New to triathlon - Triathlon Week

backofthepack · 11-24-2007, 09:39 PM

After having two kids and having a husband that runs religiously 5 days a week, I decided to take the exercise thing more seriously with the same type of discipline I used to get me through college. So, this past warm season (upstate NY), I set me goal to be a sprint tri and then a half marathon. Well, I did both (slowly and steadily). My running time has improved and I have been enjoying all the benefits of regular exercise. Now, I am looking for a goal for next year and am having trouble with goal setting and how to prepare for the event when it is so far away. Do I get some more sprints under my belt before going for an Olympic distance or just go for it. As a mom of young children and a full time employed social worker, I need to prioritize the races and cannot commit to doing a few sprints before the Olympic in the same year. I have also wanted to do a full marathon at some point. So many choices!! I am also having trouble figuring out how much I need to be doing now. Any advice with this long list of questions would be great.

Backofthepack

sfricks · 11-25-2007, 02:38 PM

Welcome on BOTP. Goals are important if you intend to maintain the discipline of getting better or going further. I suggest you set your race schedule now. Distance doesn't matter. The sooner, the better. Perhaps you even sign up and pay. Now you're committed and your goal is set. Then all you need is a training schedule. HTH.

John Jackson · 11-28-2007, 10:18 AM

I second Scott on this one. Pick a schedule now with minor races leading up to your most important race of the year. Post that schedule on your fridge in your bathroom, wherever you will see it. Use the schedule you have picked out to have a coach design a training program for you.
Have fun with it.
JJ