"Triathlon Education" FAQs

What should a beginning triathlete do to get started in triathlons?

The key element is to plan. A triathlete must appropriately train, prepare, and plan for triathlons. The best way to get started is to join a triathlon team. There are several different teams for different levels of triathletes.

What is hyponatremia?

Hyponatremia is a very serious condition that triathletes must be wary of. It is the opposite of dehydration, and is often associated with long distance events like running and cycling. Reasons for developing this condition include not consuming enough sodium in your diet and sweating out large amounts of salt. Symptoms include disorientation, dizziness, and swelling of the fingers and toes.

Who is at the highest risk for hyponatremia?

Anyone who is performing a great deal of activity, such as participating in a triathlon in hot and humid weather, needs to be extra careful. If you sweat a lot, make sure you are taking in enough salt to make-up for the loss. Additionally, women are more prone to hyponatremia than men. Due to the fact that a woman’s circulating plasma volume is less than a man, they have less free fluid to begin with.

What should you do if you experience pain while participating in a triathlon?

No matter what the pain is, if it is interfering with your performance, you should not push through the pain. Have the pain checked by a doctor as soon as possible to decrease your risk of furthering the injury you have. Pain that limits your ability to run, bike, or swim comfortably or normally should be checked out by a physician, regardless of level of triathlete.

What is iliotibial band syndrome?

Iliotibial band syndrome is a pain that runs on the outside portion of your knee due to excessive friction between your iliotibial band and your knee bone. If left untreated, the pain will get worse and could lead to chronic inflammation. If a pain is felt on the outside part of your knee, it is best to get it checked out as soon as possible.

What is patellofemoral pain syndrome?

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a pain due to an irritation in the cartilage just behind the knee cap. The pain occurs in the front of the knee while running, climbing stairs, or squatting, and it is often due to muscle imbalances in the quadriceps that lead to the improper movement of the patella. Women are more prone to getting patellofemoral pain syndrome because of the alignment of their hips. Just as with iliotibial band syndrome, it is best to treat this as early as possible.

posted 4/10/2006