Duathlon, 5/5/13. Should I or shouldn't I?

CLFrancois

I really need some opinions, and honest ones.
I run, no biggie with that part.
I do not have a bike, nor have I had one in about 20 years.
A good friend of mine asked me to join her-
http://www.espritdeshe.com/

I am thinking about it, and of course everyone IRL says "oh, yeah, do it"
But I need HONESTY here. For someone who has not gotten on a real bike in two decades?
(I have gotten on stationary bikes, but that doesn't count)

cleback

I would. That sounds be a fun goal! If you're concerned about the biking portion, you could probably just start in the lower seeds. They're typically not as competitive, so you can go as fast/slow as you're comfortable with. (That said, if your friend is super in-shape/competitive with biking, and she expects you to keep up with her, I probably wouldn't do it... Just because I wouldn't want to worry about keeping up. Takes the fun out of it.)

dmkoenig

Bike course is 20K and flat. At a comfortable10-12mph that translates to 60-70 minutes in the saddle which should be no problem for someone who has been running. Bookend a couple of 1.5 mile runs on either side and you're probably looking at 1:30 - 1:45 total effort. That should be very doable. So go out and find a nice comfortable bike, perhaps a hybrid with smooth fat tires with a comfy saddle. If you can get out on a couple of rides/week in April 30-60 minutes in duration you'll be well prepared. Have fun!

CLFrancois

(That said, if your friend is super in-shape/competitive with biking, and she expects you to keep up with her, )

She is probably as in shape as me, pretty good I guess. She is worried about the running part, so I guess that makes us evenly worried???