Triathlon Changed My Life | Caitlyn Germain’s Story

Triathlon is a sport that demands adaptability, resilience, and a willingness to embrace discomfort. For many, it begins as a way to cross-train but quickly becomes something more. Caitlyn Germain’s journey is story of a triathlete from central Massachusetts, who found herself drawn to triathlon after years of running.

Caitlyn Germain started her triathlon journey in 2019 after spending most of her 20s struggling with nagging running injuries. Looking for a way to stay active without constant setbacks, she turned to cross-training and found herself hooked. Now, she’s taken on everything from sprint triathlons to half-Ironman races. Caitlyn shares her journey from a hesitant swimmer to a confident triathlete, what it was like moving from Atlanta to Denver, and how she balances training with life’s many demands.

You Started Doing Triathlon In 2019 After Years Of Running.

What Led To The Transition?

I spent most of my 20s dealing with nagging injuries from running. It felt like a cycle: train hard, get hurt, repeat. I got bored with my usual fitness routine and wanted something new. Cross-training felt like the answer. Swimming was something I always wanted to improve at, even though I was terrified of it as a kid. I knew how to swim but had some unfortunate instructors growing up and always struggled with breath work. Oddly enough, I got my tonsils out in my 20s, and that made a huge difference. Also, I had just moved to Atlanta and wanted to explore more, especially on a bike. The Silver Comet Trail, which stretches all the way to Alabama, was too good to pass up!

What Was The Biggest Breakthrough That Helped You Become More Confident In The Water?

Despite taking lessons as a kid, I could never quite get the breathing cycle down. Holding my breath underwater and exhaling properly always felt unnatural. After years of dealing with tonsillitis and tonsil stones, I finally had my tonsils removed in my late 20s. It was a painful recovery, but it was life-changing. When I got back into the water, everything clicked, I could finally exhale and breathe correctly. My struggle had been biomechanical all along. I wish I had figured it out sooner, but I’m just grateful I got there eventually. Still can’t flip turn, though, but for triathlons, that’s not really a problem!

How Has Your Perspective On Swimming Changed Since Starting Triathlon?

I used to be so anxious in the pool, but after tackling open-water swims, the stillness of a lap lane feels easy. I also feel much stronger in rough water now. Learning how to adjust my stroke and stay calm in choppy conditions has been huge. Plus, after spending hours hunched over on a bike, swimming feels like a total reset: elongating and graceful in a way that cycling isn’t.

What Was The Hardest Part About Transitioning From Running To Triathlon?

What Came Most Naturally?

Running came easiest since I had the most experience with it. Cycling was a big adjustment, I spent weeks learning to ride with clip-in shoes and had plenty of bruises to show for it. Swimming is still the least natural for me. It’s so technical, and tiny movements can make a huge difference in efficiency. Right now, I prefer cycling the most. I live in an area with tons of pedestrian-only bike paths, which makes riding outside feel much safer. Also, during the winter, I love riding my trainer in the garage, blasting music or catching up on audiobooks.

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What Made You Move To Denver?

Was It For Work Or Personal Choice?

Personal choice! My husband and I lived in Atlanta for years and loved it, especially the Atlanta Triathlon Club. But the humidity was brutal, and the city just isn’t bike-friendly. There are very few bike lanes or greenways. We both love cycling and the outdoors, so Denver felt like a great fit. During COVID we moved and thankfully we both had the flexibility to work remotely which made the transition much easier. We love it here.

What Are Your Current Training Goals?

Right now, I’m balancing a lot, trying to grow our family (we have one daughter), advancing my career, and still making fitness a priority. My goals have shifted more toward consistency and incremental improvements. I don’t have any big races planned, but I have had some great personal highlights recently:

• Improved my bike FTP (Functional Threshold Power) by 8% over three years
• Swam 3,500 meters for my 35th birthday, just to see if I could do it
• Biked 100 miles in one ride

What Does A Typical Training Week Look Like For You?

Since it’s winter, my focus is on strength and building my aerobic base. I do some high-intensity efforts, but the priority is endurance so that when the weather warms up, I can bike, run, and swim as long as I want. My current routine looks like this:

• Cycling: 3-4 sessions per week on my indoor trainer
• Strength Training: Two CrossFit workouts per week (shoutout to CrossFit Mach 983!)
• Yoga: 10-minute cooldowns after every workout
• Walking: As much as possible

Altogether, that adds up to about 8-9 hours of exercise per week. But I’ve built up to this level over years, so I don’t recommend anyone jump straight into it. Also, I’m very strict about getting 8-9 hours of sleep per night to keep up with it all.

What Role Has Triathlon Played In Helping You Meet People?

When I started triathlon, I wanted it to be a way to connect with people, and it absolutely has been. I joined the Atlanta Triathlon Club, which was an incredible experience. When we moved to Denver, my husband and I continued with the sport and found another great community here.

A Few Personal Highlights From My Triathlon Journey:

• Completed 10 triathlons, from super sprint to half Ironman
• Rode multiple metric century rides and one full 100-mile ride (almost made it to Alabama!)
• Strength trained consistently to stay injury-free
• Competed in dozens of running events

Triathlon started as a way to cross-train, but it’s become a huge part of my life. It’s given me confidence in the water, a love for cycling, and a community that keeps me motivated. I’m not sure what’s next, but for now, I’m just enjoying the ride.

Caitlyn Germain’s journey through the sport of triathlon is one of overcoming obstacles. She battled her way through many hurdles but stayed consistent by showing up for herself. Use her story as an example so that you can write your own unique story.

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