What is TriActive?

TriActive is a participation initiative from Triathlon Victoria.

TriActive has been created to encourage adult participation in the sport of triathlon, and aimed at those who are currently low or even non exercisers. The programme is designed to introduce participants to the three different components of triathlon(Swim - Bike - Run) in a way that you become confident about joining them together to complete a triathlon event.

I'm a bit nervous about triathlon. Will the sessions be full of experienced athletes with expensive gear?

TriActive is aimed at encouraging people to return to, or increase their current levels of exercise. Specifically it aims to encourage new participants to the sport of triathlon with the aim of completing their first event so that they can call themselves a triathlete! Some programmes may contain the odd participant who may have previously completed a mini triathlon and then not returned to the sport, but the programme won't be full of triathletes or lots of expensive equipment!

Do I need to wear Lycra or have specialist clothing?

Definitely not! We would recommend that you wear whatever you are comfortable in for each part of the program and then make any changes you want to as the program develops and you feel more confident. Basic and comfortable exercise clothing is all you need for the bike and run sessions, but bathers and goggles are a must for the pool!

What sort of exercise will I be doing in the TriActive training sessions?

The TriActive program will start off gradually and increase the effort levels over the duration of the program to provide you with the confidence, skills and baseline fitness to complete a mini triathlon event at the end of the final week of the program.

The program runs for 5 to 6 weeks and consists of 2 coached sessions each week, consisting of a swim session followed by a combined bike/run session. The swim sessions will take place in a 25m or 50m swimming pool, whilst the bike component of the sessions will take place on spin bikes in a spin studio, so no need to worry about road safety and traffic. As the program progresses, your coach will incorporate some walking and then running off the bike to get you used to this type of activity and have you ready to go on the day of your event!

The sessions are coached by Triathlon Australia accredited coaches who have the skills and empathy to build your confidence as they develop your fitness in order to get you across the finish line!

I'm not sure if I'm fit enough to take part in the training?

The TriActive program is aimed at low to non-exercisers and so you do not need to worry too much about being "fit" at the start. If you do some low to moderate intensity exercise, such as regular walking, then you will find that the TriActive program will help develop your baseline fitness to get you going and before you know it, you'll be looking forward to your weekly sessions. However, if you have a medical condition then you are concerned may effect your participation, the you should speak to your GP in advance and take advice.

How much training should I do before I take part in the planned event?

It will depend on your personal goals, but you don't need to train in advance to take part in TriActive. The aim of the TriActive program of exercise is to provide you with sufficient base fitness and an understanding of triathlon that enables you to be confident of completing your first triathlon by participating in the event that the program culminates with.

I don't want to do the race at the end, but can I still take part in the training program?

Whilst a primary aim of the TriActive program is to increase peoples levels of exercise, it is also to provide participants with a common goal or target to work towards both individually and as a team. With that comes another primary goal of achieving completion of your first event by finishing a mini triathlon. Therefore, taking part in the end event is a key part of signing up for the TriActive program.

How old do I need to be in order to take part in a TriActive program?

TriActive is an adult participation program and so you need to be 18 years of age or older and we would encourage you to not be put off by your age as enthusiasm as determination goes a long way tp helping you achieve your personal goals!

Are my children able to join in the TriActive program with me?

Unfortunately children cannot join the TriActive program, but there are several excellent opportunities for younger children to join appropriate programs and more information can be found on these from the Juniors/Schools section of the Triathlon Victoria website.

Is there a limit to how many TriActive programs I can take part in?

No, there is no limit. We would be delighted to welcome and in fact encourage previous TriActive participants back to take part in additional courses as this can often help you decide whether you want to take part in more triathlon events and possibly upgrade to slightly longer events too. Not only that, but simply joining another TriActive group means more exercise with like-minded people in a fun and safe, but challenging, environment!

What do I need to bring to the TriActive training sessions?

Your program coach will provide you with all the information you need at your first session, but essentially not too much! For the bike session held on spin bikes, all you need is your runners, a water bottle and a towel and perhaps a change of shirt for afterwards. For the run session you need to be dressed in clothing you are comfortable to exercise in and trainers you would normally wear for running, walking or general exercise. Finally for the swim, just remember your bathers, goggles a towel and a swim cap if you use one.

I'm concerned about how to "transition" between the swim, bike and run on event day.

Don't be! It is actually much more straight forward than it probably seems and this will be covered off by your coach as you progress through the program. See the Event Day overview for more information on transitioning.

How much does the TriActive program cost to take part in?

Each TriActive program varies slightly depending on whether, for example, it is a 5 or 6 week program. However, if you go to the WHERE section of this website, the cost for each of the listed programs is shown within the detail for each.