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Having Trouble Gettin' Started
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 2009-07-06 10:56 AM |
Regular  80  Ft. Bragg, NC |  Subject: Having Trouble Gettin' StartedHey everyone! Quick lil' intro... My name is Patch. I'm stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC and I started my triathlon training about a month ago.... bit by bit. When I joined the military (2 1/2 years ago) I was only 5'11" and 132lbs. And throughout my training my training my body weight fluctuated up and down, but now I'm 5'11" and 163lbs. Now how I came to wanted to be a triathlete. Because of my body type/weight/build I became a good runner quickly. I've always managed to max out my 2mile run time (maxing out is running 2miles below 13minutes). And at my AIT school my commander took his best 5 runners in our company, including me, to a 5k race each month. I came to found out that I was the slowest of the 5 but still enjoyed running 5k's a great deal. So it all started with running and then I saw the re-run of the 2008 XTERRA Race on ESPN and I was HOOKED. Now for the problems. Due to a few factors of 1.) being low rank in the military, 2.) Being single, 3.) living in the barracks, my pay is fairly low for the requirements for this sport. I CURRENTLY have no vehicle (that'll change soon), so I mainly eat from the Dining Facility that's closest to my barracks. Only problem is the food there I wouldn't consider to be the most healthy of foods, maybe better than others, but not the best. Upside of things. I have PLENTLY of running trails and a 2 different gyms within' walking distance of my barracks. Food is free, and being single I have all the time in the world to myself to train. The Plan. I'm starting out small, so to speak. I went home for 10 days (in the Dallas area) to spend some time with the family and ran a 5k race on the 4th of July. But because of all the time I spent driving and doing the planned activities with my family and friends I had no time to prepare for the race except for the night before. That was my first race since I decided to train for triathlons and I ran it in 22:59. Not nearly as good as I hoped. But satisfactory. (continuing on w/ the plan) Since I currently can't afford a decent road bike I'm going to stick with swimming and running. I'm going to try to run 2 more 5k's then move up to 10k's, and so on. Really I don't plan on competing in my first triathlon till 2010. I think the reason why I push it back so far is because I not only want to compete. But I want to do well. Not only that it will give me more time to raise the money for a road bike. Questions. 1.) I currently don't have a running partner so I run by myself. And I'm having trouble increasing my running distance without burning myself out. I'm also having trouble understanding "striding" or counting my strides within' a certain amount of time, etc. I try reading Runner's Magazine, Bicycling Magazine, and Triathlete Magazine which all help a great deal, but I don't understand some of the phrases they use. Where can I go to find... a guide? I'm guessing that's wut I'm asking for that question. 2.) Strength program. I'm thinking about picking up the P90X program for my strengthening program and for the yoga. and thoughts? 3.) Supplements. Yes or no? I currently take Centrum daily vitamins and whey protein after all of my workouts? Should I change? Add to it? 4.) Gear. My budget is very tight as I've already said, so I keep a close eye on good deals on the classifieds and on craigslist and the first sight of any 56cm bike I see within my price range I'm going to jump on it. Only problem is I'm afraid that it's not a good idea to buy off the internet. Should I wait, save up my money, and drop $1200 at a shop? I would have no problem buying off the internet if I knew a much greater deal about what I was looking at. Well if have gotten this far within this wall of text I've thrown up here then you've already been a great deal of help to me... haha. Any tips, hints, and helping hands will be GREATLY appreciated. I'm very excited about this sport and I really want to not only complete triathlons, but be a strong competitor in the future. Sincerely, Patch |
| 2009-07-06 11:25 AM in reply to: #2264529 |
Member 60 | Subject: RE: Having Trouble Gettin' Started My advice is don't totally quit doing the bike. As that is the main part of a tirathlon. The bike is my weakest thing, and if you are slow on the bike it does not matter how fast you swim or run. If people are riding 20 mph and you are riding 16-17 miles per hour that leaves a good 15-30 minutes on the bike you are down, and if it is a 5K or 10K run there is no way to make it up. So i would say is look at craigslist and get an old road bike, it does not have to be the high tech road bike but you can find a bike for say 25-100 dollars and as long as you are riding a bike you will put some miles up and when you do get a good bike it won't be as hard to get into it. If you don't want to compete or just doing it for fun, then not having a bike is alright. If you want to compete then i would try to get a bike and at least get some riding in so it won't be as hard to adjust to riding all the time. As for guides..go to google....and type in free tirathlon training plans. There are lots out there not as specific but they will work for your first tirahtlons. Another question is, you typically want to double your training for what you are doing. If you are doing a sprint triathlon and it is 500M swim, 15 bike, and 5K run. Don't just swim the distance of 500M 15bike and 5k run. You would want to train double that so eventually build up to swimming 1000M biking at least 30 and running at least 10K. I hope this helps. I'm not the best but just what i have learned from starting.
Kendall |
| 2009-07-06 11:35 AM in reply to: #2264529 |
Regular 80 Ft. Bragg, NC | Subject: RE: Having Trouble Gettin' Started Thanks alot for the reply... question is... where are you finding even older road bikes for $25-$100? that is WELL within my price range. Right now I'm sittin' at a price range for anything lower than $700 |
| 2009-07-06 11:44 AM in reply to: #2264529 |
Regular 108 | Subject: RE: Having Trouble Gettin' Started I would look on craigslist. Years ago my husband was looking in the classified paper and found an older Raleigh for $50. We snatced it up. The guy had just gotten a fancy new road bike and said he new that most people who read that paper would have no idea how nice the bike was. |
| 2009-07-06 12:03 PM in reply to: #2264529 |
Regular 80 Ft. Bragg, NC | Subject: RE: Having Trouble Gettin' Started |
| 2009-07-06 12:04 PM in reply to: #2264529 |
Veteran 645 Tennessee | Subject: RE: Having Trouble Gettin' Started Go to walmart, You can get a decent road bike for $150. That is what I ride and have no problems keeping up with people I ride with that have nicer bikes. It isn't the best but it is better than nothing. I am saving up to buy a nice bike and tthe walmart bike will become a backup. |
| 2009-07-06 12:05 PM in reply to: #2264529 |
Member 60 | Subject: RE: Having Trouble Gettin' Started Look at bikes on bigger citties such as Denver, Dallas, depending on where you are located. This is the best chance to find a used road bike for a good price as there are not asmany more people in the city so more people will post bikes as if you go to a small city ot very many people will post. Don't pay on the interent either. As lots of ads are frauds. Always try to communicate a couple of times to make sure it is legit. |
| 2009-07-06 12:15 PM in reply to: #2264823 |
Regular 80 Ft. Bragg, NC | Subject: RE: Having Trouble Gettin' Started kendallwebb - 2009-07-06 1:05 PM Look at bikes on bigger citties such as Denver, Dallas, depending on where you are located. This is the best chance to find a used road bike for a good price as there are not asmany more people in the city so more people will post bikes as if you go to a small city ot very many people will post. Don't pay on the interent either. As lots of ads are frauds. Always try to communicate a couple of times to make sure it is legit. Ok cool, I'll start lookin' at Raleigh, NC and see what I can find (being the closest big city near me). |
| 2009-07-06 12:20 PM in reply to: #2264529 |
Elite 3395  Raleigh | Subject: RE: Having Trouble Gettin' Started Patch: I am north of you in Raleigh. Check the Raleigh CL (Craigslist). One thing about buying a bike from Wal-Mart or any other department store, you have know idea of the skill of the person that assembles the bike (if it is assembled). They could be the person that normally sets up the detergent displays. Even on lower-tech bikes there are things that need to be adjusted that only a mechanic or someone trianed will know. I was a bike mechanic for parts of 6 years (many years ago). If you buy something up my way, bring it by and I'll tune it up ofr you. Doug |
| 2009-07-06 12:22 PM in reply to: #2264529 |
Extreme Veteran 417 Davidson | Subject: RE: Having Trouble Gettin' Started Patch, I am in my second year of tris, so take my advice with a grain of salt. Regardless, you have found a good site for advice. People here are friendly and helpful. A few comments: * Sounds like you are running too hard if you are burning yourself out. You don't 'need' a running partner, but they do seem to motivate some people. I do all of my running by myself. I don't think you need to worry too much about strides at this point either, but others may disagree. I'd say you need to concentrate more on base building. This builds cardiovascular capability and economy of movement. Base building involves longish runs at a slower pace. Mix in some faster tempo runs once a week or so. * The need for strength training has been debated on this site over and over. I don't know if there is a right or a wrong answer. I do think some people benefit from it while others, not so much. Depends on your physical make up. I found that I needed to build up some core muscles when I started cycling because my back started killing me on longer rides. So, instead of strength training, I would focus on spending some time on core fitness. * The need for vitamins and supplements has also been debated over and over. General consensus seems to be that if you eat a well balanced diet, you should be OK. I can't comment on P90X, but there have been threads about it in this forum. Do a search and I think you will find out what you need to know. Taking a general multi vitamin doesn't hurt, I take one too. It is also a good idea to consume protien immediately (within 30 minutes) after a good workout since that is when your body wants it. Whey protein is good. * You said you are looking for a bike for around $700 or less. You should be able to find a nice bike in that price range if you have the patience to shop craig's list. It may take a couple of months, but keep checking it and you will be able to come up with a nice bike that will not be a limiting factor at all. In fact, I'd say you will end up with a nicer bike than a lot of people at your first tri. You didn't say much about swimming. Do you know how to swim and do you have access to a good pool for laps? Swimming is a limiter for a lot of people getting into triathlon. Believe me, I know this. Welcome to the site and to triathlon. It has been a lot of fun for me and has put me into better shape than I have ever been. Good luck! Greg |
| 2009-07-06 12:29 PM in reply to: #2264529 |
Elite 3395 Raleigh | Subject: RE: Having Trouble Gettin' Started One more thing, yousaid there are two gyms within walking distance of your barracks. If they have stationary bikes or spin bikes use them until you get a road bike. This is better than no biking. Also, when you begin to ride stick to the smaller chain rings and spin more. You will need to develop your pedal stroke. |
| 2009-07-06 12:30 PM in reply to: #2264529 |
Master 2380 Beijing | Subject: RE: Having Trouble Gettin' Started Don't waste the $$$ on P90x, spend it instead on a bike. I have P90x and it's a GREAT workout program. I would use it in the winter/off season as a fitness/strength/endurance builder. But, if you want to do tris, you NEED a bike. The advice about using CL is sound. Get something cheap with round wheels. THE ENGINE IN EVERY BIKE YOU BUY IS IDENTICAL. For the money you would spend on P90x, you can get a very decent road bike. Start placing in your age group, and then you can think about upgrading. |
| 2009-07-06 12:33 PM in reply to: #2264529 |
Extreme Veteran 418 Pittsburgh | Subject: RE: Having Trouble Gettin' Started Good luck finding a bike, Patch! My husband and I are a recent college grad and a grad student, respectively, so we don't have a huge budget either. I saved up for a year to get my road bike, and we got my husband's road bike off of CL for $500. I would say, if you are getting a bike from CL, be aware of a couple things: 1) Make sure the bike fits. Seat tube length isn't everything, you also want to make sure that the top tube is an appropriate length. If it's too short, you will end up either hunched over really weirdly or sitting too far upright, and if it's too long, you will end up stretched out uncomfortably. There are a lot of finer points to fitting a road bike, and I'm not well-versed by any means. 2) Remember that some parts of bikes do wear out. For example, a carbon fork will need to be replaced every 5 years or so, because although it is an awesome material, it does not last forever. So if you're getting, say, a bike that has an aluminum frame with a carbon fork, be aware that you might need to replace the fork, and take that into account when negotiating a price with the seller. 3) When we got my husband's bike, we took it to the LBS (same one I bought my bike from) and had them go over it with a fine-toothed comb. We were lucky in that no parts needed to be replaced, but many parts were dirty, the chain and cable housings needed a cleaning, pretty much everything had to be lubed, and whoever originally built the bike didn't do a very good job and so the bike had to be totally rebuilt. This cost an extra hundred or so, but it was worth it in terms of the improvement to the bike's performance, as well as the peace of mind that comes from knowing that his bike really is safe to ride on the road at high speeds. CL can be a great resource. I would maybe get an interim bike from CL (maybe an old road bike with a cro-moly frame, which you should be able to pick up for <$200), take it to a bike shop for a going-over and tune-up, and then start saving for a proper road bike. Bicycling magazine has some good suggestions for really nice frames with lower-level components -- that way, the initial expenditure isn't that horrible, and as you improve as a rider, you can upgrade along the way until you have a really nice bike. |
| 2009-07-06 12:49 PM in reply to: #2264900 |
Regular 80 Ft. Bragg, NC | Subject: RE: Having Trouble Gettin' Started trinewby - 2009-07-06 1:22 PM Patch, I am in my second year of tris, so take my advice with a grain of salt. Regardless, you have found a good site for advice. People here are friendly and helpful. A few comments: * Sounds like you are running too hard if you are burning yourself out. You don't 'need' a running partner, but they do seem to motivate some people. I do all of my running by myself. I don't think you need to worry too much about strides at this point either, but others may disagree. I'd say you need to concentrate more on base building. This builds cardiovascular capability and economy of movement. Base building involves longish runs at a slower pace. Mix in some faster tempo runs once a week or so. * The need for strength training has been debated on this site over and over. I don't know if there is a right or a wrong answer. I do think some people benefit from it while others, not so much. Depends on your physical make up. I found that I needed to build up some core muscles when I started cycling because my back started killing me on longer rides. So, instead of strength training, I would focus on spending some time on core fitness. * The need for vitamins and supplements has also been debated over and over. General consensus seems to be that if you eat a well balanced diet, you should be OK. I can't comment on P90X, but there have been threads about it in this forum. Do a search and I think you will find out what you need to know. Taking a general multi vitamin doesn't hurt, I take one too. It is also a good idea to consume protien immediately (within 30 minutes) after a good workout since that is when your body wants it. Whey protein is good. * You said you are looking for a bike for around $700 or less. You should be able to find a nice bike in that price range if you have the patience to shop craig's list. It may take a couple of months, but keep checking it and you will be able to come up with a nice bike that will not be a limiting factor at all. In fact, I'd say you will end up with a nicer bike than a lot of people at your first tri. You didn't say much about swimming. Do you know how to swim and do you have access to a good pool for laps? Swimming is a limiter for a lot of people getting into triathlon. Believe me, I know this. Welcome to the site and to triathlon. It has been a lot of fun for me and has put me into better shape than I have ever been. Good luck! Greg DougRob - 2009-07-06 1:20 PM Patch: If you buy something up my way, bring it by and I'll tune it up ofr you. Doug Wow, I can't even begin to tell you how glad I am to find this website. 100's of 1000's of helpful people. First off I'd like to thank all of y'all for the offers and the helping hands! And yes, Doug, if I do buy a bike in you're area I'll more than likely contact you for help, greatly appreciated. Greg, * I can understand how I'm running too hard. I just have that lingering fear that if I slow down too much I'll get shin splints. Lol you may laugh at that but when I was in airborne school we use to go on these grueling 10min mile run pace for 8-10 miles with cadence and my shins and knees would be screaming afterwards. Then 10 months after that I ran the army birthday 10miler and ran it at 1hr 17mins and my shins didn't hurt and I thought it was because I was running faster (even though my quads were hurting I much prefered that over my shins). But I was told my shins didn't hurt because of the change of pace. Not sure though. But I will definitely try to bring the pace down so I can go further. I'll try to keep ya updated on those results. * Ok did some reading about the P90X... prolly won't do it but I'm goin to take a look at it anyway (since my unit gets it for free). Most likely going to hit up one of the muscle bound guys in my unit for a bit of help... just wanna make sure I pick the right direction for what I want to do. * Ok so not much of a change for the diet. When I started my triathlon training I cut out all Sodas, candies, etc. But every 2 weeks or so I'll go to the bar with a few friends so really beer I think is the only REALLY unhealthy thing I have in my diet. I drink nothing but water, propel, and apple juice/orange juice in the morning. Will stick with the vitamins and Whey Protein. *Ok I'll just have to develop some patience for craigslist then. And thanks to Kendellwebbs advice I'll be looking in more than just the local area around me. * As far as swimming go as a BEGINNER triathlete I THINK I have a decent start for swimming I use to be a lifeguard at a local pool in the North Dallas area and I use to be on the Junior US team for Kayak Polo and swimming was always part of our training. But no I've never competed as far as swimming goes. When I was... 17? I did 500meters in... 13ish minutes? That may be wrong... but that was also 4 years ago. Thanks alot, Patch |
| 2009-07-06 12:57 PM in reply to: #2264529 |
Regular 80 Ft. Bragg, NC | Subject: RE: Having Trouble Gettin' Started Kat, I honestly didn't know... well... pretty much any of that. I'll definitely take that ALL into consideration. If I'm looking for 56cm bike... what will I MOST LIKELY be looking for as far as the top tube? DougRob, You mentioned developing my pedal stroke. How will I know I have a decent pedal stroke? Or if I'm doing it right at all... lol. Cheers, Patch |
| 2009-07-06 1:06 PM in reply to: #2264529 |
Elite 3395 Raleigh | Subject: RE: Having Trouble Gettin' Started I dont know if will work on an exercise bike, but the best way to tell if you have a good pedal stroke is to do one legged drills. Take one foot out of the cleat and pedal with only one leg. You will quickly find that there are poarts of your pedal stroke where you are not transmitting any power. When both feet are attached you are letting one leg do all the work at that point in the opposite legs stroke. One legged drills are a great way to work out your pedal stroke and see haw you are doing over time. |
| 2009-07-06 1:09 PM in reply to: #2265008 |
Extreme Veteran 417 Davidson | Subject: RE: Having Trouble Gettin' Started "* I can understand how I'm running too hard. I just have that lingering fear that if I slow down too much I'll get shin splints. Lol you may laugh at that but when I was in airborne school we use to go on these grueling 10min mile run pace for 8-10 miles with cadence and my shins and knees would be screaming afterwards. Then 10 months after that I ran the army birthday 10miler and ran it at 1hr 17mins and my shins didn't hurt and I thought it was because I was running faster (even though my quads were hurting I much prefered that over my shins). But I was told my shins didn't hurt because of the change of pace. Not sure though. But I will definitely try to bring the pace down so I can go further. I'll try to keep ya updated on those results." Hopefully, some of the runners on the site will weigh in too, but I am going to say that more than likely, your previous encounters with shin splints were the result of increasing mileage too quickly or running in boots (?) possibly. You probably didn't get them on the Army birthday run because your tibialis muscles were strengthened enough to not get so stressed out from running anymore. If you do still get shin splints from time to time, there is a good stretch for it. Put your toe on the ground behind your other foot about 18" and roll your heel around in circles. You will feel the stretch on your tibialis if you do it right. Sometimes, it helps to put your hands out against a wall and lean forward some while you do this. I got shin splints off and on for the first 3-4 months that I started running, but after that I never had them again and the development of my tibialis muscles was visible on the front of my legs. By the way, running 10 miles at 7:45/mile is a pretty good pace. I don't think I could even dream of doing that. 'Course, I am probably double your age. |
| 2009-07-06 1:10 PM in reply to: #2265078 |
Regular 80 Ft. Bragg, NC | Subject: RE: Having Trouble Gettin' Started DougRob - 2009-07-06 2:06 PM I dont know if will work on an exercise bike, but the best way to tell if you have a good pedal stroke is to do one legged drills. Take one foot out of the cleat and pedal with only one leg. You will quickly find that there are poarts of your pedal stroke where you are not transmitting any power. When both feet are attached you are letting one leg do all the work at that point in the opposite legs stroke. One legged drills are a great way to work out your pedal stroke and see haw you are doing over time. ahhhh ok! I've read about 1 legged drills but I never knew what they did or what they were for. Thanks for the tip. Patch |
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