General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Sprint vs super sprint? Rss Feed  
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2016-05-05 10:05 AM


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Subject: Sprint vs super sprint?
Hello!

I am planning to do my first tri in about six weeks and am trying to decide if I should do the sprint or the super sprint. I was a competitive swimmer years ago but it's been about 15 years and I have yet to get back in the pool! I am very nervous about the bike, I am really shaky and nervous and not at all confident on the bike. I am a runner so the distance for running doesn't worry me. Am I better off doing the super sprint since the distances are shorter and I don't have much time to prepare?


2016-05-05 10:11 AM
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Subject: RE: Sprint vs super sprint?
I'm assuming that having been a competetive swimmer you are going to be fine for either swimming distance (sprint swim leg distance vary a TON though, so make that evaluation for yourself). Six weeks is a ton of time to get comfortable on the bike from a handling perspective. Given your combined swimming and running background I'd say you could likely do whichever one you wanted.

I also went from competitive swimmer to dormant for many years to back in the pool again. Your speed certainly won't be what it once was, but you are still going to be faster than 80% of triathletes in any sprint with minimal training time. AG triathletes, in general, truly are terrible swimmers.

Edited by CycloneVM 2016-05-05 10:12 AM
2016-05-05 10:48 AM
in reply to: Kat52383

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Subject: RE: Sprint vs super sprint?
I recommend doing the super sprint, so that you can feel more confident in the bike leg. Confidence will translate to more fun, and your first race should be loads of fun!
2016-05-05 11:33 AM
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Subject: RE: Sprint vs super sprint?
I agree, the key to swimming is stroke mechanics and confidence in the water. Muscle memory will take over and you'll be fine. The scrum start on the open water swim (OWS) now that is something a bit different... The bike handling is an issue that you will need to work on but as drafting is not allowed in tri races so you won't find yourself bunched up with other riders (at least not for long). If you are using clipless pedals make sure you can get in/out of the pedals adroitly. Mostly have fun.
2016-05-05 2:16 PM
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Subject: RE: Sprint vs super sprint?
If you were a former competitive swimmer, you should be able to condition yourself enough to swim a 1/4 mile in the 6 weeks you have. And you say your run is solid. The only concern is your comfort on the bike.

If you were weak at the swim or the run, I'd say Super Sprint. But I'm gonna say Sprint, here.

The only way to get comfortable on the bike is to put some miles in on it. And consider this: Once your on the bike, and have gone 6 miles, how bad could another 6 miles be?

Edited by gary p 2016-05-05 2:21 PM
2016-05-05 2:51 PM
in reply to: Kat52383

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Subject: RE: Sprint vs super sprint?

Assuming you have some time to devote to training, I'd go for the sprint.  Your competitive swimming background shouldn't take long to shake off the rust and manage a 500-750 meter swim.  Bike handling usually isn't a huge issue for triathlons as already mentioned because there is no drafting allowed.  If you can manage to handle your bike for 5 to 6 miles, riding it for 10-12 miles isn't going to be any more difficult handling wise.  Again...6 weeks is a lot of time to work on this as well.  The running you seem to have control over.

Now if the race is 6 weeks out, but you don't plan to do any additional training...then probably go for the super sprint.



2016-05-07 11:10 PM
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Subject: RE: Sprint vs super sprint?
Thanks all! Appreciate all the responses! New to this whole thing so want all the advice and input I can get. Not a natural born athlete over here!
2016-05-08 9:56 AM
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Subject: RE: Sprint vs super sprint?
Don't sweat the bike. A former mountain bike rider, I did a sprint triathlon (my first tri) on my MB last year. I subsequently bought the first road bike I've ever owned later in the summer. It felt very funny at first riding a bike of that geometry and with such skinny tires but I very quickly became accustomed to the feel of the road bike and I LOVE IT! You have time to get a lot more comfortable on the bike before your race.

Edited by HaydenHunter 2016-05-08 9:56 AM
2016-05-09 4:49 PM
in reply to: Kat52383

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Subject: RE: Sprint vs super sprint?
Open water starts are like meet warm up. Sometimes more chaos sometimes less.
2016-05-10 1:24 PM
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Subject: RE: Sprint vs super sprint?

Whichever you do, leave a beginner's race report so we can hear about how it went!

2016-05-10 2:29 PM
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Subject: RE: Sprint vs super sprint?
You are in the exact same boat as me when I started. I was a competitive swimmer but hadn't been in the pool in almost 20 years, but had a recent running background. My first tri was on a whim while on vacation. I had zero swimming going in and still ended up top 20% in the swim. However, be prepared to be passed like crazy on the bike. Stay to the right and don't let it get to you...just let them go by, then try to catch back up on the run. Don't burn yourself out on the bike and try to stay out of the faster riders' way, and you'll be fine.


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