New to the Sport - Advice Please

Wreck

Hi Guys, first of apologies for this, it has turned into quite a long post.

I'm considering doing the Achill Roar in September and am looking for a little advice. I'd like to know if anyone can recommend a training program, what equipment I would need, whether it is possible for me to get fit enough to complete it and if so what time should I be aiming for.

I'm 30 years old, 5ft11 and weigh 11 stone approximately. Currently I play a friendly game of basketball twice a week, and would rate my level of fitness as pretty low. I've never done anything like this before, never run, cycled or swam in a race.

If I break down the race into the three events, I think the run will probably be the easiest aspect of it for me. In fact I'm pretty sure I could run 8k today, and with some training would expect to get a pretty decent time.

The 400m swim (I'd prefer to do the swim rather than the kayak) would probably be the next easiest part. I was a strong swimmer when I was younger and think my technique is probably still ok, but haven't done aything outside of splash around once a year on holidays for the last 15 years or so. With practice over the next few months I'm pretty sure I could swim 400m but would probably be quite slow.

The cycle would be by far the most difficult aspect of the race for me, I've never cycled further than a couple of miles in my life, and have always found cycling pretty tough going compared to running.

So first off would it be possible for me to get fit enough to complete this event? I'd be free to train for a couple of hours (longer at weekends) 3-4 days a week. Secondly if it is possible, what would be a good time? I will be looking for action on this as a prop bet from some friends, so would have to agree on a time that is both achievable and challenging.

Finally, how much would I be looking at spending on equipment - including everything from runners to a bike?

Wreck

So possibly I was looking for too much info in the original post. After a bit of internet research I've found a 10 week training program which I intend to follow, and it seems that if I stick to this I will be able to complete the race at least. I've also looked into the equipment I will need and how much will it cost.
I'm now 90% certain I'm going to attempt this, and intend to start training on Saturday.

The prop bet aspect of running this still remains unresolved. I need to decide on a time that is both achievable and challenging for someone with my level of fitness. Last year's winner finished in 1hr40, and the average time of the 142 finishers was 2hr15. I think the average time is probably going to be pretty impossible for me to hit at this stage. Also as this is outdoor and the run is offroad, weather conditions on the day could be a big factor in any time.

I've been thinking that rather than aiming for a specific time, that trying to finish ahead of a portion of the field would be a better way to measure this. Do people think finishing in the top 75% would be too difficult or too easy?

RedB

Wreck wrote: »

I've been thinking that rather than aiming for a specific time, that trying to finish ahead of a portion of the field would be a better way to measure this. Do people think finishing in the top 75% would be too difficult or too easy?

Its impossible to make a call on that as we don't know the standard of the crowd doing the event or your own capability and its academic anyway. I'd concentrate on doing as much training as you can and see where that gets you. Enjoy challanging yourself rather than getting caught up in your result relative to strangers. Once you've done one, you'll be in a better position to gauge your performance in other events although it can be difficult to 'transfer' your race time or position to another event due to variations in the course and the participants.

However, as its for a friendly bet with your mates maybe you could race against them but I'd be wary of aiming higher than 90% on your first outing if you're not already fairly good at one or more of the events.

bellucio

Wreck wrote: »

After a bit of internet research I've found a 10 week training program which I intend to follow, and it seems that if I stick to this I will be able to complete the race at least.

Hi Wreck
Would you be able to let me know where I can get a copy of this plan please. i have been looking here on boards and elsewhere and cant seem to find one suitable. Good luck with your training
Thanks

PS I am also looking into doing the Achill Roar:D started a bit of trainng a few weeks ago and am currently running 6km 3-4 times a week with a 14KM cycle after that at once a week. Tough going but I am hoping that the training I do will just get me to the endline

Wreck

RedB wrote: »

Its impossible to make a call on that as we don't know the standard of the crowd doing the event or your own capability and its academic anyway. I'd concentrate on doing as much training as you can and see where that gets you. Enjoy challanging yourself rather than getting caught up in your result relative to strangers. Once you've done one, you'll be in a better position to gauge your performance in other events although it can be difficult to 'transfer' your race time or position to another event due to variations in the course and the participants.

However, as its for a friendly bet with your mates maybe you could race against them but I'd be wary of aiming higher than 90% on your first outing if you're not already fairly good at one or more of the events.

Thanks for this, I am very much doing this for the challenge and the bet was an afterthought - just a way to recoup some of the outlay on equipment etc. As it happens we haven't been able to agree odds so it looks like the bet won't be happening.

bellucio wrote: »

Hi Wreck
Would you be able to let me know where I can get a copy of this plan please. i have been looking here on boards and elsewhere and cant seem to find one suitable. Good luck with your training
Thanks

I've come across a couple of plans - http://www.trinewbies.com/tno_trainingprograms/10wtp.pdf and http://www.halhigdon.com/trifit/trifit.htm - but I've actually decided to try to create a plan specifically tailored to me

bellucio wrote: »

PS I am also looking into doing the Achill Roar:D started a bit of trainng a few weeks ago and am currently running 6km 3-4 times a week with a 14KM cycle after that at once a week. Tough going but I am hoping that the training I do will just get me to the endline

I went for my first run last night, 5k, felt good. Unfortunately my bike was stolen over the weekend so can't start the cycling training for a while. Good luck with the training, lets hope we both make it to Achill!

toomuchdetail

This might be worth a look , its a plan put together by Padraig Marrey who knows his stuff , this for Gaelforce which longer at about 65km , this plan is probably not for the basic entry level so you could reduce it by 30% to start with and build up to it slowly .

Would just be looking to build endurance at this stage , get out for a set time initally rather than distance if possible , 30min or 40 min etc and build from there, you will be on your feet/bike for 2-3 hours depending type of event.

Wreck

toomuchdetail wrote: »

This might be worth a look , its a plan put together by Padraig Marrey who knows his stuff , this for Gaelforce which longer at about 65km , this plan is probably not for the basic entry level so you could reduce it by 30% to start with and build up to it slowly .

Would just be looking to build endurance at this stage , get out for a set time initally rather than distance if possible , 30min or 40 min etc and build from there, you will be on your feet/bike for 2-3 hours depending type of event.

Thanks for the advice, is this the plan you were talking about? For the first week I've just been trying to get used too training, not pushing myself to hard. Over the next two months I'm going to try and build my endurance so that I can cover the distances easily, and then for the final few weeks concentrate on increasing the pace. My routine is made a little more complicated by the fact that I play basketball twice a week and tag rugby 1-2 times a week which will obviously impact on my tri training.

bellucio

Hi Guys
All this sounds very interesting. Thanks to the OP for starting it the thread!! I am looking to get some of my gear sorted for the roar in the next few weeks. Runners being top of the list. Being such a newbie, can somebody give some advice on runners that I should get (make etc) ,ones to stay away from and where would be best place to get them
I presume two things 1) it should be off road runners I should be getting as most of the run if up mountain and around bogs!
2) Using new off road runners wouldn't lead to a bigger possibility of injuries or anything ?
Some really stupid questions now I know but real newbie (same as OP!) and just looking for some advice from more experienced boarders
Thanks

G-Money

bellucio wrote: »

Hi Guys
All this sounds very interesting. Thanks to the OP for starting it the thread!! I am looking to get some of my gear sorted for the roar in the next few weeks. Runners being top of the list. Being such a newbie, can somebody give some advice on runners that I should get (make etc) ,ones to stay away from and where would be best place to get them
I presume two things 1) it should be off road runners I should be getting as most of the run if up mountain and around bogs!
2) Using new off road runners wouldn't lead to a bigger possibility of injuries or anything ?
Some really stupid questions now I know but real newbie (same as OP!) and just looking for some advice from more experienced boarders
Thanks

I haven't been to this place yet, but I started a similar thread recently and the people who replies all recommended Amphibian King in Bray. I think it's what's known as a technical running shop. They do gait analysis on your feet (basically video you walking/running) to help determine the best type of runners for you.

I never heard of this before and I just thought you'd buy whatever runners felt comfortable. But it seems that we have different types of motion in our feet when we run and therefore have different requirements. I had a look at their website and I'm pretty sure I'm a pronator in that my feet sort of roll inwards when I walk.

Anyway I don't know where you're located but they come highly recommended from people on this forum. I intend to try them out when I'm replacing my current runners.

spurscormac

bellucio wrote: »

Hi Guys
All this sounds very interesting. Thanks to the OP for starting it the thread!! I am looking to get some of my gear sorted for the roar in the next few weeks. Runners being top of the list. Being such a newbie, can somebody give some advice on runners that I should get (make etc) ,ones to stay away from and where would be best place to get them
I presume two things 1) it should be off road runners I should be getting as most of the run if up mountain and around bogs!
2) Using new off road runners wouldn't lead to a bigger possibility of injuries or anything ?
Some really stupid questions now I know but real newbie (same as OP!) and just looking for some advice from more experienced boarders
Thanks

I did the Connemara Adventure Challenge in May. Was considering getting new trail runners for it, but in the end I hadn't made my mind up in time so went with my Asics Kayanos.
As it was dry, I was ok with the Kayanos, though proper trail runners would probably have been a better choice.
Afterwards, I signed up for Gael Force in August and invested in a pair of Salomon Speed Cross 2, trail runners. They are very comfy, and so far I've just been wearing them around the house to break them in.
I hope to get out on an off-road run to try them out next weekend - I would definitely not use brand new runners in a race.
For off-road runners, there's loads available online if you can't get a pair in a local shop.

As for bike advice, if you need help on that front, the cycling forum is your best bet., but if you can use the Bike to Work Scheme, then that will help you get a better bike for your budget, the other option being a second hand one, again better value as you'll often get people selling off their beginner level bike as they trade up to better bikes.

bellucio

grandmaster wrote: »

I haven't been to this place yet, but I started a similar thread recently and the people who replies all recommended Amphibian King in Bray. I think it's what's known as a technical running shop. They do gait analysis on your feet (basically video you walking/running) to help determine the best type of runners for you.

Cork based so I would say the chances of getting to Bray are probably minimal... Unfortunate as the service sounds excellent...Thanks

Would most local sports shop have trail runners ?

Git101

bellucio wrote: »

Runners being top of the list. Being such a newbie, can somebody give some advice on runners that I should get (make etc) ,ones to stay away from and where would be best place to get them
I presume two things 1) it should be off road runners I should be getting as most of the run if up mountain and around bogs!
2) Using new off road runners wouldn't lead to a bigger possibility of injuries or anything ?

Something to consider when getting trail shoes is whether to go for waterproof or not.
I regretted using waterproof for Gael Force and Achill Roar as you can't really avoid stepping above the ankle in water at the kayak stage, not to mention the various boggy bits. They then weigh a tonne, where as with the non waterproof ones you get just as wet but they dry out quickly.

spurscormac

Git101 wrote: »

Something to consider when getting trail shoes is whether to go for waterproof or not.
I regretted using waterproof for Gael Force and Achill Roar as you can't really avoid stepping above the ankle in water at the kayak stage, not to mention the various boggy bits. They then weigh a tonne, where as with the non waterproof ones you get just as wet but they dry out quickly.

+1
Goretex is fine if you're hill walking or hiking, however, if you are doing adventure racing, you are likely to get wet, so Goretex will also keep the water in as out, so thats obviously a no no.

As regards Trail Runners in Cork, I'm not sure cos its a few years since I lived there. Adidas Kanadia were on sale in Elvery's recently, Mahers or somewhere might have them too. Asics also do a range of Trail specific, though it seems from the IMRA folks that Innov8 and Salomon are the two main brands favoured by offroad runners.

There's a place at the junction of Cornmarket & Paul St - across from the Roundy, can't remember the name of it. It did outdoor gear back in my Cork days, not sure if its still there.
If they have Salomon or Innov8, even if they don't have the specific shoes you want, you could try them for size.
I did that with the brand I wanted & ordered online.