The basic format of the triathlon has remained unchanged since the birth of the sport - a swim followed by a bike ride and then finally a run, although over the past few years, several different versions of the basic triathlon have risen in popularity because of their appeal to different kinds of athlete. All the triathlon distances are challenging in different ways, from the all out speed of the short course and sprint triathlons through to the incredible endurance required for the exhausting Iron Distance or Iron man triathlons.
The shortest distance triathlon that is run by most clubs is the sprint. Typically the event starts with a swim of between 400-750m, followed by a time trial of 20KM, with the final test being a 5KM run. This event is one of the most popular first triathlons, as it gives competitors a chance to discover the pain and rewards of the event.
The step up to Olympic distance requires a great deal of extra training, and is where the regular triathlon becomes an endurance test as much as a race. The event begins with a 1.5KM swim - almost always in open water. A 40KM time trial follows this, and these can often be through quite challenging countryside. The final leg is a 10KM run, which becomes torture after the previous exertions.
An Iron Distance Triathlon is a devastatingly hard event which requires a great deal of focus and up to a year of preparation to complete. The distances are frightening to comprehend for a beginner. An open water swim of more than 3 miles. A bike ride of 180KM. The final event is a full marathon of 26.2 miles! Iron man triathlons take place as part of a world championship circuit, and although there are opportunities for novices to enter, this is one that not even the pros complete, and you should work your way up through the ranks before you start your first iron distance event.
For elite endurance athletes for whom an 11 hour race is not enough, there are so-called ultra distance races that take place over longer periods of time and are a massive test of personal resolve as much as a physical event.
The basic race format of the triathlon has been played around with by various event organisers, and there are off road versions of the race featuring mountain biking and fell running, as well as many other events depending on the available terrain.
Sxsy Lady Celebrity Fashion - Computer Jobs - Webmaster Forums - Credit Consolidation - Computer Jobs