What is a Triathlon?
Why is a Triathlon good for you?
What do I need to compete in a Triathlon?
Handy hints for parents
Training and nutritional information

 

Triathlons are about getting our kids outdoors, having fun, being healthy and learning new skills. The best thing about a triathlon is that anyone can do it! Triathlon is one of the world's fastest growing sports. Over 1 million people around the world do triathlon, and in Australia alone there are over 160,000 people who take part.

SWIM-BIKE-RUN

Triathlon is a sport that you can do very easily. You do not have to be super fit like an Olympic Athlete; you can just be yourself and do it at your own pace. Most kids swim in a pool or at the beach, ride their bikes with family or friends or run around for sport or play. Triathlon allows you to do all of these activities at the one time. You get to swim, bike and run all in one go!

 

Triathlon allows you to develop many new skills, such as;

• improve your swimming
• learn to be a better bike rider
• get fit running so you can play other sports such as rugby, soccer netball and tennis (to name a few)
• practice being healthy and active
• look good in the In2Tri clothing and gear 
• and finally, it's a great way to meet new friends

 

SWIM

• Small towel for drying off
• Comfortable swimming gear and clothing 
• Goggles
• Swim cap (sometimes provided as part of the race entry pack)

BIKE

• Bike (in good working order, can be a road, mountain or BMX bike)
• Water bottle
• Socks (optional)
• Helmet (ASSA – each helmet should have an ASSA sticker inside)

RUN

• Hat, cap or visor
• T-shirt / running top
• Shoes and socks

 

AND A BIG SMILE!

Do not forget to SLIP SLOP SLAP!

 

First and foremost kids triathlons are about participation and not performance.

As a parent and supporter you should:

Prior to the race:

• Organise to check out the course and venue the day before the event, especially if this event is your child’s first triathlon
• A good night sleep before race day is extremely important
• Be on time to the race, the earlier the better
• Be calm and reassuring – it is about participation and having fun
• Make sure your children are drinking ample amounts of water before the event
• SLIP SLOP SLAP
• Encourage your child

 

Most junior distance triathlons take at least 30-40 minutes to complete.

Training is always a good idea and something you can do with your kids. Below are suggested training options for your children before they race.

Swimming

• Swim one lap every 2-3 minutes in your local pool.
• Swim at a steady pace, if your child is getting puffed, slow them down.
• Rest after each lap until the 2-3 minutes are up, then repeat.
• Do as many as you feel comfortable.

Cycling

• Go for an easy ride for 20 minutes or so.
• You can get bike path maps from your local council website or bike shop.
• Every five minutes, pick up the pace for 2 minutes until puffed. Slow back down and make sure your child has recovered before you pick the pace up again.

Running

• There are many options for where to run, on bike paths, in parks and even on the school oval.
• Run for about 10 minutes. Every 2 minutes, pick up the pace and then drop back for 2 minutes. Repeat this for the 10 minutes or until feel puffed.
• Walking is great for fitness too!

Diet

The most important thing when training and racing is to drink lots of water. Carrying a drink bottle with you everywhere will help remind your children to drink up!

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day so make sure they don't skip it! Try cereal, toast and fruit, or a fruit and yoghurt smoothie for a real energy boost. Eating healthily is important for everyone, not just triathletes! Encourage your children to be extra healthy while they are ‘in training´.