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My First Triathlon: City Triathlon Karlovy Vary – A Journey into the Unknown

Triathlon has always been a discipline I deeply respected – and at the same time, something completely outside my comfort zone. As a personal trainer, I work with movement every day, but I knew this would be a completely different kind of challenge. And that’s exactly what attracted me to it.

City Triathlon in Karlovy Vary was my very first triathlon ever – and a true step into the unknown. I knew in advance it wouldn’t be easy. I don’t train swimming or cycling at all, and that clearly showed during the race. I went into it with respect and an open mind, fully aware that I wasn’t truly prepared. But that was part of the adventure.


Swimming: Like Being Surrounded by Motorboats

The 750-meter swim was by far the hardest part of the race for me. I’m not a strong swimmer, and during the race it felt like I was surrounded not by people, but by motorboats. The pace was insane. Everyone was overtaking me, and I was losing seconds and minutes. Even just staying oriented in the crowd of swimmers was a challenge on its own.

That was the moment I clearly realized that I need to learn how to swim better – and be able to handle at least 1 km of freestyle without stopping. It was a powerful wake-up call that without basic technique, I won’t get far. And that’s what made it so valuable – it gave me feedback no dryland training ever could.


First Time on a Road Bike – During a Race

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The next part was a 20 km ride on a road bike. And here comes probably the funniest part: I sat on a road bike for the first time ever on race day. Despite that, I actually enjoyed this section quite a bit. Thanks to regularly training my legs, I had no physical issues. But controlling the bike – especially shifting gears – was something I had to figure out on the fly, literally during the race. My lack of experience was obvious, and I lost some time there too. Still, I had fun and took away a lot of new insights.


Running: Back on Familiar Ground

The final discipline was a 5 km run – and this is where I finally felt at home. I run regularly, especially during Spartan Races, and that paid off. Even though my legs were tired from the bike, the running portion was the most natural and comfortable part for me. It felt like a strong finish to an intense day.


What Did the Triathlon Give Me?

The Karlovy Vary race wasn’t just a sporting event – it was an experience that opened up new perspectives for me. It showed me how the body reacts to unfamiliar challenges, how important preparation and experience are – and above all, how different sports communities can be.

When I compare it to something like Spartans – where the vibe is about grit, toughness, and team energy – or to golf, which is calm, strategic, and precise – triathlon feels completely different. It’s a sport of individual performance, quiet focus, and brutal endurance.

For me, it truly was a journey into the unknown. And even though I wasn’t the fastest, the most experienced, or the best prepared – I’m glad I went for it.

And who knows – maybe it wasn’t my last triathlon.


In Conclusion:

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If you’re tempted to try something new that pushes you out of your comfort zone – go for it. Don’t wait for the “perfect moment.” Because the journey starts with the very first step – or maybe with the first stroke in cold open water.

Vladimir Veverka
Personal trainer and nutrition consultant

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