Triathlon Training; The basics for a newbie...

--amadeus--

Hi folks

Now that HM has gone I can post this up without her thinking that I am actually going to sign up for an Ironman next week!

Lets suppose that there was a marathon runner who was kicking around the idea of giving triathlons a try, with the ultimate aim of an Ironman. For the sake of argument lets assume he is in the 3:10 - 3:15 marathon range and trains 5 - 7 days per week at around 40 - 55 miles per week. While he does have a bike its a mountain bike and he's not about to lash out €600 on a bike untill he's pretty sure that he'll actually do some tri's. And he is a really weak swimmer...

If this fictional person wanted to try a triathlon they would have some questions, such as:

- In terms of time commitments how much more is involved in Ironman training compared to regular marathon training?

- How long does it take to go from awful to competent in teh pool?

- Is it possible to begin training on a MTB?

- If this person's main goal was to increase marathon speed would Ironman training be a hinderence, would he be better concentrating on running and going to tri when his times have stopped imrpoving?

- Any other advice / wish I knew then what I know now type stuff??

Thanks!

tunney

--amadeus-- wrote: »

Hi folks

Now that HM has gone I can post this up without her thinking that I am actually going to sign up for an Ironman next week!

Lets suppose that there was a marathon runner who was kicking around the idea of giving triathlons a try, with the ultimate aim of an Ironman. For the sake of argument lets assume he is in the 3:10 - 3:15 marathon range and trains 5 - 7 days per week at around 40 - 55 miles per week. While he does have a bike its a mountain bike and he's not about to lash out €600 on a bike untill he's pretty sure that he'll actually do some tri's. And he is a really weak swimmer...

If this fictional person wanted to try a triathlon they would have some questions, such as:

--amadeus-- wrote: »

- In terms of time commitments how much more is involved in Ironman training compared to regular marathon training?

Don't know what training marathon training involves but 20+ hours for IM training would be typical.

--amadeus-- wrote: »

- How long does it take to go from awful to competent in teh pool?

Depends on your definition on competent.
If you define competent as a sub 1:00 3.8km swim then years.
If you define competent as just being able to make it around 3.8km swim before the cut off (2:20) then less than a year

--amadeus-- wrote: »

- Is it possible to begin training on a MTB?

Yes, definitely. But you'd want to be switching to training on your race bike 3-4 months out before the event.

--amadeus-- wrote: »

- If this person's main goal was to increase marathon speed would Ironman training be a hinderence, would he be better concentrating on running and going to tri when his times have stopped imrpoving?

Don't know actually, you won't be running as much as in pure running, but bike fitness does transfer to run fitness (not vice versa).

--amadeus-- wrote: »

- Any other advice / wish I knew then what I know now type stuff??

* International events sell out quickly.
* Don't do a long distance event in UK/Ireland, too cold and miserable.
* Get your bike position and cleat position dialled in months in advance.

MCOS

--amadeus-- wrote: »

- How long does it take to go from awful to competent in teh pool?

- Is it possible to begin training on a MTB?

- If this person's main goal was to increase marathon speed would Ironman training be a hinderence, would he be better concentrating on running and going to tri when his times have stopped improving?

Hmmm... This person must have woken up this morning and thought that there is more to life than just running!! I haven't even done a triathlon but I can predict the answers to some of the questions. Competency in the pool is entirely down to you. Lots of people are going to suggest getting lessons and joining masters groups. However, its like running. Getting off the couch for the first time in years means putting one foot in front of the other until you reach mile one. Then building the endurance to mile 2 etc.. Swimming is similar, do 1 length, then 2 etc... until you reach a few hundred meters. Lessons are great but you still have to get into a pool and swim and practice what you learn. Yes it is possible to begin training on a MTB. Do one of the Duathlons in the spring in place of one of your runs on a Sunday. You still get a good training session and get to try out a multi sport. I'll bet you a pint this person passes out a couple of racers on his/her MTB! The Joey Hannon Try a Try triathlon in Limerick is a great place for this person to try out a triathlon if they were based in Limerick or close by. I'll be there myself and I am only starting to make progress from being an awful swimmer. They could use their MTB in the Try a Tri too. This person is already fit enough to complete a sprint Tri, they just need to get confident in the pool. Who knows they may even enjoy themselves and seriously consider getting a road bike.

Finally on the running speed. 2 Triathletes I know just completed the Dublin Marathon in 2'53' and 2'58' respectively. Another GAA covert to Tri last year did the Dublin half marathon in 1'24'. Not too shabby! Must be something to do with their training

Thats just my 2 cents. The Tri guys will give you the science in HMs absence I'm sure

MCOS

Tunney clearly types quicker than I do a man of experience though about to plunge into an IM himself next year!

--amadeus--

Thanks for the answers folks!

MCOS - this fictional person may have decided that (having met a couple of real life ironmen) that they aren't actually supermen and that a moderatly fit person such as our fictional friend might (with the right training) be able to make it around the course... If they were real of course

Great advice from you both, thank you.

Other questions:

- from conversations is seems like €400 is the minimum to spend on a bike; is this accurate or do you need more? What other costs are there and whats the rough amount (eg how much is a decent wetsuit)

- where should you focus your training? I have mooched at a couple of plans but should the emphasis be on your weaker event or equal time spent on all 3 disciplines?

Thanks!

Abhainn

well amadeus you might know I introduced myself to some tri's last year with the plan to do an ironman in a decent time during 2010 (hopefully)

I decided to get a new entry level bike - with gear i.e. pedals helmet etc all came in around €1,000, bike was €700.
Of course you can spend way more than this and even on all the accessories there can be a big difference price wise for little gain.
You could always keep an eye out for a 2nd hand bike also.

Last year for the swimming sections I used my diving wet suite shortie which was ok but I'll be getting a proper tri wet suite for next year. Wiggle uk eems to be ok for price but be careful on sizes.

Training? Well I suppose one should focus on the weaker discipline especially in the off season. I'll be back on the bike soon again. Swimming ahhhh well the pool dosen't appeal to me yet.

Good luck man.