How to do triathlons: Ultimate Triathlete Guide
Pacing and fueling are two incredibly important aspects to consider when training for any triathlon or endurance race. Weโll go over some average paces for each discipline and general estimates for calories burned so you can get an idea of how to best fuel your body for these hard efforts.
Many triathletes will skip the socks on shorter races (like sprint and Olympic distances) but will choose to wear them for longer races. It ultimately comes down to the athlete’s personal preference and comfort, but either way, itโs important to make sure youโre protecting your feet (not to mention shoes).
The taller and heavier we are, the harder it is to propel ourselves forward in the cycling and running portions of the event. These sports are where shorter athletes have an advantage. Most professional marathon runners and cyclists tend to be shorter than average. Most of them have slender upper bodies and arms, but extremely lean and powerful leg muscles that they can keep churning for hours on end.
Energy gels and electrolyte powders come with a set expiration date. Electrolyte powders have a longer shelf life, going 3+ years without any problem. Meanwhile, energy gels can last anywhere between 8 to 12 months, depending on the quality of the ingredients and the packaging. The longevity of both the products depends on how and where they are stored.
Believe it or not, the average age of triathletes across the globe is 43 years old. Even the professionals in this sport, with an average age of 33, would be considered too old to be competitive in many popular team sports.
The evidence says that endurance athletes tend to live longer than people who are not competitive athletes. All those health benefits stack up and prevent a host of diseases that can cause people to die at an earlier age. A 1993 study in Finland found that endurance athletes tend to live almost 6 years longer on average than those who donโt exercise.