Making the decision to train and participate in your first triathlon, and then going about figuring out how to follow through can be a very exciting and nerve-racking experience. But training for and completing your first race is also a rewarding and enriching experience. This page is dedicated to all beginners/"newbies" to help them figure out their first steps in taking on this new endeavor.

Good luck and have fun!

What is the best way to get started in my training?

Swimming - The best way to get started with swimming, particularly if you are new to swimming or a very weak swimmer, is to join a Masters swim class. Masters swim classes are swim classes for adults where you learn the finer points of swimming technique and efficiency. Swimmers are placed in lanes with swimmers of comparable ability. These classes have a coach who is always willing and able to help all swimmers (or non-swimmers!) improve their abilities. If you are not sure where to find a swim program, go to the Training Facilities page to find a Masters swim program near you.
Once you feel comfortable swimming in a pool, you can join club members during open water swims as posted on the calendar page.

Cycling - To get started riding, come out for brick workouts, bike workouts or beginner rides. See the Workout Calendar. The Richmond Area Bicycle Association (RABA) also organizes many rides in the area and conduct special clinics periodically focusing on riding technique. Check their website on the links page to see what rides they may have scheduled. Many RTC members also are members of RABA.

Running - Check the calendar page to see a listing of group run work-outs. During the summer, swim/run bricks are also scheduled. Another good resource for running instruction and training tips is the Richmond Road Runners Club (RRC). You'll find their website on the links page. The RRC is very active in the area and conducts a series of running races which are excellent venues for "tuning" up your running technique and skills for triathlons.

What is a good distance/race to start out with?

This is highly personal and dependent on your level of fitness and comfort with the three sports. Many people start out with a Sprint or an Olympic distance race. If you are proficient at two of the three event "legs", an Olympic race may be a good choice - if you have enough time to train for it. For the Sprint distances, there are some good beginner races in the area and several triathlon series races in nearby states that feature several sprint races. Check out the race page on this website, and review the suggested beginner races below. Even better, talk to your tri-geek friends! They'll have great suggestions!

"Beginner-Friendly" Races in Richmond, VA Region

3-Sports Triathlon – RTC organized sprint race held locally in July. The swim is a 300 meter pool swim which makes it well-suited for less experienced swimmers.

Smith Mountain Lake - Sprint race held in May near Lynchburg , VA. The open water lake swim is typically in reasonably calm water but can be somewhat cool - wetsuits are recommended and encouraged. In addition, the bike and run course do feature some challenging hills because of the local terrain and lake situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains . But overall, a great race to get started with.

Breezy Point Triathlon - Sprint race held at Norfolk Naval Base in June. A very well-organized and large race held on a very flat course. The swim, however, is an open water swim in an inlet to the Chesapeake Bay which can get choppy due to the generally strong breezes. The bike and run are also influenced by the wind - but since the course is "out and back" the wind does provide a benefit (at least in one direction.) The post-race gathering is generally one of the best around with ample food and beverages, and is set at a small park on the base.

See the Events page on the RTC website for more race listings.