Entering Triathlons in Ireland

MCOS

Hi, I intend to do some triathlons next year but I've never done one before. I understand that the popularity of triathlon is ever increasing and so I would like to know how difficult it is to register for events?

Is there a tight entry window for events?
Are places limited for all races?
Do you need to be a certain status or qualify for any races in Ireland?
What are the most popular/hardest to enter races in the calender?


Much appreciated!

Highway_To_Hell

Check out the Triathlon Ireland website, they have a calendar of all affiliated events, next years calendar will not be finalised until the Feb/march 09 timeframe but in general each year the events are run in and around the same time each year. Entries are limited and do fill up quite quickly but if you plan your schedule well ahead you should have no problem. Also if you plan on doing a few Tri’s and Duathlons it would be worth getting a years TI membership as it saves getting one day licences for each event you enter (cost is only €50). No qualification status is required, each race will have lots of first timers and like me just competing with myself. There are sprint Tri’s that can be good as an introduction to the world of Tri before taking on the Olympic distance.

tunney

The Calendar will be out within the month.

National championship events will be decided before the end of '08, as will Premier League races.

Races do fill up quickly but this year only Kilkee and Kinsale filled up stupidly quick. Its more about the piss up after than the race itself that they fill up so quickly. (Although Kilkee always has a special place in my heart - love that run).

Some races can be by invitation only - however there are only one or two of these a year.

In my humble *personal* opinion the best races are:
* Kilkee - Olympic distance, tough run course, organisers fantastic, take great care of athletes.
* Kenmare - Half Ironman, swim has strong currents. Great location. Very expensive for what you get.
* Garadice - Sprint, excellent race, smallish but well run.
* Camlough - Sprint, excellent race, tough bike and run courses.
* Mourne - Olympic, so scenic, nice fast run course, on trails so recovery is less.

Plenty of other good races on the calendar though, some I wouldn't do as well though.

MCOS

Thanks Guys,

I'll keep an eye on the TI website and I definitely have Kilkee in mind anyway! Even if is one of the harder ones..

Which events are best for the novice triathlete... or to be more specific the events that are kinder to poor swimmers?

Also, do you reckon you can build enough Tri endurance in your first year to aim for a 1/2IM?

hunnymonster

It's no secret that I did my first ironman 8 months after my first swimming lesson. Nothing is impossible.

Blackrock is a particularly kind triathlon for nervous and poor swimmers. It's a sprint distance, the water is shallow and it's a small race field. I like Kilkee also for the run but the bike has nothing to recommend it. Quite a few newbies reviewed their first races here on boards this year. Might be worth looking back to get their impressions.

topper75

There is an additional event in Kilkee before the swim. The 'fast mouseclick'. It can't be trained for and only the strong (with annoying alarm clocks) will make it.

tunney

MCOS wrote: »

Also, do you reckon you can build enough Tri endurance in your first year to aim for a 1/2IM?

I reckon you can finish one yes.
However I wouldn't recommend doing it.
At half-ireman at the weekend people were going 8-8:30 hours (cut off was 7:30 so they finished outside of results). its a long long day out and a complete and utter sufferfest at that sort of time.

tunney

hunnymonster wrote: »

It's no secret that I did my first ironman 8 months after my first swimming lesson. Nothing is impossible.

I actually have a problem with this sort of advice.
9 times out of 10 the people asking "can I do a half-ironman in my first season" are coming from a sedentary lifestyle and for these people is the answer should be "well no, really, probably not safely".

For those people coming from an athletic background then yes they probably can.

Saying "well I did X,Y and Z in my first season isn't helpful IMHO". Don't mean to be harsh aiming for too much in the first season or two is something I feel strongly about.

I know a guy who has done three half-ironmen in his first season and placed very highly in some - he used to be a professional athlete in another sport. Does this mean Average Joe can do it? No.

Build up slowly, enjoy the races, do some sprints and an olympic in your first season, they'll be tough, more tough than you think but you'll enjoy them. Going from nothing to trying to be on your feet for 7+ hours in effectively 9 months is a huge ask and one that you are unlikely to enjoy and one that will increase your likelihood of injuries and decrease the odds that you continue in the sport.

Yes nothing is impossible, but some things are a really really bad idea.

MCOS

Cheers for the responses guys, fuel for thought. I'm not aiming for this from sedentary, I am reasonably fit and running the Dublin Marathon in a few weeks. I reckon that will give me a good endurance start for overall fitness. Just bought a bike and plan to get to know it after the marathon. I'll put some brick sessions into my program over the winter too and build swimming endurance.

Tunney you make a fair point, boasting about going from first swim lesson to Ironman in 8 months needs to be taken with a pinch of salt (all due respect) because it would be an unrealistic goal for someone who is out of shape to attain. I reckon Hunnymonster had a solid base before that first swim lesson. Fair play to graduating to a 4k swim in that timeframe though. Perhaps when stating your achievements as an experienced athlete you give a slight background to newbies such as 'I went from first swim lesson to Ironman in 8 months, it is achievable. Bear in mind I had a good competitive background in Track, Gaa etc...'

I'm not dissing any advice I get here, so don't get me wrong I take it all on board. it is encouraging and positive. I have a sporting background so I am just seeing it from the persective of a newbie to sport in general and not just triathlon

hunnymonster

tunney wrote: »

I actually have a problem with this sort of advice.

probably similar to the problem I have with people who assume everyone is susceptible to the same kind of injuries/setbacks/learnng curves that they are

I was hardly an athlete before trying triathlon. I had been almost dead until 2003, started running from couch potato end 2004 and did IMDE 2006. I'm lucky that I don't injure easily and don't try to combine speedy races with endurance but it's perfectly feasible to finish an ironman on 6 months work with no prior experience. Go to Runners world and look at their triathletes. About 100 of them who have done similar things.

interested

hunnymonster wrote: »

probably similar to the problem I have with people who assume everyone is susceptible to the same kind of injuries/setbacks/learnng curves that they are

I was hardly an athlete before trying triathlon. I had been almost dead until 2003, started running from couch potato end 2004 and did IMDE 2006. I'm lucky that I don't injure easily and don't try to combine speedy races with endurance but it's perfectly feasible to finish an ironman on 6 months work with no prior experience. Go to Runners world and look at their triathletes. About 100 of them who have done similar things.

Just my opinion ... whether its informed or not is another thing ...
I come from a distance swimming background, with a little cycling - for me the limiting factor in attempting a long distance event in season 1 would be the run.
I think if you have one or two seasons preparing for a marathon under your belt - building up the muscle endurance for the run or come from a running background then getting consistent work done in the pool and on the bike can definitely put you in the frame to *finish* an ironman. With the right attitude and the right work done it can be made to happen I guess.

Its my second season, and my first middle distance was at ireman last saturday. Im happy to say I was inside the cut off (just over 6 hours) with around a 2.15 run - I can say I enjoyed the race and was back training by tuesday. For me this is the important bit. I didnt get injured. I met a couple of objectives for the race and missed some others - but learned a stack load.

Everyone will have different objectives when starting triathlon - if doing a sprint, standard, middle and long distance triathlon in year 1 is someones objective then they may not listen to advice from anyone. My personal limiting factor of distance running and the objective of enjoying the race ensures that Ill take the baby steps first over a season or two.

Canis Lupus

I did my first tri in Ballina (Salmon Run)

Figure it's gotta be a nice beginners one for anyone cos the swim is down a river (you get to piss off the fishermen) so it's easy enough. Cycle was changed from the plan due to road works but it was easy enough again followed by an off road run through the nearby forest although the short but sharp hill at the start of the run kinda makes you hurt for a minute

I want to do the Valentia sprint next year then the London olympic as well and I'll be happy.

MCOS

Canis Lupus wrote: »

I did my first tri in Ballina (Salmon Run)

Figure it's gotta be a nice beginners one for anyone cos the swim is down a river (you get to piss off the fishermen) so it's easy enough. Cycle was changed from the plan due to road works but it was easy enough again followed by an off road run through the nearby forest although the short but sharp hill at the start of the run kinda makes you hurt for a minute

I want to do the Valentia sprint next year then the London olympic as well and I'll be happy.

Thanks for the tip. I might check that one out for a 'downhill' swim I've heard good things about the Valentia one too

MCOS

Sorry to drag up an older thread but I didn't want to start a new one just to ask a quick question.

I heard Kilkee is hard to get into because its so popular, are there others that you have to have your antennae up to get your name down? Also, when the race calender is finally finalised is there usually a rush of applications for early races? I just don't want to miss out on any events because I missed the entry

Thanks

Oh and how flexible are Triathlon race organisers for swapping places?

tunney

MCOS wrote: »

Sorry to drag up an older thread but I didn't want to start a new one just to ask a quick question.

I heard Kilkee is hard to get into because its so popular, are there others that you have to have your antennae up to get your name down? Also, when the race calender is finally finalised is there usually a rush of applications for early races? I just don't want to miss out on any events because I missed the entry

Thanks

Oh and how flexible are Triathlon race organisers for swapping places?

Depends on the organisers - some allow swaps some don't. Don't try and race as someone else you will/should be stopped. And don't b!tch about "its only one entry and I know that guy I'm giving it too" its alot of extra work for organisers. Think wave starts, think people changing AG etc etc.

Calendar is looking good and should be released soon. Races open at different dates. If your club is clued in you'll get a heads up a good big before races open.

Kinsale is the other race that fills up quickly (Kenmare didn't sell out this year). IMHO Kinsale only sells out because of the piss up afterwards.

Kilkee this year is the 25th anniversary race, expect a big one. (If only IM Austria wasn't the week after)

Bambaata

have you heard of any provisional date that the calender will be up Tunney? The site has said "soon" since September!

tunney

Bambaata wrote: »

have you heard of any provisional date that the calender will be up Tunney? The site has said "soon" since September!

Will be talking to the rest of the council tomorrow and will update then.

Bruce11

The sooner the better as it will make it easier for athletes to plan on what races they want to do. Also can look at the national series and put a plan in motion for the races to do. Will the championships next eyar still have extra points?

Bambaata

yeah i need to decide if there's other events i will do next year as well as plan some holidays!

tunney

Bruce11 wrote: »

The sooner the better as it will make it easier for athletes to plan on what races they want to do. Also can look at the national series and put a plan in motion for the races to do. Will the championships next eyar still have extra points?

I'd imagine the national champs will have bonus points.

Genghis

I think the application date for making a race Championship (and I think also for National Series) is something like 12 December. So while we might get a calendar 'soon' / by the end of November, don't expect it to have the NS or Champ races on it at first. It's probably January at best for these. While TI were initially pushing to have the final calendar for 2009 all sorted by now (and in fairness, most races responded by submitting their details on time), a reasonably good 2009 calendar by January is still a vast improvement over 2008.

MCOS

Was getting some advice in he gym today from a Triathlete giving me his recommendations for events. He was raving about Triathy and advising me to do the Joey Hannon plus an OW swim event before tackling Kilkee etc...

It would be good to post up reviews of events a la the Marathon reviews thread as this would be a great help for newbies such as myself in selecting races in 2009.

So I will certainly post up a review of my first Triathlon in May but hopefully then more informed reviews as the season progresses. The more information about events up here the better for the browsers of this forum. There are loads of events around Ireland in such a short season so I feel reviews would be both helpful to he newbie making a plan and also to just broadcast what is good about the sport.

Scroll back a bit and you will see a response Tunney gave to the OP. A few more posts like these and we could stick a season guide together or something.

Any thoughts?

tunney

MCOS wrote: »

Was getting some advice in he gym today from a Triathlete giving me his recommendations for events. He was raving about Triathy and advising me to do the Joey Hannon plus an OW swim event before tackling Kilkee etc...

It would be good to post up reviews of events a la the Marathon reviews thread as this would be a great help for newbies such as myself in selecting races in 2009.

So I will certainly post up a review of my first Triathlon in May but hopefully then more informed reviews as the season progresses. The more information about events up here the better for the browsers of this forum. There are loads of events around Ireland in such a short season so I feel reviews would be both helpful to he newbie making a plan and also to just broadcast what is good about the sport.

Scroll back a bit and you will see a response Tunney gave to the OP. A few more posts like these and we could stick a season guide together or something.

Any thoughts?

A review of triathlons was talked about before and quickly shot down. The problem being that the triathlon community in Ireland (and I mean the core) is very small. And race organisers are very very sensitive about their races and its really not worth anyone experienced making their lifes difficult to publicly criticise races. The problem then with getting the inexperienced people to do it is that they don't have the experience to compare races. What some people think is an excellent race may have someone a bit more clued in terrified as they realise the saftey implications of what they just saw.

MCOS

tunney wrote: »

A review of triathlons was talked about before and quickly shot down. The problem being that the triathlon community in Ireland (and I mean the core) is very small. And race organisers are very very sensitive about their races and its really not worth anyone experienced making their lifes difficult to publicly criticise races. .

Why so sensitive? The guys who organise the Connemarathon get more than a bucket full of reviews and feedback every year but in fairness to them they listen and seem proud of how far the news of their event is travelling...

Where does the bulk of the core triathlon community stem from? Are they pure triathletes or did they emerge from one of the disciplines or other sports?

Bruce11

Don't see why races can't be profiled or reviewed, free speech and all that. If someone has strong views against a particular race they should just list that they are against the race and e-mail the rcae organisers. This way it may help the organisers and no bad press.

My guess is most reviews will be good with points of interest like "run was on beach and dunes, surface not smooth and liable to turn ankle" or "mix or road, concrete and grass surface which made interesting run" or "flat out and back course, footpaths all along the course" etc

MCOS

It was someone telling me about the buzz they got from doing 2 legs of a relay in Kilkee last year that really got me interested.. I browsed some Thread on fitness logs and this Forum and found some personal triumphant reviews which only increased my curiosity and interest. I've since convinced that guy to do the whole thing in Kilkee next year! I really can't wait to do my first Tri now. I love running but love the variety of training for a Triathlon even more

MCOS

Got an email this morning to say that 2009 TI membership and the 2009 Race Calender will be available next week!

paulksnn

MCOS, my first tri (Joey Olympic) review is here
http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=55851395&postcount=58
and my second tri (Galway) is here
http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=56654932&postcount=62

It is just one persons point of view though.
I didn't realise it at the time, but the Joey hannon is an excellent starting race.
Lane swimming, means you get the distance, without the fear of the open water and people trying to drown you.
The cycle is on a dual carriageway as well. The best surface of the 2 I did this year.

MCOS

Cheers for the reviews paulksnn! Are you training now for some more next year? How is the running coming along? Planning the Joey Hannon as my first also next year

paulksnn

Starting to get the training in alright MCOS.
The amount of time required makes it difficult with family, work etc.
There is a bug in it though. I'm going to try for 3 or 4 and want an improvement on my times. Cycling and Running are my problems, but I'm still swimming more than either of them, so I need to sort that out ;-)

Joey is a handy first tri, because you don't need a wetsuit and you don't need to train for OW swimming. Best of luck, keep us posted on how you get on.

MCOS

I just joined UL so hopefully using the 50m pool will bring the swimming up for me. Only been on the bike a couple of times so need to get plenty of mileage on that and just need to get some speed into the run. After that its transition practice, brick sessions to practice running on wobbly legs and OW swimming I need to incorporate and then put them all together on the day. Well done for doing your fist 2 Tris at Olympic distance under 3hours, thats good going!

Has anyone here done the Beast of the East Triathlon?

MCOS

So much for TI saying they will have the race calender up by Friday December 12th:mad:

Bambaata

yeah im anxiously waiting on it myself!!

Izoard

MCOS,

BotE is a great tri, but v. difficult as a starter. IMHO the start of the run is the hardest part of tri, and at BotE the first 2km is up, up, up...torture!

If you want a nice easy intro, Mrs. Izoard runs a charity tri in Brittas Bay each year (www.sportingproud.org)...very relaxed and a cracking location.

Not TI sanctioned (charity first and all that...), but has been very successful for the past 10 years.

MCOS

Thank Izoard. I'm starting off with the Joey Hannon which is familiar territory for me and a pool start so that will be a good intro for me. I've heard from a few people that the BofE is tough alright. One of my main goals is the Hell of the West, it may just be interesting to do them both and see which of these deserves the reputation of toughest standard distance on the calender!

tunney

MCOS wrote: »

Thank Izoard. I'm starting off with the Joey Hannon which is familiar territory for me and a pool start so that will be a good intro for me. I've heard from a few people that the BofE is tough alright. One of my main goals is the Hell of the West, it may just be interesting to do them both and see which of these deserves the reputation of toughest standard distance on the calender!

Hell of the West will be having its 25th anniversary this year, it will be a big one I believe and will sell out extremely quickly.

MCOS

tunney wrote: »

Hell of the West will be having its 25th anniversary this year, it will be a big one I believe and will sell out extremely quickly.

Thank Tunney, I didn't know this so I will have my ears open. Having joined the host club though I'd have to be lost in a mist not to hear about the registration..

I'll remind people here though as soon as I know

tunney

MCOS wrote: »

Thank Tunney, I didn't know this so I will have my ears open. Having joined the host club though I'd have to be lost in a mist not to hear about the registration..

I'll remind people here though as soon as I know

Emmmmm if you've joined the host club then it is highly unliekly you'll be abler to race it. Most clubs, well those concerned with running good races, don't like club members race in club races as they need people to help out.

Not sure what its like in Limerick.

MCOS

tunney wrote: »

Emmmmm if you've joined the host club then it is highly unliekly you'll be abler to race it. Most clubs, well those concerned with running good races, don't like club members race in club races as they need people to help out.

Not sure what its like in Limerick.

LTC hosts 2 Triathlons. Joey Hannon and the HOW. I have 2 volunteers organised for each. If I couldn't provide a volunteer I would do it myself. Its my first season of Triathlon so I want to experience these events on the inside first.

tunney

MCOS wrote: »

LTC hosts 2 Triathlons. Joey Hannon and the HOW. I have 2 volunteers organised for each. If I couldn't provide a volunteer I would do it myself. Its my first season of Triathlon so I want to experience these events on the inside first.

sounds like you've got it covered then.

MCOS

Apparently its tomorrow now it will be up

Bruce11

So the official TI website says that it was meant to be up Fri, they have problems and it may be ready for tomorrow. Curious to see it and try plan for the year.

MCOS

http://www.triathlonireland.com/event_calendar/EventCalendar.html

Yay! How do you know which are national series?

tunney

MCOS wrote: »

http://www.triathlonireland.com/event_calendar/EventCalendar.html

Yay! How do you know which are national series?

Not yet you don't.

Race organisers have to apply for NS. TI have been asking them to do so for months. Generally they don't bother until Jan/feb. Hopefully they will do better this year.

MCOS

tunney wrote: »

Not yet you don't.

Race organisers have to apply for NS. TI have been asking them to do so for months. Generally they don't bother until Jan/feb. Hopefully they will do better this year.

Cool thanks. Would you predict any changes to the NS for 2009? Also are certain events definitely bonus points?

tunney

MCOS wrote: »

Cool thanks. Would you predict any changes to the NS for 2009? Also are certain events definitely bonus points?

Not going to predict anything on NS.

National Champs and any invitation only races will have bonus points.

MCOS

Is the Nat Champs at a different event each year?

tunney

MCOS wrote: »

Is the Nat Champs at a different event each year?

usually.

Bruce11

tunney wrote: »

Not going to predict anything on NS.

National Champs and any invitation only races will have bonus points.

National Champs is fair and good for bonus points but invitation only events???

Surely this is wrong as whoever gets the invite whether the reason is because of quality or someone knows the organiser will benefit them more than mere mortals trying to gain some much needed NS points. Thus bonus points are only available to a select few so winners of age categories will never come from ordinary folk.

snack_ie

I think you misunderstood.

If its a National Champ race its worth more points (to everyone that is who races, the points are scaled up compared to regular races as its a national champ)

Anyone can enter.

Bruce11

snack_ie wrote: »

I think you misunderstood.

If its a National Champ race its worth more points (to everyone that is who races, the points are scaled up compared to regular races as its a national champ)

Anyone can enter.

I know the National Championships are bonus points and that I agree and believe to be fair and good for all involved. Re read the post please Snack_ie, am curious as to the "any invitation only races" will have bonus points.