First Season Races - advice needed for newbie

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2006-10-18 5:04 AM

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Subject: First Season Races - advice needed for newbie

Looking for some advice as to what I should aim for in my first season in terms of number of races and types.

I've decided that my main event will be the London Triathlon in August next year. I'm also thinking about doing either a super sprint or sprint in June.

Would that be about right for events in a season or should I do more?  What is the most/optimum that can be done in a season?

Should my first event be a supersprint as opposed to a sprint?

I'm also planning on doing some cycle events so I can get out on the road before the race.

2006-10-18 5:11 AM
in reply to: #571494

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Subject: RE: First Season Races - advice needed for newbie

You can do as many races as you feel comfortable doing. I think one or two before your main event is a good idea.

Is the London Tri an Oly? As for the super v. regular sprint, do what is best for you. Is there one closer to home? Is it on a good day for you? Does one have a better reputation than the other?

2006-10-18 5:19 AM
in reply to: #571494

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Subject: RE: First Season Races - advice needed for newbie

Yes London tri is an Oly.

The supersprint & sprint ones I'm looking at are at same event.

Thanks for your thoughts.

2006-10-18 5:21 AM
in reply to: #571498

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Subject: RE: First Season Races - advice needed for newbie
hannahs - 2006-10-18 5:19 AM

The supersprint & sprint ones I'm looking at are at same event.

Do you feel comfortable doing either distance? Are you confident you can complete the swim on the sprint? (I assume thats longer). If you are, I'd go for the longer race, you have over a month before the Oly.

2006-10-18 8:20 AM
in reply to: #571494

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Subject: RE: First Season Races - advice needed for newbie
Since your "A" race is an olympic distance I would recommend doing the sprint distance before. There are no "magic" numbers on how many races you should do each year or what distances. You need to factor in how your body responds to racing, how much you enjoy racing, cost of races, travel and time.

Good Luck
2006-10-18 12:17 PM
in reply to: #571494

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Subject: RE: First Season Races - advice needed for newbie

Thanks very much for all of your comments.

I think that I will aim to do 2 spints ahead of my main event to get me used to race formats, nutrition during races etc.

 

2006-10-18 12:34 PM
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Subject: RE: First Season Races - advice needed for newbie
My first season I did three sprints and one OD - after completing three sprints I added a fourth but had to DNS due to a mechanical problem

I would say that if you can get a couple of races under your belt before your A race that it will be a good thing. It will give you an idea of transitions and pacing prior to the big race.

Shane
2006-10-18 1:51 PM
in reply to: #571835

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Subject: RE: First Season Races - advice needed for newbie
hannahs - 2006-10-18 12:17 PM

Thanks very much for all of your comments.

I think that I will aim to do 2 spints ahead of my main event to get me used to race formats, nutrition during races etc.

This is a good strategy.  Be careful on nutrition and hydration during the races.  An oly is a far different animal than a sprint.  I guess what I'm saying is, practice these things on your longer oly training sessions to find your comfort zone for the oly.  

2006-10-18 2:10 PM
in reply to: #571494

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Subject: RE: First Season Races - advice needed for newbie
Sounds like you're in the same boat as me, Hannahs. My "A" race is the Oly distance London Tri in August next year, so I'm planning on at least one but ideally two sprint distance tri's early next year to get an idea of what goes on at them. seems the most sensible idea to me lol

Tim/.
2006-10-19 4:11 PM
in reply to: #571494

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Subject: RE: First Season Races - advice needed for newbie
It all depends on your goals and what shape you're in. I do recommend doing a shorter tri of some kind before your main event. You'll learn a lot about the mechanics of a tri (open water swim with a group, transitions, etc.) in your first couple.

For reference, this is my first season for doing tris as well. I've done 5 tris with one more to go, my first marathon and one more to go, my first century, and a handful of other 5k/10K/12K races. So don't be afraid to do more if you're in a position to do so. You might very well find yourself totally hooked on doing tris once you get a taste of your first.
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