Beginner Triathlete - My First Triathlon articles

Self-described "old, fat guy" finishes his first solo sprint triathlon

It fell apart, but I didn't give up

I wanted to do something in my life before I hit the big 5-0. So, why not do a triathlon?!

I Remember My First Triathlon Like it Was Yesterday. Actually, It Was Two Days Ago.

Using duathlon as a stepping-stone for triathlon.

Or why an Ironman 70.3 may not be your best choice for your first triathlon.

I had a bucket list of "must do's before I turn 60" but it was made up of things like "take a course in public speaking, weekend trip to NYC with my 3 grown sons, learn to kayak, etc." I needed more.

James G. Lewis's First Triathlon Race

“None of us were swimmers, none of us were cyclists, none of us were runners, but we all decided that together, we would be.”

The ONLY way to compete in my first triathlon was to do it on my BMX. I’m no professional—nor do I aspire to be one, I just want to be fit and healthy.

Thousands of strokes, cranks and pushes later, I did my first sprint triathlon as a wheelchair racer. What a blast!

What are you waiting for? Get out there and sign up for your first triathlon. Do it now because spring seems like a long way off!

The day of the triathlon was one of the best days of my life. I felt strong and healthy. Lots of friends and family came to cheer me on. The support was overwhelming.

I couldn’t help but feel that the race had beaten me. Perhaps duathlons were more for me? No, I was more determined than ever to succeed. I was determined to get on top of my swimming.

This past spring I realized a few of us were heading in the wrong direction physically. We were getting together for poker games and kids’ birthdays, but that was it.