- Half Marathon
- Marathon
- Ultra Marathon (all distances...not sure on each distance...know it goes up to 100 miles)
- Triathlon (Sprint Distance)
- Triathlon (Olympic Distance)
- Triathlon (Half Ironman Distance)
- Triathlon (Ironman Distance)
- Triathlon (Longer Distance? I am sure there are some nuts somewhere who goes further)
- Duathlons (variety of combos...long distance total is all I care about)
- Long distance cycling events (typically the ones 50+ mile ones)
- Long distance swim events (not familiar with them, so not sure what distance)
- Speed walking (if you are into it...it's an olympic sport...and they go crazy far AND fast for walking...sway those hips!)
- The insane mud, gladiator, zombie, and whatever other similar events
- Any others I missed
Time
The main issue is time. For anyone who works full time or is a full-time stay-at-home parent with many kids, you know how hard it is to find time to get in your long training sessions. It's even worse when you need to get in your multiple sessions in the same day (yay for us triathletes!). So, how does someone make the time? The same way they have made time for everything else they deem important in their lives; JUST DO IT! Or, "Git 'er dun!" If you really want to complete or compete, you need to put in the time. You will usually be making some sort of sacrifice; be it losing your movie/show time on the couch, or those multiple bar nights each week...or some of your quality time with your spouse or kids, or whatever else.
Money
Except for running, and swimming only events I guess, multi-sport is crazy expensive. At the bare minimum, you need running shoes, a bike, bike helmet, and goggles. I guess that's not too bad...but you get what you pay for, and trying to get away with the bare minimum you are going to struggle and possibly not enjoy yourself too much. Cycling by itself can be a very expensive sport. Plus, you typically need a gym membership so you can have access to strength and cardio equipment, as well as a pool, or you need to have this stuff at home or if you are lucky, maybe you live somewhere that has these things available for free (let me know, you will be getting a new neighbor soon).
Mind & Body
For most people, they can sacrifice for the time and can part with the money. However, the biggest problems are your brain and your body. You are putting so much stress on your body and are training so frequently that fatigue, especially mental fatigue, are a killer. All I can say is find a good support group, whether online or local. The good news is that there are tons of local running, cycling, and multisport groups near most major cities and suburbs, or areas that are typically home to these events. Personally, I am in it for the glory and the high I get from achievement, and I usually train alone because I have enough competition against myself and the clock.
Additionally, you are putting a huge strain on your body. Although it's awesome to complete a marathon, you weren't technically designed to run at whatever speed for 26.2 miles, non-stop. Or, you weren't designed to swim 1.5km, then cycle 24.8 miles, and then run a 10k. You get the idea. Just because you can do it, doesn't mean your body is going to play nice. Hence why there is such a time commitment. You need to put in the time to help train your mind and body to handle the event. You also need to make sure you are getting the proper nutrition.
As always, I have to toss in this disclaimer. If you are training for ANY event, you should always get cleared by your doctor first. Good luck!
Money
Except for running, and swimming only events I guess, multi-sport is crazy expensive. At the bare minimum, you need running shoes, a bike, bike helmet, and goggles. I guess that's not too bad...but you get what you pay for, and trying to get away with the bare minimum you are going to struggle and possibly not enjoy yourself too much. Cycling by itself can be a very expensive sport. Plus, you typically need a gym membership so you can have access to strength and cardio equipment, as well as a pool, or you need to have this stuff at home or if you are lucky, maybe you live somewhere that has these things available for free (let me know, you will be getting a new neighbor soon).
Mind & Body
For most people, they can sacrifice for the time and can part with the money. However, the biggest problems are your brain and your body. You are putting so much stress on your body and are training so frequently that fatigue, especially mental fatigue, are a killer. All I can say is find a good support group, whether online or local. The good news is that there are tons of local running, cycling, and multisport groups near most major cities and suburbs, or areas that are typically home to these events. Personally, I am in it for the glory and the high I get from achievement, and I usually train alone because I have enough competition against myself and the clock.
Additionally, you are putting a huge strain on your body. Although it's awesome to complete a marathon, you weren't technically designed to run at whatever speed for 26.2 miles, non-stop. Or, you weren't designed to swim 1.5km, then cycle 24.8 miles, and then run a 10k. You get the idea. Just because you can do it, doesn't mean your body is going to play nice. Hence why there is such a time commitment. You need to put in the time to help train your mind and body to handle the event. You also need to make sure you are getting the proper nutrition.
As always, I have to toss in this disclaimer. If you are training for ANY event, you should always get cleared by your doctor first. Good luck!
