From First Sprint to What's Next: Our Baby Triathlete's Triathlon Debrief
In this episode of the Be Fierce & Tri Podcast, Jill catches up with Sharon from the Bib & Tiara Podcast after her very first sprint triathlon. After months of training, learning to swim, embracing cycling, and stepping far outside her comfort zone, Sharon officially joins the ranks of triathletes. Together, Jill and Sharon break down every part of race day—from navigating transition for the first time, to swimming in a crowded pool-based triathlon, to discovering a newfound love for the bike course. They discuss what surprised her most, lessons she learned, mistakes she'll avoid next time, and how her perspective has changed now that she's completed her first event. The conversation also explores what's next, including upcoming sprint races, Olympic-distance ambitions, and whether a 70.3 might be closer than she thinks. If you've ever wondered what a first triathlon really feels like, this episode offers an honest, relatable look at the beginner experience through the eyes of a brand-new triathlete.
In This Episode
- Sharon's first sprint triathlon race recap
- Navigating transition and race morning logistics
- Pool swim challenges and crowded swim lanes
- Managing race-day nerves and swim anxiety
- Bike course strategy, hills, and passing athletes
- Lessons learned from a first triathlon experience
- Garmin triathlon mode mistakes and race data mishaps
- The importance of proper triathlon gear and fit
- Why local sprint triathlons are great first events
- What surprised Sharon most on race day
- Comparing training expectations to race reality
- Planning upcoming sprint and Olympic-distance races
- Discussing future 70.3 goals
- Why community support matters for new triathletes
Connect
Learn more about coaching, bike fitting, training plans, and the Be Fierce community:
Website: befiercemultisport.com
Follow along as Sharon's "Baby Triathlete" journey continues in future episodes.
If you are training for a Triathlon or Run event of any distance from your first 10k to your first full IRONMAN and beyond, connect with Jill to talk about how to take your performance to the next level! Jill is the Head Coach and owner of Be Fierce Multisport is a full time, professional coach and works with athletes of all skill levels.
We also specialize in training for runDisney race, as Jill is an avid runDisney fan with 7 Dopey finishes and nearly 100 Disney races under her legs - she knows the courses and how to train for them!
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