Are Your Kids Ready to Try a Tri?

Getting Your Kids Ready

The Doylestown Kids Triathlon will take place at Fanny Chapman on Sunday, June 2, with races at 8:00am and 10:30am. This is a fun event for kids ages 7 to 15. Here are things you can do to make sure your kids have a great time!

1. Get Active–Together!  Make it a family affair. Swim, bike and run together. Extra practice is always a good thing. Why not get fit (and have some fun) together?

2. Look Around You. Doylestown has some great resources for our smallest athletes. Many of the Central Bucks Schools participate in irun4life, an afterschool running program that prepares area children for a 3k race at Central Park. Doylestown Bike Works is a great place to learn about bike safety and care, plus they can help you make sure that your bike is in good working order. Try Bucks County Running for your running basics–shoes and information. Fanny Chapman is the place to be for summertime swimming and lessons, and the pool at the Central Bucks Family YMCA is great for swimming lessons and family swim time throughout the year.

3. Be Safe. When going for family bike rides, try a place where you won’t have to worry about traffic. I like the loop at Central Park and Lake Galena. Don’t forget your helmet.

4. Cross Train. How does a kid cross-train? By playing, of course! Get out there with the soccer ball or a frisbee. Climb those monkey bars for strong swimming arms. Even swimming can increase core strength. I love it when fitness is fun–and your kids will too, for sure.

5. Brick Building. And I don’t mean Legos. As you get closer to the event, try a short run after a short bike ride. Increase distances after you’ve tried it a few times.

6. Stand Out. The day of the race can be hectic and possibly overwhelming. Help your child locate their bike and equipment by putting a familiar towel, or a special one you have picked out together for the event, in their transition area. Remember, there are plenty of experienced volunteers there to help, too.

7. Make a List, Check It Twice. You’ll need some critical equipment for this race to go swimmingly. In addition to a bike and comfortable bathing suit, make sure you have goggles, a bike helmet, towel, and running shoes. Practice taking thing on and off.

8. Pacing. Work with your child so they understand how to pace him or herself. It’s easy to get caught up in the momentum of the race. We want them to finish and have fun, not use up all their energy in the first event.

9. Hydrate. It is important to have plenty to drink at the event itself, but be sure to hydrate as you go. Be sure to have your child drink plenty of water in the days leading up to the race. Remember, once you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated.

10. Have fun. The emphasis really should be on having a great time. Keep it fun so your kids can learn that exercise doesn’t have to be a chore. A race isn’t all about coming in first. It can also be an enjoyable community event. 

Are your children participating in the June 2nd kids' triathlon? How have you helped them prepare? Drop me a line and let me know all about it!