training for a triathlon. . .

[jonathan_matos5]

its gonna happen this time i swear!

first day training was today! I don't think i over did it, but i will probably know more tomorrow. all i did was ran/walked half a mile. about 50/50 walking and jogging.

i think i am on track for the triathlon that i want to attempt!

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/di...p?linkid=46284

swim 437.45 yards 12 mile bike 2 mile run if you don't want to click the link.

i will have the most trouble with the running portion at this point. so for now it will look a lot like training for a 5k.

do you guys have any pointers for me? other than "don't hurt yourself etc.?

[bassist11]

I haven't done a triathlon but I've done a couple half marathons so here's my input for running at least.

1) They say don't add more than 10% a week to total mileage for a reason. You will hurt yourself if you overdo it at the beginning. Do a little research into working your way into running and you might pick up a few tips or plans.
2) Stretching is very important, more so after the run. Before workout stretching should be light and dynamic
3) Don't skimp on the shoes, get yourself a good pair and they will treat you well

Good luck! I've done a half marathon and I couldn't imagine doing another one right after to finish a marathon so kudos to you for aiming for a triathlon right away.

[tplyons]

Practice your sports separately at first.

Then do two sport days. Swimming into biking. Biking into running. Those first steps off the bike are BRUTAL.

Few weeks before the event, make sure you PRACTICE your transitions.

I find T1 difficult with the wetness. You can either dry them ALL the way off, or you can go without socks.

On your bike, use clipless pedals and leave your shoes attached to the bike. This makes T1 easier, but make sure you practice.

Regarding T2, I find drawstring running shoes the easiest way to go. But remember, the first quarter/half mile SUCKS... your legs are tired, and its a totally different feel.

I went through the same thing you did in 2011. Unfortunately, due to a few deaths in the family, I dropped out about 3 weeks prior to the event to take care of family issues. I have yet to compete in my first tri, but am looking at one in September.

[DerHoggz]

Pointer: Forget the fleeing and drowning, just stick with the bike.

[tplyons]

Oh, and don't underestimate your rest.

[jonathan_matos5]

Any suggestions on what shoes I should get for training would be helpful.

[baba]

Originally Posted by jonathan_matos5

Any suggestions on what shoes I should get for training would be helpful.

Go to a running store, not a mall athletic shoe store. The running store will check to see if you are feet are pronated, heavily arched, flat, etc, and help select the proper shoe for you. Most of these places actually video tape you running on a tread mill to analyze your gate and step. Expect to pay about $120 for a good pair of shoes. CRITICAL.

I just ran a 1/2 marathon and my feet had absolutely no issues due to the proper high quality shoe....and possibly my mad running skills.

[lo_freq_geek]

Practice the bike to run in training - often called the "brick" because that's what your legs will feel like afterward. It seems that these should be physiologically similar but the hamstrings react harshly the first few times you run after hard cycling.

[spade2you]

Get Joe Friel's Triathlete Bible.

[Roscoe East]

Originally Posted by bassist11

don't add more than 10% a week to total mileage

+1
And the corrollary to that axiom, regarding any progressive training series, is If You're Increasing The Distance/Duration, Don't Increase The Intensity (And Vice-Versa).

[tplyons]

Originally Posted by baba

Go to a running store, not a mall athletic shoe store. The running store will check to see if you are feet are pronated, heavily arched, flat, etc, and help select the proper shoe for you. Most of these places actually video tape you running on a tread mill to analyze your gate and step. Expect to pay about $120 for a good pair of shoes. CRITICAL.

I just ran a 1/2 marathon and my feet had absolutely no issues due to the proper high quality shoe....and possibly my mad running skills.

This. I HATED running until I was fitted for the proper shoe for my stride.

I still hate running, but it's a lot less painful.

[SoonerMatt]

When I was training for a mini triathlon last year I took a few race swimming lessons. I already knew how to swim, just not how to swim long distances quickly and efficiently.

[AaronMB]

Originally Posted by bassist11

I haven't done a triathlon but I've done a couple half marathons so here's my input for running at least.

1) They say don't add more than 10% a week to total mileage for a reason. You will hurt yourself if you overdo it at the beginning. Do a little research into working your way into running and you might pick up a few tips or plans.
2) Stretching is very important, more so after the run. Before workout stretching should be light and dynamic
3) Don't skimp on the shoes, get yourself a good pair and they will treat you well

Good luck! I've done a half marathon and I couldn't imagine doing another one right after to finish a marathon so kudos to you for aiming for a triathlon right away.

I don't do -athlons but do hike and backpack hard/fast miles...it's kind of apples and oranges, but this is sound advice. Have fun - be careful.

Of course, a healthy diet is also a good thing.