Making Friends Through Triathlon Training Clubs

Running on your own for a marathon keeps you fit. But if you train with others you can make friends. If you are competing in a triathlon, you might be doing a shorter run, but also swimming and cycling - more of a challenge but more opportunities for making friends who are keen on one or more of these three sports.

Problem
How do you train for a triathlon in another country?
How do you maintain enthusiasm during the weeks or months of training?
How do you make friends when working in a new country?

Answer
You join a triathlon training club in the country where you are living or working.

Story
My friend in London, Olga, originally from Austria, has been training in London for a triathlon, and made friends through the Triathlon club. You don't have to be training to do a triathlon in London, you could be training for a triathlon anywhere in the world.

You can join a club and meet up with others for one of more of the three events you choose. For example, you might be doing swimming. You meet other swimmers and train every morning before work at a local swimming pool.

Or you could be doing cycling as one of your three events.

You make friends in London. They could be platonic friends of the same sex, or the opposite sex. You might even start a romance. Or find a flatmate. (Americans say room mate.)

Tips
Join a triathlon club.

Prepare to pay for equipment.
For example, clothing for swimming: a swimsuit, swim hat, a towel robe, and swim shoes, gym kit bag, padlock.
For cycling: clothing and equipment for cycling: a bicycle, helmet; accessories such as a water bottle holder; cycling clothes.
Plus the fee to enter the event.

Expect to pay about £30 for a certificate giving your time as well as the event.

http://www.trinewbies.com/tno_trainingprograms.asp
http://www.trilondon.com

Author
Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer.