General Discussion Introduce Yourself!!! » Hi everyone - marathoner becoming a triathlete Rss Feed  
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2008-09-11 10:59 PM

Master
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Subject: Hi everyone - marathoner becoming a triathlete

Hi all. I've decided to take the plunge into triathlons after greatly enjoying my bike/swim training in the past 8-10 weeks secondary to a stress fracture in my foot from marathon training.

I'm 33M, and am a total rookie on the swim and bike. I'm incredibly slow still on the swim, but improving quickly with Total Immersion and 6 days/week in the pool as of now.

Still have to buy a bike (been using a gym stationary a LOT) - will likely purchase a Cervelo P1 2008 model in the very near future. I'll also admit that I'm pretty intimidated by the idea of mechanical failures 30-40 miles out from home as well as riding in SoCal traffic. That's been the biggest limiter for me, as I really enjoy being on my mtn bike for hours.

Running is definitely my forte, after training for 5 marathons in the past year, and running 70-100 miles per week for nearly 2 years straight. I'm still attempting to qualify for the Boston Marathon with a 3:10 - I'm at 3:16 right now (at a warm San Diego course), but I suspect I could run a 3:08 with "ideal" conditions.

 

Looking forward to more tri discussions here!



Edited by agarose2000 2008-09-11 11:01 PM


2008-09-11 11:15 PM
in reply to: #1669531

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Champion
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Carlsbad, California
Subject: RE: Hi everyone - marathoner becoming a triathlete

Hey Team Mate, Welcome to BT

Your gonna love the P1; it is a very solid bike. (But then I am a Cervelo Owner)

Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you and I hope you enjoy BT as much as I have.

2008-09-12 12:22 AM
in reply to: #1669531

Master
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Subject: RE: Hi everyone - marathoner becoming a triathlete
Excellent! I was really hoping I'd find you here WD. I'm sure I'll have more things to pick your brain with once I get deep into the bike purchase. Thanks for all the help along the way - I don't think I can aspire to your training volume greatness, but I'll definitely be trying to put up a good showing along the way!
2008-09-12 9:38 AM
in reply to: #1669531

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Champion
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Verona WI--Ironman Bike Country!
Subject: RE: Hi everyone - marathoner becoming a triathlete

Welcome.

I too got bitten by the tri bug after being a marathoner for a few years.  I still run alot, but enjoy the variety that biking and swimming provides.  Don't worry about being slow, speed will come with time.  This is my first year and I know that with time on the trainer and more time in the pool over the winter (we have them in WI), I will be even better next year!

Post a pic of your new bike when you get it.  I am still searching for the perfect tri bike for me!

Suzy

2008-09-12 9:42 AM
in reply to: #1669531

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Champion
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Bellingham, Washington
Subject: RE: Hi everyone - marathoner becoming a triathlete

Make sure your Cervelo is red.   But what do I know, I have an orange Orbea.

Welcome to BT.

2008-09-22 4:56 PM
in reply to: #1669531

Master
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Subject: RE: Hi everyone - marathoner becoming a triathlete

I just got this bike. Red, as you recommended!

Cervelo P2C Dura-Ace. This bike is so hot that it'll take me years before I'm worthy of it. Lots of training to come!




Cervelo P2c



2008-09-25 2:31 AM
in reply to: #1669531

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Veteran
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Manhattan
Subject: RE: Hi everyone - marathoner becoming a triathlete
That's hot!
2008-09-25 8:58 PM
in reply to: #1669531

Master
2460
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Subject: RE: Hi everyone - marathoner becoming a triathlete

Cervelo update: I'm still too scared to ride my brand new bike and brand new clipless pedals in LA traffic on weekdays - I'm still waiting for the weekend to give this thing a spin on the road.

I've also noticed that as expected, the aero position is definitely something that needs to be "trained" into. My butt pain from the seat as well as neck awkwardness is the limiting factor on my trainer rides thus far, but the fun (strange, I know) of riding my Cervelo at all, even on a trainer outweighs the drawbacks.

 Thus far, I love the variety that triathlon offers, although training time is definitely a limiting factor. Interestingly, I definitely don't feel as in good shape as I am during marathon training despite spending similar time, likely because I'm so relatively weak on bike/swim that those workouts don't stress me as hard as my marathon workouts. Still, am getting faster, and have improved my medium swim pace from my 2:10 to a 1:50 per 100m through mostly technique gains - it'll be slow going from here out.



Edited by agarose2000 2008-09-25 9:00 PM
2008-09-25 9:11 PM
in reply to: #1697518

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Expert
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Denver, Colorado
Subject: RE: Hi everyone - marathoner becoming a triathlete
Were you fit for that bike before you bought it? It doesn't look like it fits unless you have Phelpsian proportions.
2008-09-25 10:07 PM
in reply to: #1669531

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Elite
3072
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san francisco
Subject: RE: Hi everyone - marathoner becoming a triathlete
Hey agarose,

Welcome! Have seen you over in RW forum discussions and have followed your BQ quest, no not a stalker, just another previous marathoner now in tri, and loving it. Beautiful bike, makes my orange orbea look rather pedestrian (bellingham, take note!). Good luck with getting used to the bike and did you have a pro fit done? I had one done on my used Orbea after about 6 months and an OLY and it has made a huge difference in my comfort and ability to run after bike.

anyhow, welcome and post lots in the tri talk and gear questions...lots of helpful and supportive peeps here on BT.
2008-09-26 9:10 AM
in reply to: #1669531

Master
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Subject: RE: Hi everyone - marathoner becoming a triathlete

Yup, pro fitted. I'm actually really short, and have short limbs as well, so that may account for some of the funny look. We used the goniometer, changed the seat, pulled off some of the head tube rings, and even switched out the aerobars for adjustable ones since my arms are short - that's the one place where they couldn't completely optimize me ; I have to reach a bit to get to the bar-end shifters (they couldn't cut down the aerobar for me.) Seems to ride ok so far, although my butt hurts a bit in the aero position - I'll re-evaluate that after a few weeks.

 Thanks all for the support, help, and comments!



2008-09-26 5:42 PM
in reply to: #1698250

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Expert
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Denver, Colorado
Subject: RE: Hi everyone - marathoner becoming a triathlete
Okay. I was concerned that the aerobars looked too far away, and I guess they are. But as long as it works for you.
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