newbie-intro/question - Triathlon Week

sambo · 08-28-2004, 12:29 PM

Hey, I am a football player that has hung up the cleats (graduated)... and since there are no football club teams, I need a new hobby, I did a tri in High school and would like to get back in it... but now I am 25 pounds heavier... (no not fat, football wieght)... I am wondering what I need to do to get back in tri shape... I have no problem running, swimming(lifeguard), and biking, I think I am just a bit to bulky... I am 6', 195lbs.... any suggestions...

Zylo · 09-22-2004, 06:00 PM

"I have no problem running, swimming(lifeguard), and biking"

So what is it you have a problem with?

When was the last time you actually did a Triathlon race?

195 Pounds? You have options.
How far do you want to go in triathlons?

Is it just for personal fitness/fun?
Is it a little more serious? You'd like to place mid-pack?
You are seriously hardcore dedicated to winning?

If you picked option 1 or 2. You'll be fine, just keep training and your body will find a weight that it's comfortable with and a good fitness level.

You want to get serious? You'll never come close to winning a tri at a weight like that. If you come across a hilly course, you will just get stomped into the ground very badly. I've seen it a million times. A pack of riders will hit the bottom of the hill. The light guys will mash the pedals and sprint ahead up the hill and the heavy guys will get left in the dust unable to respond. It's just too much weight.

You can't race triathlon at a weight like that and expect to do well. This only applies if you are serious about triathlons and kicking ass.

If you just want fitness and to do "pretty good". Then don't worry about the weight. Training will take care of it.

If you want some more help. Post the following:

Your goals
Your experience in Triathlon racing in the past 2 years
Your current training

As much info as you can on where you are, and where you want to go.

wannatri · 09-22-2004, 08:35 PM

If you are proficient at swimming, biking and running, you may be very competitive as a clydesdale. I know someone who is a good triathlete who qualified for World Championships as a clydesdale. At 195, you are pretty close to the weight 200lbs weight cut-off.

Zylo · 09-24-2004, 05:06 AM

I've never been one for "Categories". Just the overall.

You can compete as a Clydesdale and basically just race other guys over 200 pounds.....

If that's all your worried about, cool, go for it.

But again, if you want to race in the overall and be competetive with everyone. The 150 - 160 pound guys will leave you in the dust.

Just give us some info on your goals and what you want to accomplish. Where you are at. etc.

wannatri · 10-04-2004, 08:37 PM

I love age groups. I've had the pleasure of meeting a guy who's 91 and setting all kinds of swimming world records in his 90-94 age group. He told me he was thinking of taking it easy for a few years and then coming back when he ages up. Hey, forget about being competitive, I'd be happy to be alive and maybe even mobile at 90.