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Been thinking about training for a triathlon? Here's a simple guide that might just help get you off the fence.

• Warning

  This guide is a NOT intended for serious triathletes. It is, however, written with the intent of helping to motivate people that have been considering tackling a triathlon to give it a go. Please consult with your physician before beginning any type of serious training.

• Step 1: Find people to train with and pick a triathlon

  So you’ve been thinking about doing a triathlon, but just can’t bring yourself to pull the trigger? One good way to push yourself to do it is to sign up yourself and ideally a friend or two up for one that’s 3-6 months in the future.

• Tip

  Before picking a date you should honestly assess what kind of shape you're currently in. If you are in pretty good physical condition and are exercising regularly you may be able to get away with as little as 3 months of training. If you aren't in good shape you should probably give yourself at least 6 months to prepare.

• Step 2: Identify your weakest sport

  Most people tend to be weaker at either swimming, biking, or running. Start off slow and give each one a try for a few weeks. Once you know what you’re weakest in, build a schedule to emphasize your training for that. For example, if you’re not a strong swimmer, plan to do that at least 3 times a week and consider taking lessons.

• Step 3: Buy or borrow equipment

  You will need to invest and/or borrow equipment to complete the triathlon. See the list of “You Will Need Items” for a minimal set of things you’ll need for swimming, biking, and running.

• Tip

  Before splurging on a lot of pricey and high end equipment, try to use what you have and/or borrow gear from friends for a month. This way if you decide to that you don't really want to do it after all, you haven't spent a ton of money on equipment that you might not otherwise use.

• Step 4: Set a training schedule and stick to it

  Start off doing a sport per day a few days a week and build up to training 5-6 days a week doing multiple sports per day. If you’re training with friends try to set up regular days to train together. This can really help to support and motivate you throughout your training.

• Step 5: Simulate different aspects of the race

  Are you swimming in open water (lake or the ocean)? Biking up a lot of hills? Running in in hot weather? Try it prior to the race so that you’re more comfortable mentally on race day. For example, open water swims can be very disorienting. If you do at least one or two prior to the race it can leave you much more relaxed during the competition.

• Step 6: Eat and drink

  Your body needs fuel for all of the exercise and you’ll find yourself hungry often. Try to eat a lot of small meals throughout the day (a.k.a. graze) and be sure to drink a lot of water to keep yourself hydrated.

• Step 7: Do some homework

  There are a plethora of resources on the web and in print about triathlon training. “Triathloning for Ordinary Mortals” by Steve Jonas is one example of a great book to read for people that are just getting into the sport and includes many more details on sample training schedules, explanations and recommendations about gear, etc.

• Step 8: Have fun!

  You may not be able to do an olympic triathlon in under two hours nor ever pull off an ironman, but it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t compete! Enjoy the experience and time with the people that you train with. Completing a tri is a great accomplishment and is really good for your health. Who knows, you might get hooked!

• Fact

  Triathlons were invented in the early 1970's by the San Diego Track Club.