Indonesia
Swimming + Cycling + Running = Triathlon
Triathlon is a supersport. It has multiple-stage competition involving three continuous and sequential disciplines. In most popular form, it involves swimming, cycling, and running in immediate succession. The triathletes compete for fastest overall course completion time.
So, is it hard for Superkids to take part? For kids, a triathlon is just another day to do the three favorite things; swim, bike, and run. The only difference in a triathlon is that there’s a start line and a finish line. Sure, the distance of kid’s triathlon is shorter than competitive triathlon.
For example, 6-8 years old kids take 50 yard swimming, two miles biking, and 500 yard running. For 9-11 years old kids, 150 yard swimming, four miles biking, and one mile running. For 12-15 years old kids, 300 yard swimming, eight miles biking, and two miles running. For your information, the Olympic distance is 0.93 mile swimming, 25 miles biking, and 6.2 miles running.
Unlike triathlons for adults, kids do triathlons for fun. The goal is to keep it fun so we will develop a life-long passion for fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Kids training in a more competitive fashion for triathlons will pose a different issue than those participating primarily for fitness and fun.
So, how to practice? Be watchful with swimming. It is the most dangerous stage of a triathlon for kids and adults. Then, practice gradual increases for running and biking. Start with a slow bike ride about half the distance required in the event, then gradually increase the distance each week. So do with running.
TEGUH WAHYU UTOMO
PHOTOS: PHOTOS
