If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to challenge yourself with something new, consider entering a triathlon. The sport will whip you into shape while feeding your competitive edge. Fitness model and top triathlete Silvia Ribeiro shares some tips that help her finish strong. The graph below shows the disctances of different triathlons, to help you figure out which race is best for you.[[{“fid”:”70590″,”view_mode”:”media_original”,”fields”:{“format”:”media_original”,”field_photo_credit[und][0][value]”:””,”field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]”:””,”field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]”:””,”field_tags[und]”:””,”field_folder[und]”:”1″},”type”:”media”,”attributes”:{“class”:”media-element file-media-original”,”height”:”147″,”width”:”381″}}]]
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Corbis Images
Start small
There’s no need to jump right into a long-distance triathlon when a shorter race will give you the same thrill and help build your endurance without putting your body through unnecessary stress.
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Kristy-Anne Glubish/Design Pics/Corbis
Eat right
Sure, you can spend thousands on a fancy bike or other gear, but “your body is your most important piece of equipment, so treat it right,” Ribeiro says. Practice taking in water or sports drinks during your training so you know what will work on race day, and keep a balanced diet so you have enough fuel.
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Enjoy the journey
Training for a triathlon takes time (usually at least three months of prep), so be patient. “Finding joy in the process will make or break your stay-with-it power,” Ribeiro says.
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Corbis Images
Stay positive
“Your mind will try to take the easy way out during the more painful segments of the race, but a positive attitude can keep you focused,” says Ribeiro. “In tougher moments, call to mind the goal you’ve set and the countless weeks of hard work you’ve dedicated to your training.”
If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to challenge yourself with something new, consider entering a triathlon. The sport will whip you into shape while feeding your competitive edge. Fitness model and top triathlete Silvia Ribeiro shares some tips that help her finish strong. The graph below shows the disctances of different triathlons, to help you figure out which race is best for you.
There’s no need to jump right into a long-distance triathlon when a shorter race will give you the same thrill and help build your endurance without putting your body through unnecessary stress.
Eat right
Sure, you can spend thousands on a fancy bike or other gear, but “your body is your most important piece of equipment, so treat it right,” Ribeiro says. Practice taking in water or sports drinks during your training so you know what will work on race day, and keep a balanced diet so you have enough fuel.
Enjoy the journey
Training for a triathlon takes time (usually at least three months of prep), so be patient. “Finding joy in the process will make or break your stay-with-it power,” Ribeiro says.
Stay positive
“Your mind will try to take the easy way out during the more painful segments of the race, but a positive attitude can keep you focused,” says Ribeiro. “In tougher moments, call to mind the goal you’ve set and the countless weeks of hard work you’ve dedicated to your training.”
