NIFS Healthy Living Blog

Are you ready to dive into a world of empowerment, camaraderie, and exhilarating challenges? Look no further than our Women's only Triathlon Training group! Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just dipping your toe into the world of triathlons, our group offers a supportive environment where women of all backgrounds and fitness levels come together to train, grow, and have a blast.

A Sense of Community

One of the most rewarding aspects of our training group is the sense of community that flourishes among our members. From the moment you join, you'll be welcomed with open arms by a group of like-minded women who share your passion for fitness and adventure. Together, we celebrate each other's successes, lift each other up during challenges, and form friendships that extend far beyond the training sessions.

Empowerment Through Sport

Participating in a triathlon is about more than just crossing the finish line—it's about pushing your limits, conquering your fears, and realizing your full potential. In our Women's Only Training Group, we believe in the power of sport to empower women both physically and mentally. Whether you're tackling a challenging hill on the bike or digging deep during the final miles of a run, you'll discover a newfound sense of strength and resilience that will carry over into every aspect of your life.

Fun and Laughter

Who says training has to be all work and no play? In our group, we know how to have fun! Whether we're swapping race stories over post-workout smoothies, organizing group outings to explore new biking routes, or donning matching costumes for race day, there's never a dull moment when you're training with us. The laughter and camaraderie shared among our members make every workout feel like a celebration of the amazing things our bodies can accomplish.

Breaking Barriers

As a women's only training group, we provide a safe and supportive space for women to break free from stereotypes, challenge societal norms, and redefine what it means to be an athlete. Whether you're a working mom juggling training sessions with family commitments or a retiree discovering a newfound passion for fitness, our group celebrates the unique journey of each and every member, proving that age, background, and experience are no barriers to achieving greatness.

Inspiring Role Models

In our training group, you'll find no shortage of inspiring role models to look up to. From seasoned triathletes who have conquered multiple IRONMAN races to beginners who are taking their first tentative steps into the world of endurance sports, our members come from all walks of life and bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and wisdom to the table. Together, we lift each other up, support each other's goals, and inspire one another to reach new heights of greatness.

Joining our Women's Only Triathlon Training Group isn't just about becoming a better athlete—it's about joining a sisterhood of strong, empowered women who are ready to take on the world, one swim, bike, and run at a time. So, lace up your sneakers, pump up your tires, and get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. We can't wait to welcome you into our community! Get registered today!

This blog was written by Tim Howard, NIFS Operations Manager and co-trainer for the NIFS Women's Only Tri-Training Program.

Following on from part 1 of this blog, where I talked about goals, there are few fitness achievements that are more impressive than completing a triathlon. The combination of running, swimming, and biking along with power, endurance, perseverance, and attitude are imposing, especially for those who have never completed one before. The traditional Ironman races are comprised of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run for a grand total of 140.6 miles.

The Event Takes Many Forms

You can’t wake up today, without training, and begin to dream of the goal of finishing such an event. Most people will never complete a true Ironman triathlon in this form, but there is hope. Through the vision of great-minded individuals, we have a multitude of triathlon options that tinker with the original chemistry to create some equally impressive challenges for all levels. There are indoor versions that are held in the friendly confines of a gym (usually with a pool); there are sprint triathlons that modify the distances to a 5,000-meter run, 250-meter swim, and 14-mile bike ride. Notably, NIFS has been involved with a women-only triathlon called the Go Girl, the Indianapolis event of which is held at Eagle Creek Park. With so many options available (more will surely surface), there is hope for our triathlon aspirations after all!

Why Would Anyone Want to Do a Triathlon?

Why would you ever want to do a triathlon in the first place? Kris Simpson, a personal trainer and triathlon coach at NIFS believes, “It is great cross-training” and “it can test your mental toughness by getting out of your comfort zone, especially if you have been traditionally a single-sport athlete.” With that being said, getting into a structured training regimen with focused end goals might be just what you need to awaken your inner athlete and competitive drive.

According to another triathlon finisher, Kaci Lierman, competing the tri event is a monumental occasion. Hours of hard work cumulate in that moment when you step across the finish line and take a deep sigh of relief. A sense of accomplishment, wholeness, and pride overtake you. You can stop there if you like, but the endorphins from the actual high are so great, you might want to do it again and again.

NIFS Training for Triathlons 

How does one train for a triathlon event? You could train on your own, but with so many small details (think transition training, bike maintenance, and clothing management), it’s beneficial to seek guidance from a seasoned professional. NIFS offers such training, catering to beginners who are new to the event, as well as triathlon veterans trying to get personal bests.

NIFS group training currently includes the Go Girl Triathlon Training Program. Women who are interested in the training program can contact Kris Simpson at ksimpson@nifs.org for more details regarding times, dates, and signup deadlines. Don’t limit yourself to traditional triathlons; you can find an event that best suits your abilities, needs, and training module length. The commitment to greatness is huge, but the rewards are even bigger. Dream BIG!

This blog was written by Thomas Livengood, Health Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer. To read more about the NIFS bloggers, click here.