Sprint Triathlon

klhtweety
klhtweety Posts: 3 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Has anyone done a sprint triathlon before? Its a 300 m swim, then a 12 mile bike ride and then a 5k run. I saw a friend do one last weekend, and I'm feeling inspired. Does anyone have any advice for a beginner?

Replies

  • sharfisher
    sharfisher Posts: 48 Member
    I did one this spring! Pool swim 750m, ride 20km, run 5 km. I did a very friendly one -- competitive but fun. If you can swim that distance, and run and cycle those distance, go for it! Ask everyone for tips about how to transition. People are usually eager to chat. I have only done one, so I wont give my tips on transition, but I will encourage you to practice "bricks" -- workouts that combine disciplines, esp. running after cycling -- legs feel very funny.
  • avir8
    avir8 Posts: 671 Member
    Yes I Love to do them, much easier than a marathon but still challenging. Just take your time and PACE yourself. Finish strong. Bricks help with transitions and help work out those kinks that slow you down.
  • 1968samuel
    1968samuel Posts: 176 Member
    I' ve done several over the years. Triathlon training can become totally addictive!! You might see if there is a triathlon club in your area that you can train with. I found training with a club helped me tremendously. Have fun!!
  • klhtweety
    klhtweety Posts: 3 Member
    Ok, I have another question for you guys then, do you know good affordable brands for road bicycles? I have been looking on craigslist. Is Raleigh a good brand?
  • KarCrib
    KarCrib Posts: 39 Member
    I do sprints and I am still using my Canadian Tire CCM bike. I changed the tires, pedals and got it properly fitted and it works well. No, it is not the fastest bike but it is what I had and I did not want to go and spend more money on another bike.

    I do not do these to win, so I am not to worried that I dont have a 2000$ Cervelo, once I start doing Olympic distances then I will invest in a *tri* bike.

    All that to say that I love triathlons and off season training keeps me busy, running, spinning and swimming. Awesome sport!
  • Mdin1029
    Mdin1029 Posts: 456 Member
    My husband I are doing our first sprint tri Feb 23rd. It is a reverse, and very short: 5k run, 13 mile ride, 200meter swim in an olympic size pool. I am very excited. Swimming is my weakest. I've been watching videos on youtube for swim technique and also had a critique. It really helped but we are going to go for a few lessons before the race as well. The prices for lessons are good right now because it is not exactly swim lesson season. Running is my comfort zone because I did cross country and track in high school. Cycling I am comfortable in as well. My husband and I have been riding 15-25 mile rides for about a year now. I found a training plan online but have really been just trying to do each activity 1-2 times a week. www.beginnertriathlete.com
    and http://www.trinewbies.com/tno_trainingprograms.asp are great resources.

    I went to Active.com and found a triathlon in my area to sign up for. The one I chose has 4 free clinics/workshops before the race that have been very helpful. I found out about them on the website for the race.

    For the road bike: you can get good deals on craiglist. Fuji has good prices. Raleigh is good. I ride a Specialized and I love it. You will have to ride them to firgure out what fits you best.

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