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Discussion: my first triathlon
Subject: my first triathlon By: Drew C. Written on: 2006-06-08 15:53:02 Message: i'm just started training for my first triathlon last week, and was wondering if you guys could give me any tips. the race is in a month. it's a mini with .5 mile swin, 9 mile bike and 2.5 mile run. i could care less about placing at the moment and just want to finish and have some fun. what kind of training regiment should i start out with? i've been going to the gym every other day and the pool on the days in between. i'm a pretty strong biker but my running and swimming definetly need work. any thoughts? thanks. -drew
Subject: RE: my first triathlon By: Brad H. Written on: 2006-06-08 16:00:10 Message: Drew; Congratulations on starting your training. I wish I had started training when I was only 20 yrs. old! Basically for this short a distance, you want to get confident that you can finish the distances of each event. I usually only hit the gym over the winter to build strength. Then I spend all spring/summer working on endurance. I believe you should skip the gym workouts (or minimize them to your weakest areas) and replace these workouts with something that is going to benefit you come race day. You should be running enough to get confidence (but not long/frequent enough to injure yourself). Remember to taper the last few days before your race so your legs are fresh and have fun. You've got the right attitude. Get this one behind you, watch what the experienced folks are doing/wearing/riding/drinking/etc. and finish with a smile. You've got lots of time to start getting more competitive... Brad
Subject: RE: my first triathlon By: Paula O. Written on: 2006-06-09 02:23:01 Message: Drew, I think Brad has it right. Get comfortable with the distances you will have to do. I would work my way up to being comfortable with a 3 mile jog, for most people finishing the run is the hardest part, and if you can handle three miles you should be OK. At least once or twice a couple of weeks before your event try a bike run brick. Do a regular bike workout, park and throw your running shoes on quick and take off on a short jog... 10 minutes would be fine. That will expose you to the "spagetti" leg feeling that you get on the first part of the run. Think about and practice transitions. I am amazed at the amount of time people waste in transition. Above all, enjoy the experience, make new friends and finish with a smile! P.
Subject: RE: my first triathlon By: Drew C. Written on: 2006-06-12 01:52:33 Message: Thanks so much guys for your advice. My only problem now is that I have less than a month to prepare and I was wondering if there is anything I can do right away to get ready for it. What foods should I be eating? I've been trying to stick with lots of fruits and veggies, some pasta and lots of turkey sandwiches. I've done the brick workout a couple times with decent results. It's tough but I can usually get through it with some walking during the run. Thanks so much for your help. Any and all comments are welcome. -drew
Subject: RE: my first triathlon By: Ronald F. Written on: 2006-06-12 10:30:26 Message: At twenty years old you can get away with a lot, being in decent shape from the start you should be able to finish but don't expect it to be easy. For this short bit of training time that you have just swim and run the race distances without pushing it too hard. Since you have not built a base yet you don't want to over do it and hurt yourself. Your diet is alright if it gives you the energy that you need but the day before and morning of your race I reccomend not eatting the fruit as it can be uncomfortable for many people when running. If you know that is not a problem for you then forget about it. Use what works for you and forget the rest. We are all a little different. Ron
Subject: RE: my first triathlon By: Paula O. Written on: 2006-06-13 06:25:52 Message: Drew, Almost as important as what you eat is when you eat. Eat some healthy carbohydrates immediately (within 30 minutes) of a hard workout to decrease your recovery time and refuel your muscles. Try to avoid fats during this period as it slows the absorption of the sugars from the gut. Do protiens in the evening or before a rest period because muscles do thier rebuilding at this time, and the amino acids will be available to them. Those are my nutrition secrets...wish I could follow em all the time myself! Just do the best you can. P.
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