The Triathlon thread - Ironman, 70.3, Olympic, Sprint
Discussion
well, that's it for this year, Eton Dorney done. I managed a 1:48:37
15:12 swim
3:17 T1
54:08 cycle
2:06 T2
33:52 run
I'm happy with my swim time, and over winter I can work to get that down a bit. Also I really need to start nearer the front as I'm running in to no end of breaststrokers. I also stopped to help some chap who I thought was drowning, but turns out his timing strap had come loose and he was trying to do it up.
What can I say about the bike, I absolutely died, my legs blew up on the second lap, and with 3 laps left I just had to grit my teeth and push through
and on the 3rd lap, my undercarriage was mashed, I had to take to standing to relieve the pain in my testes.
My run well, same with that, as soon as I set off I felt my legs turning to lead, my quads and hamstrings were killing me after the run, and they stayed that way most of the way through.
But I finished, and 6 and a bit minutes better than London. Coming off the back off a 2 week enforced training break due to chest infection, and very little cardio training in between I didn't expect much better.
In order to improve my bike I have purchased some lights and will be riding to work once a week during the winter (when possible). Although I will be using my mountain bike for this as I need to go along the tow path, I figure it should give me more power in my legs. Am I right?
According to google, it's 18.8 miles from my house in Farnborough to Weybridge.
I've signed up to use the pool and swim facilities at the Farnborough leisure center as the pool is longer than the 20m pool at VA, I'm hoping to take a couple more minutes off my swim next year, but I'm less worried about this.
Running, well, I'll just keep running, outdoors when possible (parkruns and my usual street routes), but treadmill for when the weather is dire.
So, those are my plans to boost my fitness over winter and my aim for next year is to get me a sub 1:30 sprint. I'm sure I'll be back here asking advice, and seeking inspiration from you all, but thanks for everything so far, once again pistonheads has given me inspiration to do things I'd never imagined possible.
15:12 swim
3:17 T1
54:08 cycle
2:06 T2
33:52 run
I'm happy with my swim time, and over winter I can work to get that down a bit. Also I really need to start nearer the front as I'm running in to no end of breaststrokers. I also stopped to help some chap who I thought was drowning, but turns out his timing strap had come loose and he was trying to do it up.
What can I say about the bike, I absolutely died, my legs blew up on the second lap, and with 3 laps left I just had to grit my teeth and push through
and on the 3rd lap, my undercarriage was mashed, I had to take to standing to relieve the pain in my testes.My run well, same with that, as soon as I set off I felt my legs turning to lead, my quads and hamstrings were killing me after the run, and they stayed that way most of the way through.
But I finished, and 6 and a bit minutes better than London. Coming off the back off a 2 week enforced training break due to chest infection, and very little cardio training in between I didn't expect much better.
In order to improve my bike I have purchased some lights and will be riding to work once a week during the winter (when possible). Although I will be using my mountain bike for this as I need to go along the tow path, I figure it should give me more power in my legs. Am I right?
According to google, it's 18.8 miles from my house in Farnborough to Weybridge.
I've signed up to use the pool and swim facilities at the Farnborough leisure center as the pool is longer than the 20m pool at VA, I'm hoping to take a couple more minutes off my swim next year, but I'm less worried about this.
Running, well, I'll just keep running, outdoors when possible (parkruns and my usual street routes), but treadmill for when the weather is dire.
So, those are my plans to boost my fitness over winter and my aim for next year is to get me a sub 1:30 sprint. I'm sure I'll be back here asking advice, and seeking inspiration from you all, but thanks for everything so far, once again pistonheads has given me inspiration to do things I'd never imagined possible.
944fan said:
Just got back from my first ever tri. Roade. Enjoyed far more than I was expecting.
The swim was a bit of a bun fight and in the briefing they said tap someones ankle if you want to pass them but some breast-strokers obviously didn't hear that. Bike was good a little windy, some poor chap on a very expensive carbon number wiped out in front of me. He seemed fine, just road rash and dented pride, I slowed to help but he sent me on. There is a fast decent then a tight turn on adverse camber of a bridge. They warn you about it but the first lap I took it a bit fast and locked my rear wheel breaking. Squeaky bum time.
The run was nice and flat, which was good because my legs were quite heavy by that point. Took it easy until I was comfortable and knew I was getting to the end.
Really good event. Very well organised with signs and marshalls at all points. Lots of support, including people on deck chairs in their front garden cheering.
1:17:38 overall
I was there as well (my fourth time at Roade). I didn't listen to the race briefing and had not noticed that the bike leg was now two laps, so was very surprised to be back at the start after only 20 min. Must pay more attention in the future...The swim was a bit of a bun fight and in the briefing they said tap someones ankle if you want to pass them but some breast-strokers obviously didn't hear that. Bike was good a little windy, some poor chap on a very expensive carbon number wiped out in front of me. He seemed fine, just road rash and dented pride, I slowed to help but he sent me on. There is a fast decent then a tight turn on adverse camber of a bridge. They warn you about it but the first lap I took it a bit fast and locked my rear wheel breaking. Squeaky bum time.
The run was nice and flat, which was good because my legs were quite heavy by that point. Took it easy until I was comfortable and knew I was getting to the end.
Really good event. Very well organised with signs and marshalls at all points. Lots of support, including people on deck chairs in their front garden cheering.
1:17:38 overall
Swim was chaos like you say. I was practically slapping the guy's legs in front of me, not that he took any notice.
Some good write up guys, can't wait for my first one. I've just signed up for The London Tri next August, anyone else doing it?
Decided to get involved with some Improver swimming lessons. Had the first session tonight and realised how un fit I am! God fun though, and it'll be worth it
Decided to get involved with some Improver swimming lessons. Had the first session tonight and realised how un fit I am! God fun though, and it'll be worth it
HughG said:
Sounds good Nutter and glad you enjoyed it. As long as it hasn't put you off the time you get on the first one is irrelevant, as you said you now know where you need to improve.
I was volunteering up there yesterday afternoon, it was a good atmosphere.
Thanks for your volunteering, I was there competing and it's guys like you that make it a great event. If you were one of the guys on the bike course, I tried to wave and say thanks. I was volunteering up there yesterday afternoon, it was a good atmosphere.
I still think it's taking the pi$$ asking family and spectators to pay a fiver to get in to support though. That doesn't even get entry into the castle grounds. (that are still easy to walk into anyway).
Well thought I would post up in here, just to keep myself motivated! After watching a friend taking place in the IMUK this year and thinking it looked like a good idea I signed up for next year.
I've not ran in years, nor any swimming but have done more cycling this year than at any point previous. No idea what to expect in my training other than a whole lot of time and pain. My plan is to concentrate mainly on continuing cycling until the end of the year when I will begin on the running and swimming.
Got the Etape Pennines this weekend so will see how I get on with that, 86miles and 6,500ft of climbing.
I've not ran in years, nor any swimming but have done more cycling this year than at any point previous. No idea what to expect in my training other than a whole lot of time and pain. My plan is to concentrate mainly on continuing cycling until the end of the year when I will begin on the running and swimming.
Got the Etape Pennines this weekend so will see how I get on with that, 86miles and 6,500ft of climbing.
Stylus said:
Well thought I would post up in here, just to keep myself motivated! After watching a friend taking place in the IMUK this year and thinking it looked like a good idea I signed up for next year.
I've not ran in years, nor any swimming but have done more cycling this year than at any point previous. No idea what to expect in my training other than a whole lot of time and pain. My plan is to concentrate mainly on continuing cycling until the end of the year when I will begin on the running and swimming.
Got the Etape Pennines this weekend so will see how I get on with that, 86miles and 6,500ft of climbing.
excellent which course are you doingI've not ran in years, nor any swimming but have done more cycling this year than at any point previous. No idea what to expect in my training other than a whole lot of time and pain. My plan is to concentrate mainly on continuing cycling until the end of the year when I will begin on the running and swimming.
Got the Etape Pennines this weekend so will see how I get on with that, 86miles and 6,500ft of climbing.
Stylus said:
Well thought I would post up in here, just to keep myself motivated! After watching a friend taking place in the IMUK this year and thinking it looked like a good idea I signed up for next year.
I've not ran in years, nor any swimming but have done more cycling this year than at any point previous. No idea what to expect in my training other than a whole lot of time and pain. My plan is to concentrate mainly on continuing cycling until the end of the year when I will begin on the running and swimming.
Got the Etape Pennines this weekend so will see how I get on with that, 86miles and 6,500ft of climbing.
Stylus,I've not ran in years, nor any swimming but have done more cycling this year than at any point previous. No idea what to expect in my training other than a whole lot of time and pain. My plan is to concentrate mainly on continuing cycling until the end of the year when I will begin on the running and swimming.
Got the Etape Pennines this weekend so will see how I get on with that, 86miles and 6,500ft of climbing.
Good luck with the Etape Pennines this weekend!
Get yourself a copy of "Be Iron Fit" by Don Fink - I managed to complete my first IM last year following his advice. Even though the 'base training' miles seems very slow and steady don't be fooled into thinking you should be pushing it harder. This training is fundamental to your endurance and will significantly improve your fitness. See if there is a triathlon club nearby - training with others, especially over the cold / dark / wet winter months, will really help.
Good luck and enjoy
Can anyone recommend any specific sprint tri training plans? After watching a sprint tri up here, I reckon I want to aim for sub 1:10.
At the minute I only run competitively (will split 17:xx for 5k), and I can ride 20mph for an hour easily enough.
Went to the pool once and can do 400m in 9:30 minutes.
Not shy of working out 2 -3 times a day, it's just what to do? (Know I.m gonna have to focus on swim!)
I live 15 miles from nearest tri club too.
At the minute I only run competitively (will split 17:xx for 5k), and I can ride 20mph for an hour easily enough.
Went to the pool once and can do 400m in 9:30 minutes.
Not shy of working out 2 -3 times a day, it's just what to do? (Know I.m gonna have to focus on swim!)
I live 15 miles from nearest tri club too.
Your running biking seems to be taken care of. You are much faster than me at running. I did 1:17 at my first and my run was appalling.
You best bet I reckon is to have some swim coaching. Are you near MK? If so I recommend GreenLight PT.
When I started I could barely swim two lengths, I am now doing 400m in 7:40 ish and the PT has me aiming for a sub 7 minute 400 next.
With the speed on the bike and pace you have running you should able to clear 1:10.
For plans, get Joe Friel's bible and devise your own, you can tailor it to your specific requirements.
You best bet I reckon is to have some swim coaching. Are you near MK? If so I recommend GreenLight PT.
When I started I could barely swim two lengths, I am now doing 400m in 7:40 ish and the PT has me aiming for a sub 7 minute 400 next.
With the speed on the bike and pace you have running you should able to clear 1:10.
For plans, get Joe Friel's bible and devise your own, you can tailor it to your specific requirements.
graeme4130 said:
Winter training bike ?
Makes my 7yr old specialized Allez winter hack with rattling mudguards and 3 x sets of lights seem a little old hat
Every last mile of winter training will be indoors on a turbo, safely insulated from rain, dirt and wind! Makes my 7yr old specialized Allez winter hack with rattling mudguards and 3 x sets of lights seem a little old hat
Winter training also means reshaping myself to that bike.
Greg66 said:
Not next year, but it's on my bucket list. I've heard it described as a drag strip course (relatively, I guess). Fair comment?
Possibly, although not the way I raced it 
The water is flat(ish) and the final 900m through the canal is memorable in a fun bun-fight kind of a way.
The ride is beautiful but isn't desperately flat - my Garmin reckoned I'd climbed 3154m. (see http://connect.garmin.com/activity/336654706)
The run is flat, alongside the canal for most of the route in 2 loops to the centre of Klagenfurt and back.
We were lucky with the weather, it was only 27-28 degrees C last year… the year before was 38 degrees C and the lake was so warm they stopped competitors wearing wetsuits…
I LOVED it - totally brilliant race and I'd no doubt do it again in the future, but next year is The Outlaw in Nottingham and then I'm hoping to do Lake Placid in 2015. I thoroughly recommend it - but you'll need to be quick to enter, it sold out in 2 hours this year… Or you could get entry + travel etc. through Nirvana who were absolutely brilliant.
drgav2005 said:
Possibly, although not the way I raced it
The water is flat(ish) and the final 900m through the canal is memorable in a fun bun-fight kind of a way.
The ride is beautiful but isn't desperately flat - my Garmin reckoned I'd climbed 3154m. (see http://connect.garmin.com/activity/336654706)
The run is flat, alongside the canal for most of the route in 2 loops to the centre of Klagenfurt and back.
We were lucky with the weather, it was only 27-28 degrees C last year… the year before was 38 degrees C and the lake was so warm they stopped competitors wearing wetsuits…
I LOVED it - totally brilliant race and I'd no doubt do it again in the future, but next year is The Outlaw in Nottingham and then I'm hoping to do Lake Placid in 2015. I thoroughly recommend it - but you'll need to be quick to enter, it sold out in 2 hours this year… Or you could get entry + travel etc. through Nirvana who were absolutely brilliant.
Hells bells! >3000m of climbing isn't my idea of a drag strip!The water is flat(ish) and the final 900m through the canal is memorable in a fun bun-fight kind of a way.
The ride is beautiful but isn't desperately flat - my Garmin reckoned I'd climbed 3154m. (see http://connect.garmin.com/activity/336654706)
The run is flat, alongside the canal for most of the route in 2 loops to the centre of Klagenfurt and back.
We were lucky with the weather, it was only 27-28 degrees C last year… the year before was 38 degrees C and the lake was so warm they stopped competitors wearing wetsuits…
I LOVED it - totally brilliant race and I'd no doubt do it again in the future, but next year is The Outlaw in Nottingham and then I'm hoping to do Lake Placid in 2015. I thoroughly recommend it - but you'll need to be quick to enter, it sold out in 2 hours this year… Or you could get entry + travel etc. through Nirvana who were absolutely brilliant.
Greg66 said:
Hells bells! >3000m of climbing isn't my idea of a drag strip!
I'm not sure what Garmin Drgav is using, but my 310xt regularly adds 50% to the climb figures from mapmyride route plans. I'm also not sure where the error lies, but given there are times when I'm definitely going up hill and it says a minus gradient I'm inclined to think it's probably the Garmin! Gassing Station | Sports | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff