subject: Conquering a Triathlon Distance Or an Event [print this page] Conquering distance or an event Conquering distance or an event
A triathlon is not like a 100-metre race; indeed, it varies so much that no one event is exactly the same as another. Distances may be similar but swim location, bike route demands and run terrain all vary - from pool swims to choppy seas, pan flat to Tour de France terrain, or even cold moors to intense lava fields.
Going 'up distance'
All triathlons are different, so when you've completed an event you want to do more and eventually go 'up distance'. You can do this in one of three ways:
1 Complete a distance a few times, then move up to the next logical distance and format. So, pool-based sprint moves onto Olympic distance with an open- water swim and so on. Thus, taken to its ultimate conclusion, this means you are aiming to complete an Ironman. It's the assumed 'career' path for so many athletes but is not necessarily ideal for all. After completing the 'big one' it may lead to an Ironman focus or a varied future race distance diet.
2 Focus on a distance and conquer the specifics it demands of you. You may then focus on a set distance that suits your time and personal preferences, having tried different event lengths. This career path can spring surprise moves up distance occasionally, but most triathletes have one or two distances they tend to do and they work on improving their course PBs (personal bests). This is probably best for people in the upper third of their age group who may also try to qualify for championships or medals.
3 The give-it-all-a-go option requires you to have a varied diet of events, and tends to focus on completion rather than ultimate performance, looking for challenges to crack rather than personal bests or e group excellence. This approach suits people who are testing themselves and enjoy the less demanding and often more grass roots events.
Competing with your peers
Triathlon has children completing short fun events as well as grandmothers competing over Ironman distance for medals. Racing against your age group means that the sport develops as you grow older, so age is no limit to enjoyment and success.
Racing snakes
Typically, the fastest triathletes tend to be in their mid-twenties to early thirties. Once you hit forty, you are considered a veteran (vet) and can compete against your peers in five-year age groups: 40-44, 45 - 49,50-54 and so on. Some very fast vets can win races outright, but most competitors race against their peer group and their personal best rather than aiming to win the whole event by beating fellow triathletes who could be half their age. Although few over-50s can compete with racing snakes in their twenties, they can still be very competitive.
A brave new world
As you get older, a new age group often beckons, giving you plenty of goals. You may find 20 years after your first triathion that you are returning to events once raced or moving up to a distance that suits your steady but strong constitution. Triathlon started as a challenge, and the events, distances and age groups make it one of the most eclectic sports. This interaction with youngsters who share the same sport may be why older triathletes have a youthfulness that keeps them achieving long after their inactive peers have stopped exercising. This also works in reverse with junior athletes who learn to appreciate and respect the older people they compete against.
