Understanding how to train with the proper intensity represents a critical skill for any triathlete, no matter how accomplished you are. Going at a rate too low can dilute your training and fail to prepare you for the actual race conditions. Conversely, pushing too hard during certain workouts creates a clear imbalance and disallows your body to adapt properly to that portion of the race for which you are training. Either way, not knowing your level of intensity can devalue the workout you thought you had planned so well.

To solve this situation, you should seriously consider purchasing a heart rate monitor. Most triathletes swear by these, using them to get immediate feedback during the bike or run portion of their daily training. Integrating the use of a monitor lets you stay within a prerequisite zone, one that gives your body the correct amount of work for that given task. If you can gauge your intensity in real-time you can make the needed adjustments so that your workout is maximized and ultimately relevant. Any time spent working out should always be good time, as preparing for triathlons is hard enough without wasting precious hours training in incorrect ways.

The monitor itself normally consists of two parts: a strap with a sensor that goes around your upper torso, near the heart, and a watch you wear on your wrist that communicates the information as you train. Most are entirely comfortable and do not inhibit your training in any way. Some more expensive versions offer only a watch piece.

Therefore, you would do yourself a true favor to purchase and get acclimated to a heart rate monitor. You don't need to spend a bundle to get the basics you need, so make the investment and watch your bike and run training improve almost immediately. You'll love it on race day.

Pictures of professional triathletes mounted on bikes that resemble rocket ships grace the pages inside virtually every triathlon magazine. These images, while presented there to support the article or to advertise the product, serve an additional function, one that is not necessarily intended: they inspire budding triathletes to be just like the pros. As a result, when beginning triathletes enter the sport, they confront a multitude of decisions, with one of the most prominent being what type of bike to buy.

Generally speaking, as you first start out, never spend a huge amount of money on any gear, let alone a bike. Borrow one or buy one used. Ride a hybrid. Do something rather than spend a month's wages on a bike you may only ride once. Basically, try the sport first. If you fall in love with it, then invest in it.

Now, if you do decide the sport is for you, then you must choose between a road bike and a tri bike. The road bike is normally the best choice, especially for the recreational triathlete who competes for himself, as it is built to be considerably more flexible than a time trial bike. Road bikes work better when riding in packs, cornering, and climbing, and they are constructed for a more upright position, making shifting and pedal transfer easier. Therefore, the bike offers quite a wide range of services for any rider. Conversely, a tri bike, made for flatter surfaces and predicated on the need for speed, forces the rider down into the aero position the majority of the time. The positioning is less comfortable but far more aerodynamic, thus creating faster times. The geometry of the tri bike also places more emphasis on the hamstrings during pedaling, which leaves more energy in the quadriceps, which is of critical importance when transitioning to the run.

Overall, you need to evaluate your goals and commitments. If you are dedicated to triathlon and want to compete and train regularly, then a tri bike may work for you. If you want to ride leisurely with friends and compete in some smaller, less rigorous events and train part time, throw some aero bars on the road bike and stick with that.

After months of training, the night before a triathlon can be one riddled with anticipation and nervousness. You often wonder if you have done enough to prepare for what will soon come. Yet all the worry and concern the night before will do absolutely nothing, for nothing can be done to better you physically except for a good night's rest. Instead of mentally destroying yourself with unanswerable questions, focus on getting organized and prepared. Doing so will let your race morning flow easily, with little to no stress. The last thing you want is to concern yourself with all the minute details that distract you from your real purpose, which is to swim, bike, and run as best you can.

First, the night before, take the time to thoroughly pack your triathlon bag. Include such items as goggles, swim suit/wetsuit, socks, towels, bike helmet, shorts, racing top, sunglasses, sunscreen, petroleum jelly, nutritional supplements, money, race information, a permanent marker, sneakers, bike shoes, bike repair kit, water bottles, a hat, a watch, race number, tool kit, and fresh clothing for afterward. In fact, write out a detailed checklist prior to starting. This way you will not forget any needed gear. Nothing could be worse than beginning your walk down to the water for the ocean swim, only to find that you have forgotten your goggles.

Next, the morning of the race, arrive early and register as soon as possible. Once that is done, take the time to properly plan out your transition area. Consider how many transitions the race has, as some will have one common area while others will have two. Either way, organize the area so that you can rhythmically get in and out. Have a place to drop the wetsuit and towel off before throwing on your biking gear. Make sure you have your race number pinned to your jersey or on a race belt that you strap around your waist. Put your stuff in a logical order, one that you have hopefully practiced before race day.

Finally, once the transition area is set, head out onto the course to look around. If you arrived a day or two early, you should have already hopped in the water for a short swim and ridden a few miles on the actual bike course. If not, take the time to get comfortable with the race course itself. Talk to other competitors about what they see or know; you'll find that triathletes as a group are highly supportive and will share readily. Overall, get there early so that all the hard work and dedication you invested in the previous months can come to fruition. Make the moments leading up to the race relaxed and enjoyable, not stressful and panicked.