Triathletes Swim, Bike and Run and Know Where to Find the First Aid Stations

The sport of Triathlons is gaining popularity as people seek continued avenues to stay fit and live healthy lives. Participating in a Triathlon is a daunting task for even the most avid runner, biker and swimmer. Typically held on weekends, professional athletes as well as weekend warriors sign up and converge on a central location to participate in the event. From the moment the athlete enters the event location, he starts assessing the logistics of the event. Where should he put his bike? How is he going to set up his transition area? How quickly can he take off his wet suit and put on his bike shoes? How much water should he drink in between each phase of the event in order to stay hydrated? With so many questions to address before the race, typically triathletes arrive for their events hours before the start of the race. An avid Triathlete may even do a quick run though of the course in his vehicle to determine where the course will take him. Every triathlete knows where to find the first aid station when he takes on the awesome challenge to participate in a swim, bike and run event.

Triathlons are gaining popularity as more and more people look for new ways to challenge themselves. Whether it is an athlete who played sports in college and is looking for a way to stay in shape or a person who is seeking to improve his health later in life, Triathlons offer participants a personal challenge to train and condition himself to compete. For a swimmer, biker or runner, it adds an additional challenge that breaks up the monotony of just running or swimming or biking. When an athlete excels in one area of the race, the additional components allow the individual to push limits and boundaries. The success of the training feels great to an individual who enjoys competition.

The challenge of Triathlons is the risk it poses if the participant has not trained properly. There are significant health risks if the athlete has not trained for the upcoming events based on their distances. If an athlete is used to running sprints but ends up running 5 miles at the end of a 12 mile bike and a half mile swim, he might find he has run out of steam. A chance of dehydration or muscle cramps is a concern. If the participant must exit the course and seek medical attention at the first aid station, the participant will have to forfeit the race. After weeks of preparation and months of training, not completing the race is such a disappointment.

Are you looking for a new physical challenge? Are you tired of going to the gym to exercise? Are you thinking about adding running, biking or swimming to your exercise routine? If you train in each of these areas, you will be ready to participate in your first triathlon before you know it. Participation in triathlons has increased recently as the sport has gained popularity. Clubs and teams are forming in many cities and towns, which encourage participation in these events. Triathlons become events as the participants’ loved ones and families come out to support their athlete as they participate in the race. The race course is littered with poster board signs and cheering fans supporting the athletes and encouraging them to completion. These events become family events as the athlete’s spouse and children come out to cheer on their loved one and celebrate their accomplishment as they cross the finish line. With the proper training and preparation, the athlete won’t end up needing first aid. Competing in your first triathlon will feel like an accomplishment, both physically and physiologically.