Triathlon anyone?

[Igottastartthinkingbee]

I've signed up to do my first triathlon (500m swim/14km bike/5km run). I've done a bit of running (did my first half marathon a couple of months ago) but this feels like a whole other ball game! Anyone else doing one, first timers or old hands, and fancy sharing the pain/joy/excitement/fear of transition

[Igottastartthinkingbee]

Bump!

[BendydickCuminsnatch]

Oh ooh that actually sounds like something I could do! I always assumed triathlons were huge distances. Did you just google to find one? Good luck!!

[Igottastartthinkingbee]

Sounds doable doesn't it but put them all together and the added complication of transition and I'm not so sure! It's my local tri, I've fancied trying one for a couple of years and have finally gone for it. Any other triathletes out there for moral support???

[neolara]

My dh did a triathlon at the weekend. It was a 7 mile swim, 61 mile bike ride and a marathon to finish. Took him 12 hours. You triathletes are all bonkers! Good luck.

[CelticPromise]

I have done a few sprint ones and I am by no means a triathlete type! I would say unless you are really aiming for a good time (I just aim to get round...) don't worry about transition really, except practising getting your wetsuit off Definitely practise running straight off the bike because your legs feel like lead. And practise open water swimming because it's so different, and unless you are a top swimmer start at the back and let the flailing arms and legs get out of your way. And enjoy it, I think they are a lot of fun. In a weird way.

[Igottastartthinkingbee]

Wow neo that is hardcore, a little out of my league...

celtic thanks for the tips, I'll try my best not to worry about transition! The swim is in a pool thankfully, maybe if I get the bug I'll do an open water one. I'm really looking forward to it!

[DaleTremont]

I'm doing the Brownlee tri super sprint for the second time in September. It's ace! Similar distance as yours and such a good atmosphere. Just stepping up the training now as its about 11 weeks away.

I went on the practice day last year and that was fab for learning about and practising transitions, although really just lay out your gear and remember where your bike is and you'll be fine!

[Igottastartthinkingbee]

I looked at that one dale but decided to go for one with a pool swim for my first tri. Depending on how it goes I might do the Brownlee Tri next year. Harewood is pretty hilly isn't it? I hadn't realised there were practice days.

[CMOTDibbler]

Triathlons are great! I've done a few sprint ones, and would be doing my first olympic distance tomorrow, except I have a chest infection

My biggest piece of advice would be to read the race instructions really thoroughly - in running its very hard to infringe the rules, but tri has more things like not touching your bike before your helmet is on and done up, mount/dismount lines, drafting and so on.

[bellybuttonfairy]

I've just started training for an Olympic one next year.

I used to be fit pre children but have now turned into a middle aged dumpling.

I've read a few online training guides but for now I'm trying to build myself up to being able to build up the distances seperately....

[thisgirlrides]

I'm doing one in September too It's an open water swim and I think 400m, bike 20km and off-road run 5km. I did a taster-Tri last year (200m/15km/4km) and it was fantastic fun but even at those distance I'd underestimated how tired my legs would be.

Aside from other great tips given already, I'd aim to be comfortably running well above the race distance in training and make sure you do some double sessions in swim/bike or (IMO most important and easiest to organise) bike/run. Something else I hadn't factored was the adrenalin & 'race mentality' - I assumed I'd just be happy surviving but on the day I pushed myself far harder than I ever did in training and this is some thing I'm really trying to work on this time around. My swimming incidentally is shockingly bad and I survived at the back doing breaststroke, made up lost time on the bike & ended up 9th/48 in my geriatric class

[Igottastartthinkingbee]

Thanks for the reply thisgirl, good advice! I too think my 'it's just about getting round and enjoying it' mentality will be overtaken by my competitive nature on the day. I'll have to rein it in though cause my body is unlikely to be up to the job!

I've had a couple of weeks away but, despite taking my running/swimming kit, got very little training in. 7 weeks to go till my race and I'm having a bit of a panic - still haven't got a bike!!!!!! Can't really afford the one I'd wanted now either so am going to have to beg, steal, borrow something just to get going. Fortunately the tri course is only a few miles away so I'm going to train on it asap. Kicking myself for leaving everything to the last minute.

[Scuttle22]

I am I too old at 44? I really fancy a challenge. I can run 5k but slowly at 27m and am becoming quite good at swimming but need to work on crawl. I was thinking Warwick in October.

[Scuttle22]

Yes I got need to buy a bike! . I know a will look like a clumsy lump. I want to slip between disciplines with athletic prowess.

[Purpleraindeer]

Random newbie question here - am doing a duathlon soon (run/bike/run). Do i run in my cycling shorts? I presume yes....but thought I'd check with any experienced tri-ers

[celtiethree]

Scuttle ur not too old, I did my first one in June age 48. I spent most of my time concentrating on the swim as I found front crawl really hard. On the day it all came together well, I'm doing my first off road one on Sunday!

[celtiethree]

Purplerraindeer - yes u do, best to have cycling shorts with just a 'light' chamois or they may be uncomfortable to run in.

[Igottastartthinkingbee]

I'd hope you're not too old scuttle! I'm 38 and don't intend hanging up my trainers anytime soon. I finally have borrowed a bike which is a bit basic and ancient (and is a teeny bit big) but it'll do for now. Taking it out for a spin tonight, hoping it and me dont fall apart.

Also I had a swimming lesson the other night, I've decided to stick to breaststroke rather than learn front crawl with only 6 weeks to go. Turns out I wasn't doing breaststroke very well so I'm glad I went along.

Good luck for Sunday celtie, let us know how it goes.

[Igottastartthinkingbee]

Looking forward to the Brownlees competing in the Olympic triathlon today. Prepared to be awestruck!!

Training is going ok, just finding it hard to fit it all in around general life. Ordered a tri suit this morning!

[Igottastartthinkingbee]

Any last minute tips from seasoned triathletes?? The race is a couple of weeks away. I feel fit enough to at least complete now, I'll see how I feel on the day if I can push my pace! Do I taper and carb load as if I were doing a half marathon?

[ivykaty44]

DD used to practice her transition a fair bit.

Use a bucket of water to put your feet in to orthenticate the wet feet after swim. Set everything up in your garden.

[Igottastartthinkingbee]

I did it!! Fab day, great race except the awful first mile or so of the run - jelly legs!!! But I got round in one piece and with a smile on my face. When's the next one?

[CMOTDibbler]

Congratulations!

[Igottastartthinkingbee]

Thanks CMOT

Just got my time through 1:28:52!!!!!! I'm so chuffed, didn't think I'd get under 1hr 30. I know no one is really listening cause this thread didn't really take off the way I thought it might but I'm so happy I had to post!! Thanks to everyone who gave advice and good luck to everyone doing triathlons soon. I'm off to sign up for another one now!