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What to tell a group of women who want to attempt a triathlon....
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| General Discussion | Triathlon Talk » What to tell a group of women who want to attempt a triathlon.... | Rss Feed  |
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 2008-10-30 1:03 AM |
Champion  26509    Sydney |  Subject: What to tell a group of women who want to attempt a triathlon....Dear wonderful BT people I need your suggestions!!! On Monday there is a group of 13 women getting together in my office to talk about doing the All Womens Triathlon (mini sprint and sprint distance options) in February. They are all work colleagues and I cant believe so many are interested. What information do YOU think they would like to know? What would YOU have like to have heard from someone in the beginner? What do YOU think best illustrates the good stuff and takes away the fear? Stories? Some will be doing relays and some will be doing the whole thing (from what I can tell). And any ideas would be awesome!!!!! Thanks Cat Edited by kaqphin 2008-10-30 1:04 AM |
| 2008-10-30 1:40 AM in reply to: #1774973 |
Expert 831  Eltham North, Victoria | Subject: RE: What to tell a group of women who want to attempt a triathlon.... |
| 2008-10-30 2:57 AM in reply to: #1774973 |
Elite 2661 DC Metro, slowly working my way to NC | Subject: RE: What to tell a group of women who want to attempt a triathlon.... It's hard to really describe how fun it is, but talk about how fun it is! Myself, what makes it fun is how absolutely ABSURD a triathlon is. Swim, then bike, then run? All not only in the same day, BUT RIGHT IN A ROW????? I really always look back and laugh my butt off at what I accomplished. And while I'm doing it, I laugh at myself for actually attemptiing something so nutso to begin with. And crossing the finish line was the BIGGEST high I've ever encountered in my life. Edited by BodyCheck 2008-10-30 2:59 AM |
| 2008-10-30 4:23 AM in reply to: #1774973 |
Master 2665 The Whites, New Hampshire | Subject: RE: What to tell a group of women who want to attempt a triathlon.... The endorphin high, not just from completing, but also from training. I LOVE a good training session, knowing it is getting me that much closer to the finish line that much faster. Emphasize how GOOD it feels to tri, even when it hurts. They'll want to know specifics - how often to train, what type of training, I've never done this can I do it, do I need a ____ (super spiffy tri bike, wetsuit, running shoes, etc.), all the questions that get posted on here over and over. Take a couple sample plans with you, especially if you generally know the abilities of the women. Take a "cheat sheet" with area LBS, LRS, pool times and fees, gym times and fees, this website, other websites, etc. Take a calendar with you so they can talk about doing group planning. Decide how much you want to be involved in their training. Thirteen (well, fourteen, including you) people are NEVER going to all be able to train together. Do you want to organize meet-ups times? Do you want to let that just kind of happen, but make and keep track of a training chart? Do you want to do challenges like we have here (maybe something like the peach challenge or the USMC challenge just to get them out there)? Do you want to schedule a couple (maybe monthly) run-throughs so people can judge their progress, work on transitions, get the kinks worked out and questions asked, etc.? Choose that stuff BEFORE you go in so you aren't as likely to get sideswiped into doing way more than you have time for or want to do. This isn't like a normal presentation - they will want more than general info, they are primed to jump in headfirst. So get them all set up to go out there and do it. Remind them, though, to take it super, super slow at first, and that going slowly will pay off much more than going too fast. Biggest rookie mistake is going out too hard, so try to get them to avoid that if you can. Most of all, big huge congrats on being such an AWESOME role model! |
| 2008-10-30 5:22 AM in reply to: #1774973 |
Elite 3091 Spokane, WA | Subject: RE: What to tell a group of women who want to attempt a triathlon.... Excellent post above, Slugger. My .02: 1. For a mini or sprint, make sure they know they don't have to spend a ton on the bike. Almost any bike will do for a sprint. 2. If it's an OWS, make sure they know that their first OWS shouldn't be on race-day. 3. Don't skimp on running shoes. 4. HAVE FUN!! |
| 2008-10-30 6:23 AM in reply to: #1774973 |
Veteran 325 | Subject: RE: What to tell a group of women who want to attempt a triathlon.... I just did this kind of thing back in June. We had a group of 14 or so first timers that trained for 10 weeks to do a sprint and raise money for Girls on the Run, which is a character development program for girls ages 8-13. I'm pretty sure I talked about the following at the first meeting: --I guaranteed everyone that they would finish (and they all did) --I went through the basics in equipment --I tried my best to convince them that there will be all types of people at the race, not just uber-fit tri geeks. --I talked briefly about training basics and passed out the first week of a 3-tiered training plan that I was working on. --We planned to do one group workout a week with a couple of super-short practice tris in the weeks leading up to the race. Ultimately is was a very rewarding experience. Everyone who participated made great strides and we were able to raise almost $9000 for GOTR. I even think some of them caught the triathlon bug and will be joining our newly formed tri club. |
| 2008-10-30 6:39 AM in reply to: #1774973 |
| Regular 357 | Subject: RE: What to tell a group of women who want to attempt a triathlon.... Tell them to ease into the training. We don't want them to feel like it's taken over their life from day one (or injured them because they did too much too soon). We'd rather slowly suck them in without their realizing it.  |
| 2008-10-30 7:05 AM in reply to: #1774973 |
Extreme Veteran 809 Central New Jersey | Subject: RE: What to tell a group of women who want to attempt a triathlon.... Encourage them to volunteer at a triathlon before their race. I did that which is what got me hooked on triathlons and it helped me visualize exactly what to expect and that like someone else said, there are all kinds of people participating. |
| 2008-10-30 7:13 AM in reply to: #1775036 |
Champion 19812 MA | Subject: RE: What to tell a group of women who want to attempt a triathlon.... doublej - 2008-10-30 7:23 AM I just did this kind of thing back in June. We had a group of 14 or so first timers that trained for 10 weeks to do a sprint and raise money for Girls on the Run, which is a character development program for girls ages 8-13. I'm pretty sure I talked about the following at the first meeting: --I guaranteed everyone that they would finish (and they all did) --I went through the basics in equipment --I tried my best to convince them that there will be all types of people at the race, not just uber-fit tri geeks. --I talked briefly about training basics and passed out the first week of a 3-tiered training plan that I was working on. --We planned to do one group workout a week with a couple of super-short practice tris in the weeks leading up to the race. Ultimately is was a very rewarding experience. Everyone who participated made great strides and we were able to raise almost $9000 for GOTR. I even think some of them caught the triathlon bug and will be joining our newly formed tri club. ^^^^ great advice Key for me is to let them no all will finish and that they can walk the run...they can do it! Very cool opportunity to share the joy of tris.
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| 2008-10-30 8:41 AM in reply to: #1774973 |
Master 1790 | Subject: RE: What to tell a group of women who want to attempt a triathlon.... I would say that there will be women of all ages, shapes and sizes. From slow to fast. I was convinced that I'd be the heaviest woman at my first tri (a Danskin race) and I was far from it. Also, no fancy bike needed. |
| 2008-10-30 8:43 AM in reply to: #1774973 |
Resident Curmudgeon 25290 The Road Back Gold member | Subject: RE: What to tell a group of women who want to attempt a triathlon.... I would be interested to hear how you got that many work colleagues to this stage of interest. |
| 2008-10-30 9:10 AM in reply to: #1774973 |
| 4 | Subject: RE: What to tell a group of women who want to attempt a triathlon.... Hi there, You've gotten some great responses already. I'd say: - Triathlon is a great sport for all abilities and ages. I'd show a video of my neighbor Mary who started doing triathlons in her mid-seventies. And, I'd talk about my son who did his first youth triathlon at age 5. See a youtube clip of Mary racing Kelly Ripa on my post here. http://ironmakeover.blogspot.com/2008/09/what-finish-feels-like.html - I'd talk about fears/concerns I had as a beginner. What to wear. How to setup my stuff. Transitions. Training. Common mistakes. - I'd talk about how good it feels to cross that finish line. And how good it feels to try something that intimidates you--when you do it anyway---and then finish it. - I'd talk about failing. I failed my first Ironman attempt and I DNF'ed another race in extreme heat. I learned a lot from those experiences too. Each finish means more because it wasn't easy! Triathlon is such a rewarding sport. Good luck leading your group. Enjoy! Sara
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| 2008-10-30 9:17 AM in reply to: #1774973 |
Master 1996 Woodbridge , Virginia | Subject: RE: What to tell a group of women who want to attempt a triathlon.... tell them to go for it!!!! 1. show them a beginner plan.. 2. offer to go through it with them (arrange some workouts with them) 3. get them on BT, so they can get more support 4. ensure they have fun. |
| 2008-10-30 9:39 AM in reply to: #1774973 |
Champion 4902 Ottawa, Ontario | Subject: RE: What to tell a group of women who want to attempt a triathlon....
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| 2008-10-30 9:44 AM in reply to: #1775364 |
| Subject: RE: What to tell a group of women who want to attempt a triathlon.... Machiavelo - 2008-10-30 10:39 AM
So what you're saying is...fun?
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| 2008-10-30 11:40 AM in reply to: #1774973 |
Extreme Veteran 556 TX | Subject: RE: What to tell a group of women who want to attempt a triathlon.... For those that are hesitant/scared; I would emphasize that they should at least try to follow the training plan for 3 or 4 weeks and see how it goes. It can be daunting sometimes when you look at where you are supposed to end up... e.g. "I could never swim half a mile in open water!", but if you take it one training day at a time you can surprise yourself. I did my first marathon by deciding to train with a friend that was doing his first "until I got to a point where I no longer could or wanted to do the distance". As the training distances got longer, I surprised myself and was able to keep going. Similar experience with the IM distance, in that it seemed crazy at first but I just stuck to the training plan and took it a day/week at a time. All that said, I think the thrill that drives many of us is achieving something beyond what we thought possible - over and over! If these women stick with it, they will get to experience that amazing feeling for themselves |
| 2008-10-30 12:04 PM in reply to: #1774973 |
Extreme Veteran 504 SW Florida Gulf Coast | Subject: RE: What to tell a group of women who want to attempt a triathlon.... What a wonderful post... and even more, what wonderful replies!!! I convinced a friend over the summer to attempt a sprint distance which she completed with flying colors just last weekend. You've already received many terrific responses about what to do say/do before the race; however, come race day... your friends will probably need you more than ever. You can practice transitions, talk about nutrition, etc... until the cows come home beforehand, but come race day all bets are off. Be sure to allow yourself extra time with your friends to answer all of their questions on race morning. Let them know beforehand that you will be there for them. |
| 2008-10-30 1:00 PM in reply to: #1774973 |
Master 1845 Athens, Ga. | Subject: RE: What to tell a group of women who want to attempt a triathlon.... I would definitely emphasize the fact that they can walk the run portion. A friend of mine did her first tri last year (I talked her into it) and she walked the entire run portion - and was not the last person to finish. She also did the race on a mountain bike. You definitely want to talk about how fun it is, but also emphasize how important it is to practice the swim portion, especially if they're not good swimmers. Another friend of mine beat every single woman in her first race on the run, but came in dead last on the swim portion because she wasn't ready for the whirlpool/lake effect. Make sure to plan OWS. If having fun doesn't win them over, tell them about all the food they can eat after the race!!! |
| 2008-10-30 1:01 PM in reply to: #1774973 |
Member 297 | Subject: RE: What to tell a group of women who want to attempt a triathlon.... You gals will grow closer to one another as you train for and participate in the race. Sharing is half the fun.
Matt Cazalas
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| 2008-10-30 6:08 PM in reply to: #1774986 |
Champion 26509 Sydney | Subject: RE: What to tell a group of women who want to attempt a triathlon.... BodyCheck - 2008-10-30 6:57 PM It's hard to really describe how fun it is, but talk about how fun it is! Myself, what makes it fun is how absolutely ABSURD a triathlon is. Swim, then bike, then run? All not only in the same day, BUT RIGHT IN A ROW????? I really always look back and laugh my butt off at what I accomplished. And while I'm doing it, I laugh at myself for actually attemptiing something so nutso to begin with. And crossing the finish line was the BIGGEST high I've ever encountered in my life. That is the best attitude... it really is completely nuts isnt it in so many ways???? Im pretty excited there are a lot more nuts around than I thought prepared to try one! |
| 2008-10-30 6:10 PM in reply to: #1775036 |
Champion 26509 Sydney | Subject: RE: What to tell a group of women who want to attempt a triathlon.... doublej - 2008-10-30 10:23 PM I just did this kind of thing back in June. We had a group of 14 or so first timers that trained for 10 weeks to do a sprint and raise money for Girls on the Run, which is a character development program for girls ages 8-13. I'm pretty sure I talked about the following at the first meeting: --I guaranteed everyone that they would finish (and they all did) --I went through the basics in equipment --I tried my best to convince them that there will be all types of people at the race, not just uber-fit tri geeks. --I talked briefly about training basics and passed out the first week of a 3-tiered training plan that I was working on. --We planned to do one group workout a week with a couple of super-short practice tris in the weeks leading up to the race. Ultimately is was a very rewarding experience. Everyone who participated made great strides and we were able to raise almost $9000 for GOTR. I even think some of them caught the triathlon bug and will be joining our newly formed tri club. Thanks you very much for sharing your experiences... I have the uber fit tri geek thing down - Im not one. In fact I suspect some of these women are fitter and i KNOW they are thinner than me... So thats less of an issue. Apparently the possibility of matching shirts also appeals? Maybe i should share the pre race routine of painting my nails too? I love that your group did fundraising and also caught the bug - will find out if there is an affiliated charity with the race - thats an awesome idea nad added motivation! |
| 2008-10-30 6:18 PM in reply to: #1775225 |
Champion 26509 Sydney | Subject: RE: What to tell a group of women who want to attempt a triathlon.... the bear - 2008-10-31 12:43 AM I would be interested to hear how you got that many work colleagues to this stage of interest. Actually it was interesting - I got one person into it and told her I would like to get a group involved. Her enthusiasm then spread. I let them know I had done one which considering I do NOT look anything like an athlete made a HUGE difference... Also as people talked to me one on one about it being hard I would (one on one) break down the distances into times to show its manageable... ie: If you can do the psycho spin class at the gym - riding 20ks will be no trouble (and thats the longest distance availabe). If you can jog/walk for 20 minutes then the run portion will be no trouble.If you can do an hours exercise yuo can complete any of the distances (except the sprint thats more like 1.5 hours) The relay option has a lot of appeal for a few who are really worried and worst case scenario I will be filling in slots on relay teams and chose another race for myself at a later date The girl who originally got interested was really enthusiastic so we sent around an email together asking for who was interested. As the objections came through I would do the things I mentioned above and offer options. I was stopped in the hallway in the office lots of time by people who were worried and as they talked to me you could almost see the switch in thought from 'no way' to I can do it. As an extension of the email there was lots of bouncing around. Initially it was - we arent into inflicting pain on ourselves. Then there was 'well J'Lo did one' (yes celebrity triathletes help) and to finish it off - if Oprah can run 42.2kms in 4.5 hours you can swim, bike and run a lot less. So far so good... but the group all together is a bit daunting so I need to know where to start! |
| 2008-10-30 6:23 PM in reply to: #1774973 |
Champion 26509 Sydney | Subject: RE: What to tell a group of women who want to attempt a triathlon.... Thanks for all the ideas - some Id thought but soooo many I had not. If any one has anything to add please please do! Im surprised at how many people are seriously interested and feel a bit responsible for them all (in a good i want them to have fun kind of way) so I just want to make sure I go into the lunch on Monday with more information and things than I could possible need to make this really seem like FUN! |
| 2008-10-30 6:52 PM in reply to: #1775225 |
Sensei Sin City | Subject: RE: What to tell a group of women who want to attempt a triathlon.... the bear - 2008-10-30 6:43 AM I would be interested to hear how you got that many work colleagues to this stage of interest. x2. |
| 2008-10-30 8:48 PM in reply to: #1777004 |
Champion 26509 Sydney | Subject: RE: What to tell a group of women who want to attempt a triathlon.... Aikidoman - 2008-10-31 10:52 AM the bear - 2008-10-30 6:43 AM I would be interested to hear how you got that many work colleagues to this stage of interest. x2. Pretty much what I said above - talked to one person about it and got her excited, mentioned it to a couple of others - sent an email to the gym bunnies... people started talking to other people about it and it snowballed. It helps that this race has 4 distances with sprint being the LONGEST and a 150m/5k/1.5k being the shortest... Ive just has someone who was going do the bike in a relay now ask me if she can come swimming with me to see if she can do the whole thing herself... |
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