Justin Gelbman, CFP®, is Managing Director – Investments at Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. and a founding member of its Princeton-based Sharpe Group. A Forbes Best-in-State and America’s Top Next Generation Wealth Advisor as well as one of OnWallStreet’s Top 25 Regional BD Advisors Under 40, he provides ultra-affluent families and executives with integrated investment management, tax-efficient cash-flow design, and multigenerational estate strategies. Outside the office, Gelbman is an avid endurance athlete who competes in marathons and triathlons, applying the same analytical rigor and disciplined preparation to sport that he brings to wealth planning.

A triathlon is a multisport endurance event that combines swimming, cycling, and running. There are several different versions of the triathlon, with the standard race, known as the Ironman, consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile cycling leg, and finally a full 26.2-mile marathon. Triathletes must dedicate themselves to a comprehensive training regimen in anticipation of a triathlon. Inexperienced athletes should take note of the most common mistakes triathletes make and adjust their training accordingly.

Perhaps the most common error made during triathlon training involves a lack of exposure to open-water swimming. Swimming and training for various sports typically take place in a pool for reasons ranging from safety to convenience. Triathletes, however, are strongly advised to practice swimming in open water, such as a lake.

One of the biggest differences is that while swimming in a lake, athletes typically cannot see the bottom of the lake or their own hands and arms as they swim. This comparative lack of visibility can be confusing for individuals who have exclusively trained in a pool. If triathletes do not have access to open water until race day, they can simulate the experience by swimming in a pool with their eyes closed.

The most unique aspect of a triathlon is the immediate transition between two different athletic activities. These transitions present athletes with unique challenges. With this in mind, individuals should avoid the mistake of never running following a cycling workout. Transitioning from swimming to cycling is also a unique transition, but running for nearly 30 miles following a more than 100-mile bike ride is an unusual physical experience for many athletes; in some cases, athletes may feel extremely uncoordinated.

To prepare for the challenge, athletes should follow their longest bike ride of each training week with a 10-minute run. They should begin this process at least four weeks before the race. The body should gain a better understanding of the transition each time, though athletes should still expect some challenges with the transition on race day.

Not all aspects of triathlon training are purely physical, especially when it comes to navigating the transitions. Forgetting swimming goggles, for instance, is a relatively common misstep at triathlons. Individuals should make a comprehensive gear list several days before the race, set everything aside, and double-check their equipment before departing home on race day.

That said, inexperienced triathletes should know that they have limited space at their racking spot, where they hang their bike and position the rest of their gear. While having a backup water bottle may be helpful, athletes should pack only the equipment they need and keep their racking spot as clear and organized as possible so that they can transition easily between segments.

Similarly, first-time triathletes may be confused as they finish their swim, arrive back on land, and realize they have no idea where their racking spot is. Athletes are encouraged to show up early on race day or even the day before, to get a sense of the location. It can be helpful to exit the water as they would on race day and determine whether to turn left or right and exactly how far down the row of racks their bike is.

Additionally, inexperienced triathletes must make sure to stay on course while swimming, learn how to properly fuel and hydrate before and during the race, and familiarize themselves with the official rules of the triathlon they are training for.