General Discussion Triathlon Talk » First tri, nervous as all get out Rss Feed  
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2008-08-01 8:33 AM

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Subject: First tri, nervous as all get out
I might need a few words of advice.  I have my first tri tomorrow in beautiful Copper Harbor, Michigan.  I am definately a clydesdale, sitting at around 245.  I feel like I am in great shape for my size, but I checked the times for last year and now I am getting really nervous. It is an 800 m swim, 19 mile bike and five mile run.  Shouldn't have checked those times as I know feel like I am going to get smoked really bad.  Anyone with some kinds words, Please!!!


2008-08-01 9:01 AM
in reply to: #1575431

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Elite
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Subject: RE: First tri, nervous as all get out
Don't worry about last years times.  I made that mistake too!  You never know who is going to show up to your race.  Just run your own race.  You are racing against yourself and no one else.  You will do fine and remember to have a blast. 
2008-08-01 9:08 AM
in reply to: #1575536

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Subject: RE: First tri, nervous as all get out

ebshot - 2008-08-01 10:01 AM Don't worry about last years times. I made that mistake too! You never know who is going to show up to your race. Just run your own race. You are racing against yourself and no one else. You will do fine and remember to have a blast.

x2 - If it's your first race then you may want to focus more on enjoying & learning along the way. That's good for obvious reasons but changing your focus might also help reduce being nervous about your times compared to others. You're ready to complete the race, they are such a good time and you'll probably love the sense of accomplishment when done too! Then, hopefully you'll have the bug to do another and you can work on time goals for future events?

Look forward to this, enjoy it, feel great about your health and ability to do it!  

2008-08-01 9:16 AM
in reply to: #1575431

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Master
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Subject: RE: First tri, nervous as all get out

I'm right there with you.  My first tri is this Sunday and I'm nervous too.  I look at the times and realize that some times are my PB w/o the other events.  But there are three things that I keep reminding myself

 1) Its my first race.  I have nothing to compare it too.  My goal is to just set a time so I can try and improve upon it for the next race.

2) I volunteered last year and watched the athletes and said I can do this.  I felt that I would be able to keep up w/ the MOP.  Until I saw the times then I thought, BOP.  but really, what's different, just my perception of the race.  I thought I was in good shape last year and could compete. Im in much better shape now that Ive been training so I am now going to do worse?  I am also counting on getting support from spectators and adrenaline to give me extra energy.  Plus I know I'll be able to 'dig deeper' when I see the finish line.

3)  An most importantly, It doesnt matter.  I doing this race for me and I am only racing against me.  My friend is doing the event too, but he's 10 years younger than me and 60#'s less.  Think I have a chance, yeah, if he gets a flat.  My point is, it my race, not our race.  I just want to finish and hold my head up at the finish line and say "I did it" no matter what place I get.

2008-08-01 9:18 AM
in reply to: #1575431

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Modesto, California
Subject: RE: First tri, nervous as all get out

 Dont focus on fast, just try to be more efficient!

Draft while swimming, get behind as many people as you can, this will save you energy for the bike and run and give you a better swim time.

Smooth transitions, do not stop,do not sit,do not fumble! Think about your bike transition on the last part of the swim,rehearse.

Run or jog,do not walk!

Keep a strong mind to resist all temptations to go slower or take a breather, challenge other contestants and attack as you go through the course.

Get a good feel of the course layout, study where you are in transition and have your game plan for t-1 & t-2.

Lastly,breath and relax and enjoy , but also be prepared to be challenged by the unexpected!

2008-08-01 12:23 PM
in reply to: #1575604

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Subject: RE: First tri, nervous as all get out
nevergivin - 2008-08-01 10:18 AM

Keep a strong mind to resist all temptations to go slower or take a breather, challenge other contestants and attack as you go through the course.



I disagree. It's your first race, so just take it easy and have a good time. Push yourself if you feel up to it, but attacking is really something to do when you have experience and you're trying to place in your division, or trying to best your previous time. What you need the strong mind for is to tell yourself "I trained for this, I'm strong, I can do it!" The only temptation that you need to resist in a first race, IMO, is the temptation to give up.


2008-08-01 1:22 PM
in reply to: #1575431

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Subject: RE: First tri, nervous as all get out
You should focus on pacing yourself and finishing. It's your first one, don't put unnecessary pressure on yourself by thinking about your times. Don't worry, you won't be last.
2008-08-01 5:06 PM
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Master
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Subject: RE: First tri, nervous as all get out
nevergivin - 2008-08-01 9:18 AM

 Dont focus on fast, just try to be more efficient!

Draft while swimming, get behind as many people as you can, this will save you energy for the bike and run and give you a better swim time.

Smooth transitions, do not stop,do not sit,do not fumble! Think about your bike transition on the last part of the swim,rehearse.

Run or jog,do not walk!

Keep a strong mind to resist all temptations to go slower or take a breather, challenge other contestants and attack as you go through the course.

Get a good feel of the course layout, study where you are in transition and have your game plan for t-1 & t-2.

Lastly,breath and relax and enjoy , but also be prepared to be challenged by the unexpected!



I also gotta disagree about the "do not walk!" suggestion. As a novice triathlete myself (I've only done 1 so far, but will be 2 by next weekend)...I see nothing wrong with walking a portion of the run...especially if running is your weakness (like me). Do whatever it takes to get across that finish line. If that means needing to take walking breaks during the run...then by all means, do it! I'm doing my first oly distance next weekend...and I will most likely end up walking at least some of the 6.2 mile run...since it's my weakest and slowest event.
2008-08-01 5:59 PM
in reply to: #1577390

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Modesto, California
Subject: RE: First tri, nervous as all get out
nscrbug - 2008-08-01 3:06 PM
nevergivin - 2008-08-01 9:18 AM

 Dont focus on fast, just try to be more efficient!

Draft while swimming, get behind as many people as you can, this will save you energy for the bike and run and give you a better swim time.

Smooth transitions, do not stop,do not sit,do not fumble! Think about your bike transition on the last part of the swim,rehearse.

Run or jog,do not walk!

Keep a strong mind to resist all temptations to go slower or take a breather, challenge other contestants and attack as you go through the course.

Get a good feel of the course layout, study where you are in transition and have your game plan for t-1 & t-2.

Lastly,breath and relax and enjoy , but also be prepared to be challenged by the unexpected!

I also gotta disagree about the "do not walk!" suggestion. As a novice triathlete myself (I've only done 1 so far, but will be 2 by next weekend)...I see nothing wrong with walking a portion of the run...especially if running is your weakness (like me). Do whatever it takes to get across that finish line. If that means needing to take walking breaks during the run...then by all means, do it! I'm doing my first oly distance next weekend...and I will most likely end up walking at least some of the 6.2 mile run...since it's my weakest and slowest event.
2008-08-01 8:42 PM
in reply to: #1575431

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Subject: RE: First tri, nervous as all get out
This is a pretty long distance for a first. Knowing that, if you finish, then a normal distance sprint will seem like a breeze.
2008-08-02 6:44 AM
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Subject: RE: First tri, nervous as all get out
You'll do fine. The most important thing is to go out and have fun and enjoy it. Once you're done, look back at your race, see what you can work on and see what went well. There's no need to go all out on your first one, especially if you are getting this whole tri thing down.

Good luck!


2008-08-02 9:41 PM
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Lafayette, CO
Subject: RE: First tri, nervous as all get out
Everyone else has given great tips on strategy but I wanted to add that often times adrenaline and the race environment will carry you faster than you expect.  I finished my first multisport (bike-swim-bike) more than 10 minutes faster than I expected. 
2008-08-03 6:24 AM
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Subject: RE: First tri, nervous as all get out
So...how'd it go?
2008-08-13 11:19 AM
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Subject: RE: First tri, nervous as all get out
Thanks for all the support.   Overall it went pretty well.  I finished first and foremost and was smiling doing it.  I got kicked pretty hard in the head at the beginning of the swim and was accompinied by a wicked headache for the swim and half the bike.  After that went away it was smooth sailing.  Slower than I wanted, but what can I expect going in at 250 lbs or so.  My splits were 18:35 for the 800 m swim, 1.03:35 for the 19 mi bike and 52:50 for the 5 mi run for a total 2:15.  I am remotivated after the event and am doing a 50 mile run relay in October with some friends.  Who knows, maybe back to marathoning next spring and a half ironman in the fall.  Can't wait to see what the future holds!
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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » First tri, nervous as all get out Rss Feed