Thread: Any tips on how to get started?

Im down in Miami, Fl and I have decided to start Training but I have no idea what to do or where to go. I used to be a track runner and a swimmer, hence I have a background in both, but its been over 10 years since ive done either. I used to coach track 3 years ago, so I have an understanding of running & weight training, but I have no idea how to adapt it to trialothos. Im really excited about this, since i was inspired some years back by a friend who was a Triathlete and I promised myself I would one day accomplish this. I have set simple goals for now, to compete in a Sprint Race in August, and then follow up with more as I get better and more confident. I am very impressed with the feedback on this site and talking boards. If any of you could send me any recomendations on how to weight train or get started I would really appreaciate it. Ive also joined www.ontri.com, to help me log my training and have an idea as to where I am headed. I just cant wait. I started running 30 each day and now im ready to start swiming. Im also in the process of reseaching for a trialothon bike with a very good biker friend of mine. Any suggestions will be more than welcome. THANK YOU! :bannana:

Hey
Sounds like you are really keen. There are a variety of different weight training programs you can follow, but if you have a background in it and know what NOT to do you should be fine. Since you are just starting out I think the best thing you can do is put in as many miles as possible in each discipline. You have a background in the most difficult two disciplines Run/Swim. Biking is relatively easy to pick up if you are fit. Focus on your run and swim technique. Swim with a masters group if there is one near by, they will be able to provide you with great feedback and keep you inspired. Same can be applied to the running. There are tons of running groups out there as well, and they will be more than willing to critique you on technique. (There are also great tips in some of the threads on this site for all disciplines. They are a great place to start!.)
As far as a bike goes. Don't blow your wallet on something if you are just starting out. Stick to a road bike (don't go for a TT bike just yet) Make sure this is something you want to do for the long run before you dump the cash. Take as many bikes for a test ride as possible.
Just my 2cents
Honestly though, don't take it too seriously. Have fun.
Good luck with your training
Syd

Im working on my base training. My rase is in Septemeber. There are a couple in August; that if I have the courage and feel that I am strong enough I will maybe do. Im working really slow, but Im proud of myself. Today I swam 20 laps in 25 minutes. Hahaha...very slow pace, but working on technique and strenght. Im a teacher and very patient, so I know that slowly & correctly s the way to go! Im also reading a lot. Im reading about 3 different books. I checked out a whole bunch at barnes and noble but some where not really worth it. But i found 3 really good ones. Thank you again! :bannana: DAS

I was wondering if it will be too late for me to seriously get into and compete in triathlons. I currently swim at Indiana Unviersity and am finishing my sophomore year. I come from running and swimming background. Even though I swim in college I would consider myself a more talented runner than swimmer. The problem was I got injured time and time again in high school coming out of swim season in the winter. I recentely purchased a road bike and fell in love with it. I actually like riding a lot more than swimming and running but that could be because I've done the other two for a while. I probably will not be able to start a serious training program until I am done with college due to the hours swimming requires. By that time I will be 22, and not been able to ride or run for another two years. In the spring last year, I trained for about 10 weeks at 40 miles a week to run a marathon. I probably should have trained a lot more for the race but it came second to swimming. I was just wondering how young most other competetive triathletes start because in sports like swimming and running kids begin at an early age. I just figured it would be difficult trying to compete against athletes my age that have been training consistantly and soley for tris at an early. I was just wondering what everyone thought and if I'm being realistic in wanting to go after a new challenge like this in the future.

First of all I would enter a sprint triathlon and see how you get on.If your worried about your age I think you will find alot of triathletes start later than you, I did my frist one this year and i'm 30 and love it.For your first race do it for fun and do not worry about wo you are racing against otherwise you may not enjoy it!

Have fun
Cheers
Julian.

Ryan,
I can from a very similar background to you . Swam in high school and ran in college and then coached Track after college. I just started learning to bike and I love it as well. I am almost 30, and I can not wait until my first races. One thing I have learned is that there are Triathletes- Ironmen who are in there 60's. Now that to me is amazing. I just want to get out there and finish my first race, and you are so much younger than me. Just go out there, learn and have fun. Little by little you can get the competitive edge back and even start moving upscale in the races from Sprint to Olympic to Half to a full Ironman...I think to just complete an Ironman in itself is a HUGE ordeal. SO Go for it...dont worry about someone who might have trained longer than you..plus, most people's weakest event is swiming..so you would already have a HUGE edge over them....and add running to that. wow...
Have fun.
Das, formerly DRunner