15 reasons to take up triathlon
There are so many benefits to taking up triathlon, including improving fitness, working on mental stamina, and finding your tribe.
Triathlon is more than just three sports strung together, it’s a demanding test of endurance, a strategic blend of disciplines, and for many, a transformative lifestyle.
At its core, triathlon involves the disciplines of swimming, cycling, and running, completed consecutively to make it more challenging (and fun). Triathlon races races range from sprint triathlons, accessible to beginners, to the iconic Iron-distance events, and beyond.
While the sport has existed for decades, its popularity has surged in recent years. This rise can be attributed to several factors, including increased awareness of the health benefits of multi-sport training, the growing desire for challenging personal goals, and the strong sense of community to be found within the triathlon world.
If you’re seeking a new athletic pursuit, something that demands dedication and offers substantial rewards, exploring the world of triathlon could be a worthwhile endeavor. Read on for our 15 compelling reasons to take the plunge…
1. Improve your overall health
Triathlon training is the ultimate cross-training regimen. The fact that a triathlete takes on three different, yet complementary sports, alongside strength training, all combines to build a robust and healthy body.
Engaging all major muscle groups through swimming, cycling, and running builds strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness more effectively than focusing on a single sport. Plus, you’re way less likely to get injured as cycling and swimming are low-impact and help build muscle needed for the higher impact discipline, running.
2. A new challenge
Stuck in a life rut or looking for your next fitness motivation? Triathlon offers a fresh and exciting challenge. It’s a chance to step outside your comfort zone, learn new skills, and discover what you’re truly capable of.
Perhaps you’ve taken on a marathon before, or hiked up your local mountains and are wondering, what’s next? Triathlon offers a whole new challenge of not only juggling three sports, but learning the transition process in racing and playing around with all the new gear and tech that can aid your performance.
3. Learn new skills
Training for just one sport can become monotonous. Triathlon breaks the monotony by requiring you to master three distinct disciplines. You’ll learn proper swim technique, bike handling skills, and running form, keeping your training engaging and stimulating.
Let’s face it, it’s unlikely that coming to triathlon as a beginner, you’re already a pro at all three disciplines. Lean into that. Nothing worth having comes easy. Get to grips with learning a new skill, like swimming if the last time you swam was at school, and have fun with it.
4. Join a welcoming community
The triathlon community is renowned for its inclusivity and supportiveness. Perhaps it comes part and parcel with being a diverse sport in itself, but away from the elites, many people have a weaker discipline or are just involved to have fun and stay fit.
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a complete beginner, you’ll find encouragement and camaraderie among fellow triathletes. As an adult, it can be hard to find your tribe. Get involved with local triathlon clubs and you’ll find some ready-made training partners, group ride buddies, and race-day support.
5. Build mental resilience
Triathlon isn’t just a physical challenge; it’s a mental one too. Training requires discipline, perseverance, and the ability to push through discomfort.
If these are skills that you’re keen to cultivate, you’ve found yourself the right sport. Overcoming these mental hurdles builds resilience that translates to all areas of life.
6. Explore nature’s backyard
Triathlon often takes place in scenic locations, from open water swims in lakes and at the seaside, to bike rides through rolling hills, and runs along picturesque trails.
It’s a fantastic way to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of your surroundings. Not to mention that getting outside is brilliant for our mental health.
7. A sport for everyone
Triathlon is a sport for all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. It attracts competitors of from all walks of life, across a range of ages and fitness levels, who are simply looking to test their own personal limits.
Distances can be modified, and there are resources and support systems available for athletes of all levels. Don’t let perceived limitations or the three-sports-in-one thing get too intimidating, there’s a place for everyone within triathlon.
8. Personal growth and self-discovery
Training for and completing a triathlon is a journey of self-discovery. You’ll learn about your strengths and weaknesses, discover hidden talents and reserves of resilience, and gain a deeper understanding of yourself.
Ok, we know it sounds corny. As you commence your triathlon journey, you’ll find that many triathletes take part for reasons other than fitness. Some may tell you it’s an essential part of their wellbeing and self-care.
9. Travel to new destinations
Triathlon races are held all over the world, offering a unique opportunity to combine your passion for sport with travel. You’ll be able to explore new cities, experience different cultures, and race in stunning locations.
If you prefer to travel within your country, then triathlon will introduce you to regions and cities that you’ve never seen before and encourage a greater appreciation of your country’s landscape.
10. Bring together family and friends
Triathlon can be a fantastic way to connect with family and friends. Train together, cheer each other on at races, and share the joy of achieving your goals.
If you’re getting to grips with juggling the training and work/life balance, why not combine the two with social meet-ups at the gym for some strength work, or commuting to work by two wheels.
11. Learn more about your biodata
Triathlon training often involves tracking data like heart rate, power output, and pace on your multisport watch. This data can provide valuable insights into your physiology and help you optimise your training for peak performance.
You’ll learn new things about your sleep cycles and how active you are throughout the day, too. Hopeful, it’ll reinforce new healthy tri-habits or give you suggestions on areas to work on.
12. Test your personal limits
Triathlon is by and large, a personal feat. Triathlon pushes you to your physical and mental limits, allowing you to discover what you’re truly capable of.
It’s a chance to challenge yourself, overcome obstacles, and achieve things you may not have thought you were possible.
Perhaps you’ve always thought that running a marathon was a ridiculous and unachievable goal, but now you’re looking into the best Ironman races in Europe. Dream big, then go bigger. Why not?
13. Adopt a new lifestyle
Triathlon isn’t just a sport; it’s a lifestyle. It encourages healthy habits, from regular exercise and proper nutrition, to prioritising sleep and better managing stress.
If you’re looking to shake up and refresh a lifestyle that you may feel stuck in, why not take the plunge and get into triathlon? See where it takes you.
14. Become a gear junkie
Let’s be honest, triathlon gear is pretty cool. From sleek bikes and aerodynamic helmets, to whippy running shoes and futuristic tri suits, there’s no shortage of awesome gear to drool over.
Take a look at our tried and tested triathlon gear as a good place to get started. It’s all part of the fun!
15. Eating all the food
One of the perks of endurance training is that you get to eat (almost) all the food! What we mean is, it’s important to properly fuel your workouts and replenish energy stores afterward, too.
You’ll likely be burning more calories than you can replace, which may gives you liberty to indulge a little more than before (all in balance, of course).
So, have we converted you? Check out our triathlon training advice for guidance on how to get started today.
Kate Milsom
Freelance sports journalist 
