distance? help? - Triathlon Week

eas0990 · 12-27-2006, 06:45 PM

I'm completely new to triathlons, but I'm really determined to do one this year. What distance (like sprint or olympic or whatever) would be good for me to do for my first one? I live in Louisiana, so preferably one there. I swim for two hours every day on a yearround team. and i havent been biking in a while but i used to alawys go with my dad-we go about 30 miles a day like 4 times a week. and i usually run about 4 miles 5 times a week.

sfricks · 12-29-2006, 07:12 AM

Good luck on your Tri quest. It sounds like you're already in shape enough to do either a Sprint or an Olympic distance Tri. Here are the break downs (S=swim B=Bike R=Run):
Super Sprint = S .25 miles / B 6 miles / R 1.5 miles
Sprint = S .5 miles / B 13 miles / R 3.1 miles
Olympic or International = S 1500 meters (.9 miles) / B 26 miles / R 6.2 miles
Half Ironman or Ironman 70.3 = S 2000 meters (1.2 miles) / B 56 miles / R 13.1 miles
Ironman or Ironman 140.6 = S 4000 meters (2.4 miles) / B 112 miles / R 26.2 miles

I'd recommend you begin with a Super Sprint or Sprint but with little training you could probably do Olympic.

One other caveat, most races have a minimum age requirement for insurance purposes. Usually this is 13 but may vary by race.

eas0990 · 12-29-2006, 10:54 AM

Thanks. And are most triathlons open water? And if they are, how different/hard is it than just swimming laps in a pool?
ANd one more question..I'm really strong in the biking and swimming area, but as far as running, what are some good "drills" or something to get my legs not to feel dead after the transition from biking to running?

sfricks · 01-01-2007, 05:00 AM

Yes, most Tris are open water. The major obsticle to swimming in open water is that the swims are in waves or mass start, meaning that there wil be many other people in the water jockying for position and all swimming for the same bouys. This close proximity and body contact is disconcerting for many novice swimmers. If you have an opportunity to practice with other swimmers in a group, you'd be better off.

As far as running "off the bike", try this:
1) make sure your cadence or revolutions per minute stay above 80. This is faster than most people think. Often this involves selecting a much lower (easier) gear than you'd imagine. If you're "mashing" or turning your pedals too slowly you're burning your legs out before the run starts.
2) In the last 100-200 meters before the dis-mount line, try standing on your pedals to get your body used to carrying it's own weight.
3) practice your 2nd transition (T2) often. This is typically referred to as a "Brick". In other words go out for a bike and immediatel upon completion of a race distance bike ride, transition into a run. No need to run your race distance here (but it doesn't hurt), you just want to run far enough to learn to "get your legs).

Good luck!

jwier92 · 01-08-2007, 09:05 AM

Hey eas0990, welcome aboard!

One other thing to remember is to do some openwater swims before you do your Tri. Biggest adjustment is there is no lines at the bottom of the lake. But if you are a good swimmer and do not mind the contact (like team practice) then you will be fine. Find a partner or two and do some open water swims or even find a local tri club and swim open water with them.

Good luck and be cafeful, it is addictive,
Jason

kabrun · 05-06-2007, 04:57 PM

Sprint distance triathlons are a great place to start. Even if you are training for an Olympic Distance event, try to do a few sprint distance events for practice. It will help you get used to the swim starts and transitions. Plus, they are lots of fun and a change of pace from a regular work out!