9th Annual 2011 Island Lake of Novi Triathlon

Have you ever wanted to join a triathlon but have been too afraid to do so? Well, fear no more, FAST has everything you need to know to get started.

FAST is a Southeast Michigan based non-profit group of athletes who participate in swimming and triathlons for recreation, health, fitness, and competition.

WATCH ON THE VIDEO PLAYER ON THE LEFT: FAST's President, Cheryl Machovec Dehn, joins us in studio

Getting Started - Completing Your First Triathlon

• Equipment - You only need a few basic pieces of equipment to train for and complete your first triathlon. Many people already have most, if not all, the needed triathlon equipment in their garages, basements and closets.

 

Required equipment includes:

o Swim suit and goggles

o Bike – any type of bike will do for your first triathlon: Mountain, road or tri-specific bike.

o Bike Helmet

o Running shoes

 

• Optional equipment may include:

o Wetsuit, which offers insulation from cooler water and buoyancy.

o Accessories for bike, such as aerobars

 

• Training - Depending on your fitness level, you need about 4-12 weeks of training to complete your first sprint distance triathlon

o 5-6 days of training per week, incorporating increasing minutes or distances as training progresses.

o Should be comfortable in the water, especially open water, and be able to swim at least 500 yards without stopping.

o It is important to stay properly hydrated, especially in hot, humid weather.

 

• If you’re ready for your first triathlon – join FAST for the 9th Annual Island Lake of Novi sprint triathlon Sunday, July 31.

o ½ mile swim, 12 mile bike, 3 mile run

o Takes place at the beautiful Island Lake of Novi community at 10 Mile and Wixom roads.

o Course is perfect for beginners – course is closed to cars and flat.

o Minimum age to participate is 11 years by Dec. 31, 2011.

o There is a 3-person triathlon relay option and we also offer a separate 1.5 mile open water swim event.

 

WIN FREE ENTRY to FAST's July 31, 2011, Island Lake of Novi triathlon. Go to FAST's Facebook page and answer this question: Triathlon was added as an Olympic sport in 2000 at the Sydney games. Name the Livonia, Mich. native who competed in triathlon at the 2000 and 2004 Olympics?

 

For more information, visit http://www.swimfasttrifast.com/