Although there are creative variations on traditional triathlon distances (like some races that lengthen the swim to appease the fish in our midst, or races that lengthen the bike to make us feel like we’re getting the mileage we deserve from our multi-bike time trial 1000 dollars, or races that lengthen the race by simply being masochistic and cruel), there are generally 4 triathlon distances: Sprint, Olympic, Half-Ironman, and Ironman. So to help you with your preparation for the triathlon racing season, here is a quick look at the pros and cons of each triathlon distance.

Pique:

Pros: Imagine an overweight sedentary person sitting on the couch and licking the Cheetos residue from their fingers. Technically, it would be possible for that person to be standing on the starting line of a sprint triathlon just 12-16 weeks later. This is because since sprint triathlon distances are short, they have a low barrier to entry and do not require extensive physical preparation. You only need to be able to swim 400-600 meters (8-12 laps in a pool), bike 10-15 miles, and run or walk 2-4 miles, and this requires continuous exercise for about 50 minutes to 2 hours. This may be difficult for some, but it is possible for most. Also, if you are fit or experienced in triathlon, and want to go faster in a sprint triathlon, it will take less training time than longer distances, so it is quite rare for the sprint triathlon distance to be a disaster for the race. family.

Cons: Sprint triathlons don’t get a lot of notoriety. You may be offended when someone asks you how your “Mini-Triathlon” was. And if you decide to go fast or aim for a podium, a sprint triathlon is going to hurt a lot. You will need to exert a red-hot high intensity effort near maximum heart rate for about 2-3 times longer than a 5K run. That’s an area that is difficult for most to enter, but the price you have to pay if you want to win or place yourself in a Sprint triathlon distance. Another possible downside for many is that you simply don’t have much time to eat during a sprint triathlon, so those competing for access to a moving buffet of gels and cookies will be disappointed.

Olympic:

Advantages: As the name implies, the Olympic distance is practically the same triathlon distance traveled in the Olympic Games (1.5 km swimming, 40 km cycling, 10 km race), so when someone asks you if you did a “mini-triathlon” respond by saying, “No, I did exactly what they do at the Olympics.” This will probably make you feel good on the inside, and at the same time, you still won’t have to train as much as Half-Ironman and Ironman triathletes, so your spouse, kids, family, and friends won’t find you a complete stranger. If you are a triathlon addict, you can do a lot of Olympic distance races in a year and not run a high risk of overtraining or injury as they are relatively short and you will recover quickly. Also, you can eat a little. Enjoy your meal.

Cons: At the same time, the intensity of your Olympic triathlon distance training will be much higher than that of Half-Ironman and Ironman triathlon. So just like sprint triathlon, you have to be willing to go into the cave of pain much more often. If you’re not in shape, your teammates may still rope you in an Olympic distance triathlon, who will probably say something like, “Come on, it’s only 25% of an Ironman.” However, when you get to the 5K race point, you will be planning to take revenge on these buddies. And if you want to get on the podium for an Olympic distance race, be prepared to run smoothly, as the smallest mistakes can cost you precious seconds that add up very quickly for this triathlon distance.

Half Ironman:

Pros: Congratulations, you know you have bragging rights for having completed a triathlon distance that contains the word “Ironman”, without having to give up the whole day. In fact, at many Half-Ironman events, you can finish before lunch, feel great about yourself, and still have the rest of the day to make excuses not to mow the grass (“Come on, I just did an Ironman event!”) or to go drink a lot of cold beer. If you don’t like the red-hot intensity of sprinting and Olympic distance training and races, but don’t have time to dedicate to Ironman, then this triathlon distance is a good compromise. Plus, you can travel long distances to compete in a Half-Ironman without the same kind of race-day stress that you experience in Ironman. Finally, if you make a mistake during a Half-Ironman race, like remembering to poop in the middle of the half marathon, you will still have plenty of time to make up those lost seconds.

Cons: With all the training and effort that you will put into a Half-Ironman triathlon distance, you will sometimes find yourself asking the question, “Why didn’t I sign up for an Ironman?” After all, you’re usually just as sore the next day after a Half-Ironman as an Ironman, and you still have to do a lot of logistical planning for the race when it comes to hydration, electrolytes, or food. Also, the “Half” part of “Half Ironman” doesn’t lend itself as well to bragging rights (“Did you only do half? Why? Did you give up half?”), But you’ll sound desperate. and boring trying to explain what a 70.3 is (“Well a full Ironman is a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike, a 26.2 mile run, which is 140.6 miles, but what have I done … dude, awake”. )

Iron Man:

Pros: it’s Ironman, to cry out loud. This event has been elevated to the status of worthy of a tattoo. You heard me? You can swim 2.4 miles, ride 112 miles, run a marathon, and then get a tattoo and your parents will still be proud of you. Hell, your boss probably will too. Unless you’re a musician, Harley fan, or artist, in what other social situation are tattoos acceptable? Even if you skip the tattoo, you will have the right to brag for life, you will feel great about yourself and you will be able to eat more than 4000 calories a day and stay slim.

Cons: Ironman is a logistical nightmare. Not only do you need to put in 12 to 25 hours of training in any given week, but you also need to figure out how to eat and drink as you go long distances without your gut stretching out like a swollen balloon or your fragile body sphincters screaming in anguish. . You will become best friends with your local sports medicine doctor and physical therapist, and this is not a good thing. During the race itself, you will go through periods that have been likened to childbirth, a death march, and a “very dark place.” When you’re done, you may experience symptoms of PTSD. You may forget what your boyfriend, girlfriend, husband or wife is like, and your romantic moments with them may involve nothing more than you lying like a sack of potatoes on the couch as they lovingly stroke your hands through your sweat-covered hair. You may have to appease them by allowing them to help you design your tattoo.

While the information above will give you a good baseline for making your triathlon distance decision, I cannot vouch for your safety or sanity if you choose to think outside the box of triathlon distances described in this article and decide to go do one. race. like the American Triple T, which includes a Sprint triathlon, 2 Olympics and a Half-Ironman in a single weekend, or a consecutive Ironman triathlon like Ultraman. Make sure to message me if you are tackling a new triathlon distance. I would love to hear your story. And be sure to visit the Rock Star Triathlete Academy, at http://www.rockstartriathlete.com, where you can join me for a weekly webinar to discuss your triathlon training, nutrition, and more.

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