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Triathlon

10 Tips for Happiness in 2016

It's the perfect time to try a new sport, or maybe 3. Image from Ironman.com
It’s the perfect time to try a new sport, or maybe three. Image from Ironman.com

It’s the perfect time of the year to start thinking about giving triathlon a go.

Since you’ll be carbo loading over Chinese New Year or holiday eating, and you have started a New Year’s Resolution that involves fitness, weight loss and goal setting, how about trying a new sport or maybe three?

Focusing on an IRONMAN 70.3 race wraps all of those things up in one neat tidy little package. It’s definitely do-able plus, you get a boost to your confidence and self-esteem by growing stronger.

To help you overcome all the barriers in front of you IRONMAN.com has come up with a solution to every excuse…

1. I don’t have the right gear

Since you missed that jolly fat man who literally delivers stuff you want to your house, there are plenty of sales going on till Chinese New Year. Go shopping! That’s something every lady likes to hear.

2. I don’t know how to train

Here you go consider this our present to you, a full IRONMAN 70.3 training program. All you need to do now is pick a race, the Ironman 70.3 Putrajaya is right at your doorstep in Malaysia.

Related: 4 Months to IRONMAN 70.3

3. None of my friends do triathlon

Well it’s time to make some new friends. There are triathlon clubs all over Malaysia, and all welcome new members. Search on Facebook for Tadonamo for a start.

4. I’m scared of the swim

The swim can be the most intimidating aspect of your first triathlon. There are many swim coaches offering classes, and tri groups will be organizing open water swims closer to race dates.

Ironman has also got some tips for you;

Related: Your Most Perplexing Swimming Questions, Answered

If you’re still not convinced then why not grab a mate who can swim and enter as a team.

Related: Two to Tango, Three to Tri

5. The bike ride concerns me

The beauty of triathlon is you don’t really need a specific set of skills, anyone who has swum, ridden a bike or gone for a run can do it. Don’t be scared of the bike, once you get into it you’ll find yourself living in lycra.

How to Get the Best from Your Bike

The Putrajaya lakes hosts the swim leg of the Ironman 70.3 Putrajaya in April. Image from Ironman.com
The Putrajaya lakes hosts the swim leg of the Ironman 70.3 Putrajaya in April. Image from Ironman.com

6. I only run when someone is chasing me

Humans were born to run. It used to be about running away from a saber tooth tiger, but today it’s more about running towards a new you. If you start slowly and build up it’s achievable, don’t be too scared.

7. I’m overweight

That’s not an excuse it’s a lifestyle choice, and by choosing triathlon as your lifestyle you’ll be changing that. The key to weight loss is finding a way to make it happen without the actual weight loss being the focus. Your focus is training for an IRONMAN 70.3, the weight loss will just happen.

8. I don’t have time

Think about all the things you spend time doing, it’s not so much a time issue it’s more about how you use your time. Make time.

Related: How to Fit Triathlon Into Your Busy Life

9. I have no idea what to eat

Here’s a quick tip, don’t eat too much chocolate, or drink too much alcohol, or eat too much junk food. It’s a bit like weight loss people can over complicate it.

Related: The IRONMAN Nutrition Guide

10. I don’t know where to race

There are so many races to choose from, you can take the family on holiday to an exotic destination or race close to home. The Ironman 70.3 Putrajaya is right at your doorstep in Malaysia and is family-friendly with hotels and shopping malls nearby.

Related: Triathlon Races

Source: Ironman.com