Triathlon 101: Benefits, Distances, and Training

Choosing to participate in a triathlon is one of the biggest and most important fitness decisions an individual can make. The benefits are limitless and the euphoric since of accomplishment garnered after completing your first race is like no other on earth.

In this lesson, Brandon Marsh, a seasoned triathlete, takes you through the basics of competing, training, and gaining the most from your first triathlon experience.

Since competing in my first triathlon in 1988, triathlons have been my passion. I have raced every distance from Ironkids to Ironman. While in high school, I represented the U.S. at the 1992 Triathlon World Championships in Muskoka, Canada. Shortly after transitioning from being a high school swimmer and cross country runner, I turned to triathlons and won my first of many Texas State Triathlon championship in 1993. After finishing 2nd overall at the USA Triathlon National Amateur Championships in 2003, I began racing as a professional in 2004 and have competed on 5 continents.

In addition to chasing races around the country (and sometimes the globe), I make a living as a triathlon coach....

Great to know!

10/09/2008

~ Chuy

Tri-suits vs. tri-shorts. Clear-pair goggles vs. smoke-pair goggles. Slick tires vs. knobby tires. Mountain bike shoes vs. road bike (cycling) shoes vs. running shoes. It's great to know the benefits of each and why you would want to wear one or the other. I found this video very helpful for a beginner triathlete.

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