First time triathlon...help..

[RhubarbCrumbled]

In a fit of adventure and sisterhood and drunkenness I'm doing a triathlon in 4 weeks. I can definitely do each of the swim/bike/run distances separately but not tried it together.

Can anyone suggest training over the next 4 weeks? What on earth do I wear?! Do I wear SPD shoes or just trainers?

Any advice will be gratefully received! What on earth have I done....

[MooseBeTimeForSpring]

I'd suggest practising transition from bike to run as there's usually a line you have to dismount by. Use your spd's on the bike and trainers for the run. It's going to feel like you've been given someone else's legs

[CMOTDibbler]

the most important thing is to practice the bike/run bits together as it needs getting used to.

You can get a tri suit in Aldi this week for £14 if you are quick. The mesh bra inside may be enough if you are v small of nork, otherwise wear your least padded and most synthetic sports bra underneath. Elastic laces for your running shoes (I favour the lock laces) make transition easier, and you'll need a race belt to pin your number on. For sprint, some people will wear run shoes to cycle in, but I prefer my spd sl shoes as the extra power on the bike makes a difference as its the longest leg

Read the race pack really, really carefully. You don't want to get disqualified for drafting, getting on the bike before the mount line, touching your bike before your helmet is on etc. Or not noticing that its a split transition and your run stuff is back in t1.

Tri is really fun though

[RhubarbCrumbled]

Thank you. I'm quite excited but very nervous! I'm going with a couple of friends but we won't have much time to train together. I WILL get around. That's the main thing, right?

[CMOTDibbler]

Yup. My theory is don't drown, crash, or fall over. Everything else is a bonus

[RhubarbCrumbled]

It's been a while as the tri got put off, but I did my first triathlon today! I'm exhausted but feel amazing!
All your advice was brilliant so thank you. I'll be at Bodiam in September and hopefully will manage to be slightly speedier next time.

[CMOTDibbler]

well done!

[pootlebug]

Well done! It would appear you might have the bug now :) Be careful…..the temptation to do silly distances that you said you'd 'never do' can creep up on you….

Come and join us on the 2015 tri thread

[Lilicat1013]

Congratulations, that is awesome!

[dynevoran]

Well done!.I did my first this year and loved it too. Doing another I'm September in st Albans through Hercules events.