I'm preparing for my first one. I'm going to get some new gear. Looking for advice.
Where are you going to compete? I began training for one a couple years ago and ended up breaking a rib (unrelated) which killed the event. I'm a horrible swimmer (the most common weakness), but my wife helped me out a lot. She swam her entire life. If you feel weak in any area, definitely get some coaching. Good luck and have fun!
Good luck. Keep us up on your training and different gear you get. I'm a middle distance runner but a triathlon is way beyond me. What is the setup for the one your preparing for?
Thanks. The goal is an Olympic, at the end of the summer. I'm going to warmup with a sprint, (400yd swim, 13.5 mile bike, 5k run), at the end of May. The distances of the Olympic are right at twice that. I am currently riding a "starter" road bike. Aluminum frame BP Stealth. I'm looking at this Trex Equinox: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=019&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=290105814312&rd=1&rd=1 So far, I've biked 70 miles, swam 1/4 mile, (this without a a stop), and in one day, one mile. I'm battling a calve injury, but I can go 5 miles, easy. I'll keep you all posted. I'm 44 years old, so this may be my last chance; every year it gets tougher................
I had NO instruction in swimming. I went to the Y and tried a short swim- FORGETABOUTIT! I had to take a few lessons. I practiced what they taught me for a few hundred laps over a few months, now I can go about 1 mile in one workout. I just finished 1/4 mile, no stops, freestyle all the way. It's going to take some more practice, but I think I can do it now...........
Good for you. i am a road cyclist and had a few good years as a cat 2. i will be glad to help you in any way from the cycling prospective. i would further refer you to sherpa23 as he was/is a world class cyclist that will be better yet in helping you. let me tell you, you will not find many us/euro pros that will be more willing to help than sherpa. last, and i am sure that sherpa will agree...an e-bay bike may not be the way to go. get fit and get fit properly! jim o'brien was the ex tech director of la sheriffs and shacklee...he can help you w/ fit and bike choice should you decide to get serious about this. now last...spend less time in the water and more time on the bike and run. no one ever wins a tri in the water. but many have been lost on the run!! best, pcb
Thanks Pete! This means LOTS to me coming from someone so accomplished. The goal for the first race is to finish, with no injuries. Afterwards, (with my confidence up), I'll work harder on a respectable time. Fortunately, the bike portion is my favorite event. I'll do as instructed............ Jeff
Triathlons/Duathlons were my thing from 1997-2001. All before Ferraris, car racing, marriage, kids, and spending money. That last one is important because all I could afford to do was basically train, no distractions. To be solid at triathlons it takes a huge time commitment. You figure 4-5 runs a week, 3-4 rides, and 3-4 swims. So you are talking 10-13 workouts a week and you know all the before and after time just to do the workout. Anyway, 6 years later I'm 25 lbs. heavier and I run 8.5 minute pace for my 3-4 mile workouts now and these hurt! Geez, even after a 40 mile ride I was training at 6 something pace. The good ole days, scary that was only 6 years ago. 25 lbs. and lack of time to train makes a big difference. I'm doing an Olympic distance in July as motivator to get in a little better shape, maybe loose 15 lbs. I will just have to squeak by on 4 runs, 2 bikes, and 2 swims a week. It will be tough, but I will be going SLOW SLOW. I have competed in 30-40 races, let me know if any questions. I haven't kept up on the equipment though and I guess that's what you are really asking about. 2 years ago I did an Olympic and the one piece swim/bike/run suits were new to me. We just did Speedo, but the one pieces have a little pad for bike, but don't restrict swim/run. Also, if anyone looking for good online coach, I was friends and coached by pro Ric Rosenkranz and his wife Sara. He did a low 8 hour Ironman.
