Sprint Triathlon...

Julie7741

Hello! I am strongly considering training for a sprint triathlon. I will do this in July/August, so I have several months to train. I'm an avid cyclist, can comfortably ride 30+ miles no problem, and a "sort of" runner (I am VERY slow... but can run most of a 5k with some well placed walk breaks). The swim scares the daylights out of me. I was a lifeguard in my high school/college days. I tried swimming laps recently and it was not pretty! My goal for the swim portion will be to finish it without drowning The run, to finish without walking. For the ride, I have some time goals. Although I'm not sure how swimming beforehand will affect my speed.

My plan is to really work on the running/swimming portions over the winter (while I really can't ride as much) and add the cycling back in April/May. I don't ever do much winter riding, and always bounce right back on the bike every spring, so I think this will work.

Putting all three together into one long event is scary, but I think it is doable. I also hope to shed about 30 lbs along the way.

I'm looking for any words of wisdom from triathletes, runners, etc..., training advice, nutrition advice, etc. I also would WELCOME friends with similar goals. None of my friends want to join me- they think I'm crazy. My husband also is a cyclist but flat out refuses to run, and emphatically refuses to swim. He also thinks I'm crazy, which makes me even more determined to do it. So, I'm doing this solo. I would love any advice and buddies I can gain along the way!