The Triathlon thread - Ironman, 70.3, Olympic, Sprint
Discussion
I've just started a blog on my training for Ironman Austria on 30th June next year. I'm a Physics teacher and was asked if I could note down details of what I'm up to in an attempt to help motivate and educate some of the pupils (maybe even teachers!). I'm hoping to sneak some science in there when the kids aren't looking (learning by stealth 
) but aim to keep it light hearted and informative. Comments and feedback are always welcomed and if you have any suggestions on what I could / should cover that would be great!
http://drgironman.blogspot.co.uk/
) but aim to keep it light hearted and informative. Comments and feedback are always welcomed and if you have any suggestions on what I could / should cover that would be great!http://drgironman.blogspot.co.uk/
drgav2005 said:
I've just started a blog on my training for Ironman Austria
Good effort mate and there's plenty of science in triathlon (and training aids) to sneak in to your blogs, especially bike stuff!Just noticed a slight error in your "Previous race reports" section that you might want to amend (sorry, part of my day job!) . . . last but one paragraph, 2nd line, "and the 5km bike in" should read "and the 5km run in".
Good read though chap - I'll be tuning in
may have to do one myself (still deciding on races for next year at the mo').dangerousB said:
Good effort mate and there's plenty of science in triathlon (and training aids) to sneak in to your blogs, especially bike stuff!
Just noticed a slight error in your "Previous race reports" section that you might want to amend (sorry, part of my day job!) . . . last but one paragraph, 2nd line, "and the 5km bike in" should read "and the 5km run in".
Good read though chap - I'll be tuning in may have to do one myself (still deciding on races for next year at the mo').
Thanks! Just noticed a slight error in your "Previous race reports" section that you might want to amend (sorry, part of my day job!) . . . last but one paragraph, 2nd line, "and the 5km bike in" should read "and the 5km run in".
Good read though chap - I'll be tuning in
may have to do one myself (still deciding on races for next year at the mo').Typo fixed
Added a new page today to detail daily training.
Hoping to add more details on the training plan I'm following including the reasons behind the different types of workouts (detailing FTP and potentially VO2 max info and changes throughout the year), pages on swimming / cycling / running (including details on technique, hydro- and aerodynamics and the technologies involved - especially cycling), potentially diet info (carbs / proteins / fats / vitamins and minerals) and then photos / videos from events and training.
Edited by drgav2005 on Saturday 29th September 14:11
Blog updated - feedback would be welcomed…
Looking for a tri-bike fit in Scotland / Northern England - any suggestions?
I'm hoping to buy a bike in the next month or so… Had a look at the Planet X Exocet 2 when I was in London and the guys on the stand were really helpful - loaning a fork bung to my missus for her bike which had broken in transit. Also quite tempted by a Van Nicholas Blaze. Problem is none of the LBS up here have any stock so I'd have to order in a bike (without knowing size at this stage). Any other suggestions for bikes to try around this price point? Had been tempted by Specialized Shiv - anyone out there got one?
Looking for a tri-bike fit in Scotland / Northern England - any suggestions?
I'm hoping to buy a bike in the next month or so… Had a look at the Planet X Exocet 2 when I was in London and the guys on the stand were really helpful - loaning a fork bung to my missus for her bike which had broken in transit. Also quite tempted by a Van Nicholas Blaze. Problem is none of the LBS up here have any stock so I'd have to order in a bike (without knowing size at this stage). Any other suggestions for bikes to try around this price point? Had been tempted by Specialized Shiv - anyone out there got one?
I'm after a bit of advice for what event to do next. I have just done my first tri (London) and I've got the bug so will be looking to do more of that next season. I've also finally had an entrance for the London marathon accepted so of all years I really need to keep going over the winter this year.
Whatever the sport (I'm still rowing too) I find training difficult unless there's an event in the medium term, so I'm after suggestions of an event to do somewhere around Christmas. I have a bad habit of getting bored of training for one discipline so ideally a tri/duathlon of some kind. I've had a bit of a scout on google, tri247 etc but have drawn a blank so far so any suggestions would be great.
Whatever the sport (I'm still rowing too) I find training difficult unless there's an event in the medium term, so I'm after suggestions of an event to do somewhere around Christmas. I have a bad habit of getting bored of training for one discipline so ideally a tri/duathlon of some kind. I've had a bit of a scout on google, tri247 etc but have drawn a blank so far so any suggestions would be great.
While folk are thinking about giving some useful advice how about helping me too? I'm a "recovering fatty" looking for an event to train for. Really want it to have an open water swim - I want the "full triathlon experience".
Ability-wise I've gone from finding it tough to swim 200m without a break to doing 2k in about 50 minutes, which is slow but I can do it so I'm happy for now.
Cycling - I can go all day (ooh-er) at an average of 15mph and can pick up the pace ok as long as it doesn't get too hilly.
Running - currently 5k takes about 30 mins, which is slow but is a base for improvement I guess.
Ideally what I think I need is an event to aim at and a training plan to stick to. I had a plan last year but the event I entered was cancelled with less than 2 week's notice and my training kinda fell to pieces when that happened.
I'm not sure that my first event should be anything too long, and I'm doing it more for fitness/fun than any great urge to compete; I just don't want to be last, ok?
So should I start with a sprint and take it from there? Maybe shoot for an Olympic distance since I've got the time to train? Any pointers on how to make my training more effective so I speed up a bit?
Ability-wise I've gone from finding it tough to swim 200m without a break to doing 2k in about 50 minutes, which is slow but I can do it so I'm happy for now.
Cycling - I can go all day (ooh-er) at an average of 15mph and can pick up the pace ok as long as it doesn't get too hilly.
Running - currently 5k takes about 30 mins, which is slow but is a base for improvement I guess.
Ideally what I think I need is an event to aim at and a training plan to stick to. I had a plan last year but the event I entered was cancelled with less than 2 week's notice and my training kinda fell to pieces when that happened.
I'm not sure that my first event should be anything too long, and I'm doing it more for fitness/fun than any great urge to compete; I just don't want to be last, ok?
So should I start with a sprint and take it from there? Maybe shoot for an Olympic distance since I've got the time to train? Any pointers on how to make my training more effective so I speed up a bit?
drgav2005 said:
Blog updated - feedback would be welcomed…
I'll grab a coffee and have a read this evening chap!HughG said:
. . . after suggestions of an event to do somewhere around Christmas. I have a bad habit of getting bored of training for one discipline so ideally a tri/duathlon of some kind.
I'm not aware of any tri's on during December/January (unless you want to fly abroad!), but here's a few duathlon's to have a look at . . . Mudman, Iceman and Tuffman.I've not competed in them myself, but they're run by Human Race who know how to organise a good event.
MrsMiggins said:
I'm not sure that my first event should be anything too long, and I'm doing it more for fitness/fun than any great urge to compete; I just don't want to be last, ok?
So should I start with a sprint and take it from there? Maybe shoot for an Olympic distance since I've got the time to train? Any pointers on how to make my training more effective so I speed up a bit?
On the subject of Human race events, have a look at their Windsor race, which you can either choose Sprint or Olympic distance, but I'd probably suggest the Sprint distance to start with as it's more than enough distance for a first race - the swim's in the Thames (most of which is against the current) and the although wave's aren't super big, you'll definitely experience a "proper" tri swim there!So should I start with a sprint and take it from there? Maybe shoot for an Olympic distance since I've got the time to train? Any pointers on how to make my training more effective so I speed up a bit?
I think there's a waiting list running at the mo', but if you want another race to get a definite entry into, have a look at their Eton Dorney races - easier swim (in the rowing lake) and a flat bike bike and run.
Training wise, I'll post up a few drills for improving your speed a bit later - just off out myself!!!
I did the Iceman last year, for me it was slightly tougher than an Olympic tri because my weakness is running. Its a great "training race" if you want to do triathlons, the time taken is very similar.
You have two transitions, and it really feels like 3 disciplines. The first run is on fresh legs, the bike, then a wobbly 5k at the end. The MTB route was good fun, although got a bit congested in places.
You have two transitions, and it really feels like 3 disciplines. The first run is on fresh legs, the bike, then a wobbly 5k at the end. The MTB route was good fun, although got a bit congested in places.
MrsMiggins said:
While folk are thinking about giving some useful advice how about helping me too? I'm a "recovering fatty" looking for an event to train for. Really want it to have an open water swim - I want the "full triathlon experience".
Ability-wise I've gone from finding it tough to swim 200m without a break to doing 2k in about 50 minutes, which is slow but I can do it so I'm happy for now.
Cycling - I can go all day (ooh-er) at an average of 15mph and can pick up the pace ok as long as it doesn't get too hilly.
Running - currently 5k takes about 30 mins, which is slow but is a base for improvement I guess.
Ideally what I think I need is an event to aim at and a training plan to stick to. I had a plan last year but the event I entered was cancelled with less than 2 week's notice and my training kinda fell to pieces when that happened.
I'm not sure that my first event should be anything too long, and I'm doing it more for fitness/fun than any great urge to compete; I just don't want to be last, ok?
So should I start with a sprint and take it from there? Maybe shoot for an Olympic distance since I've got the time to train? Any pointers on how to make my training more effective so I speed up a bit?
Hey MrsMiggins. My foray into this triathlon malarkey started last November. There's loads of advice all over the place. This forum is really good and there are loads of ready made/customizable plans to pick from: http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/Ability-wise I've gone from finding it tough to swim 200m without a break to doing 2k in about 50 minutes, which is slow but I can do it so I'm happy for now.
Cycling - I can go all day (ooh-er) at an average of 15mph and can pick up the pace ok as long as it doesn't get too hilly.
Running - currently 5k takes about 30 mins, which is slow but is a base for improvement I guess.
Ideally what I think I need is an event to aim at and a training plan to stick to. I had a plan last year but the event I entered was cancelled with less than 2 week's notice and my training kinda fell to pieces when that happened.
I'm not sure that my first event should be anything too long, and I'm doing it more for fitness/fun than any great urge to compete; I just don't want to be last, ok?
So should I start with a sprint and take it from there? Maybe shoot for an Olympic distance since I've got the time to train? Any pointers on how to make my training more effective so I speed up a bit?
In my humble opinion, the key is to keep training consistent. Doesn't matter if you hit all your goals each session or even build up slowly - so long as you keep the training sessions going each week you'll build a great base and the weight will drop off.
Good luck!
2seas said:
Hey MrsMiggins. My foray into this triathlon malarkey started last November. There's loads of advice all over the place. This forum is really good and there are loads of ready made/customizable plans to pick from: http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/
In my humble opinion, the key is to keep training consistent. Doesn't matter if you hit all your goals each session or even build up slowly - so long as you keep the training sessions going each week you'll build a great base and the weight will drop off.
Good luck!
Thanks for the link - I'll have a look. As for the weight, it already did - I've lost 7 stone! In my humble opinion, the key is to keep training consistent. Doesn't matter if you hit all your goals each session or even build up slowly - so long as you keep the training sessions going each week you'll build a great base and the weight will drop off.
Good luck!
The Triathlon idea is just to give me something to train for - much easier to commit to regular exercise if I've got an event planned. MrsMiggins said:
2seas said:
Hey MrsMiggins. My foray into this triathlon malarkey started last November. There's loads of advice all over the place. This forum is really good and there are loads of ready made/customizable plans to pick from: http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/
In my humble opinion, the key is to keep training consistent. Doesn't matter if you hit all your goals each session or even build up slowly - so long as you keep the training sessions going each week you'll build a great base and the weight will drop off.
Good luck!
Thanks for the link - I'll have a look. As for the weight, it already did - I've lost 7 stone! In my humble opinion, the key is to keep training consistent. Doesn't matter if you hit all your goals each session or even build up slowly - so long as you keep the training sessions going each week you'll build a great base and the weight will drop off.
Good luck!
The Triathlon idea is just to give me something to train for - much easier to commit to regular exercise if I've got an event planned. Good luck with open water swims up in Scotland! My nads are shrinking just thinking about it.
I've just entered the Swashbuckler half for 2013, it's 4 weeks before IM Aut so a good long training session before starting to taper, anyone else doing it ?
DrGav, i'm keeping an eye on your blog, your training is looking far more stuctured than mine at this stage, good on you ! I've dropped 7kg in the last 2 months & planning to loose another 12-13kg between now & the end of Feb to be in shape to up the distances at that point. Klagenfurt hotel is also booked for Sat & Sun, not sure when i'm getting there yet so just sorted those days for now.
I raced in the Thetford MTB Dusk till Dawn event last Sat night/Sun morning as part of a 4 man relay team & flipping heck racing is hard work, a full hour of balls out sprinting followed by 3 hours shivering in a damp tent & repeat through the night. Give me 14 hours of plodding round an ironman course anyday !
DrGav, i'm keeping an eye on your blog, your training is looking far more stuctured than mine at this stage, good on you ! I've dropped 7kg in the last 2 months & planning to loose another 12-13kg between now & the end of Feb to be in shape to up the distances at that point. Klagenfurt hotel is also booked for Sat & Sun, not sure when i'm getting there yet so just sorted those days for now.
I raced in the Thetford MTB Dusk till Dawn event last Sat night/Sun morning as part of a 4 man relay team & flipping heck racing is hard work, a full hour of balls out sprinting followed by 3 hours shivering in a damp tent & repeat through the night. Give me 14 hours of plodding round an ironman course anyday !
baxb said:
I've just entered the Swashbuckler half for 2013, it's 4 weeks before IM Aut so a good long training session before starting to taper, anyone else doing it ?
DrGav, i'm keeping an eye on your blog, your training is looking far more stuctured than mine at this stage, good on you ! I've dropped 7kg in the last 2 months & planning to loose another 12-13kg between now & the end of Feb to be in shape to up the distances at that point. Klagenfurt hotel is also booked for Sat & Sun, not sure when i'm getting there yet so just sorted those days for now.
I raced in the Thetford MTB Dusk till Dawn event last Sat night/Sun morning as part of a 4 man relay team & flipping heck racing is hard work, a full hour of balls out sprinting followed by 3 hours shivering in a damp tent & repeat through the night. Give me 14 hours of plodding round an ironman course anyday !
Wow - that is some serious weight loss baxb!! DrGav, i'm keeping an eye on your blog, your training is looking far more stuctured than mine at this stage, good on you ! I've dropped 7kg in the last 2 months & planning to loose another 12-13kg between now & the end of Feb to be in shape to up the distances at that point. Klagenfurt hotel is also booked for Sat & Sun, not sure when i'm getting there yet so just sorted those days for now.
I raced in the Thetford MTB Dusk till Dawn event last Sat night/Sun morning as part of a 4 man relay team & flipping heck racing is hard work, a full hour of balls out sprinting followed by 3 hours shivering in a damp tent & repeat through the night. Give me 14 hours of plodding round an ironman course anyday !
Just make sure you are keeping an eye on your protein and carb intake so that you're not eating away at your muscles whilst training. We've booked Thursday through Sunday nights - so not looking forward to getting up on the Monday and packing to go home!!We're off to a training camp in Lanzarote over Easter to up the miles and hopefully get used to the sun…
Congrats on the Dusk till Dawn event - you're right though, 14 hours of Ironman sounds more appealing!!!
MrsMiggins said:
thanks for the link - I'll have a look. As for the weight, it already did - I've lost 7 stone! The Triathlon idea is just to give me something to train for - much easier to commit to regular exercise if I've got an event planned.
Wow - that is seriously good going The Triathlon idea is just to give me something to train for - much easier to commit to regular exercise if I've got an event planned. I'm with you - it is much easier to keep training when you have an event in mind.
HughG - you might want to check the back of the triathlon mags like 220 Triathlon, Triathlon Plus or maybe even Outdoor Fitness - they generally list up and coming events.
drgav2005 said:
HughG - you might want to check the back of the triathlon mags like 220 Triathlon, Triathlon Plus or maybe even Outdoor Fitness - they generally list up and coming events.
Thanks, having a look at the iceman mentioned earlier, was planning to do the Hell of Ashdown but it clashes with the Tunbridge Wells half marathon which I'm told gives a good indication of how the training is going, when there's still time to do something about it before the marathon. Beyond that I'll be going the Marshman standard tri in May, and I like the look of Bala later in the year. How quickly do events like these tend to fill up?Edited by HughG on Thursday 11th October 06:23
HughG said:
Thanks, having a look at the iceman mentioned earlier, was planning to do the Hell of Ashdown but it clashes with the Tunbridge Wells half marathon which I'm told gives a good indication of how the training is going, when there's still time to do something about it before the marathon. Beyond that I'll be going the Marshman standard tri in May, and I like the look of Bala later in the year. How quickly do events like these tend to fill up?
Have a look at the Wildman aswell. That's part of the same series, and me and a few friends are doing that one! nov 24th i think it is!Edited by HughG on Thursday 11th October 06:23
Slightly off topic but I'm looking at duathlons as my swimming ability has been likened to a brick.
Anyone know where I can find a good training guide for the Olympic distance? I can knock out a 50 mile ride pretty easily and can run a 10k in a fairly good time...just got to learn to transition.
Anyone know where I can find a good training guide for the Olympic distance? I can knock out a 50 mile ride pretty easily and can run a 10k in a fairly good time...just got to learn to transition.
Alright folks
I've basically decided today that I want to start competing in triathlons, specifically sprint triathlon. Obviously understand that in order to be at a level to do that I'm going to have to put a lot of effort in to training. The reason this has come about is that i'm basically fed of getting injured playing football and figure that there isn't much point being distinctly average at football when I could focus on this and be pretty good at it. Might seem like a big assumption but this thread http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... and the feedback put the idea in my head and being a competitive swimmer when I was younger means I've got the most difficult discipline already semi mastered (just need to get the endurance levels back up)
I'm out injured at the moment with patellar tendonitis so now is probably a good time to get cracking with the swimming as it seems to be regarded as the best exercise while recovering from this injury. I'm hoping someone will be able to give me advice on how I should structure my training once fit, in terms of how many times a week should you train each discipline? Is joining a club the best way to go?
Is weight training pretty much out of the question when training for a triathlon due to overworking the body? Or can it be squeezed in alongside?
Sorry for all the questions but I'm a complete newbie to all this so not really sure where to start
I've basically decided today that I want to start competing in triathlons, specifically sprint triathlon. Obviously understand that in order to be at a level to do that I'm going to have to put a lot of effort in to training. The reason this has come about is that i'm basically fed of getting injured playing football and figure that there isn't much point being distinctly average at football when I could focus on this and be pretty good at it. Might seem like a big assumption but this thread http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... and the feedback put the idea in my head and being a competitive swimmer when I was younger means I've got the most difficult discipline already semi mastered (just need to get the endurance levels back up)
I'm out injured at the moment with patellar tendonitis so now is probably a good time to get cracking with the swimming as it seems to be regarded as the best exercise while recovering from this injury. I'm hoping someone will be able to give me advice on how I should structure my training once fit, in terms of how many times a week should you train each discipline? Is joining a club the best way to go?
Is weight training pretty much out of the question when training for a triathlon due to overworking the body? Or can it be squeezed in alongside?
Sorry for all the questions but I'm a complete newbie to all this so not really sure where to start
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