I need a race bike?
2:16 - What other piece of kit must I have?
2:57 - What rules must I know?
4:23 - How early should I arrive?
5:24 - What if I need a bathroom break?
5:52 - Any tips about a mass swim start?
6:24 - Must I swim it all front crawl?
6:53 - Should I carry food with me?
7:24 - What is bike check-in?
7:49 - Where should friends and family support from?

[IronWill]

YES - I want to see more people in this sport, so videos like this are great to help people overcome that 'knowledge' hurdle.
I kept forgetting to get off before the dismount line in my first year over this last year... I really need to try to remember that for the next season here in AU haha... No time penalties or DQ's yet, but it's better to avoid the possibility entirely!

[zacbell]

I know you guys sell GTN branded cycling jersey and bibs but will you ever consider selling a GTN tri-suit? Because I would love one!

[DG-jqil]

Some races do not allow fixies or reclines, so it is a good idea to check in advance that your bike does meet the race standards. That way you have time to find a suitable bike. Craigslist, Gumtree, Ebay, FB Marketplace, etc... are great places to find a cheap and cheerful set of wheels. As for clothing, I did my first races in a pair of jammers and a tank top. If you don't have clipless pedals, no worries, because than you will only need to bring a pair of trainers and your helmet.

[DeanGrove]

One think I would add for the bike check-in part is to try and be aware of the heat, so your tubes dont deflate or maybe even pop over night.

[williamwayfairing]

Earlier This year I did a race that started with a kayak, then a trail run, and ended with a bike. Does this count as a triathlon?

[ryandrake]

Thanks for all the great content, I'm doing my first triathlon in 4 weeks.
Two questions,
1) Prior to race, should I be trying to complete all event distances in a single training session? (Doing a sprint distance)
2) What do you suggest post race and/or heavy training session to make sure your body stays limber and happy in days to follow.

[kerndawg]

Just completed my first triathlon this past weekend and I just wanted to say thanks for these videos. I had my second little one in November and had gained 65 lbs for the second time. Training has been so much more fun and rewarding than just agonizing over calories and I've really appreciated everything I've learned from this channel. I can't wait to do another one but I've also been thinking... any advice on organizing a local triathlon?

[CmaganaL]

Great video. One question not covered . Flat tyre during the race, am I allowed to fix my tyre and continue? is there support from the event to change the tire? what if my bike becomes innoperative during the race, can I run pushing my bike to make it to the transition and continue? Thanks in advance.

[markstacey]

Good advice thank you.. But I do think you have to be super fit doing sprint triathlon no place to hide.. Where as I can always sneak a little walk in a longer race..

[hgkrmz]

Okay, so this may not be entirely on topic, but I watch a lot of GCN as I'm primarily a road cyclist and I've not quite picked up on what the triathlete bashing is all about. I'm definitely interested in triathlon though, being a runner before a cyclist. Just gotta get some swimming in and I'd love to do this some day.

[TheJusticewhittle]

HI about to do my first Olympic triathlon, can you leave a bag in the transition area with all your gear in? Whenever I see transition areas I just see people's stuff in a pile on the floor and I don't want to lose anything when my nerves are jangling....!

[scottyb]

thanks for the tips, are there usually mechanics at the triathlon if you have a problem with buke or is it worth taking a course first?

[luizmorgato]

Hi! Should I bring any extra tire tube with me during a triathlon race? What about air pump or CO2 cilinder?

[nathanfisher]

Got one for you. I’ve lost 165 pounds over 3 years with a personal trainer. She’s been a great coach and supporter. I’m looking to get some sort of tri coach but it seems there’s nothing out there but high rates and training plans that can be generic. I think many of us need like a ‘tri mentor’ to help us get acclimated to the sport more so than a coach who might be better suited to train an Olympic hopeful.

Where do these creatures lurk?

Also - I’ve been mostly low carb/keto for the last 18 months. I’m now seeing a lot of athletes also going that route. I can do 34 miles on the bike and run 7 miles - distance isn’t too hard with keto. I’ll just snack on a protein bar and some peanuts along the way for very long rides. But my question is then with the fuel you see people using like gels. Unclear how this stuff might affect your low carb people. Obviously I’d be interested in it for performance purposes, but curious about effects of it with gi, ketosis, or fat adaptation. I’m usually on the outskirts of keto with 50-75g of carbs per day, usually on the higher end with high training days. So - expertise on how I can understand the nutrition with low carb might be awesome. I’m sure there’s a lot of low carb people out here

[ramonscott]

Can I bring a bag with a shirt so after the swim I can change from my wetsuit to a shirt and my shoes? I will already be wearing Tri shorts under my wetsuit.

[CenaSitnica]

Here i am watching triathlon videos for more than a year now.. I am mainly doing long distance runs/ultras and then a few bike rides a week, nothing crazy. But the thing is, i don't know how to swim, never had a chance to try it, nor do i have someone to teach me this. How in the world did everyone learn to swim? Any ideas? Tips? :)

[boylegoesto]

I’m short 5’’6 and chunky (13+ stone) I can’t seem to find a wetsuit to fit is a two piece a good option?

[pierce]

Can you use the run walk run method when on the run section