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Jim Palmer

I’m over 40 years old, but I don’t give up easily. It wasn’t too long ago that I was exploring the idea of doing my first triathlon. If I can do it, you can too! I'm proof that with a little determination and training, you can get a great deal of fulfillment participating in marathons, triathlons... even ultramarathons.

Triathletes are especially susceptible to injuries because triathlon training and competition pushes the human body to its limits. That's why you should incorporate an injury prevention mentality into your training. Here are some suggestions for preventing triathlete injuries, plus some homeopathic treatments for sports injuries you can try.

Whether you've just decided to do a triathlon or you've already done 30 of them, it's important to identify a specific triathlon race that you are training to compete in. Doing so gives you a solid goal to work towards, and a focal point to build your training program around. Here's how to choose a triathlon event, and what you need to know about triathlon races.

There was once a time when I worried about eating too much. Now, I worry about eating too little. I used to weigh 210, now I weigh 166. If you want to get your body in shape for triathlons -- or life in general -- the trick is eating the right food in the right quantity.

Where do you start to begin training for your first triathlon? Fortunately, you can find some great online triathlon training, as well as triathlon coaching online. There are also a number of triathlon training guides in the form of triathlon training books, DVDs, and lecture series. Here are some beginner triathlon training programs to consider when you are establishing your triathlon training plan.

Along with cycling shorts, it's a good idea to have a couple of cycling jerseys. Other bike stuff that would be nice to have: a wireless bike computer, bike rack for your car, bike chain, bike lock, water bottles, aero bars, a bike light, a way to store your bike, an indoor trainer, and a mirror.

Cycling shoes and clipless pedals allow your feet to be secured into the pedals, so your pedaling motion can utilize both the downward push of your quads and the upward pull of your hamstring. Here is some advice for using clipless pedals for the first time.

As far as cycling gear goes, there are the Must-Haves, things that are A Good Idea, and items that Would Be Nice. The most basic necessities for all cyclists fall under the Must Have category and they are all covered here.

The longest leg in every triathlon is cycling, which means you're going to be spending a lot of time training on a bike. Biking, compared to swimming and running, also involves the most gear. The first thing you need is a bike, and there is a LOT to consider. Do you want a road bike or a triathlon bike? What about new vs used? Here are some tips for buying your first triathlon bike.

I thought I was a pretty good swimmer until I joined the Masters Swim class at our local YMCA. There I was - Mr. Triathlon man, ready to show everyone just how triathlony I was! But I was humbled during that first swim class, and I realized I had a lot to learn and a long way to go. I'm so thankful that I decided to stick with the class, despite the rocky start. Here's why...