Real challenges to competing in a triathlon??

Question

I am 37 y.o. woman in great shape. I exercise about 8-10 hours a week--4-5 hours cardio and 4-5 hours strength training. I have always included exercise in my life to some degree but this is really the most I have dedicated myself to it and this is only in the past few months. I am considering my first triathlon but I'm conserned about any unforeseen challenges either in preparation (or lack of) and event day problems. Does anyone with experience have some pointers? Event day is about 2.5 months away and involves a 5+ mile run, 12.5 mile bike and 6+ mile kayaking. Also, I still need to fine tune my eating habits, get good running shoes, take kayaking lessons........

Answer 1

Well it all depends on what your skill level with each of these activities is. Are you an avid cyclist? A good runner? The bottom line is that these events are hard and it sounds like you are committed to making this a lifestyle. With that in mind, I would chalk up this first race to "experience." Consider it as much of a learning experience as a physical challenge. I started out with a biathlon - run, bike, run. I learned a lot and will take that experience into future events that I enter.

Let me know what kind of level you are at with running and cycling and I'll try to offer some pointers.

Answer 2

With Kayaking involved, is this an off road Tri?
If you are in good shape and exercise regularly you already have all the tools necessary to complete the race. If you have some aspirations of wining or placing well, then you will need to train more specifically. Through your training you must learn to pace. It sounds like this race will make for a fairly long day for you. If you want to concentrate solely on the race, with only 21/2 months to go, cut out the weight training, focus on race specific sports. If you don't have access to a kayak to practice with, swim, it works a lot of the same muscle groups(if you swim correctly) and builds cardio at the same time. If you have the opportunity go and watch a race before yours, see what kind of problems others have, see why some seem to have no problems. Triathlon is dealing with adversity that is planned for. Unfortunately the best way to learn to plan for and deal with adversity is through experience. I think that might be why this sport is so addictive, you always finish a race knowing there was something you could do better Even if it's something as stupid as placing your bike number on your seat tube instead of you top tube to keep it from rubbing your leg.. Good luck, train smart ,race hard

Answer 3

most of my friends who regularly compete in triathlons say that the transition from one sport to the next always could use improvement

changing from running to biking, or vice versa, etc. takes some practice

Answer 4

Hey girl, welcome to the triathlon addiction! There are definitely some challenges involved outside of the sports themselves! Here are some of my personal pointers and advice to help:

- Learn to change flats if you don't already know how. Practice and be able to do it quickly and efficiently by the side of the road. Make sure you are carrying a tube and multi-tool with you on the bike just in case.

- Practice bricks (mutli-sport workouts) of running/biking and biking/kayaking. Going from one sport to another ina workout will help your body get used to the transition before you hit race day. Practice the entire transition routine with your gear changes, shoe tying, mounts/dismounts, etc. This will be VERY helpful for you to see what works best for you in this area. You want ot waste as little time as possible in transition and get your body accimated to the new leg of the race as quickly as possible.

- Have a checklist of gear you need for every single race. (I photocopy one and have a bunch of copies on hand all season). This way you will not forget anything. Check things off as they go into your transition bag the night or day before the race. Always have extra socks, electrical tape, zip ties, blister bandages, toilet paper and an extra protein or granola bar in your bag. if you never need these things then good, if you DO need them, you have them.

- Never try anything new on race day. Gear, nutrition, tactics and technique should all be well-versed before race day. Stick to a routine with your tris and try "new" things during training in case they don't go well.

- If possible, get a map of the course beforehand and even more beneficial, visit the area and become familiar with the roads and water and trails. You will be much more comfortable if you know your surroundings are slightly familiar and you know how long it takes you to get there on race day (don't want to be late!)

- For your shoes, go to a local running store and have them suggest shoes if oyu haven't already. Based on your gait, running habits and build the experts there can recommend the best shoes for your activity. Wear these shoes and break them in during training. Clean them up for race day (that's my own personal habit, clean shoes on race day!)

- You should have your trianing and eating planned out in the final 10 weeks of your pre-race time. Don't forget to keep track of your workouts, try www.beginnertriathlete.com for an amazing array of tools, forums, people and race reports. And of course, don't overlook the taper!!!

- Joe Friel's Triathlete's Training Bible is exactly that: a bible for tri! I recommend hitting up B&N or your local bookstore and snagging a copy, it's a great resoure for everything from workouts to nutrition to inspiration and common mistakes.

- Drink alot before the race. Pee a lot before the race, even if you "don't have to go", go anyways. You never know what it's going to be like three miles into the run! (Remember the TP in your transition bag??)

- Since you're a woman I can also say pay attention to your periods. Menstruation affects your body's chemical balance and can wreak havoc on raceday if you're not expecting it!

- Find results from last year's race if you can. Find people in your age group and check out their times. this will help you set realistic goals for YOUR race. Look at the mid-packers and hope to be there. Look at the slowest person and say "I can do better than that!" Be goasl-minded but don't put too much stock in times your first time around. Like the guy above me said, look at your first race as a learning experience. Write a race report afterward and include your time for each event and transition and what you could do differently next time to improve your performance. Keep one from each race and watch yourself improve.

Good luck, if you have any mor especific questions please don't hesitate to contact me directly, I'd be more than glad to help out!!!

GOOD LUCK!!!