Extremely new and extremely inexperienced - Triathlon Week

seaduspx · 03-12-2007, 12:53 PM

Hi everyone!

Been trying to get in shape for my first triathlon over the past several months. Kind of difficult being new to all of this and starting in the wintertime.

I may have a lot of questions and I look forward to talking with everyone.

Paul

sfricks · 03-13-2007, 06:43 AM

Welcome on Paul. Fire away with the questions & let everyone know what you need :)

seaduspx · 03-13-2007, 09:21 AM

Thanks Scott!

I have been training for a few months now. I'm trying to run efficiently rather than going 'all out' every time I run.

I think the hardest thing for me to do is to actually get to a pool and practice swimming. It is my understanding that many people neglect this portion for their first triathlon.

t.ray · 03-13-2007, 09:51 AM

Hi Paul,

I am training for my first tri also. I have been trying to have a specific goal in mind for every workout and mesh them together so that I get quality workouts in each phase every week. If I had a really intense running session on Sunday, I shorten my swim distance or decrease it's intensity on Mon. If I have a hard bike ride on Sat., I'll plan a long slow run for Sun., etc. So there are times when I won't be going all out on a training session, but I am still getting in some training and "recovering" from the day before. Of course there are some times when I have put hard training days back to back or combined two sessions in one day just to get more of a feel for what the competition will bring. I guess that I am trying to keep the big picture in mind so that I will hopefully have a good result when I do my first tri in June. The hardest thing for me right now is that, since my swim is the weakest leg, I have been doing more swim sessions and less running. I know that this is the best thing to do in the long run, but it seems like I have lost a little time in my running which is frustrating since that is the thing that I enjoy most and compete in all year(or when weather permits in Michigan). Good luck.

Tom

seaduspx · 03-13-2007, 11:11 AM

You mentioned a good word. One that I have to remember - recovery.

I used to lift weights on a regular basis. Not a bodybuilder. And I certainly know the importance of rest and recovery. I do, however, tend to want to go a little overboard with my training. For example, I had a nice run on Sunday. I kept my HR where I wanted it. I also ran yesterday and also kept my HR in an acceptable range. Today it’s about 65 degrees and I want to run again. The thing about triathlon training is that it is the greatest example of cross training. I have to remember that.

Paul

Spike10 · 03-20-2007, 10:54 AM

Paul, for your first Tri, I sugest that you be comfortable with the three legs of the new journey, be ready for the things that will pop up such as water temp., wind, and the stray car coming at you with a driver who is on the phone. I set my first goals as to just finish and learn from the experience and it worked out just fine, now I'm hooked for life. I hope you find that Tri's do the same for you.
Spike.