Any Mud Triathletes?

[Jetboy]

Have any of you done a triathlon. Any tips?

I really want to try an Ironman.

So I figured I'd start with a sprint tri and work my way up from there. I have no idea what I'm doing though. Never done one before. I'm hoping to work my way up over about a year and a half to be ready for an Ironman in the fall of 2013. I don't want to win, just to finish.

Running will probably be the easiest for me. I've run marathons. I know what to expect there.

I've never done a century ride, or any road race for that matter, but I ride to work 3-4 days a week so long as it's warm enough. I probably average 100 miles a week April through November. I'm pretty confident I could knock out 100 miles today if I needed to, although doing it with enough energy left to still run a respectable marathon is going to be a bitch.

I've started swimming once a week. I think that's the hardest of the three for me. I've been doing 1500 meters in the pool in about 35-40 minutes. I know - it's SLOW. And that's in a 25 meter pool. I understand that open water stim will be a lot more difficult because the turn in the pool is kinda like getting a break at each end. I'm hoping to up it to 2 days a week swimming and get faster. The thought of a 2.4 mile swim is daunting to say the least. I'm not sure I could do it without drowning at this point...

I read that a tri wetsuit is a big advantage in the water. Do they really help much? Do any of you have a recommendation for a reasonably priced tri wetsuit for a beginner? It would be really nice if it were something I could use in the pool (chlorine) without having to worry about ruining an expensive wetsuit.

Any other tips for first time tri?

 

[bcart1991]

Yep, I'm in my 4th season of racing.

I don't have the time commitment to train for an Ironman (or even a half) right now, so I stick with sprints and Olympics. Most people have 6-8 month training plans for a 140.6 mile race, and that's already being fit enough to race sprints regularly. Don't just "finish," it's a race dammit. Push yourself. It's gonna hurt like hell, but it's worth it.

Getting swim-fit enough that it doesn't wear you out is a huge plus. Those first few swims are an eye-opener, aren't they? Bike fitness is pretty much miles upon miles and time in the saddle.

A wetsiut isn't that big an advantage, but it does provide a little bit of buoyancy. If it's a warm-weather race, it may not be wetsuit-legal if the water is above 72, iirc.

Check the tri forums (beginner triathleteࡤ and slowtwitch) and look for a used wetsuit there, they pop up all the time. Make sure it fits you via the mfr's website before buying.

 

[Jetboy]

Of course I want to finish as fast as I can, but I'm just trying to be realistic. I can't run a 2:04 marathon either - so I'm usually not trying to win, just to finish as fast as I can. I'll be happy to make the 17 hr cutoff...

If I had to set an overall goal, considering what the circumstances will be, I think I'd be happy with a 5hr marathon when tired, a 2hr swim, and a 7-8hr bike ride, so that adds up to something like 14-15hrs as a realistic goal.

 

[Kent]

I've done a number of triathlons. Currently on a training program for a half iron man. Some things I've learned...


Swim: Don't focus as much on being fast, work on being efficient. The swim is the shortest section so don't worry about "winning the swim." You're better off coming out of the water with energy left to finish the race instead of thrashed from the swim. A wetsuit in my opinion is a noticeable advantage. The better swimmer you are the less the advantage. The buoyancy will help you have better position in the water. This will help you conserve energy. Open water swimming is a whole different animal than the pool. Any extra confidence you can get will be helpful.


Bike: Fitness is a big part of it of course. You will need to be able to sit in the saddle and grind away lots of miles. Aerodynamics is more important than weight. Get some aero bars for your road bike and practice riding in that position. Your bike fit and saddle are going to be increasingly important as you do longer events.


Run: If you're a marathoner you probably don't need running advice from me


Practice your transitions, you save some good time if you are not wasting it in T1 and T2

You can rent a wetsuit for your first event and see if you like it. You shouldn't use them in the pool, the chlorine will ruin them. Rent one or borrow one before your race so you can take it to the lake and practice swimming in it. Even if you can't practice swimming in it, you will probably find it very nice to swim in the first time (assuming it fits correctly). Practice taking it off too. If your good at it and know how to get your shoes on after you're on the bike, you can be out of T1 in under 30 seconds

 

[hudyhue]

Only did 1 sprint tri. ... Out in. Palmer lake Colorado years ago... Started running and riding again... Want to do the climb to kisser here in ca next year 2013, no swim or run 155 miles bike ride , top 10 hardest rides in the usa