Aren't triathlons for super-conditioned, super-star athletes with zero body fat?

While it may look that way if your only exposure to triathlons is watching an Ironman Hawaii broadcast that features the champions of the sport, I assure you it is not the case.

I have raced in many triathlons since I started in 1998 and have seen many shapes, sizes and ages in these races. Some are large individuals who race in the "Clydesdale" (men greater than 200 pounds) or "Athena" (women greater than 150 pounds) divisions.

Ages range from late teens to early 80's!

Most individuals are there to challenge themselves against the clock or simply finish the race.