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Why try a tri?

Kona Ironman Triathalon
Should I try and tri?

Always finding yourself with repetitive use injuries? Maybe it’s time you consider changing up the schedule a bit. Maybe you could try a tri.

There’s not shortage of runners-turned triathletes. It shouldn’t come as a huge surprise; a lot of what makes you a strong runner transfers well to other sports, especially the cardiovascular fitness required for triathlons. Getting in shape for a triathlon also means getting in shape for a road race. It’s not uncommon to see strong triathletes up grinding it out with the leaders. They may not have the running-specific training to take the top spots, but they’re fit and it shows.

One great time to think about giving a triathlon a shot is when you find yourself plagued with minor but lingering repetitive strain injuries, such as plantar fasciitis or some stress fractures. A lot of the motions that cause these injuries while running are avoided when swimming and biking, making them not only great cross-training options when you’re injured, but already great for including in your training while you’re healthy. You will still reap many of the cardiovascular benefits you gain from running mileage while avoiding many of the most common running injuries.

“Runners dealing with injury or who just want a new challenge should consider a triathlon because the cross-training involved can help boost and maintain fitness but also potentially help strengthen areas of weakness,” says Triathlon Magazine Canada editor Suzanne Zelazo. “Learning to swim or ride can make for much happier runners who are out with injury. When you know how to do both you can really start to simulate that runner’s high versus plodding away on the elliptical.”

In addition, swimming and cycling can help strengthen muscles running neglects. A more wholesome approach to your fitness pays plenty of dividends in everyday life and will even help with injury prevention in running.

As an added ego boost, you’ll feel great getting off the bike and chasing down others with your running background.

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