I am training for what will be my two first triathlons (both sprint distance) at the end of the summer. So far I am doing pretty well, pursuing the fairly aggressive sprint tri training program for intermediates on this site. As a 21 yr old male, I was in fairly good shape even before I started training.

Lose weight: The biomechanical consequences of lifting 1, 5, or 10 extra pounds with each step can get you huffing and puffing just a little more from climbing a flight of stairs, imagine what it does to your body over the course of a 26.2 mile marathon, or even a 3 mile fun run!

Alex Mrosczyck-McDonald writes: Some people are natural born runners, while others have to encourage their inner runner to emerge.  Here are 5 tips that, if incorporated regularly into your training, will help you to work your way up in the pack.