5 reasons to race an indoor triathlon this winter

We’re almost through January, but there is still a long way to go before the outdoor training season and races arrive. This could be a tad upsetting, because as a triathlete, you live to be outdoors. Well, we have some good news for you: you might not be able to race outside just yet, but that doesn’t mean you cannot race at all. Here’s why you should try an indoor triathlon before the winter is over.

Increased motivation

Getting a race in your schedule that you can look forward to will help keep you motivated to train, even during the coldest and darkest days of the winter. You might be motivated enough to train for the spring races you have planned, but signing up for one that’s only a few weeks or a month away will really give you an extra boost.

Test your fitness

You probably know where your fitness sits generally, but racing is a completely different game than training. When you race, there is no hiding. Either you’re race fit or you’re not. Doing an early-season indoor triathlon will help you figure out just how fit you are as you move deeper into the season.

Discover any areas that are lacking

Along those same lines, doing a race will show you where you most need improvements. Maybe your swim isn’t up to the level you want it to be at come spring, or perhaps your legs were a little too tired and weak for the post-bike run. Whatever the case, your weaknesses will be put on full display during an indoor triathlon, and while that could be a rude awakening, it will give you things to focus on moving forward.

Race stress-free

You want to do well and perform your best in any race, but odds are that you won’t care as much about an indoor triathlon as you will an outdoor one in the spring or summer. Because of this, an indoor triathlon is a good opportunity to get a race under your belt and kick off your season in a relatively stress-free environment. After that, you’ll be mentally prepared to tackle the rest of your race schedule.

Have fun

Winter is long, so you need something to keep you entertained. Indoor triathlons are great for that. You’ll have fun, you’ll get to race, and you’ll get more and more excited for the spring racing season.