first triathalon and 12 days to train HELP!

[spunkee]

Hey guys,

just signed up for my first triathalon which is in 12 days from today. I have been running, cycling for a couple of months and swam for the first time in the ocean last night. Any advice would be appreciated. Maybe I am crazy for doing this - but it is something that I always wanted to try. Thanks, Spunkee

[RaffCycles]

Wow, 12 days away!! Well I'm not so sure how much improvement you can get in the next two weeks, but train your weaknesses. If you need work on your swimming, then dedicate your time there. If you've been running and cycling, do something to maintain those elements.

Remember, take this one as a learning experience and set your expectations as such. If you go in expecting to win with 12 days of training, then you probably have set unrealistic expectations. Set realistic goals for each segment, including time in the transition zones.

Most importantly, have fun!!!

[SpinBob]

Spunkee,
My first advice is to give yourself more than 12 days to get ready, lol. There are some pretty good videos on You Tube about setting up your transition station and on how to make the transitions. I suggest you watch them.

Second suggestion is apparel, unless you'll be swimming in a wetsuit, make sure you have something that you can wear during all three events. This will make you transitions faster.

Don't worry about socks; putting baby powder in your bike shoes and running shoes will help you slide in and absorb sweat. If you have Body Glide, put a little on the opening of your bike shoes and running shoes, this will also help you slide in without socks.

Get elastic laces for your running shoes, there are a number of different brands, this will make it easier to get into them without tying them.

The race will probably give you a swimming cap, wear the strap of you goggles under your swimming cap, as there will be less of a chance that someone will knock them off in the water.

Good luck.

[spunkee]

Not looking to win the triathalon - just want to complete it and have fun in the process - but have as much info about it before I go into it. Thanks for the advice and helpful tips. spunkee

[like2bike]

Spunkee good luck and all the very best to you! I'd love to hear how it all went once you finish it! (and you will finish it--I KNOW it!)

[spunkee]

thanks for your words of encouragement - will let you know how it all goes. spunkee

[ChocolatePizzaRedWine]

Transitions, baby! Like Bob said, lots of info out there about making them more efficient.

If you can, try a few bricks (two events back to back, with a transition in between) to get used to how your body feels moving from one event to another. The reason they are called 'bricks' is because that's what your legs feel like after you get off the bike and start to run...

You'll do great! At least with your short training time, you have less time to stress about the tri... and will put less pressure on yourself. Just remember to finish with a smile!

[neil]

The main thing is just to enjoy it.

Bricks are a very good idea if you don't want your legs to collapse under you when you get off the bike and start running, and a quick transition between swim and bike can be helpful. If you are swimming without a tri suit or wetsuit, make sure (unlike me) you don't try and change into a tight cycling top for the bike section - I did that in my only tri and it looked like I was fighting off a swarm of bees as I attempted to get the shirt over a wet torso! I won't make that mistake when I do my next one in 2 weeks. Make the top easy to get on. Also, try and get a belt to put your race number on rather than pin it to your clothing.

Have fun!:)

[spunkee]

I was planning on wearing my running top underneath my wetsuit. Not a good idea? also how do you belt it vs pin it - not understanding concept. please explain - thanks, Spunkee

[SpinBob]

Running/cycling top under your wetsuit is cool. A running store will have a "bib" belt that allows you to put on your running race number bib on during the transition, otherwise you need to pin your number to your top before the race...

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/trisports_2065_241761853

[spunkee]

thanks bob - you have been so helpful! rgds, spunkee

[SpinBob]

You're most welcome

[musicgal28]

My first tri over a year ago, I took my time at transitions. Each one took at least 3 minutes. I made sure to do a quick change of head and foot gear, but then also made sure I swigged some water. Its ok to take your time, if your goal is to finish. With training don't get burned out on it beforehand, just make sure you can swim, bike and run the distances.

Last year when I did my tri, I ran into a friend at the start of the race. She informed me that she had been running and cycling a lot, but not swimming at all. She did manage to finish the swim and the race. But I beat her in the swim and overall, because I was prepared.

My best advice, go out there and have fun. Swim the best you can, scream "woohoo" when you ride downhill, and run with a purpose. After all, this triathlon will prepare you more for the next one.

Enjoy!

[spunkee]

did a mini test tri this morning. I swam indoors 22 laps which equals 1.3 miles with my wetsuit on, then went to the spin room and rode for 20 minutes and then ran outdoors for 35 minutes and did a yoga class after! I felt great! thank you for the responses ! have a great weekend

[like2bike]

GREAT job! You too have a wonderful w/e! Keep it up! GO GO GOOOOOOOOO!

[spunkee]

just picked up my racing packet - got my t-shirt, bathing cap, and racing #46 - very anxious and excited at the same time - wish me luck on sunday guys, thanks, rgds, spunkee

[Pink]

Very exciting! You'll do great! Just don't forget to HAVE FUN!

[like2bike]

Good Luck Spunkeeeeee! Rock It!!

[cfoam4me]

Have a great time, you'll do great!