Avoid this - Top 10 list of common triathlete mistakes

New athletes to the sport of triathlon often make the same mistakes other triathletes prior to them have made. Since this sport combines three disciplines and slams them together into one, there are millions of mistakes to be made no matter how many triathlons you complete.

Hopefully by reading the following information you won't make a fool of yourself or sometimes worse, look like a fool.

Top 10 list of common triathlete mistakes

10. Underestimating the open water swim - if only water in an ocean or lake was as still and flat as the indoor pool you train in, life would be easier. Quick tip - practice swimming down the shore from one lifeguard stand to the next.

9. Not stretching - can bring on early osteoporosis and basically you will feel horrible. Miguel Rueda, director of Sports Medicine for the University of Colorado, believes stretching can help prevent injuries. It also improves posture, which is beneficial when biking. Do not stretch until pain is felt. That is straining not stretching.

8. Overtraining with weights - professional triathletes only visit the gym to lift weights a maximum of 3 days per week. Using weights so often tightens your body all too much for a triathlete. Get out of the gym and go outside - your true training partner will be mother nature.

7. Don't forget your zzz's. Rest is equally important as any training exercise. While some triathletes train two to three times a day, sleep is the ultimate way to recover. Listen to your body.

6. Lining up at the front during the race start - unless you're an excellent swimmer - is not wise. It's likely you will get trampled and kicked in the face during the swim, so starting at the front of the pack is asking for trouble. People will climb over you (and not apologize). Try starting on the side or wings of the start line.

5. Poor diet - all the training and effort in the world isn't valuable unless your diet is on point. Just because a triathlete can go for a practice ride of 4 hours doesn't mean it's smart to devour a full extra cheese pizza pie afterwards. Eat whole foods, natural sugars, and avoid processed foods as any dietician will tell you.

4. Ladies do not wear make-up during your triathlon. If anything, wear waterproof make-up. Either way it will run all over your face and you will regret this decison when you see a race photo of you impersonating a racoon.

3. Men - never underestimate the power of skin lubricant during the bike ride. Despite the hilarious name, Chamois Butt'r is highly recommended.

2. Transition isn't time to relax - the time is added to your race. Many newbies stand around during transition and think this is a time to regroup, pose for pictures, and chat with family and friends. Save it for after the race.

1. Don't forget why you got involved in the sport - this is all for fun and improving your health.

You will stumble across your very own customized mistakes time and time again. Mistakes are meant to be made, but if you can learn from others before you, why not take advantage of it.