The difference between a Triathlon Sprint, Olympic, and Ironman

So you want to do a Triathlon. What the heck does that mean?

The first thing you need to know is the difference between a sprint Triathlon, Olympic Triathlon, Long course Triathlon and an Ironman.

For beginners, we recommend trying out a Sprint Triathlon. The Sprint Triathlon consists of a 750-meter (0.47-mile) swim, 20-kilometer (12-mile) bike, 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) run. It is the shortest of the 4 types of Triathlons and the best to start out with, yet first-time triathletes are often surprised at how difficult the Sprint is! (Recommended 1-2 bottles of INVIGORADE)

The next level up is the Olympic Triathlon, this is the standard Triathlon distance of a 1.5-kilometer (0.93-mile) swim, 40-kilometer (25-mile) bike, and a 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) run. When you hear people talk about how they do Triathlons, this is probably what they are doing. (Recommended 2-4 bottles of INVIGORADE)

Things start to get out of hand when you want to do Long Course Triathlons. Long Course Triathlons are an intense 1.9-kilometer (1.2-mile) swim, 90-kilometer (56-mile) bike, and a 21.1-kilometer (13.1-mile) run (thats a half marathon!!) This is some serious physical activity. (Recommended 1 full gallon of INVIGORADE!!!)

Finally, we get down to the real deal: Ironmans. The Ironman race consists of a 3.8-kilometer (2.4-mile) swim, 180.2-kilometer (112.0-mile) bike, and a 42.2-kilometer (26.2-mile) run. Thats a century ride and then some followed by a full marathon. (At this point you should just be showering in INVIGORADE the week before)

All of these are challenging physical feats of endurance, each one requires a specific set of skills, and each one is a rewarding experience for all fitness enthusiasts.

So now that you know, pick the one that feels right to you and remember to #keepitup!

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