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?
Parents
Former Member
I have not done a triathlon, so for what it's worth, here are my two cents regardless.
I swim with triathletes and I ask them questions. I am intrigued with the event. I think it would be cool to say I've done one, but I don't really care for bicycling, meaning I don't want to buy a road bike and train on it for hours, and the half marathon doesn't sound fun either. I like open water though.
After speaking with some tri-guys, one of them mentioned that he uses the swim and the bike races (during the triathlon) to set himself up for the run. What I take from this is, to answer your question somewhat, get to the point with your swimming that you are comfortable with doing the yardage but in a conserving to moderate pace.
From his advice, I take this as, if I can do 3000 for time and determine my 100 time as 1:XX, then during a triathlon, I might do 1:XX + 5 seconds. This would allow me to be competitive but conserve energy for the bike and run.
During the bike ride, I guess do something similar, then during the run, bring it home. He gives it his all during the run. I believe because it is the last event and not his strength.
Good luck!
I have not done a triathlon, so for what it's worth, here are my two cents regardless.
I swim with triathletes and I ask them questions. I am intrigued with the event. I think it would be cool to say I've done one, but I don't really care for bicycling, meaning I don't want to buy a road bike and train on it for hours, and the half marathon doesn't sound fun either. I like open water though.
After speaking with some tri-guys, one of them mentioned that he uses the swim and the bike races (during the triathlon) to set himself up for the run. What I take from this is, to answer your question somewhat, get to the point with your swimming that you are comfortable with doing the yardage but in a conserving to moderate pace.
From his advice, I take this as, if I can do 3000 for time and determine my 100 time as 1:XX, then during a triathlon, I might do 1:XX + 5 seconds. This would allow me to be competitive but conserve energy for the bike and run.
During the bike ride, I guess do something similar, then during the run, bring it home. He gives it his all during the run. I believe because it is the last event and not his strength.
Good luck!
