My First Tri

author : Ron
comments : 0

The only worry I had going into it was the swim...I couldn't touch the bottom and there weren't any lines to follow.

Quite and experience!  I went for it all and did the Olympic size triathlon:  1mile swim, 25mile bike and 6mile run.  The only worry I had going into it was the swim...I couldn't touch the bottom and there weren't any lines to follow.  I started the heavy training  in March so that I could do a triathlon in July.  Since I didn't have a lot of aerobic activity in March, this was a big job to do.  Due to the seasons in Ohio, I didn't have enough time to do all phases of the training, so I just started on the final 12 weeks. 

I ended up developing some temporary foot problems as my new job required steel-toed boots - I have flat feet, and they are sensitive.  I actually started training in May instead of March which just gave me enough time to get the 12 weeks of training in by September which was the last triathlon offered near me.  Training went well, my triathlon training followed my weight training, both took about 1-2 hours, surprisingly I had lots of energy...like I was on speed or something.

I was training for the biking part with a $100 mountain bike from Wal-Mart, this worked well, not a big investment as bikes can get expensive.  The day before my triathlon I got my street bike race ready (was lighter, smoother).  I test drove it and noticed that the gears slipped a little now and then, so while trying to see where the problem was while riding the bike, I drove off the sidewalk and crashed!!!  I felt stupid and very angry.  I scraped my ankles, knees and hips - they were bleeding.  My hip actually hurt when walking up stairs - I think I bruised it.  Anyways I was signed  up so I had to go.

I woke up very early, drank a powershake and some expresso.   I was ready.  My family and friends came down to the Mogadore Reservoir for the main event.  Olympics were going before the Sprints.  By the time I got there, got my numbers, got set-up in the transition area, it was time to go.  I was running to the beach as I heard that somebody was giving directions on the race.  I only got a few stretches in before I got into the water. 

The Swim

It was a shot-gun launch, not in waves, I lost a few minutes by waiting for everybody to clear out so I wouldn't get swum under.  The first 5-10 minutes I was a little breathless - the water was a little cold and I wasn't warmed up.  I just started counting strokes like I did at the pool until I calmed down and got into a rhythm.  During the swim, the sun was coming over the horizon over the lake - it was beautiful.  At last I was able to touch the ground of the beach...I did it!!!  I stood on the beach a few seconds to catch my breath.  The swim took me 42 minutes, I was almost the last one out.

 

The Biking

 

I wanted to get into dry clothes, so I chose the advanced towel wrap-around technique - it actually worked.  My wife helped me gear-up.  I had my camel-back of Gatorade, lots of power-gels (very important for energy).  I was on my way sucking my first power-gel packet while biking out into the main roads which was the absolute worst part.  Very big hills, I didn't stretch my legs at all...they were on fire.  About 15 minutes later I was on the main road and much happier.  I was soon to find out how horrible the rolling hills of Mogadore really were.  Not that steep, but long.  Anyways, the morning air was filled with the smells of breakfast coming from every house I passed.  I was hungry!  I was able to push ahead and slowly pass about 5 people.  It took me 1hour, 44minutes for the 25 miles.  Almost done.

 

The Run

 

The last stage.  After the long bike, it took me a while to develop my running legs -  maybe even half of the 6 mile run.  My legs felt very rubbery - the weirdest feeling in the world.  It was starting to get hot outside but there was plenty of water offered throughout the run.  On the way back, my legs came to and rallied.  My stride was better and my run was stronger.  On my way in, I kept getting stronger.  At the finish line I felt I could run a few more miles...maybe next year...I ran long enough - 57 minutes.  One cool thing about the run was that everyone going by you encouraged you to keep going...these are a great bunch of people.

Post Race

I will do it all again just for the post-race.  We packed everything up and headed out in search of breakfast.  We found a Country Kitchen thanks to my wife.  I had three plates of food: omelets, french toast, and sausage biscuits and gravy...I love breakfast.  I was happy.  We then went home, I mowed the grass (I still had energy!).  Watched a few movies.  I slept great that night!

What Next?

I slowed my training down a lot, concentrating on lifting.  Next year in 2002, it will be a lot easier to train providing I maintain a certain amount during the winter.  I will be training with my mom...she watched me and got inspired to run her first.

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date: September 5, 2004

Ron

I started this site 10 years ago after doing my first triathlon in 2001. My goal for this site is to get people healthy and happy. I firmly believe that triathlon is the best 'sport' for your body as it has less impact then the more popular single sport(running) while incorporating your upper body from swimming allows for a balanced-body approach to fitness.

avatarRon

I started this site 10 years ago after doing my first triathlon in 2001. My goal for this site is to get people healthy and happy. I firmly believe that triathlon is the best 'sport' for your body as it has less impact then the more popular single sport(running) while incorporating your upper body from swimming allows for a balanced-body approach to fitness.

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