Heart Zones Coaching T5: 5 tips on beginning your triathlon journey

1. Join USA Triathlon(USAT): Most triathlons are USAT sanctioned, which means you must be a member in order to participate or purchase a one-day membership for a small fee.

2. Subscribe to a triathlon magazine: There are a myriad of online and print resources available to the individual looking to get into the sport. Subscribing to these periodicals helps you keep abreast of events and trends happening in the sport. You will find training columns, equipment reviews and race calendars.

3. Join a Club or Group: Triathlon clubs are a great way to socialize and meet training partners. Joining a training group, like one ran by Heart Zones Coaching, are usually coached groups that give you a structured training program as well as training partners and full access to professionals to help you navigate the triathlon journey.

4. Volunteer: Whether you are assigned aid station duty, transition area security, or finish line cleanup, this is a great way to meet people in the race community, cheer others on, as well as get some motivation for your event. Also, giving back is important and rewarding.

5. Set your sight on another goal in the distance: The fun doesn't have to end with your first sprint or Olympic distance race. There are plenty of goals you can set your sights on.

Written by Shannon Porges- Heart Zones Certified Triathlon Coach and USA Triathlon Level 2 Coach who is based in West Bridgewater, MA.

Heart Zones Coaching is the largest all-women’s triathlon and multisport company in the country. They have been the preferred training partner for many large women’s events such as Danskin Triathlon and Trek Women Triathlon Series. Locally in Massachusetts and Connecticut, they have several all women’s teams training for the Max Performance Race Series. For information on this race series go to www.maxperformanceonline.com