Many people each year make a resolution to get fit, and a large number of these people look to some major event as their motivation, with many deciding upon a triathlon. So, books are bought and videos are watched, and then training begins: a light jog, a winded bike ride, and a humbling first swim workout in the pool.

Many who start this way have wonderful intentions, but they have not provided themselves with a real, definable goal. Before training, select a race, register for it, and create a training plan that seeks to peak you for that performance.

Most experts claim that a person wishing to enter the sport of triathlon should do at least one major race per training cycle. Obviously you will place yourself in the best situation to succeed if you match your training to your ultimate competition. Considering this idea, you make your job near impossible if you approach your triathlon experience with no goal. Training just to see offers a million chances to make excuses; however, paying for a race and obligating yourself, telling people about it, is more apt to keep you going.

Once you have locked into a race, you should plan on competing in several other, normally slightly smaller, triathlons during the training cycle. While you can certainly work to excel in these lead-up races, the real goal is still the race at the close of your training cycle. But these events will give you invaluable experience, as running in and out of transitions and competing with others in close proximity cannot truly be replicated in a normal workout.

Also, participating in lead-up races will serve as a barometer upon which you can measure your progress. No other workout you design can match actual competition, so give yourself the chance to gauge your current level. Doing so will allow you to adjust your training to address weaknesses and to have an increased level of confidence when the real race day finally arrives.

Thus, make a concrete commitment that disallows you from creating excuses. Set a schedule to train for this day, and use smaller races to get you ready. In the end, you'll find yourself in incredible shape with a new found sense of confidence and purpose.

While triathlon, a sport that has its roots planted squarely in the idea of camaraderie, seems on the exterior to be an entirely individual sport, the preparation for one requires the help of others. Searching out those people who have the same passion as you can go a long way in making your training, not to mention the overall experience, rewarding and safe.

However, many new participants actually shy away from groups, primarily out of intimidation and insecurity. They see those who have competed as too good to work with, and they feel inferior because of their lack of experience. Nothing could be further from the truth. No other sport in society is as supportive and welcoming as triathlon, and those who endure have an endless desire to usher in new people to share in the enjoyment and further the popularity of the sport itself.

Yet finding training partners can be a true challenge. So, consider the following list when trying to discover valuable people to help you on your way to meeting your goals, whatever those may be.

Health Clubs and Gyms: Naturally, social environments and community places such as gyms are destined to have traithletes walking around. Spin classes can be a great resource for meeting people, and, if your club has a pool, then you may find a few floating about.

Group Swim Workouts: Normally held at local YMCAs, health clubs, community pools, or in the open water at area beaches, these groups want people to belong, so all you have to do is ask. While some may be less formal, most have a Masters swim program that offer formal instruction.

Group Riding and Running Clubs: Every community has small packs of people who meet in local parks in the evening to run or ride, so take a ride and find some of these groups.

Formal Triathlon Clubs: Most towns and counties have an established group that organizes and sponsors the sport. Find these people, as they will have access to endless resources.

In the end, working with others will not only give you confidence and a chance to learn, but also it will keep you committed to the sport and your goals.

So many budding triathletes dive into training without thinking about what they actually wish to accomplish. Sure they know they want to finish, but without concrete goals that are attainable, the physical training they invest in will not take the direction necessary for success. Pay attention to the mental side of the sport, especially to the thoughts you need to have before even beginning. Thus, before you embark on your training season, take the time to honestly reflect on your vision for what you want to achieve.

To start, assess where you are right now, and then consider where you want to go. Once you have established those, set a series of smaller steps that you can logically and efficiently follow to achieve that success. Finally, before putting anything into play, evaluate the current state of your life. Can you incorporate the training and the goals into your lifestyle? If you can, then get to work as soon as possible. If you cannot, then revisit your goals, revise them to suit your life, and then begin. Remember that half the battle is actually starting.

Now you can get down to defining your goals, which should always be exact and attainable. For example, set specific dates or distances that you can possibly reach, and make sure that you involve yourself personally—this is very important for you. For example, sign up for the race, don't just talk about it. The reality of it will push you to train. Never give yourself the option to quit.

Then, once a plan has been determined, write it all down in clear steps, and make sure to record your progress along the way. Utilizing a training journal will let you reflect each day on what worked, what hurt, and what needs revision. Make any required adjustments as your training goes, and, in the end, you will see that a defined plan will provide you with a true sense of accomplishment, especially when you run across that finish line.