Thinking about doing a triathlon...

tinkermommc
tinkermommc Posts: 558 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Where do I start? I have been losing weight swimming and doing C25K and for fun I pull my son on the bike. So I have some experience with all 3. I can swim over a mile and I'm starting week 8 and running ~3 miles. Biking I do recreationally so I've never tracked it. Has anyone done a triathlon and have pointers for me?

Replies

  • sanfly
    sanfly Posts: 207 Member
    I'm also pretty much definitely maybe about to sign up for a sprint triathlon in November (500m swim, 20k bike, 5k run) and an Olympic in March (1500m swim, 40k bike, 10k run).

    I know I can do the bike and run for the sprint distances - I have done a duathlon before at those distances less fit than I am now - but its the swim that worries me, especially for the Olympic distance. I need to get swimming lengths at the local pool!

    Most race sites will have training programs up, see here for the one I'm going to do: http://peoplestri.com/
  • sanfly
    sanfly Posts: 207 Member
    Oh, and if you or anyone else who is thinking about doing the same wants a virtual training buddy - add me!
  • tinkermommc
    tinkermommc Posts: 558 Member
    I was doing some reading and I think sprint is a good way to start but then I'm doing the swim and run now so maybe I should go for the Olympic since I have lots of time to train because I won't do one until next year. I have no idea how far I bike right now but I pull my son(60lbs plus bike) so I imagine I can go pretty far without him! I'll have to check out that link. Thanks!
  • bacamacho
    bacamacho Posts: 306 Member
    Try to find a sprint distance triathlon to test the waters in. I'm pretty sure you can compete one. The thing that will take getting used to is swimming with others in the open waters. There's quite a bit of contact especially if you're a competitive swimmer. Good luck!
  • tinkermommc
    tinkermommc Posts: 558 Member
    Sprint does sound good especially since I have no idea how transitions work. I'm not competitive so I have no problem falling to the back of the pack I just want to do one :-)
  • DryHeet
    DryHeet Posts: 61 Member
    Hi,

    I've competed in 5 or 6 sprint distance triathlons - it is a great experience. I already had experience in 5K and 10K fun runs as well as bike events, so my only weak area was swimming (just the opposite of you!) All the triathlons I competed in used a swimming pool for the swim venue; you did not mention whether you have done any open water swims - this can make a big difference. If you already feel comfortable swimming in open water (a lake or ocean), then you can choose an event that has open water for the venue. If you mainly train in a swimming pool, then I suggest you look for a competition that has a pool venue for your first event.

    Since you mention you have not cycled a lot, I suggest getting involved with a bike club and doing some organized rides so you can get comfortable with riding around other cyclists and learn some bike etiquette (if you already feel comfortable here, then never mind. I don't mean to sound condesending.) Likewise, if you haven't already been in a few 5K runs, this would be a great way for you to find out how you react in a competitive atmosphere (all kinds of things like what to eat and drink before you race; how much warm-up do you need; will you get overexcited and want to sprint at the beginning, which could mean running out of energy before the end ...) I know you said you're not competitive, but strange things happen in a race venue :wink:

    I used a website called beginnertriathlete.com when I was training (over 2 years ago) - at that time, there were links to articles that helped me develop a training plan and get some familiarity with the slang. Other useful sites are active.com (provides search of various amateur competitions) and trifind.com.

    Good luck to you and have fun!

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