Any Triathletes here?
Discussion
I'm doing my first event in July, which is only a supersprint (400m pool swim, 16 Mile Cycle and a 5 Mile Run) which a few people from my Gym are also entering.
Really starting to get the bug for the training now, and although I can do the distances ok, my times are absolutely appalling!
Currently running 10 minute miles (I've discovered my expensive trainers are poo and causing me problems). I'm quite happy with cycling, although I will be competing on my mountain bike as opposed to most competitors that will be on racing bikes. Was thinking about getting some road tyres to cut the resistance down a bit but I'm unsure how much difference that'll make.
With the swim, I really need some urgent help. I have hardly been in the water since I was a kid and I need to get some kind of fast technique going - ideally a front crawl or butterfly but I can't seem to break my habit of just doing a gentle breast stroke up and down - I also end up stopping at the end of each length to catch my breath which I clearly need to eliminate.
I'm not going for a super-quick time, the main goal is to finish the event and prove to myself that I can do it.
I'm not unfit or lazy, I've just never trained for endurance before!
Has anyone been through this? Is three months enough to bring this around?
Really starting to get the bug for the training now, and although I can do the distances ok, my times are absolutely appalling!
Currently running 10 minute miles (I've discovered my expensive trainers are poo and causing me problems). I'm quite happy with cycling, although I will be competing on my mountain bike as opposed to most competitors that will be on racing bikes. Was thinking about getting some road tyres to cut the resistance down a bit but I'm unsure how much difference that'll make.
With the swim, I really need some urgent help. I have hardly been in the water since I was a kid and I need to get some kind of fast technique going - ideally a front crawl or butterfly but I can't seem to break my habit of just doing a gentle breast stroke up and down - I also end up stopping at the end of each length to catch my breath which I clearly need to eliminate.
I'm not going for a super-quick time, the main goal is to finish the event and prove to myself that I can do it.
I'm not unfit or lazy, I've just never trained for endurance before!
Has anyone been through this? Is three months enough to bring this around?
KingRichard said:
With the swim, I really need some urgent help. I have hardly been in the water since I was a kid and I need to get some kind of fast technique going - ideally a front crawl or butterfly but I can't seem to break my habit of just doing a gentle breast stroke up and down - I also end up stopping at the end of each length to catch my breath which I clearly need to eliminate.
Hi there, I'm not a triathlete (wouldn't catch me wearing a wetsuit like a big jesse), but I am a swimmer. Forget butterfly, you won't be able to do 400m on that. Can you swim frontcrawl?Edited by Highway Star on Tuesday 28th April 18:03
On a sixteen mile cycle slick tyres might be worth as much as twenty minutes, if you have suspension, see if it can be "locked" out - alternatively can you borrow a racer ?
Re the swim, 400m isn't very much but technique is everything, easily the best investment in terms of lessons. Your local tri club will no doubt have someone who can help and most pools have tuition, even a couple of sessions with some pointers will really really help.
Good luck and if your short of inspiration google pirate ship of fools
Wotcha fella! Yeah, I've been doing tri's for about 5 years now, so may be able to help a bit. PM me if you've any specific problems . . . triathlon is hugely addictive, but very difficult to train properly for if you're a mere mortal working 12 hours a day.
Having said that, 3 months is plenty of time to train for the distance you're doing (400/25k/8k looks like more of a short swim sprint distance to me, btw), 'scuse my ignorance, but I normally work in k's!
A few pointers:-
Swim. Huge subject. Never done an indoor swim, but do not even consider fly. Seriously. 400m fly's are considered punishment drills for swimmers. 3 months isn't anywhere near enough time to learn it and you will blow up big time for no time return if you try it in your first race.
Try and get a grip with front crawl and first off learn to exhale properly underwater. Like properly empty your lungs. The reason you're having to stop regularly to catch your breath is more than likely a lot to do with this. Secondly, swim smooth, not fast. Most people fight the water if they TRY and swim quickly. Speed will come with being smooth (just like on the racetrack!) Look at a proper swimmer, they're effortless through the water.
During your pull through, you should be finishing your stroke at your hips, not before. Practice your body rotation. Swimmers swim on their SIDE not flat in the water. Go on youtube and have a look at some of the "swim smooth" vids, you'll see what I mean. Your recovery phase should be for just that. Make it relaxed and don't slap the water with your palms on entry. Remember to point your toes at all times (plantar flexion), swimming with your toes pointing towards the bottom of the pool will be like driving with your handbrake on. Remember hydrodynamics when you're swimmng!
Bike. As you're on a mountain bike, you're making your life a bit tough, but basically get yourself the thinnest pair of slicks you can fit on your rims and run 'em at the maximum pressure you can. My tri bike tyres run at 110psi and if I underinflate them it makes a HUGE difference on rolling resistance. You won't have tri bars, but try and stay aero on the bike, ie present a small small frontal area. During a race I only ever get off the tri bars if I've got an extended climb to deal with. As far as cadence goes, I always prefer a high one. If you try and push a big gear for too long, you'll just f
k your legs for the run. Spin your legs out for the last couple of mins on the bike too. It'll make the first k of the run (a bit!!) easier.
Run. Basically mate, what you got left is what you got left at this stage. Don't walk EVER. You're not a surrender monkey
To be honest you'll probably find the mental aspect possibly tougher than the physical. Your race will happen in a wave of high's and low's. There will be times when every fibre in your body is screaming at you to stop. Ignore it. You will beat yourself up later for listening and miss out on the ENORMOUS high when you cross the finish line knowing you gave 100%.
Bottom line, enjoy it. Like I said it's hugely addictive. Top marks for getting involved!!!! When you've done this one, make sure the next features an open water swim start with at least 100 competitors. You won't thank me, but it'll be an even more intense experience!!!!!
Having said that, 3 months is plenty of time to train for the distance you're doing (400/25k/8k looks like more of a short swim sprint distance to me, btw), 'scuse my ignorance, but I normally work in k's!
A few pointers:-
Swim. Huge subject. Never done an indoor swim, but do not even consider fly. Seriously. 400m fly's are considered punishment drills for swimmers. 3 months isn't anywhere near enough time to learn it and you will blow up big time for no time return if you try it in your first race.
Try and get a grip with front crawl and first off learn to exhale properly underwater. Like properly empty your lungs. The reason you're having to stop regularly to catch your breath is more than likely a lot to do with this. Secondly, swim smooth, not fast. Most people fight the water if they TRY and swim quickly. Speed will come with being smooth (just like on the racetrack!) Look at a proper swimmer, they're effortless through the water.
During your pull through, you should be finishing your stroke at your hips, not before. Practice your body rotation. Swimmers swim on their SIDE not flat in the water. Go on youtube and have a look at some of the "swim smooth" vids, you'll see what I mean. Your recovery phase should be for just that. Make it relaxed and don't slap the water with your palms on entry. Remember to point your toes at all times (plantar flexion), swimming with your toes pointing towards the bottom of the pool will be like driving with your handbrake on. Remember hydrodynamics when you're swimmng!
Bike. As you're on a mountain bike, you're making your life a bit tough, but basically get yourself the thinnest pair of slicks you can fit on your rims and run 'em at the maximum pressure you can. My tri bike tyres run at 110psi and if I underinflate them it makes a HUGE difference on rolling resistance. You won't have tri bars, but try and stay aero on the bike, ie present a small small frontal area. During a race I only ever get off the tri bars if I've got an extended climb to deal with. As far as cadence goes, I always prefer a high one. If you try and push a big gear for too long, you'll just f
k your legs for the run. Spin your legs out for the last couple of mins on the bike too. It'll make the first k of the run (a bit!!) easier.Run. Basically mate, what you got left is what you got left at this stage. Don't walk EVER. You're not a surrender monkey
To be honest you'll probably find the mental aspect possibly tougher than the physical. Your race will happen in a wave of high's and low's. There will be times when every fibre in your body is screaming at you to stop. Ignore it. You will beat yourself up later for listening and miss out on the ENORMOUS high when you cross the finish line knowing you gave 100%.
Bottom line, enjoy it. Like I said it's hugely addictive. Top marks for getting involved!!!! When you've done this one, make sure the next features an open water swim start with at least 100 competitors. You won't thank me, but it'll be an even more intense experience!!!!!
The only other thing I would add to the great piece above is.... stretch the calves before getting off the bike, and practice the cycle / run transition. Seriously. The cramps can be horrible for it.
Use the cycle to keep yourself hydrated also. Train with the hydration you will use in the race (as in don't train with water, and then switch to isotonics for the race - your body will punish you).
Apart from that, train hard, race easy.
Use the cycle to keep yourself hydrated also. Train with the hydration you will use in the race (as in don't train with water, and then switch to isotonics for the race - your body will punish you).
Apart from that, train hard, race easy.
I've never competed in a 'proper' triathlon. I've done a few multisports triathlons, such as the Helly Hansen Challenge, and a couple with a company called Endurancelife and Allabouttriathlons. They do off road races, and instead of swimming you kayak.
I have entered the London triathlon for this year. I'm aiming for around 2.45, but if I nail the ride it could be quicker. I'm borrowing a road bike from a friend, but having to train on a mountain bike.
I've also got a get a wetsuit, and being rather portly, I can't say i'm looking forward to the fitting!
I have entered the London triathlon for this year. I'm aiming for around 2.45, but if I nail the ride it could be quicker. I'm borrowing a road bike from a friend, but having to train on a mountain bike.
I've also got a get a wetsuit, and being rather portly, I can't say i'm looking forward to the fitting!
Aww, there's heaps to learn and as with most things first hand experience is probably the best tutor! You'll make heaps of mistakes during your first race (and if you're like me, repeat them!) but that'll just spur you on to do another . . . and another . . . you'll always ask yourself "why do I put myself through this st?" during the race, but when you finish you get the answer 
Fantastic discipline, that'll teach you some great skills and keep you fit (and give you a focus for doing so).
Swimming lessons would be a totally good idea (if you can find a swim coach near you) as it is the most technique focussed discipline and without doubt the hardest to pick up (unless you're a natural fish).
As far as diet goes, I don't get too anal about it really, although I do make sure to get protein down me within half an hour of a training session and try to ensure that every meal has a protein, a starchy carb and a fibrous carb constituent. I don't really do supplements, as they're just that really - supplementary to your diet - but there's plenty that do. You'll find out what your own body responds to best in time. Other than that, anything goes - and usually a lot of it!
Here's a few links for a bit more info:-
http://www.velogear.com/prodinfo.asp?number=VP+TRI... . . . without question THE bible for triathlon
http://www.humanrace.co.uk/ . . . do most of my races with these guys. Very good event organisers
http://www.trinewbies.com/ . . . very good site . . . lots of useful info
and as Don said, train hard, race easy!! Enjoy!
t?" during the race, but when you finish you get the answer Fantastic discipline, that'll teach you some great skills and keep you fit (and give you a focus for doing so).
Swimming lessons would be a totally good idea (if you can find a swim coach near you) as it is the most technique focussed discipline and without doubt the hardest to pick up (unless you're a natural fish).
As far as diet goes, I don't get too anal about it really, although I do make sure to get protein down me within half an hour of a training session and try to ensure that every meal has a protein, a starchy carb and a fibrous carb constituent. I don't really do supplements, as they're just that really - supplementary to your diet - but there's plenty that do. You'll find out what your own body responds to best in time. Other than that, anything goes - and usually a lot of it!
Here's a few links for a bit more info:-
http://www.velogear.com/prodinfo.asp?number=VP+TRI... . . . without question THE bible for triathlon
http://www.humanrace.co.uk/ . . . do most of my races with these guys. Very good event organisers
http://www.trinewbies.com/ . . . very good site . . . lots of useful info
and as Don said, train hard, race easy!! Enjoy!
Front crawl is down to technique first.. and then practice, practice and more practice...
I am training for a triathlon and couldn’t swim more that 2 lengths of front crawl without taking in loads of water, hyperventilating or just gasping for breath! Now I can swim sets of 40 quite comfortably at a steady pace.. You will be amazed at how quick you improve..
I studied video after video on youtube regarding technique, and that helped alot.. I found it helps to slow the stroke down and work on extending the reach...
I am training for a triathlon and couldn’t swim more that 2 lengths of front crawl without taking in loads of water, hyperventilating or just gasping for breath! Now I can swim sets of 40 quite comfortably at a steady pace.. You will be amazed at how quick you improve..
I studied video after video on youtube regarding technique, and that helped alot.. I found it helps to slow the stroke down and work on extending the reach...
Pitchshifter said:
One last point!: i was once told keep swimming untill you feel physically sick! Not sure if thats a good tip or not 
..
..
Not sure the local council pool is going to relish the thought of my curds and whey drifting about on the surface. They've probably had MUCH worse in there though
Hi KingRichard, glad you got the swim lessons booked. Very hard to give you swimming tips here, but lessons will give you a huge advantage. If you start being competitive and you will cause Tri IS addictive. Being intouch (not literally) with the front swim group is important so you can catch the main bike bunch with out too much problem, if you miss getting on the train your playing catch up the whole race and youll bonk in no time.. Then I always say a good race comes down to the run...
Did olympic distance tris for yrs as well as the shorter events. Its addictive cause its so hard and gets you going back for more to improve each time.
Dont get hung up like I did and spend all yr hard earnt cash on the latest gear and nutrition. Its bks, good old bananas and flat coke will get you through a race. Good gear helps but youll be fine on second had middle of the range equipment to start you out.
Good luck, theres shed loads of reading on the net. My fav quotes came from this guy whom I have been in contact with and adore very much, but only when I was doing tris of course
www.gordoworld.com He does more Ironman extreme stuff.
Did olympic distance tris for yrs as well as the shorter events. Its addictive cause its so hard and gets you going back for more to improve each time.
Dont get hung up like I did and spend all yr hard earnt cash on the latest gear and nutrition. Its b
ks, good old bananas and flat coke will get you through a race. Good gear helps but youll be fine on second had middle of the range equipment to start you out.Good luck, theres shed loads of reading on the net. My fav quotes came from this guy whom I have been in contact with and adore very much, but only when I was doing tris of course
www.gordoworld.com He does more Ironman extreme stuff. Kylie said:
Hi KingRichard, glad you got the swim lessons booked. Very hard to give you swimming tips here, but lessons will give you a huge advantage. If you start being competitive and you will cause Tri IS addictive. Being intouch (not literally) with the front swim group is important so you can catch the main bike bunch with out too much problem, if you miss getting on the train your playing catch up the whole race and youll bonk in no time.. Then I always say a good race comes down to the run...
Did olympic distance tris for yrs as well as the shorter events. Its addictive cause its so hard and gets you going back for more to improve each time.
Dont get hung up like I did and spend all yr hard earnt cash on the latest gear and nutrition. Its bks, good old bananas and flat coke will get you through a race. Good gear helps but youll be fine on second had middle of the range equipment to start you out.
Good luck, theres shed loads of reading on the net. My fav quotes came from this guy whom I have been in contact with and adore very much, but only when I was doing tris of coursewww.gordoworld.com He does more Ironman extreme stuff.
Ok... Update today!Did olympic distance tris for yrs as well as the shorter events. Its addictive cause its so hard and gets you going back for more to improve each time.
Dont get hung up like I did and spend all yr hard earnt cash on the latest gear and nutrition. Its b
ks, good old bananas and flat coke will get you through a race. Good gear helps but youll be fine on second had middle of the range equipment to start you out.Good luck, theres shed loads of reading on the net. My fav quotes came from this guy whom I have been in contact with and adore very much, but only when I was doing tris of course
www.gordoworld.com He does more Ironman extreme stuff. I went for my swimming lesson today and the lady was really nice. Booked up to have one a week for ten weeks, and will try to swim 3 times per week around the other training. I'm following the training plan someone above posted a link to. It's ten weeks long so that's perfect.
Basically we established that the only way to complete the distance in the time is to front crawl. Apparently I naturally have a good movement, and I'm quite powerful in the water, however my breathing is horrendous!
Apparently you breath every third stroke, but all I do on the ninth stroke is turn my head and swallow a gobful of water! I've been using floats (the shame) and all sorts to practice turning my head to breath etc.
Can't wait to get in the pool tomorrow though!
I've bought myself a stopwatch, some spangly new trainers (went for a proper video analysis of my stride - I have fallen arches and a tendancy to snap my heels down hard) which are really comfy. Got some decent socks, neoprene shorts and some Glide (I swear it's just anal lube with a different name!).
All ready to get out there and begin my training properly.
I've got my diet planned out... 6 small meals a day consisting of either rice, potatoes or pasta with a small portion of meat or fish, bucketloads of water and as much fresh fruit as I can. Gonna stop with the protein powders and just stick with decent food.
10 weeks!
Another newbie to tri here *
*
Couple of questions:
1. I wear glasses. Am completely blind without them - how does this generally work with the swim? Is it the norm to wear contact lenses or is there normally somewhere you can pick them up from between the swim and T1?
2. Bike - I have a mountain bike but the 10m is actually primarily on roads. Really dumb question but can you change the tires on any bike to help out or only on certain ones? Loathe to pay out for a road bike until I'm certain I want to do more tris!
Any suggestions, tip, tricks would be much appreciated...
*Couple of questions:
1. I wear glasses. Am completely blind without them - how does this generally work with the swim? Is it the norm to wear contact lenses or is there normally somewhere you can pick them up from between the swim and T1?
2. Bike - I have a mountain bike but the 10m is actually primarily on roads. Really dumb question but can you change the tires on any bike to help out or only on certain ones? Loathe to pay out for a road bike until I'm certain I want to do more tris!
Any suggestions, tip, tricks would be much appreciated...
Glasses / contacts - contacts are a must, but try to get properly fitted goggles that don't leak.
Mountain bike - yes, 'fatty' tyres that are basically slicks will make you go a lot fater than 'knobblies' - but are lethal in the wet. Go to Halfords and see what kind of basic bike tyres they have maybe (unless there is a good bike shop close by).
It won't help much, but try to minimise your areodynamic drag on the bike - take off cow bars?
Mountain bike - yes, 'fatty' tyres that are basically slicks will make you go a lot fater than 'knobblies' - but are lethal in the wet. Go to Halfords and see what kind of basic bike tyres they have maybe (unless there is a good bike shop close by).
It won't help much, but try to minimise your areodynamic drag on the bike - take off cow bars?
ewenm said:
prescription goggles (expensive no doubt).
Prescription goggles aren't that badly priced. I've got some Kiefer ones for about £20 - ordered online from Swimshop, they have a variety of prescriptions. Most of the guys I've seen on the Masters circuit have the Kiefer ones.I think there is also a specialist prescription goggle website as I've heard good things about the Speedo ones too.
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