Triathalon

Laura42012

Has anyone done one?

I have had ambitions for years but just now finally got the bike I love & time to go out and train for it. I've always been a good swimmer, I love running and the last piece of the puzzle was the bike.

Anyone have any advice for a newbie?

Culley34

Not a triathlete -- just a runner and a cyclist. (I'm an awful swimmer!)

I would say, similar to running -- start with the 'sprint' triathlons, before moving up to the longer Ironmans (70.3). Also, the key to training is consistency. Find out what works for you to avoid bonking -- a couple of examples:

I like to use 'Gu' to give me energy. Other people I ride or run with take a few scoops of peanut butter before they run. Others use gummy bears for energy.

What type of bike did you end up going with?

Laura42012

I have a hybrid. I love it. I bought it a month ago and I'm on it at least 2-3x a week.

The triathlon that I am picking is roughly a year away so I have time to train. I want to really kick butt at it so I figured, research a plan now and start to implement it. I know I will injure myself somehow and try to over do it, so I'm giving myself plenty of time for a debacle.

Jenn728

I have never done one and am in NO shape to do one. But it looks like a great challenge!

Good luck!

simplyeater

I am planning on a sprint triathlon next August. It will be my first. This site was recommended to me in another post:

http://beginnertriathlete.com/

Happy training!

TylerJ76

Don't over think it.

It's a swim, a bike, and run

Start with a Sprint, then if you want to move up to the longer distance, you can go from there.

I did my first this year, and I have the addiction now. I am going to try and do 3-4 next year.

TylerJ76

Get as much open water swim time in as you can

Be ready for the swim, my advice would be able to swim 2x the distance of the race

Get tri shorts and a tri top and wear for the whole race

If you're going not wear socks, PRACTICE THAT

HAVE FUN!!!!

BrianSharpe

I've done a couple of duathlons (shall we say my swimming still needs improvement) but my tri club's head coach would probably utter some pearl of wisdom like......specificity (ie to swim, run & bike better you need to swim, run and bike) and consistency (for a sprint distance tri you should be doing each at least 2 x weekly) and bricks (bike ride followed immediately by a run)

For your bike rides, even at a sprint distance where the ride is around 20km, approach your training the same way you would for running. Mix up distances and intensity.

Practice transitions.

http://beginnertriathlete.com is a great resource (also check out active.com)

Is there a triathlon club where you live? If so it's probably worthwhile joining - take advantage of the coaching and you'll find that the more experience triathletes are usually generous about sharing their experience.

My goal for 2103 is to complete an Olympic distance (I plan on a couple of sprints earlier in the season - we're spoiled where I live, there's a very active triathlon calendar)