I signed up for a triathlon!

[Michael]

It's June 3rd - 600 yard swim, 13 mile bike ride, 5k run.

I've had trouble staying motivated so this'll be perfect! :hamster: I'm in no shape to do it now but if I stick with the diet and exercise there's no reason why I can't be ready by June.

If you have any tips let me know!

[Vegmedic]

Most people in their first triathlon or marathon make of the mistake of starting out too fast. There will be a lot of excitement and adrenalin, but try to rein yourself in and go at your pace.

Good luck. It has been several years since I have been in a triathlon, maybe it time more me to motivate myself aswell.

[brownieB26]

Also, don't get kicked in the face during the swim. People are like wild animals when they get in the water


<---bystander, but has seen the carnage

[Vegmedic]

Also, don't get kicked in the face during the swim. People are like wild animals when they get in the water

Good point. I used to stay out of pack by hanging back a little on the swim. I knew I was never gonna come close to winning anyways.

[revelsunrise]

It's June 3rd - 600 yard swim, 13 mile bike ride, 5k run.

I've had trouble staying motivated so this'll be perfect! :hamster: I'm in no shape to do it now but if I stick with the diet and exercise there's no reason why I can't be ready by June.

If you have any tips let me know!

Oooooh!! Good luck with that. June isn't that far off.:moonpie:

[zoebird]

that should be a lot of fun. sprint tris are really great.

[carnelian]

Go, Michael!!! :hamster:

[SeaSiren]

Yay Michael! I'm so proud of you.

You do of course realize we will now keep you accountable for preparing for it? :D

[Thalia]

Wow! That's awesome. I can't even swim, so it will be a while before I follow in your footsteps.

[kat]

Hey, nice one. Since I got back, you seem to be working out a lot more! :)

[Brandon]

That's awesome, Michael. Good luck!

[broccoli]

That's awesome! If you can't yet run a 5k, maybe you'd like checking out the couch-to-5k program on coolrunning.com? Good luck!

[annabanana]

I've never done a triathlon but I have done several duathlons, which are amazing :smitten: I also did one where there was a tri and a du simultaneously - all very happy and nice people, though it seems like they do get nasty on the swim portion.

Make sure you're adequately prepared in all disciplines. The last thing you want is to be so tired out by the swim or bike because you hadn't practiced it much and then fizzle on the run, the last and most victorious part! Know which discipline you're best at and focus on that, while still strengthening your weaknesses. But don't neglect strengthening your strengths in favor of improving your weaknesses, if that makes sense.

The first of any competition is always the best because generally there are no expectations except to finish after a full effort. Have fun :)

[squished]

Good luck, Michael! You've done so well on the diet, and now you're trying a triathalon?! My hero! :sunny:

[Elena99]

Wow, good job on signing up for it. :)

How are you doing with running now? Did you ever start the couch to 5k program?

[Thalia]

I guess my only advice is have good shoes or other equipment that will prevent injury. When I started walking to work, I got all sorts of aches and pains. When I went to a New Balance store and got a professional fit and advice with my new shoes, it was a life saver. No aches or pains at all any more.

[misq17]

I just wanted to say you are an amazing inspiration :wayne:

[Michael]

That's awesome! If you can't yet run a 5k, maybe you'd like checking out the couch-to-5k program on coolrunning.com? Good luck!

Thanks everyone!

I have started that program, I got up to week 5, but kind of gave it up over the holidays. :-/ I'm starting again on Tuesday on week 3.

[VeganForHealth]

Bravo on taking the challenge!

Here's some advice to take or leave...

For a first triathalon, the goal should be to finish, and that in itself is quite an accomplishment.

For endurance training, time is what matters. Not speed time, but time running at a pace that you can sustain. If you do treadmills, do it according to time. Adjust the speed as necessary to a pace you can sustain. Speed will improve by itself, but it's the pacing that matters.

Marathoners use the "long run" to push their endurance limits. I'm not sure what triatheletes use. But I imagine it would be similar.

[CaptainSwab]

Yay!

This is a good website for new triathletes:

www.trinewbies.com

Signing up for a race is a great way to keep you motivated. :up:

Good luck and happy training!

[rainbowmoon]

Yes, that site is awesome. It has training tips and everything. I never did a tri because I suck, but I did check that site out. :p

[CaptainSwab]

Also, don't get kicked in the face during the swim. People are like wild animals when they get in the water



Oh yes. Be careful. :D Arms and legs fly everywhere.

I once saw a great commerical about a guy training for the swim portion and his friend went out after him with a gladiator type thing to beat him with as he was swimming to practice getting beat up in the water. It was the funniest thing. :lol:

[veganinohio]

Are you a strong swimmer? 600 yards isn't that long of a swim and no matter what your abilities, by June you'll be knocking it off in no time. But, if you're a novice swimmer (like me), that's a long way to doggy paddle. Hit the pool ASAP and practice your forward crawl.

[DoshKel]

Nice dude!

What bike are you going to be on?

[veganinohio]

I once saw a great commerical about a guy training for the swim portion and his friend went out after him with a gladiator type thing to beat him with as he was swimming to practice getting beat up in the water. It was the funniest thing. :lol:

What product was that for? Seems like the number of people who would get that joke is somewhere in the hundreds.