Indoor vs. outdoor triathlons

If you are curious about the sport of triathlon, then an indoor race is an excellent way to prepare!

This weekend was one of the first indoor triathlon events in Indianapolis, held at Lifetime Fitness on March 8. It was a blood pumping 10-minute swim in the lap pool, a 30-minute, all-out ride on stationary spinning bikes, and finally a glorious 20-minute hard treadmill run.

View slideshow: Indoor Triathlons

There are several variations of the indoor triathlon. These events have all the elements of a standard triathlon without the intimidating aspects such as open water swimming and crowded bike corrals. Unlike a traditional triathlon, performance is measured by total distance covered in the time allotted. The more distance covered, the higher the participant's score! Having completed a few outdoor triathlons, this event got us thinking about the differences between indoor and outdoor triathlons. So, here’s the low-down on indoor triathlons and how they compare to the outdoor experience!

Outdoor Triathlon: The swim takes place on a lake, ocean, or reservoir. The cycling and running are all outdoors.

Disadvantages: The thought of an open water swim can be intimidating. Additionally, the water is often murky and the only way to orient yourself is by looking up every few meters and re-adjusting your course. Finally, the crowded corrals, changing gears, braking, negotiating fellow cyclists and the chance of a flat tire require more attention.
Advantages: The atmosphere of competition, the love of the great outdoors, the unpredictable nature of the event and the challenge. Even watching an outdoor tri is exhilarating. Although practicing in open water is the ultimate preparation, building up your confidence and stamina swimming laps at an indoor pool is more than sufficient. The variety of scenery you experience (the water, the roads cycled and course run) is second to none.

Indoor Triathlon: The swim is held at an indoor pool, the cycling takes place on stationary bikes, and the run takes place on an indoor track or treadmill. These events are normally on a much smaller and calmer scale.

Disadvantages: The predictability of the event and its surroundings dulls the atmosphere and edge for competition.
Advantages: During the pool swim you are allowed to hold on to the sides each lap, and even put your feet down or stand up for a breather during a lap without getting disqualified. Also, unlike outdoor cycling, you do not have to worry about a flat tire or negotiating road conditions and passing cyclists. They are a great way to practice for the outdoor triathlon and perfect for cross-training or to help you stay motivated during the bleak winter months.

Combination indoor/outdoor triathlon: The swim portion will be held at an indoor pool, whereas the cycling and running are outside.

Disadvantages: Cycling in cold weather can leave your feet and fingers numb and the road conditions can be slippery and hazardous. Running in warm bulky clothing can sometimes be cumbersome. The combo tri is often held very early or very late in the year with colderweather conditions. Therefore, you may have to navigate diminished light conditions of dusk or twilight.
Advantages: You do not have to buy a wet suit to complete the swim as this portion of a combo tri is held indoors. If you do not mind the cold, you love the outdoors and competing in tris, a combo tri may be your ideal compromise.

This first indoor triathlon experience at Lifetime Fitness was certainly a positive one. Here are tips for YOUR next indoor tri!

Choose an easily identifiable locker (at the end of the row) and lay out clothing for the event.
Do not fiddle with safety pins! Fix your race-bib to your clothing at the start.
Place each sock into each shoe ready for transition.
Even though you dry off it can be difficult to get into your “dry gear”. In our experience, the fewer times you have to change clothing, the better. For outdoor triathlons we recommend tri-specific-clothing which encompasses all the comforts needed for swimming, cycling and running without having to change.
Separate cycling shorts and clips not a necessity for stationary or spinning bikes, meaning fewer changes and less time in transition.

The beauty of the triathlon is that they are short, sweet, and that they mentally and physically challenge the participant in different ways. We thoroughly recommend indoor triathlons as a great way to start your season and stay in shape!

Try a Triathlon today, and in the meantime, keep running!