Total newbie interested in triathlon...need advice
Former Member
Okay, so I'm new to swimming. I swam for a team when I was a kid, but my version of 400 IM was so terrible that lifeguards were probably tempted to intervene. I'm a pathetic (stroke-wise), but strong swimmer. I taught whitewater kayaking and I'm well-trained in both lifeguarding and whitewater rescue. I completed more than one multi-day rescue courses that literally required me to jump in a nasty, man-eating hole, strip off my gear, and crawl to the bottom of the river only to be spit out and make my way to the river bank after saving a hypothetical "victim."
I just registered for my first triathlon. Can anyone tell me how to begin training? My husband is a "retired" D1 (and world ranked) swimmer who is more confident in my abilities than my own mother is. I know better than to listen to him. So I'd like to hear what you have to say about how I should begin training for an Olympic-distance tri, given this: I am a strong (but NOT pretty swimmer) and I currently run 7-8 miles a day. I also mountain bike probably 30 miles a week. I'm not looking to place in this triathlon, but I hope to finish with a respectable time. Where should I start?
There are several websites for new triathletes. beginnertriathlete.com and trinewbies.com are a couple. There are plenty of articles and discussion forum topics that address training for your first triathlon.
The biggest concern most new triathletes have is the swim. You seem to have quite a bit of outdoor water experience, so the fear factor of swimming in a lake, river or ocean probably isn't there for you. You will want to make sure that you can finish the 1,500 meter swim somewhat comfortably. If you aren't already there, just work your swim distance up over a few weeks until you can complete at least 2,000yds (or meters). If you are looking for a "respectable time" on the swim, just go to the event website & look at last year's results for your age group and look over the times of the top 50%, 33%, 25% (or whatever you consider "respectable") and see how your pool time compares to theirs.
The bike leg is where you will be spending a majority of your time, so you should increase your mileage to a point where you can ride 30+ miles without stopping at least a couple of times before your race. If a mountain bike is all you have, then use it. But you'll be happier (and faster) if you can borrow or buy a racing bike (not necessarily a triathlon bike) for a couple of weeks leading up to and including the race.
You shouldn't have any worries about the 10k run.
Good luck!
Dan
There are several websites for new triathletes. beginnertriathlete.com and trinewbies.com are a couple. There are plenty of articles and discussion forum topics that address training for your first triathlon.
The biggest concern most new triathletes have is the swim. You seem to have quite a bit of outdoor water experience, so the fear factor of swimming in a lake, river or ocean probably isn't there for you. You will want to make sure that you can finish the 1,500 meter swim somewhat comfortably. If you aren't already there, just work your swim distance up over a few weeks until you can complete at least 2,000yds (or meters). If you are looking for a "respectable time" on the swim, just go to the event website & look at last year's results for your age group and look over the times of the top 50%, 33%, 25% (or whatever you consider "respectable") and see how your pool time compares to theirs.
The bike leg is where you will be spending a majority of your time, so you should increase your mileage to a point where you can ride 30+ miles without stopping at least a couple of times before your race. If a mountain bike is all you have, then use it. But you'll be happier (and faster) if you can borrow or buy a racing bike (not necessarily a triathlon bike) for a couple of weeks leading up to and including the race.
You shouldn't have any worries about the 10k run.
Good luck!
Dan
