Subject: First Triathlon Registered over the weekend for my first triathlon. It's a sprint event that takes place in early May.
Although I've participated in many running races (10k, 1/2 marathons, etc ) this will be the first time I've competed in an event of this level since having both of my knees replaced in 2013. I took up biking a few months after my first knee replacement and after my second surgery, added swimming in Jan 2014. So, not a lot of experience in either of those. We were around competitive swimming for a number of years when our daughter was swimming club, high school, and in college.
A friend is a Master's Swimming Coach and has been working with me this past year. He indicated he felt I was ready to give the swim event a try. My kids gave me a bike trainer over the holidays and I'm cranking up the time on it; adding it to my swimming and walking. Due to the knee replacements I'll be walking the 5K portion of the event. I checked with the race organizers and they indicated the course would be open long enough to support the walk. Having gone through 2 knee replacement recoveries I'm not interested in taking up running again and risk having to have a knee replacement revision. I am aware of folks who have continued running following a knee replacement....but, I'll pass on that.
So, that's about it. First timer; retired guy in early 60's needing to get back into an event; knowing full well I'm competing against myself and hope to prove I can do this. My daughter is also going to do the event; she's been encouraging me on the swimming and providing me with some instructions as well. It'll be her first triathlon also. She's so smooth in the water it'll take her no time to do the swim portion.
Any pointers or advice out there on what I can expect? I'll also be seeking the knowledge of a couple of friends who regularly compete in Tri races.
2NewKnees
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