Five Misconceptions of Beginner Triathletes

Newbies can sometimes dive in way too deep and far too fast. Without taking the time to really study the sport for which you now have a passion, you risk making some costly mistakes, even if your intentions are good.

That in mind, before throwing yourself out onto the roads for those endless runs or jumping on your bike to ride until dark, think about the following misconceptions of many novice triathletes. If you can avoid a few, if not all, of these common pitfalls, your training will go much smoother and your enjoyment of this rewarding sport will double.

1. Less is more...sometimes: The perception of triathlon training is that the more you do, the stronger you'll be. While this has some truth to it, the overall philosophy is fairly flawed, especially for someone without a highly developed physical and mental base. Keeping yourself focused on the quality of a particular workout is a far better idea than simply going for the quantity. Over time, you will learn to have a perfect balance between the time you spend and the skills you practice, but from the very start you need to trust in quality.

2. Endurance means slow and long: Long slow runs or rides produce exactly that on race day...long slow times. You cannot see the sport as one that involves simply covering distance in a methodic way. Instead, you need to remember that there is a need to go faster. So, in your training, work on moments where you push the speed and get outside of that comfort zone.

3. Eat less: This one is simply crazy. Trying to but weight by eating less is not the best idea. Try involving a nutritional diet that is full of smart choices and food. Learn about the timing of when to eat and what to eat. Educating yourself about fueling your body is as important as learning all the technical skills in swimming or riding. If your body doesn't have the ability to go, then all the technique you've mastered won't mean a thing.

4. The gear matters: For professional athletes, yes, it matters. Shaving off the seconds is what they need to do to compete and win. However, for the average triathlete competing in races all over the country, the gear is often not that critical. Do not get wrapped up in buying a time trial bike for five thousand dollars if you have no idea how to change the tire. Don't buy the absurdly expensive aero helmet when you still have the reflectors on your bike wheels. Point is, what you need rather than all the top of the line gear is a competitive desire to achieve something. Whether you want to race others or just prove something to yourself, there is no bike or pair of running flats that will replace the pure, unadulterated need to compete. It is about desire and passion, not flashy clothes and cool sunglasses.

5. It's all about the physical: Not even close. Yes, the sport is a physical one, but you need to know that the vast majority of it is mental. Getting yourself to train everyday and never quit during competition is the cornerstone of triathlon. If not, you'll never get out there enough to do the physical side. Take the time to get a solid mental foundation before trying to invest too heavily in the sport. Without the psychological motivation, the actual athletic piece will never even get off the ground.