EPISODE · Jun 8, 2026 · 1H 4M
The New Triathlete Diaries: Open Water, Wetsuits & Pre-Race Nerves
from The Be Fierce & Tri Podcast · host Jill Bartholomew, Be Fierce Multisport, Bib and Tiara
In this episode: • Sharon shares her experience completing her first-ever open water swim event • The unexpected challenge of wearing a wetsuit for the first time • Why open water swimming feels completely different from pool swimming • Learning to sight and stay on course • Race starts, swim anxiety, and building confidence in open water • Pool swim triathlons versus open water triathlons • Brick workouts and practicing transitions • Choosing race-day gear and tri-suits • Common mistakes first-time triathletes worry about • Managing pre-race nerves and expectations • The value of experience over perfection • Looking ahead to Sharon's first sprint triathlon in just 11 days Key Takeaway: Confidence doesn't come from having all the answers. It comes from showing up, practicing, learning, and gaining experience one step at a time. Every experienced triathlete was once a beginner. Connect with Be Fierce Multisport: Website: https://befiercemultisport.com Be Fierce. Be You. If you are training for a Triathlon or Run event of any distance from your first 10k to your first full IRONMAN and beyond, connect with Jill to talk about how to take your performance to the next level! Jill is the Head Coach and owner of Be Fierce Multisport is a full time, professional coach and works with athletes of all skill levels. We also specialize in training for runDisney race, as Jill is an avid runDisney fan with 7 Dopey finishes and nearly 100 Disney races under her legs - she knows the courses and how to train for them!Click here to schedule a consultation Tired of cycling in your basement alone? Peloton and Zwift has gotten old? Try live online group cycling with Be Fierce Multisport - now in Beta and accepting founding members!Join our virtual group cycling beta at 👉 https://fierce.li/cycling Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What this episode covers
What does it really feel like to prepare for your very first triathlon? In this installment of our New Triathlete Diaries series, Sharon from Bib & Tiara returns with just 11 days until her first sprint triathlon. Since our last conversation, she's tackled one of the biggest hurdles facing new triathletes: her first open water swim. We talk about the reality of swimming in open water for the first time, unexpected wetsuit panic, learning to sight, navigating race starts, practicing transitions, and the mental challenges that come with trying something completely new. If you're training for your first triathlon—or even thinking about signing up for one—you'll hear firsthand what the journey looks like from someone living it right now. In this episode we discuss: • First-time open water swimming lessons • Why you should never wear a wetsuit for the first time on race day • Common causes of swim anxiety and how to manage them • Open water race starts and what to expect • Practicing triathlon transitions • Pool swims vs open water swims • Building confidence before race day • The reality of pre-race nerves • Why beginner triathletes should embrace imperfect progress Whether you're preparing for your first sprint triathlon or simply curious about the sport, Sharon's journey offers a candid, relatable look at what it takes to become a triathlete. Be Fierce. Be You.
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The New Triathlete Diaries: Open Water, Wetsuits & Pre-Race Nerves
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