Send us a text

Summary:

Coach Justin brings you the first episode of a new series called Triathlon 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Triathlon, where he tackles one of the most common—and overwhelming—questions new athletes face: What race distance should I start with? Drawing from his experience as a coach and endurance athlete, he challenges the pressure of “Ironman culture” and explains why starting shorter is often the smartest path to long-term success. This episode reframes your first triathlon as a learning experience rather than a stress test, breaking down how background, goals, lifestyle, and time commitment should influence your decision. Whether you’re coming from running, cycling, swimming, or starting from scratch, Coach Justin offers a practical, confidence-building approach to choosing a race distance that supports consistency, enjoyment, and longevity in the sport.

Takeaways:

• Your first triathlon should build confidence, momentum, and enjoyment, not overwhelm you
• Starting with the shortest appropriate distance supports long-term success and reduces burnout
• Athletic background (runner, cyclist, swimmer, or beginner) matters when choosing a race distance
• Training time and lifestyle fit are just as important as physical ability
• Swim anxiety is common and should be factored into distance selection
• Shorter races allow faster learning of skills like pacing, transitions, and nutrition
• Long-course racing is inspiring—but often inappropriate early in the journey
• Ego-driven distance choices frequently lead to injury, frustration, or quitting
• Momentum and positive race experiences fuel long-term growth
• Distance does not define legitimacy—preparation and execution do

For all things coaching, reach out:

Coach Katie: www.Fuel2Run.com

Coach Justin: www.TabulaRasaRacing.com

Podcast Email: theenduranceathletejourney@gmail.com