Feeling burned out on running, or looking for a new, great challenge? Triathlon and Strength coach, Stacy Musunuru shares some of the amazing reasons to give the triathlon a go.

Try something new: If your current training and workouts are getting stale, it’s time to switch it up. Try something new that you’ve never imagined yourself doing or something you’ve always wanted to do, but just haven’t yet. Why wait?

Get out of your comfort zone: If you are a runner, then biking and swimming may seem daunting at first. However, look at it as a way to learn a new skill and a way to step out of your comfort zone, build fitness and have more variety in your training plan. Build your confidence in these new areas. 

Meet amazing people: Triathlon is a great way to meet others who can help guide you along the way, provide support at races and a feeling that we are all in this together. It’s a sport with no ‘rivals’ because it’s about respecting each person who decides to take on the journey and lifestyle of triathlon. A community that truly enjoys this sport and what it has done for them. It’s not about the swimming, biking and running, but about those who you swim, bike and run with. Go to www.USAtriathlon.org and look up your local triathlon club or visit us at www.lifelongendurance.com and start a journey you will not forget. 

Training variety: Triathlon is a great way to add variety to your training. It can be rejuvenating to have a break from only one mode of exercise. Triathlon can also lead to interest in other multisport events such as duathlon, aquabike, aquathlons, mountain biking, and off-road triathlons. 

Prevent Injuries: Training three different sports and stressing different muscles groups, is a great way to prevent overuse injuries. Incorporating other modes of cross-training allows other muscle groups to rest while stressing different ones. Having a variety in your training plan help build fitness and prevent injury. 

You won’t know until you Tri: You only enjoy what you’re currently doing now, because one day you decided to try it. You never know what you will enjoy until you give it a chance, or two or three chances. Never say you can’t do something. Triathlon is a lifetime activity with participants of all ages and abilities. That is the beauty of it. Anything is within reach with a positive outlook, determination, preparation and guidance. 

Sense of Accomplishment: There are some bragging rights to becoming a triathlete. You can say you’ve done one! Just like many things that are worth working hard for, finishing your first triathlon will give you that sense of accomplishment that is unlike any other. You took on the challenge and tackled something new. There’s really no other better feeling than that.

Coach Stacy specializes in working with triathletes, especially those who are new to the sport, or moving up in levels. Stacy holds certifications through USAT and CSCS in triathlon and strength coaching as well as having a MS in Kinesiology. She works with both individuals and teams.