Ready to Try a Tri? A Training Program Can Help

Posted on March 9th, 2023

There’s been a lot of excitement surrounding triathlons throughout the Roanoke Region with a variety of events and an ideal environment to swim, bike, and run. Anyone with experience in any of those sports might find themselves wondering if a triathlon is a logical next step?

A sprint triathlon is a good start point for anyone wanting to dip their toe into the swim-bike-run trifecta.

That’s why Cardinal Bicycle and Fleet Feet Roanoke have teamed up to provide a training program to help you learn everything you need to know about participating in your first triathlon. The experience culminates with a beginner-friendly event in May at the Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon, which includes a 750-meter swim, 20K bike ride, and 5K run.

Here’s what you can expect from the program:

8 weeks of training with experienced mentors that can help guide you through each element of the event with plenty of opportunity for questions.
Info sessions for participants to help you navigate the logistics and get the right information from the start and build confidence by feeling prepared on race day.
Group swims coached by professional triathlete and VMI assistant coach Connor Kinkema every Wednesday. Technique is critical in swimming, and having the support of an experienced coach is the best way to become a faster and more confident swimmer. Even experienced triathletes can benefit from this. (Dedicated pool time also means you know who you will be swimming with.).
Weekly group run and happy hour to get to know your training team.
Weekly brick (bike-run) workout.
Private Facebook group where you can share training goals, ask questions, and set accountability goals.
Discounts at Cardinal Bicycle, Fleet Feet Roanoke, and Gator Aquatics that pay for the program ($100 Retul fit discount, apparel and gear discounts, $10 monthly swim pass discount).

The keys to success start with accountability and community. Training with others with similar goals makes training more fun, which makes you more likely to stick with it.

Here’s what you can expect from your goal race, the Smith Mountain Lake Sprint Tri on Saturday, May 6.

Beginner-friendly spring triathlon (750-meter swim, 20K bike ridge, and 5K run)
Swim starts on a sandy beach in a clear lake.
Bike and run portions are on rolling roads, but not too difficult.

If you have ever considered participating in a triathlon, this is the perfect opportunity. Anyone who has an idea that they might want to try a tri, can find success with a sprint race and 8 weeks of training.

Just take it from Triathlete Magazine: “You can do a triathlon! Triathlon is for everybody and every body. Triathletes come in every shape, size, age, and ability, so if you’re wondering if you belong in this sport, trust us – you do.”

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