Advice for a newbie?

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bjoiner

47 posts since
Feb 19, 2003

May 23, 2007 6:14 PM

Advice for a newbie?

I've been wanting to try a Triathlon for about a year now but I have so many hesitations about it. Is it much more competitive than a running race? The photos I've seen make the competitors look hard-core. How did you get started?

jroden

1,683 posts since
Dec 11, 2007

1. May 23, 2007 7:11 PM

in response to: bjoiner

Re: Advice for a newbie?

No, there are a lot of pretty basic level competitors in the races, but they do require expensive equipment, some time to train and time to gain at least a decent level of mastery in the three sports. I think anyone with some fitness and a desire to put some time and money into the sport can do fine, I wouldn't be intimidated.

juliemboyle

1,028 posts since
Nov 17, 2007

2. May 23, 2007 7:27 PM

in response to: bjoiner

Re: Advice for a newbie?

I am only in my second season, so still a "newbie". I agree with JR.....if you have a desire to do this and are able to get the basic equipment it really is a joy. I love the sport and I feel that the triathlon community is very friendly and open.

It does take time, work and some $$$ to do this sport, but if you have those you will have a great time! Go for it!

bjoiner

47 posts since
Feb 19, 2003

3. May 24, 2007 1:46 PM

in response to: bjoiner

Re: Advice for a newbie?

I have a road bike already, running shoes, and swim goggles. What all do you need that makes it so expensive?

jroden

1,683 posts since
Dec 11, 2007

4. May 24, 2007 1:57 PM

in response to: bjoiner

Re: Advice for a newbie?

you should be fine, the race entry fees are pretty high, but if you can live with the go race

lethalracegal

27 posts since
Nov 10, 2005

5. May 24, 2007 3:57 PM

in response to: bjoiner

Re: Advice for a newbie?

A "tri-for-fun" is a great intro to the world of triathlons. You get an inexpensive view ($45-$55) of what a full triathlon could be. There are a lot of beginners in a tri-for-fun but some veterans who want to use it as a practice run so you get a diverse group of triathletes.

With your first one out of the way, you have paved a path for improvement for future races. Caution: triathlons can be addicting!

melonella

406 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

6. May 24, 2007 4:17 PM

in response to: bjoiner

Re: Advice for a newbie?

quote:<HR>Originally posted by bjoiner:
I have a road bike already, running shoes, and swim goggles. What all do you need that makes it so expensive?<HR>

Bike, shoes, pedals, spare tubes/tires, pumps, aerobars, wetsuit, swimsuits (they don't last forever), pull buoy, fins, etc.

Do you need all this stuff? No. But there's inherently a lot more equipment available for biking and swimming than there is for running and at some point you might start to pick up some of it.

triandstopme044

1,454 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

7. May 25, 2007 1:53 AM

in response to: bjoiner

Re: Advice for a newbie?

quote:<HR>Originally posted by melonella:
But there's inherently a lot more equipment available for biking and swimming than there is for running and at some point you might start to pick up some of it.<HR>

I don't know... you can find a lot of running gear (well beyond) clothes and shoes if you really want to be the complete gearhead. (Which I am.) Polar S625x (or Garmin if you prefer), Amphipod (or FuelBelt), Halo headband, Road I.D., red LED for night-time running, MP3 player for those so inclined...and so on...

But, melonella's dead-on right. Sounds like you have all you need to come on out and play!

LeftRightRepeat

1,618 posts since
Aug 16, 2007

8. May 25, 2007 9:11 AM

in response to: bjoiner

Re: Advice for a newbie?

That's me - hard core!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bahhhhhh ha ha ha!!!!

You just do it. You've got a bike - get out and ride it. Do some running and swimming. Then you sign up for a short one - a "sprint" - and you just go do it!!! There will be a lot more mortals there than you expect. Then, if you like that, maybe you try a longer one. And you train little more. You'll get it!

------------------
->>> John[/URL" target="_blank"> <<<-
Go write something in the Newbie Wiki[/URL" target="_blank">!!

Bienzi

25 posts since
May 30, 2007

9. May 25, 2007 10:54 AM

in response to: bjoiner

Re: Advice for a newbie?

I just signed up for my fist tri in Ma.... Oh my what have i done.
I did a 3 mile run then biked about 20 so I think I am half way there. ( I am a decent swimmer)

please give me any tips! so I dont look too much like an idiot

------------------
me[/URL" target="_blank">

Silly Sally087

1,244 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

10. Dec 22, 2007 2:23 AM

in response to: bjoiner

Re: Advice for a newbie?

A lot of us aren't hard core, like me ... just recreational. We just have the gear (or some of it) that makes us look good. The right gear can sometimes boost one's confidence, or another athlete's perception of you. For example, I own my own ChampionChip and have had runners at marathons go "wow, you must be fast"

Ha ha! I am MOP all the way baby, maybe even slower now!

Tri training is sooo much more fun than just training for one sport ... I totally dig the variety.

Go out, do it, sign up for a tri, you will not regret it. Just have fun and run your OWN race!

Sally

------------------
"Follow your bliss"
My Ironwoman Inklings[/URL" target="_blank">

http://This message has been edited by Silly Sally (edited May-25-2007).

Econo011

1,459 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

11. May 26, 2007 12:08 AM

in response to: bjoiner

Re: Advice for a newbie?

Go and watch a sprint tri. The first thought that pops into your mind will be "pfft! I could do that!"

This is what I saw: Hardly anyone doing flip turns in the pool. People doing backstroke, sidestroke, whatever in the pool, people stopping and gasping for breath at the end of a length, people posing for photos during transitions, putting their helmet on backwards, riding bikes with baskets, etc, etc.

Then go home and sign up for one!

May 23, 2007 6:14 PM

Advice for a newbie?

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