DIGITAL ISSUE
From run club to tri: why a triathlon should be your next challenge
You’ve nailed the 5K and found your people. Now it’s time to level up. Here’s why getting into triathlons could be the best move you make this year
RUN CLUBS have exploded in popularity in recent years. Visit Bondi Beach around sunrise and you’d think all of Sydney was involved – but there’s good reason for their popularity. Run clubs offer accountability, structure and a sense of belonging. But for runners who’ve ticked off several milestones and are craving something bigger, getting involved in triathlons might be the natural next step. Just ask Mardi Cuthbert.
“Growing up, I didn’t do anything swimming, cycling or running-related,” she says. “I was actually one of the worst swimmers at school. About 10 years ago, I saw at my local pool that one of the local triathlon clubs was doing a ‘try a triathlon course’. Triathlons were something I had on my bucket list, so I signed up.”
Fast-forward to today and Cuthbert has completed a full IRONMAN. Safe to say, she successfully made the switch – and she believes more people should be doing the same.
Why runners should get into triathlons
According to Cuthbert, run clubs already deliver two of the most important ingredients for triathlon success: community and consistency. “You get the benefit of training with people, but also you’re showing up at the same time every week and building your commitment,” she says. “I think those things translate really well into triathlons.”
Training for a triathlon isn’t about abandoning your running identity, but expanding it. Instead of chasing marginal gains in one discipline, you introduce variety that challenges your body in new ways. The payoff Is reduced injury risk, improved aerobic capacity and a mental refresh that’s hard to find when you’re pounding pavement five days a week. “You’re always working on something,” Cuthbert says. “Be it your swimming, running, cycling, strength, anything.” For runners stuck in a plateau or battling niggles from repetitive load, that variety can make a huge difference.
One of the biggest myths about triathlons is that they’re a solo pursuit for Type-A endurance junkies. In reality, they can be even more socially rich than run club culture. “When I signed up, at first I thought I’d just do one and move on, but I actually loved it. I fell in love with the sport and the community.”
Community is a constant in triathlon circles, according to Cuthbert. Training sessions often overlap, with squad swims at dawn, bunch rides on weekends and group runs off the bike. There’s something unifying about learning a new skill together, whether that’s mastering bilateral breathing or clipping into pedals without toppling over at traffic lights.
For those just getting started, Cuthbert’s advice is to not aim too high. “A lot of people want to start with a sprint, but a mini can be a fun way to get a taste for it,” she says. “It’s a really achievable distance and you get the experience of doing swimming, cycling and running together as well as the transitions. It’s a lot less intimidating as well.”
For many, running 5km is a milestone achievement, so the idea of tacking on two more disciplines can feel overwhelming. A mini triathlon lowers the psychological barrier while still delivering the full multisport experience, but it’s not the only option. For those with a little more experience already under their belt, a sprint or even an Olympic-distance triathlon can be great entry points, with the Mooloolooba and Noosa triathlons standing out as beginner-friendly options.
In any case, steady progression should be the focus. Each distance is a stepping stone to the one after it, from a mini and sprint to an Olympic-distance and IRONMAN 70.3, all the way up to an IRONMAN. An IRONMAN 70.3, which is a 1.9km swim, 90km ride and 21.1km run is a great way to test yourself. While an IRONMAN is the ultimate goal, with a 3.8km swim, 180km ride and 42.2km run.
How to make getting started with triathlons easier
If you’re primarily a runner, swimming and cycling can feel like foreign languages. But you don’t need to be fluent on day one. “The main thing is to start simple and not feel like you need to be an expert straight away, or that you need all the most expensive gear straight away,” says Cuthbert.
Here’s Cuthbert’s advice on how to approach it:
- Focus on swim technique instead of speed
For runners, the swim is usually the biggest limiter. Instead of thrashing through laps, prioritise technique-focused sessions. A few lessons or squad drills can dramatically improve efficiency, making distances feel far more manageable.
- Get comfortable on the bike
“You don’t need all the gear right away,” Cuthbert says. “Just get outside on a bike and get confident handling it.”
Start with what you have. Learn to corner, brake, shift gears and ride in a straight line while looking over your shoulder. Confidence and control matter more than carbon frames in your first season.
- Allow 8–12 weeks to prepare for your first mini
“I think 8–12 weeks is a good starting point for a mini triathlon,” Cuthbert says. “You need to slowly build up your fitness.”
Think of it like a structured run block. Two swims, two rides and two runs per week can be enough for a beginner build, depending on your base.
- Practice transitions
The fourth discipline of triathlons is transitions. That is, moving between the swim, bike and run. Rehearsing transitions reduces race-day stress and can save surprising amounts of time.
- Keep one foot in run club
You don’t have to disappear from your usual crew. Maintain your weekly social run to preserves accountability and keeps the process fun.
Ready to take the next step and start planning an IRONMAN? Find more information on how to get started here.
