NTC FAQ
The Nenagh Triathlon Club have put together a question and answer page to hopefully answer any questions you might have in relation to the sport of triathlon.
Click on a question.
- What is Triathlon?
- What distances are involved?
- What equipment is required for my first triathlon?
- I’d like to try one, where do I start?
- Whats the best way to train for a triathlon?
- OK, I’m sold. I’d like to join a club and do a triathlon. I’m not fit and there is no way I can commit to seven sessions a week. I have a life you know! What should I do?
- I want to get serious about triathlon, what do I need?
- What would be classed as a good pair of tri runners?
- What would you eat the morning of a race?
- Socks or no socks?
- What is Triathlon?
Triathlon is a multi sport event comprising of a swim followed by a cycle and finished with a run.
- What distances are involved?
Distances can vary but there are four main race types with Sprint and Olympic being the most popular.
- Sprint - 750m swim, 20k bike, 5k run
- Olympic - 1500m swim, 40k bike, 10k run
- ½ Ironman - 1900m run, 90k bike, 21k run
- Ironman - 3800m swim, 180k bike, 42k run
- What equipment is required for my first triathlon?
You will need a bike (preferably a race bike but a mountain bike will do), a bike helmet, swim goggles, triathlon shorts and a triathlon top or other top that you can wear on the bike and run section.
You will need a triathlon wetsuit if you plan to do triathlons involving open water swims but there are plenty of pool based triathlons if you don’t want to go to the expense (e.g. North Tipp Sprint April 19th).
Most people would have a lot of this stuff already but the one ‘must have’ piece of kit I would advise people to buy is a pair of triathlon shorts. They look like cycling shorts but without the ample padding which makes them easier to swim and run in.
These shorts are not cheap (about €40 - €60) but avoid the need to change after each discipline. Some athletes prefer to wear what is basically a pair of speedos for all disciplines (only for the very confident ;-) Andy).
Full one and two piece triathlon suits are the norm and are a good investment if you plan to continue triathlon.
- I’d like to try one, where do I start?
Triathlon Ireland posts a list of all the races taking place for the year on its website www.triathlonireland.com. Pick one in your area that you think you could do and apply.
The applications are mostly online and they fill up very fast so you need to be quick. You don’t have to be a member of triathlon Ireland to race but non members will need to buy a one day licence (€15). This will be included in the race application.
- Whats the best way to train for a triathlon?
Join a club. There is no better way to train. You will learn a lot from experienced club members relating to technique, nutrition etc. It also adds a social aspect to your training which removes any potential boredom that might set in. Most clubs charge a nominal fee (€20 – Nenagh Triathlon) and provide a huge amount in return.
- OK, I’m sold. I’d like to join a club and do a triathlon. I’m not fit
and there is no way I can commit to seven sessions a week. I have a life
you know!
Most (but not all) people in triathlon have lives and commitments outside of the sport. The club that you plan to join (Nenagh Triathlon hopefully) provide sessions in all three disciplines and it’s up to you to simply attend the sessions that suit your timeframe.
Click for Nenagh Training Schedule >>
Regarding fitness, beginners are catered for at every session and as the weeks go by you’ll see yourself improving in leaps and bounds. Two bike sessions with the club should see you overtaking the club PRO. - I want to get serious about triathlon, what do I need?
These are the words every bikeshop owner dreams of. Good quality triathlon kit in general and bikes (both road and triathlon) in particular are expensive. All I can do is list the gear required and tell you to up your time training.
- Good quality road bike with good (adjustable) clip on tri bars or a tri bike
- Clip in pedals (e.g. look, Shimano, speedplay) and shoes.
- Good bike wheels. They need to be light, stiff and aero
- Tri suit (one or two piece)
- Good quality triathlon wetsuit (e.g. Orca, Blue Seventy, QR, Snugg etc)
- Goggles (aquasphere seal xp for open water swims and aquasphere kaimans, zoggs, speedo etc for the pool)
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- What would be classed as a good pair of tri runners?
Any runners that fit well and provide support where you need it. Asics are probably the most popular brand. The best thing is to buy your runners in a good local sports shop where they know what they are talking about (not the bigger ones where the spotty overweight teenager is giving advice) - What would you eat the morning of a race?
It depends on the person. Usually a light enough breakfast, fruit and porridge is good. Stay away from the fry.) - Socks or no socks?
no socks for sprint or Olympic, put vaseline on your feet or loads of talc in the runners (my favourite)
I would generally recommend staying away from the starter kits that offer everything in ‘one amazing package’ and build up your kit gradually as you need it. This allows you to be more selective about which kit suits you best. Also, its probably best to ask advice from senior club members or from triathlon forums etc before you splash out.
We plan to add to this FAQ as required so if you are a newbie in need of advice, just send your question to us and we will add the question and a response to the FAQ.