Any Tri-Athletes Here?

mreeves261
mreeves261 Posts: 728 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
So I got this strange bug in my rear the other day. I have the urge to attempt a TriAthalon. I don't know why but I do. I think it would be fun for me. There is a race here in my area on Sept 15th which I highly doubt I would be ready for by then so i was thinking I could use this Summer/Fall/Winter to train an maybe see if there is one next Spring in my area. I have recently quit smoking and hoping to do more. I am rebuilding an old 80's road bike to get back out there on. I am planning to form a relationship with running over the summer. So here are some questions I have...

1 - Would it be possible for me to be "in Shape" enough in 9 months to complete a Tri-Athlon? Currently I am 5'4", F, 174, eating about 1700 cals a day. I know the cals will need to go up to fuel any training.

2 - Do I really need to spend $1000 on a new bike by the time I feel ready to attempt? Or would a lighter older version of a road racer (properly tri fitted with seat post, aero bars, and any other necessary adjustments) be ok?

3 - Are there any good books I could read to get an idea of the direction I need to head in for my training?

4 - Any tips, hints, advice, etc would be greatly appreciated!

Replies

  • Daisy471
    Daisy471 Posts: 409 Member
    What distance triathlon are you thinking about? I've done a few sprint tri's. Warning - they're addictive!
  • mreeves261
    mreeves261 Posts: 728 Member
    I ultimately would like to work up to Olymp but for now am shooting for a Sprint.
  • Daisy471
    Daisy471 Posts: 409 Member
    Ok, I'll try to answer your questions. The sprint is a great place to start!

    1. Yes! You are alreay in much better shape than I was for any of mine. I could have signed up for the Athena division (175 lb +) but was always ashamed to. There will probably be people of all fitness levels there, especially in the sprint tri.

    2. Absolutely not! I rode an old hybrid for my first few - heavy as a tank but it worked. There were even a few cruisers on the course. I have a road bike now, but it is the most basic one I could find. I still haven't used aero bars in a race. I have a borrowed set that I used for a while last summer but I never felt very comfortable.

    3. I haven't read any, but there are probably some out there. I did google some training plans, but really didn't follow them too closely. It was very hard for me to do any training for the swim without access to a pool.

    4. Probably the best thing I did in training was go for a run immediately after biking. Your legs will feel really weird at the start of the run because the muscles will have to adjust from the bike motion to running. The more you practice this transition the easier it will be. And you won't be freaked out in the race when you get off the bike and try to run and think your legs won't work (like I did!).

    For this first one, don't set any time or place goals for yourself. Just finish it and have fun! I think you could be ready for the one this fall. I want to do another one too once I am in better shape, along with a another half marathon and another century ride - but separately of course!

    Hope this helps!
  • mreeves261
    mreeves261 Posts: 728 Member
    It helps a lot! Thank you! I probably could be ready for the one this fall but I'm not quite sure yet how my shoulders are going to feel about swimming, I have dislocation issues. I don't want to push too hard to where I hurt my shoulders and take this completely out of the ballpark for me to complete it. I also have the benefit (if it is one) of practicing on the exact course since it's all of 5 mile from my house and the maps are posted online. Thank you for taking time to reply, I really appreciate your input!

    ETA: I am only aiming to finish, not "beat" anyone.

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