New and not at the same time - Triathlon Week

hartpump · 03-29-2007, 05:47 PM

Hello,
Well the first time I got the idea that I could Tri I was a twenty something college student with more time than classes at the University of Central Florida. The rearview has a lot in it and I have recently embarked on a get in shape or die trying regimen. I dropped thirty pounds and suddenly realized I needed something to "train" for. So I decided I should go back to something I "knew". so here I am online trying to figure out what the heck I am doing. I convinced myself that I just wanted to finish a sprint and see how it goes from there. I thought I just wanted to finish but I really want to train for some sprints this year and have a goal to increase my distances in the future. Like many of you I am not twenty any more and have all of the responsibilities of a ....Ha Ha... Adult. So the family joined the "Y" and I think to myself..... well I'm here with the kids for swimming lessons.... I should get in the pool. this leads to my achilies heel... I don't swim real well and I think... I'm not sure .. I'm what the veterans call a Clydesdale. So I am at your door asking for tips and advice. Thank you all in advance. Any time you encounter people passionate about anything and they are willing to share their experiences it is a wonderful gift. So really ... thank you.

Spike10 · 03-30-2007, 07:34 AM

Welcome to the site, and congratulations on your weight loss. I too started the tri life that way and I am hooked, and once you cross that finish line for the first time you will know what direction you want to go.
First things first, equipment is a good start, not much needed for the first time out, depending on location and distance of the race, you either need just some bike or tri shorts and goggles for the swim.
The bike portion can be easy with a borrowed bike if you don't have your own, just make sure it fits o.k. and you can adjust it to make the distance not seem like your riding to the end of the earth.
Last but not least the run portion, no problem here if you have shoes that will go the distance and not kill your feet and legs.
Any questions you have can be most likely be answered here, so fire away.
If you do get into the life, the gear is fun to get and upgrade as time and money permit.
Train hard and smart.
Spike.

chappy · 03-30-2007, 10:44 AM

I am a clydesdale+. I weighed in at ~215 for my first tri, which was a sprint last October. I had lost about 20 pounds in training to get there. I'm back up to 230 and haven't signed up for another tri yet this year. Just got back in the pool last week and have only been running sparingly. I hope to do several tri's this year and maintain a better work out routine in the offseason next year. I need to get competitive in the clyde class so I can justify a bike purchase. I'm renting right now. I look forward to learning with you this year and welcome and hello again to everyone else.

sfricks · 03-30-2007, 11:35 AM

Make your goals guys. If you're signed up, paid and committed, you'll have better luck with the motivation. Announce those goals out loud to your friends, family and workout partners.

Welcome on HP and go get 'em this season Chappy.

hartpump · 04-02-2007, 07:07 PM

Thanks to all of the well wishes and info. I did sign up this weekend for the NEO kickoff. Just sprint distance but I am in full training mode for June 10th race. One question that has been nagging me is this. During my recent weight loss ( now 38 pounds) i have been lifting. I like the results of this but I also know that it is could be counterproductive. Just curious what the consensus is. We are not talking body building here 5'11, 200 lbs. 34 waist. I feel good at this weight although I could get to 190 or 195. Thanks again everyone. This is a great forum for newbies like myself.

sfricks · 04-04-2007, 10:00 AM

Lift away. Question is more that of time. If you're a pro athlete and have nothing to do but train, do it all. If you're like the majority of us you want to get the most benefit for the goal at hand, IE triathlon, you'll have to choose. So here's the question... If you only have 1 hour a day to train, is is more productive to swim, bike, run or lift? Core muscle groups aside, I say cardio. My $.02.