1. Search “Triathlon Groups Near me” on Search Engine!
Yes, it’s as simple as that. Just see the genius of search engines and what triathlon clubs it will find for you.
2. Triathlon Clubs via British Triathlon
To those of you living in the UK you can find most local triathlon groups here: https://www.britishtriathlon.org/clubs/search On this page you can simply type in your postcode or region and click search to find the list of triathlon clubs near you. Could it get any easier?
3. Ask at your local swimming pool
Go to your local pool and ask if they have a triathlon group that train or a swim group for adults to train with. Often they have early morning clubs or late evening groups that have dedicated lanes or sometimes the entire swimming pool for those training.
4. Search for Running and Cycle Groups
Search for running groups and cycle groups in your area not only via a search engine, but you could also head to the local sports centre or athletics club and ask if they have any classes you can join.
5. Join Facebook Groups
There are millions of Facebook Groups created, so why not see if there are any local running or cycle or swim groups near you?
6. ParkRun is a must
Yes, it’s essential that you try out ParkRun! These are events scattered around the entire country (and world!) where volunteers set up a 5k race course that takes place every Saturday at 09:00. As a participant, you can get a timing chip that is then yours and you can see your times online every time you race. ParkRun is a welcoming community open for anyone to participate at any running ability. You don’t have to finish the race. So maybe you could start off running and then walking it. Then the next time, try running a little bit more during the course and run a little less. Just keep building up week by week. This is a really fantastic way to meet a range of new people of all standards who are up and ready to move their body and excited to start to the weekend with positive energy. You will most likely find many triathletes at these ParkRun events too, so get chatting and see who’s there! You might even be able to convince a ParkRunner to try triathlon with you too 🙂
7. MeetUp Channel
MeetUp is a great platform to join groups. When I was in Cambridge, I used this to join running groups and cycle groups. There were people at all stages so often the groups would be broken down into smaller groups to fit the needs of the athletes. Some were simply there to go for a nice easy jog or bike ride, which is also a great way to build up an aerobic base and endurance. Triathlon IS an endurance sport, whatever distance you are training for. If you can’t find a group, why not start one yourself!
8. Gym Spinning Sessions
Join your local gym and try out a Spinning Session. A spinning session is basically training on an indoor bike with a fitness trainer at the front of the class providing instructions on how to pedal. These can be great fun not only to meet some crazy people too, but it’s also a great way to build up strength and fitness at speed. Indoor cycle training is MUCH harder than cycling outdoors on the roads. Oh, and if you like sweating, it’s the perfect place too! The sessions can be quite motivating because often they have great music playing and sometimes they have screens at the front with different graphics or images projected whilst they turn all the lights off and you cycle in the dark. Why not try it out, get chatting and you’re sure to find some who goes out on regular cycles during the week who you can keep company!
So here’s our 8 top tips if you’re new to triathlon, or even if you’re not! Let us know what you think, and if you plan to try any of them.
What would you add to the list that’s helped you integrate into the triathlon lifestyle?
