Has anyone done a triathlon or planning to do one? My husband and I are training this year to do 3 next summer and was wondering if anyone has any experience with this. We've read tons of books and articles etc but its always nice to hear from a real person too. Unfortunatelyt his means basically no Cathe for a year.....I'm going to squeeze in the MIS or PH once a week but even that will be hard what with doing 2-3 workouts per day.
traithlon?
- Thread starter Cbelle
- Start date
Sounds like fun. Are you going to do 3 full triathlons next summer? I mostly do running races (half marathons and short races) but this summer I tried a mini triathlon. I had a lot of fun. It was a 400 M swim, 11 mile bike ride and 2.5 mile run. I would love to try another one that was not so mini..
What is your training like? I biked a couple times a week and swam a couple times a week and ran a lot. I love to run. I always throw in Cathe's weight tapes too..
Where are these 3 traithlons your going to be in?
What is your training like? I biked a couple times a week and swam a couple times a week and ran a lot. I love to run. I always throw in Cathe's weight tapes too..
Where are these 3 traithlons your going to be in?
I'm going for Olympic distance triathlons....not as short as the sprints but still doable. A halfIronman or Ironman just isnt in the cards right now. LikeI said, I've been reading tons and found a great book with several training plans in it so I'm following one of them. Unfortunately I pretty much have to start from scratch with the swimming and running, swimming because I never learned how to do the breathing part of a freestyle and running cuz I quit about ayear ago so now I have to start from the beginning (i.e. run a minute walk a minute etc.) Luckily I have a full year which is plenty of time.
I havent decided which triathlons to run. For sure I'll do the one sponsored by the Navy base we live on....other than that I've got tons to choose from and I just need to decide if I want to travel or not. We'll see.
I'm supposed to go for a bike ride today but its rainy out and I am not prepared equipmentwise for rainy day rides yet. If all else fails I'll suck it up and go to the gym and use one of their stationary bikes much as I hate to.
The training has various components to it, right now I'm in the initiation/base training. The initiation is for the running and swimming, base is my biking since I am fine on that. By next month I can do base for all three. I'll do the base training to get the endurance up for 3-6 months. Most days its at least 2 workouts a day some days three. One day off. Not easy but I'm looking forward to the challenge. Watching the Tour De France is inspiring me and I'm rereading Lance Armstrongs book. He could inspire me to do anything!
I havent decided which triathlons to run. For sure I'll do the one sponsored by the Navy base we live on....other than that I've got tons to choose from and I just need to decide if I want to travel or not. We'll see.
I'm supposed to go for a bike ride today but its rainy out and I am not prepared equipmentwise for rainy day rides yet. If all else fails I'll suck it up and go to the gym and use one of their stationary bikes much as I hate to.
The training has various components to it, right now I'm in the initiation/base training. The initiation is for the running and swimming, base is my biking since I am fine on that. By next month I can do base for all three. I'll do the base training to get the endurance up for 3-6 months. Most days its at least 2 workouts a day some days three. One day off. Not easy but I'm looking forward to the challenge. Watching the Tour De France is inspiring me and I'm rereading Lance Armstrongs book. He could inspire me to do anything!
A
Andrea
Guest
I'm jealous!
I really want to do a sprint triathlon in April 2004. But, after reading I realized I'd have to take swimming lessons as I have no idea what a forward crawl is. Plus the closest pool is an hour away. I just don't think I could justify driving an hour 3x/week to train. There is also a lot of equipment I do not have...goggles, shorts to wear for all 3 events, I don't even have a bike helmet! I plan to do a duathlon in April 2003 (1.9 mi. run, 15 mi. bike, 4.3 mi. run). Guess I better get a bike helmet. Keep us updated on your training. Gretchen from this site is training for one right now, and kimlav has done a few!
Andrea
I really want to do a sprint triathlon in April 2004. But, after reading I realized I'd have to take swimming lessons as I have no idea what a forward crawl is. Plus the closest pool is an hour away. I just don't think I could justify driving an hour 3x/week to train. There is also a lot of equipment I do not have...goggles, shorts to wear for all 3 events, I don't even have a bike helmet! I plan to do a duathlon in April 2003 (1.9 mi. run, 15 mi. bike, 4.3 mi. run). Guess I better get a bike helmet. Keep us updated on your training. Gretchen from this site is training for one right now, and kimlav has done a few!
Andrea
D
Debra
Guest
shame on you
Andrea,
You MUST ride with a helmet. I may have to take back the "great role model" lable. Your boys need to see you wearing your helmet.
If this scolding doesn't do the trick, I'll report you to Cleda!
Debra
Andrea,
You MUST ride with a helmet. I may have to take back the "great role model" lable. Your boys need to see you wearing your helmet.
If this scolding doesn't do the trick, I'll report you to Cleda!
Debra
"tri" athlons
I'm a little concerned how many sports a trai involves ... ;-)
I'm doing a triathlon September 8. It is a sprint distance (500m swim, 15 mile bike, 3 mile run) with a pool swim. I did the Danskin last year and loved it. I meant to do four races this year, but I got shut out of the Danskin, had surgery, a bad flu at the end of June, etc. :-sleepy
To everybody out there who's thinking about doing a triathlon, here are some thoughts based on my humble experience.
1) Swimming: You don't have to swim freestyle, or for that matter, on your stomach. I'm a pretty good swimmer, but had a panic attack in the green, wavy waters of Cherry Creek reservoir and finished the swim doing mostly elementary backstroke. And there was a whole lot of creative swimming going on out there.
Triathlons with a pool swim are much less intimidating. In Colorado, anyway, especially with the drought, there isn't much place to practice in open water that isn't totally gross with fecal bacteria by this time in the summer. :-tired (By the way, everybody out there---please clean up after your dogs and keep them out of the water at lakes with swim areas! Yech!)
Regardless, the triathlon I'm doing gives you 24 minutes to complete the 500m swim. That's not all that fast.
2) Biking: spinning classes are great--they're fun, and they keep you working hard. It's nice once a week to enjoy the music, have a cheerleader, and not slow down for pedestrians walking three across the path or worry about cars running you off the road. :-cool
For sprint distance, you don't need special shorts. You can do the whole race in a swim suit (like the ironman leaders--no padding on the century--ouch!), and in just regular lycra exercise shorts. You can always throw running shorts over the swimsuit if you like. I swam and biked in a pair of Title 9 "Won't Ride Up" shorts in supplex and a Moving Comfort Sydney sports bra. Then I threw on a Coolmax tank top with my number pinned to it for the run. I wore my running shoes (with socks!) for the bike and used regular toe clips.
If your main goal is to finish, any bike will do. You do need a bike helmet, however, and nobody, (and I mean, NOBODY -- are you listening?) should ever get on a bike without one anyway. Spend $30-50 bucks, keep your brain the way it is. Plus, you get kudos at the emergency room when you go in for a broken collarbone. "Helmeted cyclist crashed on the sidewalk ..."
3) Running: I don't care about the run so much. I just run when I can and walk the rest. So somebody else can give some advice here (besides start slow and wear good shoes!).
4) Fitting Cathe in: "Training Plans for Multisport Athletes" as a great plan that allows for weights twice a week in the base phase, once a week thereafter. You can also do some other activity (it lists racquet ball, you could do step or kickboxing) twice a week. I lift after spinning class and a run as well, and go to Pilates class twice a week. Maybe I'll post a couple of possible rotations that include Cathe videos when I get my act together.
I'm just in the race to finish, and maybe go a little faster than last time. I encourage everyone to tri a triathlon!
http://www.plauder-smilies.de/pyth.gif Gretchen
I'm a little concerned how many sports a trai involves ... ;-)
I'm doing a triathlon September 8. It is a sprint distance (500m swim, 15 mile bike, 3 mile run) with a pool swim. I did the Danskin last year and loved it. I meant to do four races this year, but I got shut out of the Danskin, had surgery, a bad flu at the end of June, etc. :-sleepy
To everybody out there who's thinking about doing a triathlon, here are some thoughts based on my humble experience.
1) Swimming: You don't have to swim freestyle, or for that matter, on your stomach. I'm a pretty good swimmer, but had a panic attack in the green, wavy waters of Cherry Creek reservoir and finished the swim doing mostly elementary backstroke. And there was a whole lot of creative swimming going on out there.
Triathlons with a pool swim are much less intimidating. In Colorado, anyway, especially with the drought, there isn't much place to practice in open water that isn't totally gross with fecal bacteria by this time in the summer. :-tired (By the way, everybody out there---please clean up after your dogs and keep them out of the water at lakes with swim areas! Yech!)
Regardless, the triathlon I'm doing gives you 24 minutes to complete the 500m swim. That's not all that fast.
2) Biking: spinning classes are great--they're fun, and they keep you working hard. It's nice once a week to enjoy the music, have a cheerleader, and not slow down for pedestrians walking three across the path or worry about cars running you off the road. :-cool
For sprint distance, you don't need special shorts. You can do the whole race in a swim suit (like the ironman leaders--no padding on the century--ouch!), and in just regular lycra exercise shorts. You can always throw running shorts over the swimsuit if you like. I swam and biked in a pair of Title 9 "Won't Ride Up" shorts in supplex and a Moving Comfort Sydney sports bra. Then I threw on a Coolmax tank top with my number pinned to it for the run. I wore my running shoes (with socks!) for the bike and used regular toe clips.
If your main goal is to finish, any bike will do. You do need a bike helmet, however, and nobody, (and I mean, NOBODY -- are you listening?) should ever get on a bike without one anyway. Spend $30-50 bucks, keep your brain the way it is. Plus, you get kudos at the emergency room when you go in for a broken collarbone. "Helmeted cyclist crashed on the sidewalk ..."
3) Running: I don't care about the run so much. I just run when I can and walk the rest. So somebody else can give some advice here (besides start slow and wear good shoes!).
4) Fitting Cathe in: "Training Plans for Multisport Athletes" as a great plan that allows for weights twice a week in the base phase, once a week thereafter. You can also do some other activity (it lists racquet ball, you could do step or kickboxing) twice a week. I lift after spinning class and a run as well, and go to Pilates class twice a week. Maybe I'll post a couple of possible rotations that include Cathe videos when I get my act together.
I'm just in the race to finish, and maybe go a little faster than last time. I encourage everyone to tri a triathlon!
http://www.plauder-smilies.de/pyth.gif Gretchen
RE: "tri" athlons
Ok, went to the pool today to see how far I have to go to be swim ready. Basically walked out thinking I'll do a duathlon instead (i.e. no swimming). I am really uncomfortable in the water (face in the water and holding my breath). I'm really thinking I'll just stick to duathlons this year. Although I'm encouraged to hear you don't HAVE to swim freestyle.
I've heard about that book "training plans for multisport athletes"....should I get it? What multrisports does it cover? Does it have any plans for a duathlon?
My thoughts on weights are that initially (int he base phase which I'll be doing for months and months) I'll do a chest/tris, back/bis, shoulders, and legs 4 days a week. Then later just do MIS or PH once a week when the training gets a tad more serious. OR plan B would be to do MIS twice a week now since its more strength building and then later do PH as its more endurance. What are the thoughts on that?
After initially getting into fitness about 4-5 years ago to lose weight, ending up addicted, becoming an instructor etc., and the last year just trying to lose those last 10 lbs with no success, I'm really enjoying having a worthy goal. It was just ridiculous having the "perfect" body as a goal. Granted, I wouldnt mind losing the pounds as a byproduct of the training
I've still got some time to rethink the swimming thing (swim lessons start Aug 5).....I'll think about this week.
Gretchen, thanks so much for the tips! Especially from a regular person rather than the professional tri types in the books and mags.
Ok, went to the pool today to see how far I have to go to be swim ready. Basically walked out thinking I'll do a duathlon instead (i.e. no swimming). I am really uncomfortable in the water (face in the water and holding my breath). I'm really thinking I'll just stick to duathlons this year. Although I'm encouraged to hear you don't HAVE to swim freestyle.
I've heard about that book "training plans for multisport athletes"....should I get it? What multrisports does it cover? Does it have any plans for a duathlon?
My thoughts on weights are that initially (int he base phase which I'll be doing for months and months) I'll do a chest/tris, back/bis, shoulders, and legs 4 days a week. Then later just do MIS or PH once a week when the training gets a tad more serious. OR plan B would be to do MIS twice a week now since its more strength building and then later do PH as its more endurance. What are the thoughts on that?
After initially getting into fitness about 4-5 years ago to lose weight, ending up addicted, becoming an instructor etc., and the last year just trying to lose those last 10 lbs with no success, I'm really enjoying having a worthy goal. It was just ridiculous having the "perfect" body as a goal. Granted, I wouldnt mind losing the pounds as a byproduct of the training
I've still got some time to rethink the swimming thing (swim lessons start Aug 5).....I'll think about this week.
Gretchen, thanks so much for the tips! Especially from a regular person rather than the professional tri types in the books and mags.
A
Andrea
Guest
Uh oh and Yeah! Gretchen, Debra
I'm in trouble! I guess I'll have to get a bike helmet. I always thought they were just a joke. They don't look like they do much. Consider me well scolded My son must be smarter than I, because he is always telling me he needs a bike helmet. I do have one for my 1 1/2 year old...does that count? I worry more about rattlesnake bites, and bobcat attacks than crashing.
Okay, and Gretchen YES!!! POST SOME TRAINING ROTATIONS! And thanks for all the info. Much less intimidating. I was getting all my info from the book Triathlon 101. I guess it's out of my league!
I'm getting excited again!
Andrea
I'm in trouble! I guess I'll have to get a bike helmet. I always thought they were just a joke. They don't look like they do much. Consider me well scolded
My son must be smarter than I, because he is always telling me he needs a bike helmet. I do have one for my 1 1/2 year old...does that count? I worry more about rattlesnake bites, and bobcat attacks than crashing. Okay, and Gretchen YES!!! POST SOME TRAINING ROTATIONS! And thanks for all the info. Much less intimidating. I was getting all my info from the book Triathlon 101. I guess it's out of my league!
I'm getting excited again!
Andrea
RE: Uh oh and Yeah! Gretchen, Debra
I have done a tri and a du and am training for my next tri which will be August 10th.
It is olympic distance 1 mile swim, 27 mile bike and 5 mile run. I came in with a really good base in running having run half marathons.
Swimming I sucked at and promptly hired a swim coach that I meet with once a week. I still suck but a least I can now do the distance. I shouldn't say I suck I'm just ineffecient in the water. I have a good side to side roll and good postioning in the water but i take way to many strokes.
I think your on the right track you are training now. I probably started training to late. I got serious about training in late February. Honestly I should have started my training in January.
This year my plan is to take november and december off of tri training and do other stuff like all my step tapes and then get back into my training in January.
Now that I am in the middle of the season I had to drop my weights tapes. I personally couldn't do it all. It was overwelming for me. So I just concentrate on swimming, running and biking. I do 2 double workouts during the week and on the weekend I do a brick: run to swim on Saturdays and on Sundays I do my long bike ride 2 hours +. When I bike the rest of the week I keep it to 1 hour.
My only other advice is get out there and do open water swims. Find a lake that you feel is clean and get out there a couple of time. Because it is really different then swimming in a pool. For my second tri I have gone to the lake every other week to swim outside to prepare myself better.
One last comment is I just do tri's to finish I never have a time goal. I am slow but hey I sign-up for the event and I finish.
Good Luck.
I have done a tri and a du and am training for my next tri which will be August 10th.
It is olympic distance 1 mile swim, 27 mile bike and 5 mile run. I came in with a really good base in running having run half marathons.
Swimming I sucked at and promptly hired a swim coach that I meet with once a week. I still suck but a least I can now do the distance. I shouldn't say I suck I'm just ineffecient in the water. I have a good side to side roll and good postioning in the water but i take way to many strokes.
I think your on the right track you are training now. I probably started training to late. I got serious about training in late February. Honestly I should have started my training in January.
This year my plan is to take november and december off of tri training and do other stuff like all my step tapes and then get back into my training in January.
Now that I am in the middle of the season I had to drop my weights tapes. I personally couldn't do it all. It was overwelming for me. So I just concentrate on swimming, running and biking. I do 2 double workouts during the week and on the weekend I do a brick: run to swim on Saturdays and on Sundays I do my long bike ride 2 hours +. When I bike the rest of the week I keep it to 1 hour.
My only other advice is get out there and do open water swims. Find a lake that you feel is clean and get out there a couple of time. Because it is really different then swimming in a pool. For my second tri I have gone to the lake every other week to swim outside to prepare myself better.
One last comment is I just do tri's to finish I never have a time goal. I am slow but hey I sign-up for the event and I finish.
Good Luck.
Hi, Andrea and Cbelle!
The multisport plan book does include a section for duathletes, including plans for going from cyclist to duathlete, and runner to duathlete.
A really good book is "Triathlons for Women" by Sally Edwards (the national spokesperson for Danskin) as well. It talks about all levels of training and commitment to triathlon.
Uh, here in Colorado, where there are lots of rattlesnakes and bobcats, crashing on your bicycle is much more common. ;-) My husband cracked his helmet in his last crash (we bought him a new one). Brains were OK. He was going about 3 mph on a sidewalk. I also think helmets make you look cool, like you actually know what you're doing on your bike. :-cool
http://www.plauder-smilies.de/pyth.gif Gretchen
The multisport plan book does include a section for duathletes, including plans for going from cyclist to duathlete, and runner to duathlete.
A really good book is "Triathlons for Women" by Sally Edwards (the national spokesperson for Danskin) as well. It talks about all levels of training and commitment to triathlon.
Uh, here in Colorado, where there are lots of rattlesnakes and bobcats, crashing on your bicycle is much more common. ;-) My husband cracked his helmet in his last crash (we bought him a new one). Brains were OK. He was going about 3 mph on a sidewalk. I also think helmets make you look cool, like you actually know what you're doing on your bike. :-cool
http://www.plauder-smilies.de/pyth.gif Gretchen
A
Andrea
Guest
Tuvak
Did you write up a report at VF on your tri? I'd like to read it if you did. Congrats and Good Luck on your upcoming! I will also only be a finisher. Time??? What's that?
Andrea
Did you write up a report at VF on your tri? I'd like to read it if you did. Congrats and Good Luck on your upcoming! I will also only be a finisher. Time??? What's that?
Andrea
A
Andrea
Guest
Found it!
I did a search at VF. Great job!
Andrea
I did a search at VF. Great job!
Andrea
RE: Hi, Andrea and Cbelle!
I second the helment issue! Even Lance Armstrong ALWAYS wears a helmet (except for one certain time trial I believe).....if its good enough for Lance its good enough for me I say!
Ok, I'm going to go ahead with theswim lessons on the theory it can't hurt and if I still don't think itspossible I'll do a du.
I have the TRaithlons for Women book....frankly, the training plans got a tad too complicated for me. Other info was good though. I LOVED thepictures of regular women doing tris.....not everyone is lean and sinewy.
Which do you think is better for the weights (right now during base)....MIS twice a week or 4 days of splits (using CTX tapes)....I'm leaning towards MIS sinc ethat would then get each body part twice/week plus that LLA from CTX knocks me on my butt every time and I'll be doing alot of cardio in addition.
I second the helment issue! Even Lance Armstrong ALWAYS wears a helmet (except for one certain time trial I believe).....if its good enough for Lance its good enough for me I say!
Ok, I'm going to go ahead with theswim lessons on the theory it can't hurt and if I still don't think itspossible I'll do a du.
I have the TRaithlons for Women book....frankly, the training plans got a tad too complicated for me. Other info was good though. I LOVED thepictures of regular women doing tris.....not everyone is lean and sinewy.
Which do you think is better for the weights (right now during base)....MIS twice a week or 4 days of splits (using CTX tapes)....I'm leaning towards MIS sinc ethat would then get each body part twice/week plus that LLA from CTX knocks me on my butt every time and I'll be doing alot of cardio in addition.