Run Run Away

Question:

Hi all, I have set a goal that I would like to enter and _finish_ a tri next year.  I really could use some advice for starting out, though. I am currently somewhat overweight and I have never been super- athletic, though I do participate in some sports.  I have started running (slowly) so I can pull my weight down before I add in the other sports.  Is this a good idea?  BTW, I am 23 and female, if that makes a difference. I am really excited about this.  Finishing -even a short- tri would be wonderful!! Please post or email any advice!!  Thanks a lot.

I can recommend a book:   "Swim, Bike, Run" by Tood and Kearney. A great all-in-one book especially good for beginners.  Covers pretty much everything: equipment, technique, nutrition, setting up a well- rounded training schedule, pre- and post- competition guidelines. I bought my copy at Barnes & Noble at San Thomas and Stevens Creek, but I think you can also get it at Fleet Feet (whoops, MetroSport). Kostya Vasilyev                                         swim-bike-run SYMANTEC Corp. Development Tools                        eat- eat -eat (408) 446-7165                                          program in C++

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:I can recommend a book: :  "Swim, Bike, Run" by Tood and Kearney. Best book by far that I’ve read, explains not only what, but why very understandably.

Response:

Hi all, I have set a goal that I would like to enter and _finish_ a tri next year.  I really could use some advice for starting out, though. I am currently somewhat overweight and I have never been super- athletic, though I do participate in some sports.  I have started running (slowly) so I can pull my weight down before I add in the other sports.  Is this a good idea?  BTW, I am 23 and female, if that makes a difference. I am really excited about this.  Finishing -even a short- tri would be wonderful!!

HOORAY!  Another tri-geek to be. DO IT!  It is a great sport! Some things in your favor:  Since ther are three sports, most people are lousy in at least one of them, so you won’t necessarily be uncompetitive – even on your first tri.  Since there are few women in the sport (at least around here), you may even place high in your age group. Some more important things in your favor:  You are going about it in the right way.  Start easy.  Enjoy yourself.  Most important, you are willing to TRY. There are plenty of short tris around.  I’d suggest one with a pool swim. (My first one was 200m pool swim, 13k bike, 3k run). Lots of people take training for these very seriously.  By the time of your first tri, the only thing that I think is really necessary is to be able swim, run, and bike a little longer than the distance in the race (each distance taken alone). I didn’t even practice the bike-swim transition, and wouldn’t recommend it to you.  It is a bit of a shock, but you really can do it.  If I had practiced it, I would have gotten discouraged and maybe not even enter. The only real rule is:  IF IT HURTS, STOP.  Take a few days off, then try again. I did my first tri this April, and now I really have the bug.  It’s a great sport.  Let us know it goes . — Dan Reiley, Ph.D. Primo Optics, Inc. Huntsville, AL

Response:

Hi all, I have set a goal that I would like to enter and _finish_ a tri next year.  I really could use some advice for starting out, though. I am currently somewhat overweight and I have never been super- athletic, though I do participate in some sports.  I have started running (slowly) so I can pull my weight down before I add in the other sports.  Is this a good idea?  BTW, I am 23 and female, if that makes a difference.

I would recommend a book called "Triathlons for Mortal Human Beings" which lays out a very pragmatic training schedule.  Worked for me when I started, no injuries and not only finished feeling great, but also a lot faster than I would have imagined. Good luck and have fun! RSTILL (Rich Stillman)

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: Hi all, : I have set a goal that I would like to enter and _finish_ a tri : next year.  I really could use some advice for starting out, though. Jenny, that sounds like a great goal, and you should do fine with the proper preparation.  Number one, however, is to make sure you have fun while you’re getting yourself prepared.  I’ve race triathlons for 7 years, including the last three in the professional division.  Well, actually I raced once this past season because after a dismal Ironman performane last October, the sport hac ceased to be fun.  After a summer of thinking, however, I believe I have refocused myself enough that training if fun again.  Thus, I will be back next year, hopefully faster than ever.  The key is thus keeping everything in perspective and FUN. Now, for training.  Your approach is good, as you want to increase the amount of training slowly.  The only problem, however, is that swimming and biking do require a mastering of some techniques.  You didn’t mention anything about your swimming ability, and thus I am assuming that you are comfortable with swimming half a mile or more.  If possible, you should start swimming at least a couple times per week in order to improve your swimming coordination and strength.  If your swimming is weak, this is even more important, because it can take some time building your capability up to the required distance.  A masters swimming team can be a tremendous help in this regard.  Don’t worry, however, most masters swimming teams are more than happy to work with new swimmers.  Having a coach watch and critique your strokes is invaluable, and the cost is normally quite reasonable.  You might check with a local running or swimming store to find a team near you, or post a note on the swimming news group on the net. With regard to biking, make sure you have a bike that fits you properly, and is in good working order. There’s no need to buy an expensive triathlon bike for your first race, and I have friends that have done their first few races on mountain bikes!  Of course, there’s nothing wrong with adding goodies like triathlon handle bars, clipless pedals, etc. to your road bike once you’ve become comfortable riding.  Once a qualified bike shop has checked out your fit on the bike, begin riding easy and get comfortable in traffic.  Oh, I almost forgot, always wear a helmet!  Just like running, build your distance slowly.  You may also find that biking will help you lose the weight quicker, since most people can bike for a longer period of time than they can run or swim (particularly when first starting out).  Once you become a more proficient biker, you should try to be able to complete a long (2 hour+) bike ride every 1-2 weeks.  Company on these longer rides will be helpful. As far as running, be VERY careful that you don’t increse your mileage too fast.  Otherwise you’ll be likely to injure yourself.  Make sure you have a good pair of comfortable running shoes, even if it means spending a little more money.  Also, contrary to the belief of some triathletes, you cannot run hard every day!  The body simply will not permit you to.   Three hard runs per week is the limit, and right now all of your runs should probably merely be at a comfortable pace.  To make your training more fun and to gauge your progress, try entering some short running races this winter.  Don’t be discouraged by the results, however, since the whole point is to have fun. For specific workout plans, look at your local bookstore for a good triathlon book.  Many have plans for preparing for your first triathlon, and have weekly workout schedules.  Reading Triathlete magazine will also give you some good hints.  Keep in mind, though, that you must listen to your own body, and recognize good and bad pain.  If you’re too tired to do the workout you had planned, cut back.  A big mistake many triathletes make is sticking religiously to the plan they made 6 weeks ago, even though it’s tearing down their body excessively.  Finally, watch your diet.  Most of us eat way too much fat and not enough carbohydrates.  The proper balance in your diet will not only help get the weight off, but will improve your performance.  GOOD LUCK and HAVE FUN!!!                                 Marty Miller

Response:

Hi all, I have set a goal that I would like to enter and _finish_ a tri next year.  I really could use some advice for starting out, though. I am currently somewhat overweight and I have never been super- athletic, though I do participate in some sports.  I have started running (slowly) so I can pull my weight down before I add in the other sports.  Is this a good idea?  BTW, I am 23 and female, if that makes a difference. I am really excited about this.  Finishing -even a short- tri would be wonderful!! Please post or email any advice!!  Thanks a lot. Jenny   Menlo Park, California

Response:

If you are excited and spend some time training there are plenty of Tri’s  you could finish. With just a little training a finish will not be a problem. Why not sign up for a duathlon this fall. Swimming is the sport most triathletes have trouble mastering, myself included. Swim starts can be aggressive and it is no fun to be kicked and  hit if you are uncomfortable with the water. Use common sense and be prepared.  Read about training programs. Find others to train with, seek their advise. Set obtainable goals and work toward them. Jack

Response:

Hi all, I have set a goal that I would like to enter and _finish_ a tri next year.  I really could use some advice for starting out, though. I am currently somewhat overweight and I have never been super- athletic, though I do participate in some sports.  I have started running (slowly) so I can pull my weight down before I add in the other sports.  Is this a good idea?  BTW, I am 23 and female, if that makes a difference.

If you are overweight I would start with something other than running, or run less.  Running is the most stressful, especially with added weight.  Running also takes the most time for your body (bones, ligaments) to develop.  Muscles develop the fastest while bones and ligaments the slowest.  However, running puts the most stress on the bones and ligaments. I think the best approach would be to do cycling and/or swimming with a little running. Also a proper diet will take the weight off and give you loads of energy.  Eliminate the fats and sugars and limit your protein intake. Concentrate on complex carbos: veggies, brown rice, potatoes, pasta grains, etc.  You are chasing your tail if you make excuses for eating crap because you are training.   You should be training a *little* at all 3 soon.  And *gradually* build up the distance and intensity.  Don’t worry about intensity now.  First you have to build a base. Before you do that first tri, do a training tri on your own.  Especially cycle then run. And the best advice: Don’t overdo it.  Stick with it.  During this base-building period you should finish *every* workout feeling like you could have done more.  That way you will be able to the next day.

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