1. Skip the Bike Leg
An aquathlon is a modified triathlon that includes running and swimming. Some aquathlons follow a run/swim/run format, but others are simply a two-stage event that features a swim followed by a run. Some people do an aquathlon to prepare for a triathlon and to improve their transition time between events, but others just enjoy the sport for what it is. An aquathlon is a great event for a person who does not enjoy biking, and it's also popular with race directors who don't have a lot of space to work with for the bike leg of the race. Some athletes also like them because they are inexpensive to compete in and they don't require as much training time as a triathlon.
2. Aquathlons Are Championship Events
Although aquathlons are popular with many amateur athletes, it is also a professional event. There are International Triathlon Union (ITU) Aquathlon World Championships that you have to qualify to enter. In 2001, 97 people competed in these events, and within a few years that number had more than tripled.
3. Find an Event in Your Area
You can find a list of aquathlons throughout the United States on the Active website. It is also becoming more common for race directors to add aquathlons to their triathlons in order to draw more registrants.
4. Figure Out What Equipment You'll Need
You won't need as much equipment for an aquathlon as you would for a triathlon. However, at the very least you will need goggles, a swimsuit, running shoes and shorts. If you are swimming in open water or during a month when the water is cold, you might want to purchase a wetsuit as well.
5. Practice Makes Perfect
Training for an aquathlon can be fun because you can divide your focus between two sports and get pretty good at both of them. It's always a good idea to spend some time practicing transitions, since it's difficult to put on your running shoes when you get out of the water. You will also want to practice swimming in open water if that is where your event is taking place. In fact, it's a good idea to practice in the type of water you'll be swimming in, since ponds, rivers, lakes and the ocean all present their own advantages and challenges.
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