Triathlons and other endurance sports have grown significantly in popularity over the last twenty year. According to USA Triathlon, the sport’s governing body within the United States, membership in their organization has risen from 100,000 in 1998 to 550,446 in 2013. Another report, this one coming from The Sports and Fitness Industry Association, asserts that the number of people competing in triathlon has increased by 59% from 2008 to 2011. According to their numbers, there are 1,251,000 participants in 2008 and 1,992,000 participants in 2011.
A triathlon is in a category known as endurance or multi-sport events. Also, in these categories are Ironman races, Half-Iron races, marathon, half-marathon, and obstacle course competitions. The Ironman is essentially a triathlon but at the most competitive level. An Ironman includes a 2.4-mile swim in open water, an 112-mile bike race, and a 26.2-mile run, which is the distance of a full marathon.
A Half-Iron also called a Long Course, includes a 21.1 km running race, a 90 km bike race, and a 1,900 km swim in open water. While a regular triathlon is much shorter, it consists fo the same sports combinations; swimming, biking, and running.
Before attempting a triathlon, it is important to have the right equipment. For example, you need good running shoes that fit properly. Running in inadequate, worn out, or ill-fitting shoes can lead to injury and unnecessary pain while running.
It is also important to have a good operating and fitted bike. Triathlon bikes need to be fast but also durable. A lot of triathlons are on city streets or even areas where you may go off-road for a portion of the race. Your bike needs to be ready for whatever terrain you?ll be racing on.
There are several options in triathlon bikes, and you should choose one based on your comfort as well as where you plan to be racing. Mountain bikes are the most popular bikes sold taking up 24% of the market. Road bikes come in third place taking up 20% of the total market.
When looking at triathlon bikes, you also need to consider how easy it will be to load and transport since you’ll be taking this bike to races. You’ll need to look at how quickly and easily you can change the tire or make repairs while on the side of the road during a race. While having to make repairs isn’t something that always happens, if you need to to finish the race, you should be prepared.
There are lots of bike shops through the country that can help you make the right decision. While there are bikes sold in many large retailors, you are more likely to be able to talk to a bike expert by finding a local bike shop. Bike shops will also carry any and all gear you may need, which you probably won?t find at a big box store.
