Watching My First Triathlon

I'm always in awe of those super fit people in the world. People who can run 10K without losing breath, people who get to the end of a Zumba class and hardly break out a sweat, and people who can swim lengths of the pool like an elegant fish getting lost in the water like they belong. I'm not one of these people I admit, so I live my fitness goals through the likes of other people, like my brother-in-law Stephen.


My brother-in-law Stephen doesn't do things by halves, and one of them is fitness. He's just turned 60 and he's a triathlete. 


If you don't know what a triathlete is, it's a person that runs triathlons. This multiple-stage competition involves great inner and mental strength, great stamina and great endurance.   

The most popular form of a triathlon involves swimming, cycling and running in quick succession without a break over various distances.   


Last year we went to Tenby, in West Wales to see Stephen complete the Ironman Wales triathlon.  This begins on Tenby's North Beach and ends on the Esplanade.  The Ironman is a specific type of triathlon and is one of the most difficult sporting events in the world. A 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride and a complete marathon of 26 miles, raced in that order and without a break. It's not for the faint-hearted!

Beautiful Tenby, normally a sleepy town out of peak tourist season, really comes alive for the Ironman Wales and the camaraderie is amazing with all the spectators cheering the participants on. 
If you are thinking of entering your first triathlon there are some things you need to know. A good training programme is, of course, important for your first and indeed subsequent triathlons, and then getting the right kit is important as it can make all the difference. 

 Below is the basic kit for a new triathlete and can be varied as needed. 


For the swim
A wetsuit with goggles and a swimming cap. 

 For the cycle
A bike in good working order, cycle shorts and top, water bottle.

For the run
Addition of well-fitted running shoes.

 Some triathletes will change into cycle shorts after the swim whilst some will use a Huub tri suit, which is suitable for each step of the race. This can maximise performance and be supremely comfortable managing temperature for the race in hand. 

For swimming caps and goggles or if you want a wetsuit, try a site like Simply Swim, the swimsuits on offer are not scuba diving equipment quality but it's perfect for triathlons.

A specialist bike shop will be your best bet for that perfect bike, whilst running trainers can be picked up on the high street, just be sure to get the best you can afford, wearing them in beforehand.

With the Ironman triathlon, you have 17 hours to complete it - Stephen did it in about 16 hours. Not too shabby for a 60-year-old and I couldn't do even one leg of this race that's for sure! 

 Have you ever watched a triathlon? Would you think about participating?

 *PR collaboration
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20 comments

  1. Laura Dove5 March 2018 at 20:45

    Oh my friends husband did this triathlon! I have never watched one, or done one, but I really want to as it looks like fun!

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  2. Patrick5 March 2018 at 22:11

    I have watched the Ironman race in Hawaii many times,have nothing but respect for everyone that races in one...takes a huge heart to battle all the way to the finish.

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  3. Sarah Bailey5 March 2018 at 23:06

    I think it is amazing that some people can do triathlons, I think even at my fittest I would have fallen at the first hurdle!

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  4. Ana De-Jesus6 March 2018 at 01:17

    I'm so impressed that your brother in law not only just turned 60 but also took part in a triathlon. Glad you got to enjoy it.

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  5. Lilinha6 March 2018 at 08:34

    I have never watched a triathlon before although I am very impresssed at how they can run, cycle and swim in a short space of time! Well done to them!

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  6. rhian westbury6 March 2018 at 09:35

    Wow that is so impressive, I've never even thought of doing one as I know I don't have the right fitness levels for it x

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  7. Dear Mummy Blog6 March 2018 at 11:05

    A triathlete at 60?!? Woweeeeee! Fair play to the man. We love watching them on the telly and the swimming is the most exciting x

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  8. Anonymous6 March 2018 at 12:21

    Stephen did amazing!!! I don't think it's something I'd ever have the fitness to complete. Well done to him!

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  9. Angela Bethea6 March 2018 at 13:40

    This is a great example that age is just a number! Thumbs up for your brother in law and more power to him.

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  10. Anonymous6 March 2018 at 13:44

    I have never watched one but I know someone who competes in them! I can't believe Stephen is 60 and competing in them, well done to him. Shows age is only just a number x

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  11. Jacqueline6 March 2018 at 18:28

    Ooh, is he single? :) I love fitness and workout at least 3-4/wk. But I've never participated in any marathons. I am thinking about training in the summer with a running group though..

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  12. Lukeosaurus And Me6 March 2018 at 20:01

    Incredible, a blooming triathlon at 60 and I have to hide my struggle to get up the stairs! What an impressive man he is!

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  13. Tigerlilly Quinn6 March 2018 at 20:08

    I've never watched one but I am in awe of the people that do them! x

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  14. J3SSi6 March 2018 at 21:58

    I’m currently training for the London marathon and it is SO. HARD. I have so much respect for triathletes, especially those doingnit at 60!!

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  15. Yeah Lifestyle6 March 2018 at 22:19

    Tenby sounds like a beautiful place. I have never participated in a triathalon myself but have a lot of respect to anyone who does as it looks like hard work.

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  16. Anosa6 March 2018 at 23:13

    I swear you just said your BIL is 60!! Like can I borrow his zeal and determination because like you, fitness I experience via other people.

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  17. Yeah Lifestyle7 March 2018 at 07:36

    Tenby is so beautiful! I have not done a marathon before but pull my hat off to anyone who has as its so difficult and needs so much preparation.

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  18. Lynne Harper7 March 2018 at 10:49

    Tenby is absolutely gorgeous.Like you i'm in awe of super fit people, wishing I was so like them. I have never watched a triathlon either i bet it was amazing

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  19. Anonymous7 March 2018 at 16:24

    Oh my goodness what a champion! Just the thought of a triathlon makes me feel knackered. I used to do marketing for a company that specialised in triathlons and it was so amazing to see what goes on behind the scenes when people are still training.

    Jess - Philocalist

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  20. Harriet from Toby & Roo8 March 2018 at 11:46

    Well done to your brother in law! That is awesome of him :)

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