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Discussion: Quick advice
Subject: Quick advice By: Jamie M. Written on: 2006-06-15 01:05:12 Message: I've been training for my first real triathlon (the last one traded kayaking for biking) for several months now. I just got online to register for the 22nd annual Shawnee Mission triathlon, and got a bit of a surprise: I thought that the distances were .5 k, 20k, 5k. But they're actually 500 meter, 9 mile, and 2.4 mile. What?! I have been training for a 16-mile bike and a 3.1-mile run, and to only do a 9-mile bike and a 2.4-mile run . . . It seems too easy. The alternative is 1000 meters, 18 miles, and 4.5 miles. That seems a little bit too challenging, considering how I've been training. So here's my question: The triathlon is July 9. An 18-mile bike is no sweat; do that in my sleep. But 4.5 miles is the longest I've ever run at one time, I think. And 1000 meter swim is twice what I've been training for. Do I have time to train up to those distances? Because the short little baby tri seems like a cakewalk, considering what I've been doing, but I don't want to push myself too far too fast and get hurt.
Subject: RE: Quick advice By: Christopher C. Written on: 2006-06-15 10:03:42 Message: Take it from me got longer. During my training for an 1/2 ironman I rarely ran 13.1 miles and even people training for ironmans never run 26.4 miles during training. If you are in this race to do awsome I would go for the shorter one, if you are in this race for excerise and enjoyment do the longer race. Think of the race as training for next year for when you take on a quarter triathlons where you are swimming .9 miles biking 25 miles and running 6.2 miles. Take the risk go big.
Subject: RE: Quick advice By: Sarah W. Written on: 2006-06-15 10:33:17 Message: I second, go for the longer one. I would plan to run 3.5 miles and 4 miles prior tothe race, during practice as your 2 long runs prior to the race. This should be doable since you have 3 weeks left to race day. This will build your running confidence. I would also swim the entire 1000 in practice without stopping. During the run, you can walk if you have to. I would want to be confident I could swim the entire distance. Triing is about having fun, so if you know the short race will be too easy, will that be fun, if yes, go for it, if not push yourself!! Decide if you can go the distances and adrenaline will carry you through, be safe!! Good luck!!!
Subject: RE: Quick advice By: Paul B. Written on: 2006-06-15 10:35:01 Message: I agree with Christopher. If your goal is only to finish, and not place, go big. If you've been training for a 3.1 miler, 4.5 is not out of reach by any means. I think the sense of accomplishment from having done it will probably weigh heavier in the balance than your sore legs will. I did the same thing with just a run -- my longest run was just over 5 miles, then I did a 10K race...it was fine. good luck, and have fun. Paul.
Subject: RE: Quick advice By: Bert K. Written on: 2006-06-15 11:14:56 Message: I also agree with Christopher. It depends upon what you want out of the race. Most of us are either training to finish a difficult(for each individual) race distance or be competitive regarding time and placing. Short distances are still challenging if you want to finish in a competitive time. Good luck with either race! Bert
Subject: RE: Quick advice By: Carie M. Written on: 2006-06-15 11:39:38 Message: I agree too!! Go for it!!
Subject: RE: Quick advice By: Ty D. Written on: 2006-06-15 12:56:50 Message: It is worth it to go for the longer race. I did my first tri last month and it was between an olympic and sprint. I did the olympic and did not regret it one bit. It sounds like you've trained for the longer one, I don't think you'll have a problem finishing. Good luck! ty
Subject: RE: Quick advice By: Patrick B. Written on: 2006-06-15 16:05:14 Message: I'm doing the Shawnee mission one too. Do the longer one, it's hilly but its doable. The run won't be too bad, once you start going you'll be surprised how far you can push yourself. I have done a couple of marathons and at no point did I run over 20 miles. Yet on race day I was able to 26.2. Go for the long one.
Subject: RE: Quick advice By: Stacey U. Written on: 2006-06-16 20:02:38 Message: 20k=12.4 mile bike Good luck! :-)
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