Is a Half Distance Triathlon out of reach for someone who has only raced Sprint or Olympic distance? That question shows up more than almost any other from athletes considering their first Half Distance race.

Why "Couch to Half Distance" Isn't as Extreme as It Sounds Say a hypothetical athlete hasn't swum laps since a summer job as a lifeguard, rides a bike occasionally on weekends, and runs a few miles here and there without much structure.