Considering taking on your first triathlon? Village Cycle Center wants to help! We love exploring new styles and avenues for our cycling passion and have compiled some information about going from a cyclist to a triathlete to help you out! For more information on Village Cycle and our products and services, visit us online at www.VillageCycle.com or call (312) 751-2488.

Benefits

Being a cyclist will benefit your triathlon journey in amazing ways. Because you’re used to hopping on and off your bike, your transition from swim to bike and from bike to run will be extremely speedy, shaving minutes off your total time.

Cycling is the longest branch of your triathlon and you’re an expert! You’ll be able to shave quite a bit of time off your total during this portion of the race, which others won’t necessarily have the advantage of being able to do. Not only that, but you’ll be calm, cool, and comfortable for the middle of the race, while others are trying to keep their energy amped up.

Drawbacks

Unfortunately, you may have a few drawbacks from your training as well. Your legs are likely larger from cycling, so you won’t be as aerodynamic for swimming. You also may have a significant upper body/lower body strength discrepancy depending on your cross-training regimen.

Tip: Practice pool drills in an elevated horizontal body position. Activate your core and glutes to power your swim.

Because cycling is a low impact workout, you may also experience some issues with impact while running. Take this into consideration and train at an appropriate rate.

Tip: Start training for running slowly, as though you’re a fitness beginner, and build up from there. Cycling will likely lend itself to stronger legs for your running form, so it won’t take too long to build up your impact tolerance!

Your pre-race diet may also be a challenge for you. You’re used to eating things that digest easily while cycling, which is a lot more than foods that are easy to digest while swimming!

Tip: Do some research and practice on your swim training days to figure out what will work for you.

Village Cycle Center is your top source for bikes, cycling gear and accessories, and service in the Chicagoland area. Visit us online at www.VillageCycle.com or call (312) 751-2488 today!