Castleblayney Triathlon

Domer

So heres the thing...

I have been wanting to do a Triathlon for years, and next week there is a sprint event just up the road in 'Blayney. I am a regular runner (4-5 days per week), a regular cyclist, but only an occasional swimmer with poor form. I have not trained for this as only heard about it today.

Would I be completely out of mind to give this a lash next weekend? The swim is 750m, longer then I have ever done before, but I am sure I could do it if I pushed myself

Does anybody know if a wetsuit is compulsary? I dont have one :-(

Thanks,
Domer

messed_up

Domer wrote: »

So heres the thing...

I have been wanting to do a Triathlon for years, and next week there is a sprint event just up the road in 'Blayney. I am a regular runner (4-5 days per week), a regular cyclist, but only an occasional swimmer with poor form. I have not trained for this as only heard about it today.

Would I be completely out of mind to give this a lash next weekend? The swim is 750m, longer then I have ever done before, but I am sure I could do it if I pushed myself

Does anybody know if a wetsuit is compulsary? I dont have one :-(

Thanks,
Domer

Hi Domer,

I imagine that a wetsuit will be compulsory for the race - generally all tris with open water swims in Ireland are.

As a regular cyclist and runner, I'd imagine that you'd have the base fitness to complete the courseso I guess its a case of making an informed judgement on your swimming abilities.

best of luck if you do give it a go!

jb-ski

hi, domer

you should go for it, since it's close to you.

HOWEVER, you will need a wetsuit and decent goggles and you really
should go up to Muckno for a trial swim, just to get a feel for the open lake.its a lot different than pool swimming and can be quite intimidating
joining 200 (or whatever) other swimmers at start.

After that it's no bother, just relax and enjoy the cycle and run!

it would be great to meet someone locally with some experience beforehand to give you a few tips.

best of luck.:)

Domer

Thanks for the words of encouragement and advice.

Do I need to buy a wetsuit, or can they be rented? I dont want to spend a lot of money as I dont know if I will use it again.

jinka

Is there a relay?
i live up the road and would do the run.Mite have a class biker too

Domer

Hi Jinka,

The swim would be my weakest leg. The cycle and the run would not be a problem, so doing the swim leg on a relay would not be a good idea for me, or the team!

Domer

Seres

hey domer

you might get a cheap wetsuit in aldi or lidl , i got mine this time last year for bout €20 , also you REALLY NEED to get in the water just even for a few strokes before the day because it could come as a serious culture shock !
best of luck

EC1000

Domer, I'm doing my first triathlon in Blayney next Saturday aswell. I did the practice run last Wednesday evening (brilliantly organised by the people running the event) and it was fine for me and I woundn't be a particularly strong swimmer. However, its definitely worth having a go at an open water swim before the day. I was doing all of my swimming in a pool and its very different when you hit the lake. By the way, I'm using a 30 euro Lidl wetsuit and its been perfect so far!

Best of luck

Domer

EC1000,

Glad I wont be the only rookie next week!

I managed to borrow a wetsuit from a friend, so I am good to go. Where on Lough Muckno is the start? I may try get out there some evening this week, or maybe tomorrow to give it a go. I have never been to that area, so please be specific :-)

Thanks,
Domer

EC1000

Oops, sorry for late reply. The triathlon start/finish is at Hope Castle. Its a stones throw from the town centre. Ask anyone and they will point you towards it. (Also I think its signposted from the main road). When you go through the castle gates, take immediate left and follow the road down to the lake. The swimming route starts from the bottom of the hill just under the castle and follows an anti-clockwise route around the three large red bouys - you cant miss them from the shoreline.

Good luck!

Domer

I did the Castleblayney Triathlon on Saturday morning. It was my first venture into the world of triathlon, and I have to say it was a great experience. The event was very well organised and all the competitors were very friendly and helpful. I was ill-prepared for the event, particularly the swim, but got plenty of encouragement and completed the distance. I have it in my diary for next year, and plan to take atleast 10mins off my swim time.

Thanks to all those involved in the event.

mloc123

Heard Liam Dolan on TodayFM after it... for somebody that set a new Irish Ironman record a few weeks ago he was certainly playing down winning