For most new triathletes, a small, local sprint distance race is usually the starting point to dip their toe into the world of multisport before stepping up to the longer distances. But for Abbie Brind, that journey to the start line of her first middle distance triathlon was set to be fast-tracked. She won a competition for an entry to IRONMAN 70.3 Zell am See, just 14 weeks before the race.
Having only 14 weeks to prepare for a half distance triathlon would be a tall order for anyone. So you can imagine that Abbie was well and truly throwing herself in at the deep end when her to do list involved ‘learn how to swim’ and ‘get a bike’.
Having gone from complete beginner to half Ironman finisher in a little over 3 months, Abbie has caught the triathlon bug and is set to take on more swim-bike-run in 2025 as part of Team Outlaw. Whether you’re already set to race your first half Ironman this year – or you’re hesitating over that ‘enter now’ button. Read on to find out why Abbie believes “you can literally do anything you set your mind to”, and to get her top tips for taking on your first middle distance triathlon.
THE ULTIMATE RACE EXPERIENCE FOR FIRST TIMERS
Five things I learned from my first half Ironman
Getting ready to take on your first middle distance triathlon (1.9km swim / 90km bike / 21.1km run) can feel daunting. Get Abbie’s insights on what taking on the distance was really like, after she made a quick transition from total beginner to half Ironman finisher.
1. You’re not the only beginner
When you’re new to a sport, it can be easy to feel like every other person is a seasoned PRO who knows exactly what they’re doing. But in reality, that’s far from the case. “I imagined I would be [the only beginner],” says Abbie. “But to my surprise, I was overtaking grown men swimming breaststroke in the water.”
“People were so friendly on race day, I made friends with a local group as we waited to get in the water, they were beginners too and it was their first half Ironman. They were equally apprehensive about the swim which made me feel so much better on the start line. You’re all in it together, the swim is just survival mode!”
2. Most people aren’t competing ‘against’ you
For many would-be triathletes, the thought of an ultra-competitive field and a hostile race day atmosphere can be off putting. However, as most age-groupers will vouch for – it’s actually a much more welcoming and inclusive environment than you might think. “Unless you’re a pro or a top age-group athlete, most people are just competing against themselves,” Abbie explains.
“It’s beautiful to see people of all ages, genders and ethnicities from all over the world take on such a big challenge for their own personal reasons.”
Don’t let the fear of an intimidating or competitive environment put you off giving a longer distance triathlon a go – a half Ironman might sound terribly serious. But even at the pointy end of the field, most people ultimately just want to find out what they’re capable of.
3.You’re supported all the way through
Triathlon might be a solo sport, but that doesn’t mean you’re on your own come race day. “The support was amazing and I was smiling (almost) the whole time,” Abbie reflects. “Other athletes will help you and cheer you on, as will all the locals and spectators, and the volunteers at the aid stations.”
There’s a strong sense of community in triathlon, so you can rest assured that whether you’re heading to a race with a full squad of friend/family cheerleaders in tow, or arriving solo. You’ll get plenty of support from start to finish.
4. Don’t wait until you’re ready, you learn the most when you throw yourself in the deep end.
Pulling the trigger on that ‘enter now’ button for your first half Ironman distance triathlon can be scary. But if you keep putting it off until you’re ‘ready’ – you’ll probably never do it. Because the reality is, none of us knew for sure we’d be able to finish our first 70.3 before we went and tried it – that’s all part of the journey. Tasking yourself with a big challenge and finding out what you’re capable of. Sometimes you need to take a leap and trust that you’ll work it out along the way. Entering the race will give you a deadline, and it’ll force you to focus on getting yourself ready for the start line.
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way!” Abbie says. “You can literally do anything you set your mind to.”
“I won the ticket with 14 weeks to learn how to swi