Triathlons: Make Waves, Get in Gear, Take Strides

Humana's own Michael Seiler shares tips on getting started on the road to triathlons.

If you've ever seen a triathlon, you've probably found yourself inspired by people testing their physical and mental limits. You may have even thought of competing in a triathlon. Moving from inspiration to participation often can prove a daunting task. But making that move may be easier than you think.

About triathlons

Sprint triathlons offer an easy entry point into the world of triathlons. Triathlon distances fall into four basic categories:

Ironman – 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and 26.2-mile run.

Half Ironman – 1.2-mile swim, 61-mile bike ride, and 13.1-mile run.

Olympic – 1.5-kilometer swim, 40-kilometer bike ride, and 10 kilometer run. That's a 0.93-mile swim, a 24.9-mile bike ride, and a 6.2-mile run.

Sprint – anything shorter than Olympic. Due to the shorter distances, sprint triathlons are often easier to find near your hometown.

Sprint distances are usually low key affairs with lots of beginners dipping their toes in the triathlon waters. Training for a sprint distance is much easier from a time-management perspective as well. Here are my seven tips for getting started:

Find a group or training partner - Many cities have triathlon training groups. These groups are a great resource for information and tips from experienced triathletes. Training partners help me stay motivated to push myself but they also supply that little extra I need occasionally to get out of bed to train.

Pick the right distance based on your strengths or weaknesses - Swimming is my weakest event. To get started, I looked for events that had shorter swims and longer bike segments. Visit TriFind to find races in your area.

Focus on your weaknesses, but don't over focus - As a competitive cyclist, I decreased my riding time to pick up some additional time in the pool to strengthen my swimming.

Get an equipment checkup - You don't need the latest and greatest gear, but make sure the gear you have is in good working order. For my first tri, I used my road bike versus the specialized tri bike I use now. Take your bike to a local bike shop for a checkup. Visit your local running store for shoe advice.

Become a sponge - Once I decided to do my first triathlon, I read everything I could get my hands on related to triathlons and training. Two great sites to start with are Beginner Triathlete and Xtri.

Set realistic goals - Be honest about where you're starting from and set goals that push you but are realistic. My goal for my first triathlon was to finish and be comfortable doing so.

Have fun - This is my most important tip. Triathlons are hard work, but you should have fun doing it. Of course, get your doctor's OK before starting any training regimen.

Follow my seven tips and you'll be well on your way to becoming a triathlete. As a triathlete, you get all the benefits of cross training and the variety of having different workouts throughout the week. You are also participating in events that most of us did as kids. You'll be surprised with just how easy it is.

Warning: This can become addicting!

About the author

Michael Seiler

Michael has competed in many triathlons up to the full Ironman distance in 2009. He's completed 21 marathons, including the Boston Marathon. He's the current Kentucky State Cyclocross Champion and won the prestigious Ohio Valley Cyclocross Series.

Links to various other Websites from this site are provided for your convenience only and do not constitute or imply endorsement by Humana of these sites, any products or services described on these sites, or of any other material contained therein. Humana disclaims responsibility for their content and accuracy.

Medical Plans

Humana group medical plans are offered by Humana Medical Plan, Inc., Humana Employers Health Plan of Georgia, Inc., Humana Health Plan, Inc., Humana Health Benefit Plan of Louisiana, Inc., Humana Health Plan of Ohio, Inc., Humana Health Plans of Puerto Rico, Inc. License # 00235-0008, Humana Wisconsin Health Organization Insurance Corporation, or Humana Health Plan of Texas, Inc., or insured by Humana Health Insurance Company of Florida, Inc., Humana Health Plan, Inc., Humana Health Benefit Plan of Louisiana, Inc., Humana Insurance Company, Humana Insurance Company of Kentucky, or Humana Insurance of Puerto Rico, Inc. License # 00187-0009, or administered by Humana Insurance Company or Humana Health Plan, Inc. For Arizona residents, plans are offered by Humana Health Plan, Inc. or insured by Humana Insurance Company. Administered by Humana Insurance Company.

Go365^® is not an insurance product. Not available with all Humana health plans.

Dental Plans

Humana individual dental plans are insured or offered by Humana Insurance Company, HumanaDental Insurance Company, Humana Insurance Company of New York, The Dental Concern, Inc., CompBenefits Insurance Company, CompBenefits Insurance Company, CompBenefits Company, CompBenefits Dental, Inc., Humana Employers Health Plan of Georgia, Inc., Humana Health Benefit Plan of Louisiana, Inc., or DentiCare, Inc. (DBA CompBenefits). Discount plans are offered by HumanaDental Insurance Company, Humana Insurance Company, or Texas Dental Plans, Inc. Arizona residents insured by Humana Insurance Company. Texas residents insured or offered by Humana Insurance Company, HumanaDental Insurance Company, or DentiCare, Inc. (DBA CompBenefits).

Humana group dental plans are offered by Humana Insurance Company, HumanaDental Insurance Company, Humana Insurance Company of New York, Humana Health Benefit Plan of Louisiana, The Dental Concern, Inc., Humana Medical Plan of Utah, CompBenefits Company, CompBenefits Insurance Company, CompBenefits Dental, Inc., Humana Employers Health Plan of Georgia, Inc., or DentiCare, Inc. (DBA CompBenefits).

Vision Plans

Humana individual vision plans are insured by Humana Insurance Company, The Dental Concern, Inc., or Humana Insurance Company of New York, or Humana Health Benefit Plan of Louisiana, Inc. Arizona residents insured by Humana Insurance Company. Texas residents insured by Humana Insurance Company.

Humana group vision plans are offered by Humana Insurance Company, HumanaDental Insurance Company, Humana Health Benefit Plan of Louisiana, Humana Insurance Company of Kentucky, Humana Insurance Company of New York, CompBenefits Insurance Company, CompBenefits Company, or The Dental Concern, Inc.

Life Insurance Plans

Humana group life plans are offered by Humana Insurance Company or Humana Insurance Company of Kentucky.

The website is maintained outside of New York state and the insurer is not authorized to transact the business of insurance in New York.

View a complete list of the legal entities that offer, underwrite, administer or insure insurance products and services.

Limitations and exclusions

Our health benefit plans, dental plans, vision plans, and life insurance plans have exclusions, limitations and terms under which the coverage may be continued in force or discontinued. Our dental plans, vision plans, and life insurance plans may also have waiting periods. For costs and complete details of coverage, call or write Humana or your Humana insurance agent or broker.

Individual applications are subject to eligibility requirements.

Before applying for group coverage, please refer to the pre-enrollment disclosures for a description of plan provisions which may exclude, limit, reduce, modify or terminate your coverage. View plan provisions or check with your sales representative.

For group plans, please refer to your Benefit Plan Document (Certificate of Coverage/Insurance or Summary Plan Description/Administrative Services Only) for more information on the company providing your benefits.

Statements in languages other than English contained in the advertisement do not necessarily reflect the exact contents of the policy written in English, because of possible linguistic differences. In the event of a dispute, the policy as written in English is considered the controlling authority.

Triathlons: Make Waves, Get in Gear, Take Strides

About triathlons

About the author

Michael Seiler

Bent out of shape by back pain?

Try yoga for more life balance

Swim, bike, and run your way to wellness