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'First Time Triathlete' - The Novice Thread

24567…20

Comments

  • #52
    MCOS
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,051 ✭✭✭MCOS


    Hey guys,

    Just wondering how you are getting on with your Tri prep? I can see the guys with logs are making good progress (well done DAVE_K, papmike, findingfitness and kinkquez :) ), what about the people who don't have logs?

    The training balance is tricky. I haven't been able to run this week and the bike still hasn't been assembled from last weekend so the swimming is making good progress :rolleyes:


  • #53
    nortal
    Closed Accounts Posts: 125 ✭✭nortal


    MCOS wrote: »
    Hey guys,

    Just wondering how you are getting on with your Tri prep? I can see the guys with logs are making good progress (well done DAVE_K, papmike, findingfitness and kinkquez :) ), what about the people who don't have logs?

    The training balance is tricky. I haven't been able to run this week and the bike still hasn't been assembled from last weekend so the swimming is making good progress :rolleyes:

    I agree trying to fit everything in is as tough as the training itself, but the variety can be more interesting than doing one sport, don't have a training log myself, should look into it maybe. at the moment I my training is time based, physiological more than anything instead of going for a 5 mile run I say I will do a 35min run the way I get it done maybe during my lunch break. I will continue that way until the end of May final exams done and less than 60 hour working week. at the moment I do the following.

    Monday - Swim
    Tuesday - swim
    Wed/Thur - run
    Friday - Swim
    Sat/Sun Run/cycle

    Need to get myself in better shape, it a pity I decided so late to do this tri stuff the season is about to start and I am really about 4 months behind but half IM is my target,.

    Don't get too frustrated with your set back could be a blessing in disguise:)


  • #54
    excitementcity
    Registered Users Posts: 134 ✭✭excitementcity


    Hi all.

    Yep training hasn't been going well this week, really bad week. Been so busy with work etc and had something on every evening this week only managed to get out one morning before work for a run so looks like I will have to do lots this weekend to make up for it. :(


  • #55
    bananamansgay
    Closed Accounts Posts: 99 ✭✭bananamansgay


    excitementcity wrote: »
    only managed to get out one morning before work for a run ......

    was thinking of getting a run in before work the odd day, nothing more than 5k.... was wondering; do you run on an empty stomach? if not what do you eat, and how long before you run do you take on food? id be conscience of getting cramps/indigestion......


  • #56
    excitementcity
    Registered Users Posts: 134 ✭✭excitementcity


    hi bananamansgay

    I only do it every so often when I don't have time in the evening but I have to say it was really nice. Was wide awake and really ready for work afterwards. Only did a quick 5k. Actually did it on an empty stomach as I find if I eat before hand just after waking up I end up with cramps. So as its not a long distance I just had brekkie when I came back.


  • #57
    hunnymonster
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,365 ✭✭✭hunnymonster


    I do some slow runs (low HR) without food in the morning as I have (ahem) significant amounts of weight to lose and it suits me to run then.
    If you don't want to lose weight, or you want a hard run, It's probably better to eat before you run.
    High GI carbs wouldn't take too long to digest so something like cornflakes or toast might be good (although they're not very nutritious). experiment and see what works best for you


  • #58
    MCOS
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,051 ✭✭✭MCOS


    I never eat anything before a morning run or swim as they are usually at 7am ish (and only an hour long). I'd have to eat at about 5am or ealier. If I was heading out for a long bike though (usually 9/10 am) I have porridge and bring food with me. Eating just before a cycle isn't much of a problem but I can't run or swim on a full tummy. Have shakes on order to take after heavy sessions in the morning. When I was training for the DM I did all of my lsrs on an empty tummy, just had lucozade sport with me. If the session was later than 10 am I'd have eaten brekkie


  • #59
    excitementcity
    Registered Users Posts: 134 ✭✭excitementcity


    Hi all. So excited my new bike finally arrived in the shop and I picked it up last night. :DCan't wait to get home and go out for a cycle. Was getting a bit worried as I couldn't get out on the road before and had to do all my cycling in a spin class.


  • #60
    bananamansgay
    Closed Accounts Posts: 99 ✭✭bananamansgay


    thanks for the feed back folks..... gonna try it on an empty tummy this thursday morning and see how i get on. might have some pasta or bananas berfore going to bed though.


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  • #61
    excitementcity
    Registered Users Posts: 134 ✭✭excitementcity


    hi all. like jlang I'm so proud of myself.feel like I just reached my first big milestone too. I went out on my new bike last night and managed 23k. It took me 1hr 19. The wind along the coast makes some difference to a spin class:D felt like I was going nowhere at times with the wind but it was great.

    Want to go out again tonight.feel like the bug is biting:D


  • #62
    MCOS
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,051 ✭✭✭MCOS


    Well done excitementcity :) How did you find handling the bike?


  • #63
    excitementcity
    Registered Users Posts: 134 ✭✭excitementcity


    yeah really love the new bike. You just fly along on it. It's so much better being outside than in spin but can't wait for the weather to warm up. It's so cold these last few days


  • #64
    Canis Lupus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,893 ✭✭✭Canis Lupus


    excitementcity wrote: »
    yeah really love the new bike. You just fly along on it. It's so much better being outside than in spin but can't wait for the weather to warm up. It's so cold these last few days

    If you don't already have any (and feel it's worth it seeing as we're fast approaching warmer weather) invest in proper cycling gear at chainreactions or wiggle. Nice fleeces/jackets/padded shorts etc really are a million times warmer and more comfortable than 'normal' gear.


  • #65
    excitementcity
    Registered Users Posts: 134 ✭✭excitementcity


    Thanks Canis Lupus. Must get some proper cycling gear alrite. I really need padded shorts or something gosh I could barely sit down after my last cycle. I felt every bump and lump on the road!Think those racers need spring loaded saddles!:D

    Guys just wanted to ask your advice also. I know I am new to all this and while I have always enjoyed going to the gym or playing sports I haven't ever really been very committed before. I really want to give this triathlon a good go but I have to say I'm getting a bit frustrated with my running. I have made progress from where I started but maybe I'm not making as much progress as I would like. Recently I have been running in the morning before work as it is the only time I can fit it in so im not sure if this makes a difference as I am still pulling the sleep out of my eyes on the run but I keep seeming to do the same times and I really don't feel I have the push to go faster! I suppose I just wanted to ask all you experienced runners how do I get better..is it just more miles or should I be doing my runs more often? Last week I got 3 runs 5k runs in and averaged 27/28 mins which I know is not very fast.

    Thanks a mil:)


  • #66
    jlang
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,479 ✭✭✭jlang


    Just keep at it and the time will improve. Running in the morning suits some people, other people do it because it's the only time they can. I don't hate it but I do run slower in the morning. 27/28 minutes for 5k training run is not that slow - at a 5k race I ran last year, that would have put you well into the top half of the women finishers, and you would run faster under race conditions. Also getting three 5k runs in per week is no small achievement if you're doing gym, cycling, swimming as well. Over time, you'll probably make one of the runs each week a little longer and a second a little faster.


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  • #67
    Redjeep!
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 493 ✭✭Redjeep!


    27 to 28 mins isn't too shabby at all.

    Just keep getting out there but be careful not to overdo it. I found it encouraging to keep an accurate log as I could watch my 10km time drop from 63 minutes to around 53 minutes in a couple of months. It was almost a steady drop by about 1 min a week. If you can see it dropping you're encouraged to keep going.

    I'm still around 53mins, but haven't ran as much since Christmas due to an achilles injury. Luckily it seems fixed now. I overdid it over Christmas and ran 10km just about every day....being this dumb takes a lot of effort.


  • #68
    MCOS
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,051 ✭✭✭MCOS


    Welcome Canus Lupus and Redjeep! :)

    I totally agree with you guys, nothing at all wrong with 27/28 mins for 5k. Thats well under 60mins for 10k pace and its also sub 4hour Marathon pace :) So that is actually a good pace to be at! In fact I started running exactly 2 years ago today and my first run was a red faced sweaty 5k in about 28 mins :D Just stick with it and you will get fitter and faster! Consistency is key.


  • #69
    messed_up
    Registered Users Posts: 223 ✭✭messed_up


    Good thread guys and good to hear from so many people in the same position as I am.

    I've signed up for my first tri's this year - Fingal on the 17th of May and the Tri Athy at the end of the month too. I did a few duathlons last year but have worked hard on my swimming, which is still poor but hugely improved since last year, and my overall strength during the winter so am really looking forward to the season ahead. My goal for the year is to complete an olympic distance by the end of the summer and then to switch to training for the dublin marathon - so a year of sporting firsts all in all


  • #70
    MCOS
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,051 ✭✭✭MCOS


    Welcome messed_up :)

    Yeah its a good place for people in the same boat to chat about things. The Tri season is getting close now so the excitement for us newbies is building. I really need to get a plan working and get bike mileage done. I've had some very good session recently but the training in between has been up and down, Life things getting in the way!

    Hope your training is going well and the swim focus is paying off


  • #71
    mitresize5
    Registered Users Posts: 1,004 ✭✭✭mitresize5


    hello all,

    first time triathlete as well here. Valentia will be my maiden event and like a lot of people on here I am mad to get going.

    I come from a strong open water swimming background, Kilkee bay every year for the past eight years, Lee swim when its on and diving around the coast of ireland and further a field. I'm by no means quick so I aint no Michael Phelps but I hope the few tips below are useful.

    First of all the good news - OW swimming is nothing like pool swimming. If you can do 1500m in a pool you'll swim 3000m in the ocean under the same steam. The bouyancy from you wetsuit and more importantly the salt in the water will make life an awful lot easier for you so don't fret about your pool stats. Use the pool to work on your stroke and build distance - once you have that base you'll really enjoy the sea.

    having said that there are some things unique to OW swimming that you need to be aware of. The most important of these is visibility. If your only doing pool swimming you'd be surprised how dependant you have become on the pool floor and lanes to keep you straight. This isnt a problem though as long as you lift your head and look at your destination every few strokes. After years of practice I'm up to every six strokes looking up but if your new to it then I'd recommend every four max. You'd be surpirsed how many very accomplished pool swimmers dont do this. I've been in the water heading for land and been cut across by some 16 year old torpedos heading for Manhattan!!!!!

    any way I've a few more tips and tricks that I'll get back to but this messages seems to be going on for ages .... I'll be back looking for some myself on the running side of things .... cant wait til May 18th


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  • #72
    excitementcity
    Registered Users Posts: 134 ✭✭excitementcity


    Thanks all. I appreciate the advice!:)


  • #73
    messed_up
    Registered Users Posts: 223 ✭✭messed_up


    excitementcity wrote: »
    hi all. like jlang I'm so proud of myself.feel like I just reached my first big milestone too. I went out on my new bike last night and managed 23k. It took me 1hr 19. The wind along the coast makes some difference to a spin class:D felt like I was going nowhere at times with the wind but it was great.

    Want to go out again tonight.feel like the bug is biting:D

    Excitementcity, do you mean the coast road along clontarf? If so, what's it like to ride on in the dark? safe enough?


  • #74
    richiemack
    Registered Users Posts: 230 ✭✭richiemack


    Hi guys Im new to triathlons. Im handy enough with cycling, as Id normally take 50k cycles, swimming and running Ill have to improve. Im 26 and was told on saturday at a fitness test that Im fit, so thats a real motivator. Im signing up for the Joey Hannon triathlon, but Ive no idea what to fill in on the estimated finish time of each section. Could anyone tell me the average time for a swim run and cycle on the try a tri? cant enter unless I have the info.
    Cheers


  • #75
    excitementcity
    Registered Users Posts: 134 ✭✭excitementcity


    yep the coast road along clontarf. It's fine at in the evening. There is a cycle lane most of the way and there are a good few runners and other cyclists out in the evening too so it's fine.


  • #76
    findingfitness
    Registered Users Posts: 70 ✭✭findingfitness


    Hi All.... just need some advice on building my running speed and milage up a....

    Last week i ran 9 miles the longest of which was 4 and the shortest was 1 all of which was done on a treadmill im afraid... the weather and dark evenings make it impossible to get out in day light and mornings just dont work for me i live in the country so no street lights 2 guide me.... my biggest problem is that i get bored on the treadmill and let myself off too early on the road i do out and back runs so i know that i have to get home so cant give up early if that makes any sense.
    I would like to be doing 3 runs a week one of which i would like to be a long run. i am looking for some suggestions for the other 2 runs. i plan to get out on the road more at the end of the month when the time changes.
    oh i have entered the mini marathon 10k in june which is a month before the tri in Ballina.
    oh and my speed is averaging a 10min mile i really need to work on my speed.


  • #77
    MCOS
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,051 ✭✭✭MCOS


    Hi findingfitness

    There is more daylight there now so hopefully you can get up to 20 mins to get 2x 2 mile runs in during the week. Leave your long run to when you have most light and time and gradually extend it. Maybe add 0.5 of a mile each week. If you have 3 runs the perhaps 1 short at you planned race pace, 1 short one quicker than PRP (or parts of it quicker at least) and your long one a bit slower than PRP focussing on spending increasing amounts of time on your feet than worrying about your watch :)

    For example

    Tue: 2-3 miles at your target pace
    Thu: 1 mile easy, 1 mile 30 sec quicker than PRP, 0.5 easy
    Sat: Long 4 miles + at a comfortable pace


  • #78
    DAVE_K
    Closed Accounts Posts: 381 ✭✭DAVE_K


    findingfitness - A track session could be an enjoyable additional session. You're in Castlebar - try the track behind the GMIT. It's lit up down there some nights and is good to go mornings too.

    You could do say 2 k (5 laps) warm up and then some faster 1 k's with a fixed interval rest. It should build up your speed too.


  • #79
    papamike
    Registered Users Posts: 106 ✭✭papamike


    I have my first tri in about 5 weeks and I am quite worried after timing myself for a 750m swim. It took me 27:19 and I had to take a lot of breathers. Only started swimming last October and while I have made good progress from where I was then, I am quite worried now after seeing how long it took me to swim a 750.

    Have various thoughts going through my head, do they have cut off times for pool swims, will I be let finish the swim, should I pull out and work on my swimming for another while before entering a tri? How far behind will I be after the swim?

    Going to time myself once a week for a 750m for next few weeks and hopefully will see some improvement. Hopefully some adrenaline on the day may also improve my time:D

    Anyway rant over.


  • #80
    tunney
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,584 ✭✭✭✭tunney


    papamike wrote: »
    I have my first tri in about 5 weeks and I am quite worried after timing myself for a 750m swim. It took me 27:19 and I had to take a lot of breathers. Only started swimming last October and while I have made good progress from where I was then, I am quite worried now after seeing how long it took me to swim a 750.

    Have various thoughts going through my head, do they have cut off times for pool swims, will I be let finish the swim, should I pull out and work on my swimming for another while before entering a tri? How far behind will I be after the swim?

    Going to time myself once a week for a 750m for next few weeks and hopefully will see some improvement. Hopefully some adrenaline on the day may also improve my time:D

    Anyway rant over.

    Yes there are cut off times. It varies from race to race. normally its 25-30 minutes for 750m. Ask the orgnaiser.

    Don't pull out, work harder!!!!


  • #81
    hardCopy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,969 ✭✭✭hardCopy


    papamike wrote: »
    I have my first tri in about 5 weeks and I am quite worried after timing myself for a 750m swim. It took me 27:19 and I had to take a lot of breathers. Only started swimming last October and while I have made good progress from where I was then, I am quite worried now after seeing how long it took me to swim a 750.

    Have various thoughts going through my head, do they have cut off times for pool swims, will I be let finish the swim, should I pull out and work on my swimming for another while before entering a tri? How far behind will I be after the swim?

    Going to time myself once a week for a 750m for next few weeks and hopefully will see some improvement. Hopefully some adrenaline on the day may also improve my time:D

    Anyway rant over.

    Are there any tri clubs based near you?

    I managed to get 3 or 4 sessions in with my local tri club last year and even such a short time with the coach made a huge improvement to my stroke and my breathing. I would have gone more often if training wasn't at 7am on Fridays :o


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  • #82
    DAVE_K
    Closed Accounts Posts: 381 ✭✭DAVE_K


    Don't pull out, work harder!!!!

    I second this. 5 weeks is a fair bit of time to train. You could be talking 12 - 15 sessions. Keep at it.


  • #83
    MCOS
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,051 ✭✭✭MCOS


    Stick with the swimming papamike! You still have plenty of time :)


  • #84
    findingfitness
    Registered Users Posts: 70 ✭✭findingfitness


    Hi Guys

    The advice is much appreciated.

    The track it a great idea Dave K.... do you know what distance one lap is? or is it marked?


  • #85
    meathcountysec
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,450 ✭✭✭meathcountysec


    Usually 400 metres


  • #86
    tunney
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,584 ✭✭✭✭tunney


    Gah - track sessions, triathlon, 400s..................


  • #87
    jlang
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,479 ✭✭✭jlang


    tunney wrote: »
    Gah - track sessions, triathlon, 400s..................
    That went right over my head, tunney. Can you explain some more.


  • #88
    MCOS
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,051 ✭✭✭MCOS


    jlang wrote: »
    That went right over my head, tunney. Can you explain some more.

    +1 Thanks :)


  • #89
    papamike
    Registered Users Posts: 106 ✭✭papamike


    Cheers for the encouragement Tunney, hardCopy, Dave_K and MCOS.

    Had no real intentions of pulling out of the tri but was a bit down over the time.

    Had a good session with the tri club last night and did another 750m today in 25:02 which knocked over 2 minutes of last weeks time (27:19) so am in a better frame of mind this evening. Broke it down again into 3x250s and was quicker through all three splits with similar rest ~40secs. Long may the improvements continue:D:D

    Cut of time for the tri is 30 minutes so should be ok for that. Also got a rush of blood to the head this afternoon after the swim and went and entered TriAthy....


  • #90
    DAVE_K
    Closed Accounts Posts: 381 ✭✭DAVE_K


    The track it a great idea Dave K.... do you know what distance one lap is? or is it marked?

    Yep it's 400 m and is not marked. It's a cinder track so is more foregiving on the joints that the road. It's nice down there (and quiet) and is a good place to go for an hour at the weekend too.


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  • #91
    findingfitness
    Registered Users Posts: 70 ✭✭findingfitness


    Cheers Dave K

    Ill def be giving the track a go.


  • #92
    silkey
    Registered Users Posts: 32 ✭silkey


    Hi Folks,

    I recently signed up for my first triathlon, I'm doing one in Cahirciveen in June (sprint distance).
    Can any one advise me on what clothing to wear, and how the transition from water to bike happens?
    I know I'll have to wear a wet suit in the open water, but should i wear a pair of shorts under the wetsuit and cycle in them? I'm a bit worried about chaffing!
    Does a tri suit replace the need for a wetsuit?


  • #93
    Highway_To_Hell
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 721 ✭✭✭Highway_To_Hell


    A tri suit is not a wetsuit. Wear a tri suit or tri shorts /top under your wetsuit when you exit the water just remove your wetsuit and put on your bike shoes + helmet, then at the end of the bike session just change into runners. Tri suit /shorts have enough padding in the seat to cushion you on the bike section but will dry out quickly and they will not impede your running. Depending on the pedals on the bike you are using you might be just wearing runners for both bike and run sections.


  • #94
    MCOS
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,051 ✭✭✭MCOS


    Welcome silkey :) Best of luck with your training. First sprint myself this summer, can't wait!


  • #95
    excitementcity
    Registered Users Posts: 134 ✭✭excitementcity


    Hi All

    Welcome too Silkey. Best of luck with your first triathlon too. I'm in the same boat myself.Hope the training is going well:)

    Also just wanted to ask you all if you know if you can listen to music during the triathlon? I'm guessing not but I just thought I'd ask.

    Cheers:)


  • #96
    tunney
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,584 ✭✭✭✭tunney


    excitementcity wrote: »
    Hi All

    Welcome too Silkey. Best of luck with your first triathlon too. I'm in the same boat myself.Hope the training is going well:)

    Also just wanted to ask you all if you know if you can listen to music during the triathlon? I'm guessing not but I just thought I'd ask.

    Cheers:)

    Nope. Music == DQ


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  • #97
    excitementcity
    Registered Users Posts: 134 ✭✭excitementcity


    Thanks tunny. Guessed as much. What do you mean by DQ?


  • #98
    tunney
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,584 ✭✭✭✭tunney


    excitementcity wrote: »
    Thanks tunny. Guessed as much. What do you mean by DQ?

    disqualified


  • #99
    excitementcity
    Registered Users Posts: 134 ✭✭excitementcity


    Oh sorry tunny. Thanks for that.:)


  • #100
    excitementcity
    Registered Users Posts: 134 ✭✭excitementcity


    Hi all

    Another silly newbie question! For those of you who wear contact lenses. How do you manage!:) Do you pop them in after the swim. Could be a pain trying to put them in in a rush? Or do you just chance them in the pool when the swim is a short swim?

    Cheers


  • #101
    hunnymonster
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,365 ✭✭✭hunnymonster


    I use the lenses that you leave in 24/7 for a month so I just leave them in. I don't think that's the advised way of doing things though. There was a thread in the eyesight, glasses and contacts forum about swimming with contacts a while back.
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055388087


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