Your first triathlon is exciting but it can also feel overwhelming. There’s a lot happening and it’s totally normal to have a mix of nerves and questions.
"What do I pack?"
"What if I forget something?"
"Will I survive the swim?"
If you’re feeling all of that you’re not alone. Every triathlete has had a first race. Everyone has shown up not knowing everything. And that’s okay.
The goal isn’t to be perfect. The goal is to show up give your best and enjoy the process. So here’s a list of honest helpful survival tips for your first triathlon. Not from a textbook. From people who’ve actually been there.
Don’t try anything new on race day
Race day is not the time to test new shoes a new wetsuit or a new breakfast. Stick to what you’ve trained with. Trust what your body already knows.
Get to the race early
Give yourself time to breathe. Set up your transition spot without rushing. Walk through the flow of swim-to-bike and bike-to-run. Know where the entry and exit points are. The more familiar you are the less pressure you’ll feel when it’s go time.
Control what you can let go of what you can’t
You can’t control the weather the water temperature or the person who accidentally elbows you during the swim. But you can control your attitude how you respond and how you keep moving forward.
Smile at the start line
It reminds you why you signed up. You’re here to experience something unforgettable. Take it in. You’ve earned your spot here.
Pace yourself
Adrenaline will make you want to sprint from the start. Start easy especially on the swim. Build into it. You’re racing all three disciplines not just the first few minutes. Be smart.
Nutrition and hydration matter more than you think
Eat something familiar before the race. Stay hydrated leading up to race day not just during it. Plan about what fuel you’ll take with you during the race.
Talk to other athletes
Everyone around you knows what this feels like. Say hi. Ask questions. You’ll be surprised how kind and helpful people are. Triathlon has a great community vibe.
Something will go wrong and that’s okay
Maybe your goggles fog up. Maybe you forgot somethingl. Just keep going. No one has a perfect first race and it’s those little moments you’ll end up laughing about later.
You only get one first race so enjoy it
Enjoy the moment. Your first finish line is something you’ll never forget. Every athlete you admire once stood exactly where you’re standing. Nervous unsure and full of questions. But they showed up. And so are you.
You don’t need to be the fastest or the strongest. You just need to be brave enough to try. Brave enough to keep going even when it gets hard. Brave enough to cross that finish line with your head high.
Because once you do you’ll realize something. You’re not just a beginner anymore.
You’re a triathlete!