Yes, You Can Tri!

Want to join the triathlon ranks this year? Be brave and take the first step, it’s easier than you think, says Ironwoman and author Meredith Atwood

- Meredith Atwood

Triathlon is the sport of the moment, and the growing public appetite for its individual activities (swimming, cycling and running) is only serving to skyrocket its support. Brands are on board – statistics from the Triathlon Industry Association show that the UK’s triathlon business increased by 57 per cent between the past two Olympic events in 2012 and 2016 – and last year, approximately 19,000 people took part in one of England’s triathlon races. More women than ever are taking up the sport, with experts expecting participation levels to rise again this triathlon season.

Of course, triathlon is so much more than a trendy sport – it’s great for the body, providing a whole-body workout that will not only improve health markers such as blood pressure, but also reduce injury risk through training for three sports. Tri training is fantastic for the figure – swimming sculpts the upper body, while running defines the legs and cycling tones the tush. So, whether you swim, run, cycle or have never tried any of the three sports before, there are plenty of reasons for you to join the masses.

GETTING STARTED

If you’re still worried that you’re not up to the task, you’re not the only one. At a point in her life when she was busy juggling motherhood with a full-time job as a lawyer – ‘tired, fat, isolated and angry’ – author and now four times Ironman triathlete, Meredith Atwood decided to sign up for a triathlon.

The way Atwood tells it, she wasn’t sporty at all and had no real experience in any of the three disciplines. So why do it? She decided to become a triathlete not because she felt ready for the task, but because she needed something to shake up her life and increase her confidence.