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Setting realistic goals
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 2004-08-10 5:20 PM |
Elite  3088    Austin, TX Gold member |  Subject: Setting realistic goalsBeing a newbie, I'm trying to establish my triathlon goals. I'm currently a fairly well conditioned runner with 10k times in the mid 40's. I completed my first road bike ride on Saturday and felt great afterwards. It was a 30 mile ride and I averaged 16.8 mph over some very hilly terrain in southwest Austin with very limited drafting. Swimming is a very different story and I have a training session tomorrow with a coach so I can get started in that. Anyway, I assume I'm being realistic shooting for an Olympic distance Tri next year, specifically America's Triathlon here in Austin in May. Given that, would it be doable to shoot for a half Ironman in September or October? Or is that trying to make too big a jump in too short a time? Bear in mind that I'd be looking simply to finish, not compete. Solid MOP or even BOP finishes would be fine with me. Finally, if I get through those and I'm still motivated, how long is a reasonable training period to shoot for an Ironman? Barring injury, could I ready for Lake Placid in 2006? Would I be lucky to be ready by 2007? Dennis Edited by dgunthert 2004-08-10 5:21 PM |
| 2004-08-10 5:41 PM in reply to: #46136 |
| Member 96 | Subject: RE: Setting realistic goals I think you would have no problem doing an Olympic in May and then training for a 1/2 IM later in the year. I would check out a few of the training programs here and elsewhere on the web. The time between the two should allow you to do a complete program for each event. Plus training for the Olympic will give you a good base for the 1/2 IM training. I say go for it. As far as an IM. That is totally up to you. There are many people who have done a full within a year or so of starting Tri's. You need to be the judge of that. |
| 2004-08-10 5:44 PM in reply to: #46136 |
Resident Curmudgeon 25290  The Road Back Gold member | Subject: RE: Setting realistic goals What's your longest run to date? |
| 2004-08-10 6:10 PM in reply to: #46136 |
Elite 3088 Austin, TX Gold member | Subject: RE: Setting realistic goals I've done several runs of 18-20 miles. I couldn't do that now, as I eased off training for a while. But that's my max. |
| 2004-08-10 6:17 PM in reply to: #46136 |
| Member 104 Austin, Tx | Subject: RE: Setting realistic goals I should really reply to this in about 6 weeks, but..... I think your goals are extremely realistic. I've done three sprints - Cap of Texas (the sprint, not Oly of America's Tri), Danskin, and Marble Falls. Those were all this year. On September 12, I will be in Santa Cruz doing the Big Kahuna half ironman. Yep, straight from sprint to 1/2 IM I go... Wish me luck! I'm a runner, have done 7 marathons, so the run will be easy. I have no fear of the water, but have learned that I am an extremely slow swimmer (and am working on that with a coach). The bike won't be a piece of cake for me either, but I will finish and I will have fun (at least when it's over I'll say it was all fun)  You're going about it much more sanely, so I'm sure you'll do great! Can't comment on the full IM as it's not really in my goals. |
| 2004-08-10 6:47 PM in reply to: #46136 |
| Veteran 289 Colorado Springs | Subject: RE: Setting realistic goals You did not mention anything about sprints, make sure you get some races in to get used to the feeling and transition practice and all the fun stuff that happens in a race! |
| 2004-08-10 6:55 PM in reply to: #46136 |
Expert 1180 Iowa | Subject: RE: Setting realistic goals Yes, yes, yes, an Olympic would be no problem, nor would a 1/2 with proper training. May I suggest you try to sneak in a duathlon or a sprint before your Olympic. You will learn so much about yourself and proper pacing, transitions, hydration, just from one simple experience before your first key race. Something to think about anyway. Good luck. |
| 2004-08-10 8:27 PM in reply to: #46136 |
Elite 3088 Austin, TX Gold member | Subject: RE: Setting realistic goals A sprint before the Olympic would be good, but I haven't found any that would fit in. I really can't see myself being ready for one this year, being so new to swimming. I've got a HRM which I have a feeling I'll be using to help with pacing. I'm used to general race day craziness from running, but the transitions will be something new. Given that I don't really care too much about my time, though, I can afford to take them slow. |
| 2004-08-10 8:38 PM in reply to: #46136 |
| Member 104 Austin, Tx | Subject: RE: Setting realistic goals Assuming you're in Austin, since you're talking about America's tri and riding in south Austin, you've got a couple of options this season still. Jack's Generic Tri and the Splash Tri. There are also some free or cheap practice tri's at the new Pure Austin off Braker in north Austin. Get out there and do one so you have an idea of what it's like. Get started on your open water swimming, as soon as you're feeling confident in the pool. Open water is a different beast and you need to have experienced it before a race. Try Mansfield Dam or Barton Springs. |
| 2004-08-10 8:58 PM in reply to: #46136 |
Elite 3088 Austin, TX Gold member | Subject: RE: Setting realistic goals I realize there are a couple this year, but I just don't think I'll be ready for the swim in the next couple of months. |
| 2004-08-10 9:00 PM in reply to: #46136 |
| Veteran 289 Colorado Springs | Subject: RE: Setting realistic goals You'll never know unless you tri... I only swam twice before my tri and did not drown. |
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