My First Triathlon in Two Years

On the weekend, I completed my first triathlon in two years.

After spending most of my time focused on cycling, getting back to a start line that included swimming, cycling, and running was both exciting and a little daunting. It reminded me why I fell in love with triathlon in the first place.

I thought I'd share a few things I learned along the way that might help if you're preparing for your own event.

1. The Swim Is Tough – And That's Okay

For many athletes, the swim is the most intimidating part of a triathlon.

If you're not a confident swimmer, don't worry about what everyone else is doing. Start steady, stay calm, and take your time. The goal is simply to get through the swim feeling comfortable and ready for the bike.

Remember, you can't win the race in the water, but you can certainly ruin your day if you go off too fast.

2. Train Outside Whenever You Can

Indoor training has its place, but nothing truly replicates race day.

Try to spend as much time as possible training outdoors:

• Open water swims help you become comfortable without pool lanes and walls.

• Outdoor rides prepare you for real road conditions, corners, hills, and wind.

• Outdoor runs help you adapt to different surfaces and conditions.

The more familiar race-day conditions feel, the more confident you'll be when the event arrives.

3. Nutrition Is Key

One of the biggest lessons I was reminded of was how important nutrition is.

For this race, I kept things simple and used:

• Energy Blocs

• Water

• Salt Tablets

• HIGH5 Electrolyte Tablets

Everyone's nutrition strategy is different, so make sure you test yours during training and never try something new on race day.

A good nutrition plan can make the difference between finishing strong and simply surviving.

4. Use Equipment You Trust

Race day isn't the time to experiment with new kit.

For this event, I used the Signal One Men's Sleeveless Trisuit and the Pro Cargo Bib Shorts during training.

Comfort is incredibly important when you're spending hours swimming, cycling, and running. Having kit you trust allows you to focus on the race rather than what you're wearing.

5. Most Importantly – Have Fun

It's easy to get caught up in times, splits, and results.

But the reality is that triathlon is meant to be enjoyable.

Whether you're aiming for a podium place or simply crossing the finish line, take a moment to enjoy the experience, appreciate the atmosphere, and celebrate the work you've put in to get there.

Completing my first triathlon in two years reminded me exactly why I love this sport.

If you've got an event coming up this season, good luck, and most importantly, enjoy every minute of it.

I would love to see your journey so please tag us in your social media posts!

Jack
Founder, Keada Sports