Let's face it, training for triathlons can become a touch tedious at times, especially if all we do is rotate from event to event day after day. While there may be some variety in our training methods for each discipline, the bottom line is that it is the same three things repeated in some form. So, to avoid the stagnation that often comes with repetitiveness, try incorporating yoga into your training cycle as a way to strengthen your body while engaging your brain.

Some think of yoga as a soft activity hardly fit for a dynamic triathlete in training; however, nothing could be further from the truth. Every triathlete, no matter at the elite level or a mere novice, must increase flexibility, establish a strong core, and be able to remain mentally calm in stressful environments. Thus, yoga has all the answers as a supplemental training format.

Select the type of yoga that best suites your training. If you are searching for a more aggressive yoga that will enhance your training, then do core classes or videos that will focus on the sculpting of your abdominals and lower back. If you want to increase your flexibility and range of motion, select elongated stretching styles that will permit you to avoid stiff, tight muscles. If you wish to settle your mind and recover from intense training, then do more meditative yoga that offers slow, deep movements and places an emphasis on breathing and mental/emotional calmness.

Although yoga, on the surface, certainly does not present itself as the high impact training that cycling, swimming, and running do, its essence is one of pure value to any athlete. Being versatile in your training will allow for a more well-rounded, athletic approach, which undoubtedly will better your entire experience as a triathlete. If you want to preserve your emotional state of being, remain excited about training, and continually sculpt your body, integrate some form of yoga in your weekly workouts. You'll be better for it.

As time passes and you fall in love with triathlons, you will begin to ponder upgrading your competitive gear. Now that your body is fit and you have stopped merely wanting to finish and have instead replaced that goal with ones more focused on success and time, you will need to take a look at every aspect of your training and competition.

If your actual workout regimen suits your lifestyle and your fitness level has solidified, then you need to examine your gear. Everything from your choice of swimwear to your body positioning on the bike to the type of shoe you use must come under close scrutiny.

In the swim, if you have been competing with either a bulky, non-productive wetsuit or without one at all, you are losing precious seconds. While it is widely held knowledge that you will never win a triathlon during the swim portion, you can certainly lose it. Thus, buy a high quality swim skin or wetsuit that permits you to cut the water and maintain good flexibility. A good wetsuit can take off almost 1:30 over an Olympic triathlon swim.

On the bike, utilizing standard handlebars forces your body into an upright position too often. Seeking to become more aerodynamically inclined, you should upgrade by installing aerobars. Learning to ride properly with aerobars will save you between 3:30 and 4:40 in an Olympic triathlon depending on the type of course you encounter. Upgrade your wheels from standard to aero wheels and you will shave another 1:00 to 1:15 off your time.

Finally, on the run, running in your trainers can actually slow you down. Instead, in order to save almost a minute's time in an Olympic race, leave your trainers in the transition and wear a pair of racing flats. They take a little getting used to, but they will quicken your step and make you feel mentally faster.

If your wallet will allow you to, and your body says it's time to, begin your upgrades. You'll taste more success and fall deeper in love with each race you do.

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.