Taking on your first triathlon can be really daunting! Trying to tackle three disciplines at once, work out a nutrition strategy, get everything lined up for the transitions… But don’t panic – we’re on hand to share our experience and best tips to help you tackle this milestone. You’ve got this!
Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/@gtn/join
โฑ๏ธ Timestamps โฑ๏ธ
00:00 – Intro
00:14 – Cover the distance
00:48 – Practise your transitions
01:21 – Learn the course
02:20 – Don’t rush
02:51 – Don’t try anything new on race day
03:37 – Use lube
04:38 – Have a nutrition plan
05:18 – Have fun!
05:44 – Ask other triathletes
Useful Links
Join GTN YouTube Memberships ๐ https://gtn.io/JoinGTNmemberships
Subscribe so you donโt miss a thing ๐ https://gtn.io/subscribe
Submit your Photo and Video to us ๐ https://gtn.io/UPLOAD
Check out the GTN Shop ๐ https://gtn.io/TeamKit
GTN Training Plans ๐ https://gtn.io/qonrQw
Insurance: Viewers in the USA and UK can explore Insurance products ๐ https://gtn.io/insurance
Leave any questions or doubts you have about your first triathlon and we’ll try to help clear them up in the comments! ๐ช
Watch more on GTN…
๐น https://youtu.be/25jcCqiWBtY
๐น Watch our Editorโs Choice Playlist ๐ https://gtn.io/editorschoice
๐น Watch our weekly show, The GTN Show ๐ https://gtn.io/GTNshowPlaylist
Photos: ยฉ Triathlon / Getty Images
๐ต Music – licensed by Epidemic Sound ๐ต
Wildernesses – Dusty Decks
The Glitzy District – Dusty Decks
#gtn #triathlon #swimbikerun #swim #bike #run #firsttriathlon #tips
The Global Triathlon Network (GTN) is the world’s biggest triathlon YouTube channel, with new videos every day! GTN is for anyone who loves triathlon: from seasoned triathletes to first-timers โ and everyone in between!
With the help of our former pro and Olympic medal-winning team, weโre here to inform, entertain and inspire you to become a better triathlete; including videos on:
– How to swim, bike, and run faster with expert knowledge
– Try our session ideas
– Investigations into wide-ranging topics
– The best triathlon bike tech and gear with pro-know-how
– In-depth, entertaining features from the heart of the sport
– Chat, opinion and interact with us across the channel and on social media!
Join us on YouTubeโs best triathlon channel to get closer to the sport and to become a better, faster and fitter triathlete!
Welcome to the Global Triathlon Network.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Ryzon: https://gtn.io/ryzon
Canyon bikes: http://gtn.io/canyon-bikes
Coros: https://gtn.io/Coros
Ergon: https://gtn.io/Ergon
THEMAGIC5: https://gtn.io/TheMagic5
ON Running: http://gtn.io/On-Running
Orca: http://gtn.io/Orca
Precision Fuel & Hydration: https://gtn.io/PrecisionHydration
Roka: https://gtn.io/Roka
Truekinetix: https://gtn.io/Truekinetix
Silca: https://gtn.io/silca
Watch our sister channels:
Global Cycling Network – https://www.youtube.com/@gcn
GCN Tech – https://www.youtube.com/@gcntech
GCN Racing – https://www.youtube.com/@gcnracing
GCN Italia – https://www.youtube.com/@gcnitalia
GCN en Espanol – https://www.youtube.com/@gcnenespanol
GCN auf Deutsch – https://www.youtube.com/@gcnaufdeutsch
GCN en Francais – https://www.youtube.com/@gcnenfrancais
GCN Training – https://www.youtube.com/@GCNTraining
Global Mountain Bike Network – https://youtube.com/@gmbn
GMBN Racing – https://www.youtube.com/@gmbnracing
GMBN Tech – https://www.youtube.com/@gmbntech
Electric Mountain Bike Network – https://www.youtube.com/@embn
24 Comments
Great timing! Thanks GTN โค
This is coming in clutch by being recommended in my YouTube sidebar after being posted 6 minutes ago. My first tri is on Sunday!
Leave any questions or doubts you have about your first triathlon and we'll try to help clear them up in the comments! ๐ช
Regarding lube: for cute, curvy competitors (such as myself) lube underneath my breasts where my sports bra rests is essential. I still haven't finished a long race without serious red chafing lines, but the body lube makes those lines merely irritating, and not painful, red and raw. When in doubt, just put some lube on.
Thanks for the tips. Have fun to those who will soon start the season. First event in May for me.
i am a 52 yr old male , doing my first half marathon this sunday , dont know if i should stop all training 3 days before , then back on to full training as doing my first olympic tri in may in lanzarote , also i have never ran more than 9 miles at one time in my life
I would add two more tips: 1.- Don't rush through the transitions, the goal is to not make mistakes, take your time and visualize your next activity so you mentally see whether you have what you need. 2.- If you have to remove your timing chip to take out your wetsuit, strap it to your wrist so you don't forget it.
I would like to try one pushing/pulling my son in a adaptive wheelchair, BUT I have a big fear of water. I think I'll stick to marathons.
great video for this newbie, taking on my first Sprint Tri here in beautiful Upstate NY in Jul and not going to lie I am freaking out just a little bit, but also really looking forward to this new challenge
All these videos are a great help. Not a newbie but it will have been 28 years between triathlons for me when I return. Has anything changed since then? ๐
When I did my first sprint triathlon, I did one at home before. Then proceeded to do an extra lap of the bike course.
Thanks for these tips i jave me first triathlon in May, sprint distance
Very key if you are staying a distance from the start line. The day before it is best to scope out any public bathrooms, hotels, or businesses that might be opened near the start line. At minimum bring a roll of toilet paper to use in the Port-o-Potties.
Bring your own toilet paper.
100% nasty when you're in Milwaukee with pre game poos and zero wipes. Leason learned.
It turns out your worse thoughts will never transpire. Your first? Do not compare yourself to anyone else. That will take away the enjoyment. there are many more to come after the first to think about a podium. Great tips Heather
I would add a couple of tips:
Look on YouTube to see if thereโs a video of the course (Blenheim for example has videos of all three disciplines, but the swim ones not particularly helpful apart from warning about the steep ascent to the transition area.)
Secondly take a cheap pair of flip flops that your happy to throw away to walk around in after putting on your wetsuit, they will save your feet.
I did my first triathlon (Olympic distance) in October; and thanks to this channel and all the helpful information, everything did indeed go perfectly!
Here are my key takeaways:
– your one and only goal should be to give it your best and have fun! Have a general idea what your times per discipline might be, but don't set strict targets. Also: a DNF (e.g. due to mechanical issues with the bike or for the sake of preventing long-term damage to your body) doesn't mean your event was a failure – as long as you gave it your best and had fun!
– prepare everything for T1 and T2 thoroughly, so that you can feel somewhat relaxed and confident about those parts
– wear your helmet before grabbing your bike and keep wearing it until you've put the bike back! (some events might be less strict about this rule than others, but don't risk it and don't forget it in the heat of the moment)
– plan and test your nutrition strategy
– thank the supporters and maybe cheer on some other participants (especially during the run). Enjoy the event and spread the joy!
one more thing: fancy equipment is always nice, but it can't replace proper training. If you want to treat youreself to a nice bike and are in a comfortable position financially: go ahead. But it's not necessary for having a great event (or great times, for that matter). Just make sure your equipment is safe and your body is ready for the stress of the event.
Best of luck, everyone!
And thanks to the GTN team for all the great content!
dang how long ago was the baby. You look amazing btw. And I love that trisuit!
3:37 use lube, yes, on 1s chest, around yr nipples, as mentioned, under 1s arms, not mentioned, between your legs, very important, i got pretty bad abrasions during several marathons. Hurt like bloddy hell for the nxt few days, esp when showering!
Yah today im having my first Olympic triathlon with immediatly an additional challenge: Its 30C today ๐
Doing my first tri tomorrow- an Olympic. Not done half these but I'm sure it'll be ok ๐
doing my first triathelon in July. Exterra conquer the crater here in Sudbury ontario. Thanks so much for the advice
I have my first in three weeks, although itโs a kayak instead of a swim. Super excited!
I have my first sprint tri this weekend, Iโm so nervous but these were great tips theyโll def make Sunday better.