Beginner Tri from WI - Triathlon Week

ajotto · 07-25-2006, 09:33 AM

Just wanted to introduce myself to the site, which is great. Very informative. I'm male, 35 and 250 lbs. I am officially a Clydesdale. I am really getting into the sport and I haven't even entered a race yet. My official start is August 26th, when i enter my first Sprint. 1/4 mile swim, 16 mi. bike and 5K run. Excited, anxious and nervous all at the same time. Great feeling.

Right now I am swiming .5 mile 2 x week, Biking 12-18 mi 2 x week and Running 3 miles 2 x week. I've done one "brick" of swimming and running and it almost knocked me out for three days to recover. I am strongest in the swim, next bike and then running to me is a chore. Big guy runnning is a killer on the knees. Any advice and making running less stressful on a big guy?

I just received my first pair of Tri-shorts. One question, what am I supposed to wear underneath them? Or do I go "commando" ?

Any advice, tips or encouragement is greatly appreciated.

AJ
Plymouth, WI

hmullett · 07-25-2006, 10:10 AM

Commando. Anything else leads to excessive chaffing. Also, try a brick of bike/run. Ice your knees after your runs, that's my advice there. Also, Tiger Balm is a wonderful thing. Let us know how it goes!

Heather

sfricks · 07-25-2006, 10:18 AM

Hi AJ. Welcome aboard. First, please check out everymantriathlon.com. The web author is Roman Mica, also a Clydesdale and one of the funniest men I've ever met. He's certainly an inspiration to me and will be to you, I'm sure.

You may look at Evolution Running. There's a book on it I think. It basically involves shorter strides which equates to less pounding along with many other running "economy" techniques. I have several friends who practice this style of running and swear by it.

The Tri shorts are worn commando. You won't want nor need anything beneath them. If you have a Tri top or singlet, wear that too for all three disciplines.

Browse the forum for more tips & tricks. If there's something you need, feel free to ask. Good luck in your tri!

jwier92 · 07-27-2006, 02:10 AM

I am not sure how you started running, but when I was 250lbs and decided to get smaller, I was walking once a day. I have hears since then that if possible twice a day for 20 minutes each time is better. The reason I say this is that I have not had any problems with my knees, but my walking to start with I think helped while I was bigger. Then after a few months, I would start to run a driveway to driveway and then walk again. Just to build up.

Also I will tell you this, not only ice after runs but bikes too. If my knees get sore, it is most likely on a heavy bike week. Maybe that is just me.

I would suggest pushing the swimming and biking to three days a week and start doing a mile in the swim, because that is a good way to strenghten your whole body without abusing your knees. Also a strong core will help, because it will hold your body better and there will be less twisting and impact on your knees, so sit-ups/crunches are your friend. Also build a set of different core exercises so that you can rotate daily what you do. Makes it less boring and better for your body not to get in a grove and only build up one set of core muscles. Maybe someone else will have a good sight for this.

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Not that I am pushing other sites, but there is a wealth of good articles at this beginner triathlete site above. Also inspirational stories that started where you are starting.

Here are some that I like...
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Okay, there was only one. But I like it and use that one every other day and mix it up.

ajotto · 07-27-2006, 06:32 AM

jweir -

Thanks for the advice. Yeah the build up to running is where I am at now. I try to run early in the week and then swim and bike in the middle, so I have some recovery for the next run. It's getting better. Appreciate the article and I will take a look at them.

AJ