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Since the San Diego start in 1974, triathlons have been an intimidating sport with a finish line deemed only attainable by phenomenal athletes. The birth of the Iron Man triathlon happened in 1978, and triathlon racing became an official Olympic sport in 2000. But today, all types tackle triathlons.

“Anyone can cross the finish line,” triathlon training coach Mike Galvan says. And you’re never too old or out of shape to become a tri-athlete.

“I was a competitive dancer, who didn’t own a bike, had no idea how to put my face in the water, and hated running. One finish line changed my life,” says Laura Cozik. Today, she is the CEO of Team Lipstick, New York and D.C.’s largest all-women triathlon team, and Athletic Director for CNN’s Fit Nation Triathlon Challenge.

No Boys Allowed—
Women’s only triathlon teams and races are becoming more popular. In 2010, seven different organizations are hosting triathlon tours across the United States. Check out www.trifind.com to find your perfect race.

Go the Distance.
A standard, or Olympic distance triathlon consists of a .93 mile swim, 24.8 mile bike ride, and a 6.2 mile run. If these numbers seem overwhelming, there are races called sprint triathlons with all of the events being half the distance.

What you need to know for the race:
Wetsuits are recommended. Also, brace yourself for the temperature of the water—it may be cold. Beginner triathlete Martha Shelton, 32, remember panicking in the open water of her first triathlon. “I later discovered that my panic was actually quite ‘normal’ for a first-time triathlete.” The other swimmers get very close to you, and this is not something you experience while training on your own.

You have to strip off the wetsuit and hop on the bike. There are special shoes that clip into the bicycle pedals that you will need. Cozik suggests using a road bike, “No tri bike ‘til you’re ready for your second bike,” she explains.

Then you drop the bike and start off running. “I had no idea that switching from bike to run would cause my legs to wobble as much as they did; I literally almost fell on my face three or four times before I was able to run,” Shelton says.

Luckily, there are tons of websites, resources, and triathlon training groups to help you. Shelton did not join one of these groups.

“Joining a tri club is a great way to get motivated and meet like-minded people,” says Deena Patel. She also followed a beginner and posted it on her desk to stay motivated. She began tri-ing in her twenties, and is now training for an Ironman race.

And after all of your hard work is complete, the last obstacle is your nerves. “Turn nervous anxiety into positive energy! It’s easy to get scared and make yourself sick on race day or leading up to race day. Calm down, relax, think of someone or something that inspires you and let that be your strength!” recommends triathlon athlete Mandy Wong.

Of course crossing the finish is a big undertaking, but the process itself is often a priceless experience. “There’s something special about being awake really early in the morning running or cycling when no one else is around and all you can hear is the sound of your heartbeat and breathing,” says 25-year-old Chelsea Lesky, “It’s exciting and relaxing at the same time and it makes me realize that I’m really living life to the fullest and enjoying every moment.”