Help me pick a triathalon!

[janie1234]

Okay you marathon/triathalon enablers. I'm taking the plunge. I'm gonna do it for my MIL who passed from cancer. I've never been in a race. I've done the San Francisco Aids walk 2 years in a row and the Bay to Breakers in San Francisco 4 years in a row, . .but that is not really a race at least not for me, . .cause I did more for fun. I just never had the urge, . . . so give me some advice. Is 4 months enough to train for a spint triathalon? I was thinking of doing the Pacific Grove Triathalon or the Nike Women's half marathon, . running in San Francisco with all those hills, . . .ugh, . . does not seem fun.
http://www.teamintraining.org/sf/firsttimehere/events
Is this doable? It is on September 11. That is only 4 months. I was thinking of training for a year, . .maybe next year, . .but I don't want to put it off so far away or I might chicken out.
I can't swim, . . . .seriously, . . I can't swim, . . I'd sink to the bottom of the sea like a very large, fleshy rock so I have to take swimming lessons. I'll probably be in a class full of 5 year olds but oh well, . . .being older I don't embarrass much and this Triathalon means swimming in ice cold waters off the coast of California.

Thanks in advance everyone.

 

[ellesan]

Janie, that is AWESOME!!

I've done Bay to Breakers a few times too--so fun and crazy

Hmmm...honestly learning how to swim, swimming in a pool, then swimming in cold open water with waves and crazy people are all really different things. Before you make the committment, I'd suggest you get with a swim coach/teacher and have them assess where you are now, tell them your goals and see what they think. If you're determined and ready/willing to put in the time and effort I think anything is possible, but...

Other suggestions:

1. Do a duathlon first--run/bike/run race. I'm thinking you're in the Bay Area and there's the Mermaid triathlon/duathlon on June 6th. Check out http://www.trifind.com/gs_duathlon/DuathlonRaces.html?state=ca for the whole list of triathlons/duathlons and other races.

2. Pick a triathlon where the swim is in the pool instead of doing an open water swim first.

The last thing you want to do is not be prepared for the OWS (open water swim), freak out, etc. and then not be able to do the race.

Keep us posted!!

[/QUOTE]I can't swim, . . . .seriously, . . I can't swim, . . I'd sink to the bottom of the sea like a very large, fleshy rock so I have to take swimming lessons. I'll probably be in a class full of 5 year olds but oh well, . . .being older I don't embarrass much and this Triathalon means swimming in ice cold waters off the coast of California.

Thanks in advance everyone.[/QUOTE]

 

[janie1234]

Thanks Sandra. Yes, . . this is my biggest fear. The ocean swim. I think I'll start training now and work for next year. My husband said the same thing. He is a big time California surfer dude. He makes it look so easy but I know it isn't. I'm like a cat in water, . . . I hate it, . .I'm scared to death of it. I'd much rather be having my teeth cleaned and I HATE having my teeth cleaned at the dentist.

By the way, . . you Tricia, Jennifer, and Carola, . . have been my inspiration to do this so thanks, . . .that and I think I'm going through a massive mid life crisis moment. I love reading about your training! You are one tough cookie!!!

I got a really neat road bike for a great price.
http://www.bianchiusa.com/archives/2007-bicycles/womens-road/db-elle/
BUT I've found that road biking is nothing like mountain biking, . . . I've only just mountain biked. Ugh something else to learn.

I had a huge cervical cancer scare, . .and aparently I'm still not out of the woods on that front. I had to watch my MIL pass away from Lung Cancer last year so without a doubt the Team in Training events would be the way to go for me since they help with cancer research. Watching someone die from cancer is a life altering thing, . . that after these past 7 months has taught me to live life to the fullest and to not be afraid. I'm working of the afraid thing, . . . . I'll let you know how this all goes.

By the way Sandra LOVE your hair!!

 

[Travisli]

Janie, if you train for a year and do it in 2011 I will do it with you. Seriously.

I signed up for the half marathon in October (and I'm doing the Marathon for a Cure in honor of my mother, who is a breast cancer survivor) and I'm excited to do it but reading about everyones training, like you said, has inspired me and I would LOVE to do a triathalon!!!!!! What is even better is I DON"T SWIM either!! Seriously, I don't. I'd be sinking to the bottom just like you . . . So I need to take lessons and this would be a fabulous reason to do it!!!

I live in Oregon and use to live in the bay area so any excuse to go south works for me!

 

[ellesan]

That sounds like a good plan, and great that your husband can possibly help you out in the ocean too--when the time comes.

That is a sweet bike!! Yes, road bikes are completely different than mountain bikes. The tires are tiny!!

So sorry to hear about your cancer scare, sorry it's been a part of your life with MIL too. Great that you are being proactive and wanting to support TinT. My aunt (that I never met) and my grandpa both died from leukemia and my dad was diagnosed with breast cancer this year. I'd also like to train with the Team, but I think you have to do a lot of fundraising as well and I'm not able to make that commitment this year.

Hey...maybe I'll do the race with you and Travis next year!!

 

[janie1234]

Janie, if you train for a year and do it in 2011 I will do it with you. Seriously.

I signed up for the half marathon in October (and I'm doing the Marathon for a Cure in honor of my mother, who is a breast cancer survivor) and I'm excited to do it but reading about everyones training, like you said, has inspired me and I would LOVE to do a triathalon!!!!!! What is even better is I DON"T SWIM either!! Seriously, I don't. I'd be sinking to the bottom just like you . . . So I need to take lessons and this would be a fabulous reason to do it!!!

I live in Oregon and use to live in the bay area so any excuse to go south works for me!

Yeah Travis, . . I forgot to mention your name for my inspiration! I know you mentioned that you are going to do a half marathon a while back. Holy moly girl you go for it!! Not only do you amaze me with the strength you have within you got the biceps and the heart to do it all!! Not to mention you own the biggest dog I have ever seen on the planet of the earth!!! If you can manage a puppy pal that big, . . you make me look like a whinny baby trying to tame my 50lb shepherd/boxer/lab mix monster!

I am so surprised you don't swim either. I swear I sometimes feel like the only person in the world that does not swim. I lived on an island for 9 almost 10 years and I can't swim. I think it was watching Jaws that did it for me. I am sooo embarrassed by it.

Okay I'm in on the training!!! I'll start looking into early next year sprint triathalons and we'll keep in touch. Oh my gosh there is NO turning back now!! Yikes!!!!

Sandra you are going to have to whip us into shape (more me than Travis ) and give us some pointers!!!

 

[janie1234]

That sounds like a good plan, and great that your husband can possibly help you out in the ocean too--when the time comes.

but I think you have to do a lot of fundraising as well and I'm not able to make that commitment this year.

Hey...maybe I'll do the race with you and Travis next year!!

Yes I think you are right about the fund raising part. I'm going to look into it and do more research. Esp now that I've made myself accountable to Travis. Yikes! If not Team in Training I'll look into other options.

Yeah you gals have got me pumped. I'm actually happy scared!!!

Deffinitely will have to work towards next year, . . possibly spring 2011? The swimming is really going to be the hardest part. I was talking to my husband yesterday and he agrees that it will take me a while to get used to swiming in the ocean versus a pool. He said that sometimes the water is so cold he can hardly feel his hands.
Right now I'm off to look for swimming lessons.

 

[Travisli]

I'm excited/happy scared myself Janie! But I know we can do it

I was going to do the Portland Marathon with Team in Training, however, they requried $1,500 in donations be raised and I wasn't sure I could commit to that -- I've noticed that on most marathon websites they tell you all the charities you can run with/for. When I saw the Susan G. Komen Foundation listed I checked in with them and they required $500 in donations. That seemed a lot easier to commit to (and then I have the personal connection because of my mom). I've got until October and I've already raised $335 -- they provide you the website to make it easier even.

http://www.active.com/donate/Portland10/TDarby1

Anyway, I'm thrilled about the accountability between us -- it will be a fun adventure

Sandra totallly amazes me (as do so many others on this site) and I'm all prepared for any pointers

 

[mspina]

Woo Hoo!!!!! I'm always thrilled to see people jumping into the sport of triathlon - it's a BLAST!

At first, I was going to say that you have MORE than enough time to prepare for a September Sprint event, but then I read that you can't currently swim. At all. And it's an OWS. Ouch. Seriously, seasoned swimmers can totally freak out and have a panic attack during their first OWS event. It's a whole 'nother beast - the OW aspect, combined with the frenzy of a race can make for a stressful situation. I would recommend looking for an event with a pool swim to start, or hold off until next year for the tri. I love that you have the fire to compete though, so why not find a running race or a cycling event (not a race, but a fund-raising group ride - there are TONS of these kinds of things available) for this fall? You can start your tri training now, by starting to bike and run, and signing up for swimming lessons to get you going on that front.

You can also start reading up - it's an addiction, I tell ya! While I don't have this book myself, I've actually heard HUGE praise for it, especially for beginners: Slow Fat Triathlete. I'm not implying that I think you are slow or fat - unfortunate title, in my opinion!!!!! But she's got great tips in here for newbies, and it's written with a great deal of humor.

Also for those who are thinking about going the fund-raising route - I ran Boston 2 years ago for Boston Children's Hospital. Their fund-raising requirement was $3k - I was REALLY nervous about that, but since I have a very strong personal tie to Children's I didn't mind the notion of having to put in a lot of my own money. I raised over $13,000. You'll be amazed at how quickly you can raise $$ - the key is to NOT be shy - send out emails, Facebook requests, postcards, etc. early and often to EVERYONE you know, even if they are merely acquaintances. Send training updates along the way with these fund-raising requests - people are really interested in hearing how things are going, especially if the event is a stretch goal for you. If you are participating for a charity that has been doing races for a while, they will have tons of support for you making it really easy.

Good luck!!!!!! And for all the newbie triathletes out there, post questions if you've got them! We were all beginners once.

ETA: Tip #1: Spell the sport correctly. Sorry, I know that was obnoxious but it was driving me insane.

 

[janie1234]

Woo Hoo!!!!! I'm always thrilled to see people jumping into the sport of triathlon - it's a BLAST!

At first, I was going to say that you have MORE than enough time to prepare for a September Sprint event, but then I read that you can't currently swim. At all. And it's an OWS. Ouch. Seriously, seasoned swimmers can totally freak out and have a panic attack during their first OWS event. It's a whole 'nother beast - the OW aspect, combined with the frenzy of a race can make for a stressful situation. I would recommend looking for an event with a pool swim to start, or hold off until next year for the tri. I love that you have the fire to compete though, so why not find a running race or a cycling event (not a race, but a fund-raising group ride - there are TONS of these kinds of things available) for this fall? You can start your tri training now, by starting to bike and run, and signing up for swimming lessons to get you going on that front.

You can also start reading up - it's an addiction, I tell ya! While I don't have this book myself, I've actually heard HUGE praise for it, especially for beginners: Slow Fat Triathlete. I'm not implying that I think you are slow or fat - unfortunate title, in my opinion!!!!! But she's got great tips in here for newbies, and it's written with a great deal of humor.

Also for those who are thinking about going the fund-raising route - I ran Boston 2 years ago for Boston Children's Hospital. Their fund-raising requirement was $3k - I was REALLY nervous about that, but since I have a very strong personal tie to Children's I didn't mind the notion of having to put in a lot of my own money. I raised over $13,000. You'll be amazed at how quickly you can raise $$ - the key is to NOT be shy - send out emails, Facebook requests, postcards, etc. early and often to EVERYONE you know, even if they are merely acquaintances. Send training updates along the way with these fund-raising requests - people are really interested in hearing how things are going, especially if the event is a stretch goal for you. If you are participating for a charity that has been doing races for a while, they will have tons of support for you making it really easy.

Good luck!!!!!! And for all the newbie triathletes out there, post questions if you've got them! We were all beginners once.

ETA: Tip #1: Spell the sport correctly. Sorry, I know that was obnoxious but it was driving me insane.

Hi Mspina!! Haven't seen you here in a while. Thanks so much for the advice! Yes, . .I totally agree that the OWS is going to be the biggest obstacle but thanks to all the lovely ladies here I'm determined to do it. I guess I'll see how my swimming lessons go. Hmmm, . .maybe they'll let me swim with a life vest on? Just kidding.

My husbands work holds a cancer charity sport event called the V foundation. I'm hoping that they might be able to help me raise some of the money.

Girl I can't spell for the life of me! You all know what I mean

 

[mspina]

The life vest comment made me remember the whole wetsuit issue as well! They do take some getting used to, but they also make you CRAZY buoyant, which should help a tad with the swim aspect.

You are going to have SO much fun with this!!!!!!! I'm so stoked for you.

 

[hiitdogs]

Don't you mention "Jaws"

I second the Slow Fat Triathlete book recommendation. That's the first one I got. It has a lot of great information that is not geared towards the competitive triathlete and as mspina said she has a really great sense of humor.

I just signed up for swim lessons at the gym. I can swim, well, I don't drown would be more accurate but I am not really coordinated and the open water swim is still freaking me out. I joined the gym and they hooked me up with another triathlete who will be helping me with setting up my training schedule and handholding so I can actually get through my first triathlon.

Maybe you can check if there are any triathlon clubs in your area, or check with the gyms in your area.

Riding a road bike is definitely different than a mountain bike and needs some getting used to (I like it better though), you may want to look into getting a more comfortable saddle as you are increasing your distance. My butt is really sore about 15 miles into it. A friend of mine recommended a Brooks saddle but I haven't gotten it yet.

The first thing I was told is to start it out slowly and increase workouts gradually which is really hard for me to do. It feels like I am actually cutting back my workouts initially. The past week and this week I have only been doing runs and bike rides, alternating steady state and intervals plus some short hill runs but the runs have only been 30 to 45 min and biking 45 min. Next week I have swim classes and 1 additional 30 min swim (OY). Workouts are 6 days a week 2 runs, 2 bike rides and 2 swims.

You are way ahead of me, I haven't decided which triathlon to sign up for. The guy at the gym and I decided that Olympic would probably the first one. Maybe I should look into the one that you linked to, looks absolutely gorgeous and Arizona to California (even Northern CA) would be a doable drive. Hmmmh!


I am sure everything will turn out okay with the results of your cancer test. The hardest part is the waiting though. ((((((Janie)))))

Maybe we should start a check in.