Brand new to running and triathlons

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teacher #1

1 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

Oct 5, 2005 9:56 AM

Brand new to running and triathlons

I decided about 6 weeks ago to begin running for exercise. I have always hated running, so I started with only 15 minutes every other day and now I am at 25 minutes every other day and loving it. I have also just started training in the pool and on the bike. The first triathlon I would like to try is only a "mini" and it's at the end of October. Is it feasible for me to try and compete after only 10 weeks of training? Can anyone suggest a good book with a training schedule?
Thanks,
Kari

Grizdog

176 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

1. Oct 6, 2005 11:59 AM

in response to: teacher #1

there many books out on training for triathlons. Everyone is different and you know you body the best. Gradually increase you have been. I thought the same thing last year when i did not 1st Tri and I felt like I over train. How long is the swim, bike and run?

triruth

174 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

2. Oct 6, 2005 2:33 PM

in response to: teacher #1

Everybody has enough energy stored up in them to finish multiple marathons. The key is pace. So go for it, have a blast, and make some friends.

KenMierke

20 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

3. Oct 6, 2005 6:05 PM

in response to: teacher #1

My book The Triathlete's Guide to Run Training has informatio about running technique, training intensity, designing your schedule, nutrition, and everything required to run well after a long, hard bike. It also has sample training schedules for beinner, intermediate, advanced, and elite athletes for sprint, Olympic half ironman, and ironman distance races. The book is available at www.Fitness-Concepts.com

You might also be interested in my video about running technique, Evolution Running: Run Faster with Fewer Injuries.

Good luck, Ken

Joe_H1

1,073 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

4. Oct 7, 2005 6:16 AM

in response to: teacher #1

check trinewbies.com for a online training plan for a sprint tri as a start and adapt it to your weakest event and train that the most. 10 weeks should be enough time to get ready - Don't focus on a finishing time just on finishing and having a good time. have fun and good luck

Connor Seth

11 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

5. Oct 8, 2005 6:32 PM

in response to: teacher #1

Its ok to compete, but I think you need to up your training a little bit. Do enough so that you wont have to walk during the race.

ahnwhitfield

5 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

6. Oct 14, 2005 2:17 PM

in response to: teacher #1

Kari
Go for it! The only expectation you should have of your first tri race is to have fun. As long as you come away having enjoyed the experience and hungry to train for more then it's been a total success.

Although a bit late for this race, the only book you'll ever need is Joe Friel's 'Triathlete's Training Bible'. That took me from novice (shorter than sprint) to Ironman (20mins off qualifying) in 18months.

Angus

kimdvm

1 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

7. Oct 17, 2005 5:00 AM

in response to: teacher #1

You can train for a short triathlon in that time, but you might find your long-term training more enjoyable if you piece things a bit... there are lots of 5K and 10K races this time of year you might want to start with.

For your first mini or sprint triathlon, try Eric Harr's book "Triathlon Training in Four Hours a Week". Some of the other books, like the Triathlete's Training Bible, are very technical and take a lot of time to really reap the benefits of. The Harr book is basic, and you can start training while you are skimming it... a good fun way to get ready for your first tri and just enjoy the experience.

I find women are usually pretty enthusiastic about just finishing, no need to worry about your time on your first race (do mentally prepare for that open-water swim; battling with others in the water has scared off a lot of good athletes).

Have fun!

iron_girl

1 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

8. Oct 18, 2005 9:28 AM

in response to: teacher #1

Hello there: I also started running just a short 3 years ago, before that, I never, ever ran in my life. I have a backgrownd in swimming so running was totally a learning experience still in the making. Do keep running, it is the only way to get stronger. Also, try to do some weight lifting with your legs, that helps a lot. I have done Triathlons for the past 3 years and now I am so hooked on this sport. I started doing only Sprints, then, in 04, I added an Olimpic Distance, then, this year I added a Half Iron Man, (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.2 mile run) I finished in 6:23:22 and grabbed a 3rd. place in my 50-54 age group. I am 54. Next year I will do the Wisconsin Iron Man, on September 10th. I can't wait. So keep on training, never give up and you will soon see the results of your hard work. Best wishes.
Maria
PS. there is a web site for triathletes: www.trinewbies.com
Check it out. Here you can find really good training programs, from Sprint Triathlons to Half Iron Man. You have to become a member, it is free. All you have to do is fill out the registration form for your profile. Good luck.

leBruce

1 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

9. Oct 18, 2005 11:35 AM

in response to: teacher #1

Since you are planning to take part in a short race, try to practice the course (the whole thing) about one week before the race (but do it in a more relaxed way - it really won't matter if your swim is a bit slow or you ride your bike a little more slowly (near the stop signs, etc.) Record you time for each discipline, familiarize yourself with the course (the potholes, stop signs, the "line" on the swim, how to exit the water, etc.) and after the practice review how you did. Expect to be a few minutes faster when the actual race comes, but make sure you are well rested up for it. Don't do anything hard the last couple of days before the race.
Bruce Stewart (52-year-old who prefers short races)

bfairchi

9 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

10. Oct 20, 2005 12:06 PM

in response to: teacher #1

Get ready to get hooked. If you love to swim your'e good to go.

taylorpolo

3 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

11. Oct 23, 2005 12:04 AM

in response to: teacher #1

Ten weeks of training for a mini-tri is enough i feel. i did my first tri (olympic distance) on about 10 weeks of training then took 2 weeks off before my race, i however do not recommend that training schedule. but anyways back to my point, i ended up winning my age group, and got 21st overall out of 83, so it is most definitely doable

lounatic77

1 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

12. Jan 20, 2006 7:39 AM

in response to: teacher #1

So how did you do?

I am no expert but I think you should also be able to run 1.3 times the triathlon's run leg (by itself).

Lou

Oct 5, 2005 9:56 AM

Brand new to running and triathlons

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