Triathlon on Sunday - Crazy to Consider Entering?

Netta

Netta

Cathlete
Am I nutty to even consider doing this? It would be the sprint distance. The swim is 1/2 mile. I haven't swam/swum(?) for years, though I know how and can float forever, sidestroke, swim on my back, etc. The bike would be a piece of cake (I've done 2 centuries this year, cycle regularly). I've only run 4 miles once (it was last year and haven't run at all this year). I workout regularly with Cathe.

This triathlon is right in my backyard and a friend would be doing it with me. Here's the link:

http://www.redwoodtrails.com/final/eaglelake.html

What do you guys think? I'm just aiming to finish.


Jeanette
 
Hi Jeanette,

I say give it a try. It sounds like you're already doing endurance stuff with your cycling and Cathe workouts, and your goal is realistic. I think the hardest part may the swim, since you haven't done it in a while, but the biking should be a breeze, and you can always run/jog/walk the run.

Good luck and we will expect a full report on Monday. ;-)
 
Oh, you can do it, Jeanette! I looked at the course, it's looks so beautiful. If you can swim, a half mile shouldn't be TOO bad... I'm not a swimmer, so I really cant say for sure though. May I ask, why does it cost so much to enter this? Is that the norm?
Susan C.M.
 
Hi Jeanette!

Just me, looking to see what others are saying. It is true -- you could just walk/jog/run the run -- the swim would probably be the only thing that might be hard -- but you could always do the side-stroke or backstroke -- I find those two almost relaxing to do.

I couldn't pull up the course or anything on my computer, so I didn't see the course or how expensive it is. For me the expense might be the only thing pulling me back from doing it -- of course, I've not been biking either, so that might do it, as well.

Anyway, Jeanette, have fun.:7
 
Hi Netta.

People that I know who have done Tri's say the most 'difficult' part is the transition from biking to running and that is what they worked on first when training. You being a biker already know what it's like to ride a long ride or even a fast ride and then get off and walk...imagine getting off in a hurry and running. Plus you're wet.

I would say do the tri to get the experience. Keep your goal to finishing the race, not finishing first.

You could easily practice the bike-run transition over the next couple of days, not intensely, just to get a feel for what you will need to do.

And don't worry about the swimming part. There are lots of tri-athlete's who's weakest link is the swimming so don't fret about that. Just do whatever stroke you need to, to get to the end. Is the swimming in a pool or open water? Open water swimming is tough and something I wouldn't do unless I'd trained beforehand.

GOODLUCK!

EDIT: Netta I looked at the course and I see it IS open water. If you can, I would go do a short swimming session at the lake following the same direction that will be used on race day. Swimming in open water is not like swimming in a pool because you have current. Not that you're going to drown!!! but it's just more difficult, tougher.
 
Jeanette-
My only concern is whether or not they have a course cutoff time. I couldn't see one on their website, but that doesn't always mean they don't have one. The run will not be pleasant, looking at the elevation gain at mile 3.2, at which point you'll be tired and unhappy looking up at a hill! But knowing all that, you'll be fine!
 
After much thought today, I've decided to JUST DO IT!!!

I'll stay to the back of the pack on the swim and just pace myself, watch my breathing, and try to relax in the water. I hear there are all different levels competing so it should be interesting. Wish I had a wetsuit but I hear the water isn't too cold right now, though a wetsuit would help with bouyancy.

Thanks for all your votes of confidence for me. I'll report back afterwards. Who knows, maybe I'll get the tri bug. Guess there's worse things :7

Jeanette
 
Well, thought I'd get back to you on my results:

Swim - guess what, it's been way too long since I've swam and I choked! I didn't complete it. I started out and never got a chance to get in the water before the start and guess what? I need a refresher in swimming. It was embarrassing, but at least I didn't drown. They said I could do the bike and run so off I went.

Bike - It was a 15 mile bike ride, 7 1/2 miles up and then back with a few little hills. Guess I was just so relieved to be out of the water that I flew on the bike, averaging 20.2 mph for the ride, passing lots of people along the way.

Run - got back to the transition area, took off my cycling shoes, on with my running shoes, a hat, downed a gel and water and set off. Mind you, I've not run all year, but I set off and ran the full 4 miles without stopping so I was pretty happy with that. I think my time was okay (considering).

Anyway, I had a really good time at my first triathlon. I'll maybe or maybe not work on the swimming (we don't have a pool in town any more) and possibly do it again next year. There is a lot of camaraderie amongst all of the triathletes, something I haven't seen during the cycling events I've done. I felt pretty accomplished for doing what I did, just overestimated my abilities in the water.

Jeanette
 
http://bestsmileys.com/signs1/11.gif[/img] Good job Netta....one reason tri's scare me is the swimming....:)
 
Nice job Netta. It's great you were willing to try something new. It sounds like you rocked the bike ride. Take care
 
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