When people hear "triathlon," their mind may automatically conjure images of the granddaddy of them all—IRONMAN—which involves a 2.4 mile swim and 112-mile bike ride before culminating in a 26.2 marathon run.
What many don't know is that triathlons come in a variety of sizes, the shortest distance among them being the sprint. Sprint triathlons can vary in distance, but generally they include a 0.5-mile (750 m) swim, 12.4-mile (20K) bike and 3.1-mile (5K) run. In addition to simply being a great gateway into the sport of triathlon, sprint distances have a lot to offer newcomers and novices alike.
In fact, we think it might just be triathlon's best distance.
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Not everyone has time to train for an IRONMAN, which requires a great deal of dedication and discipline. A sprint triathlon is short enough to finish without disrupting your life with training, but long enough to give you that swim, bike, run fix.
The wetsuits, the bike, the shoes and other gear all add up to a hefty price tag, but the registration costs for a sprint triathlon are considerably cheaper than their long-distance counterparts. That just means more money to blow on your post-race cheat meal.
Need a little extra outside motivation to keep you pushing toward the finish line? A sprint triathlon is usually spectator friendly, enabling you to catch a glimpse of your loved ones cheering you on throughout each leg of the race.
Because a sprint is so short, pacing is less of a necessity. If you like swimming, biking or running near your max effort, a sprint triathlon has your name all over it.
Not comfortable in open water? Many sprint triathlons offer a pool swim leg. It's a great way to minimize your weaknesses and enjoy the triathlon experience.
A sprint triathlon is the perfect starting point for those looking to complete their first triathlon. Crossing the finish line a couple times will increase your confidence and teach you the basics of the sport before you increase the distance.
Most first-time triathletes are at least competent in one leg of the race, and undertaking a sprint will force yourself to get familiar with the other two weaker legs. Who knows, you may develop a new passion!
The low training volume required to get in shape for a sprint triathlon usually comes without the risk of overuse injuries. Like all training plans, ease into it.