Over the course of the next year, as I continue to train for my triathlon races, I will document and keep track of every injury I sustain, what I do to fix it, and how it could have been prevented. This is the first part of a four-part series. In the next three articles, I will take a deeper dive into each discipline of the triathlon, discussing potential injuries and pitfalls, as well as how to prevent them and manage them if they occur. Today, we're going to take a super brief overview of issues that may arise across the broad spectrum of training and race day.
Overuse Injuries: These occur due to repetitive stress on specific body parts over time. Common overuse injuries in triathletes include:
Swimming Injuries: Despite being a low-impact sport, swimming can still lead to injuries, such as:
Cycling Injuries: Cycling-related injuries are common among triathletes, especially during long rides. These may include:
Running Injuries: Running is often the culminating leg of a triathlon and can lead to various injuries, such as:
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Transition Injuries: Sometimes overlooked during the race, triathletes may also experience injuries during transitions between the swim, bike, and run legs, such as slips, falls, or muscle strains while quickly switching gear or footwear.
To prevent injuries, triathletes should prioritize proper technique, adequate rest, cross-training, gradual progression in training volume and intensity, and addressing any biomechanical imbalances or weaknesses through strength training and flexibility exercises. Additionally, ensuring proper equipment fit and seeking professional guidance from coaches or healthcare providers can help mitigate the risk of injuries.
One very common equipment fault is an improper bike fit. If you are in the Birmingham, Alabama area and would like to get your bike properly fitted by a physical therapist, click here as that is one of the services we offer!