first sprint tri

sounds like your starting 'from scratch'...am i right? if that is the case USUALLY i would have recommended at least a 3month phase to gradually build up to the levels your doing know - u did mention that the 20min run killed u. BUT i like your drive and excitement SO just let me caution you...cuz injuries are truly horrible.

i'm sure your gonna be ok on the bike even from scratch, 13miles is not much to build up quick. the swim, sounds like your gonna get by too - u don't even have to be doing the forward (freestyle) stroke, BUT on the run, if 20min is truly horrible and difficult. try taking several walking breaks during your run training and count the walking towards your total 20-30min run. then gradually start replacing walking with running minutes. i can definatley see possible injuries if u attack the run this much from nothing. and we want to see u back next season 4Fish!!!

REMEMBER, u r allowed to walk as much as u want during your tri.

great luck, keep us posted, stay excited, ask more ???'s if u have them,

ron

Thanks for the response.As a matter of fact,my run did consist of five to six minutes of easy to moderate pace,and three to four minutes of walking.Not actually planned,but out of necessity!yes,I am sore and am stretching after each workout and throughout the day as time allows.Thanks for your advice.

You'll be FINE...the last post was pretty much on the money- you'll have no issues with the bike, and you can always backstroke, breastroke, dog-paddle(!) the swim...and you can take as many walking breaks as you'd like during the run. Just focus on the experience of doing your first race and not the outcome. If you like it, you have all winter to sharpen your skills and kick butt in 2004. One thing that I would recommend that greatly helps your confidence, is to at least drive the race route (preferably ride and run it) if its possible well beforehand. Use it as a weekend training excursion. If you can take a little swim in the lake(?) thats even better. The fear of the unknown is actually the most nerve wracking part of the race and if you know the course a bit you'll feel a lot better. Most first time racers seem to go "blank" and forget what to do in transitions, so practice that. Remember, its not about practising to win the race-just to build your confidence that this is something you've done before- taking off your wetsuit, running with your bike,etc...keep it simple but methodical. Practice open water swims if you can-this is one of the biggest fear factors in a tri-even if its not your first one. You are allowed to take a break when swimming if you need to-hold onto a lifeguard's surfboard and catch your breath,etc. But just have fun and learn by your mistakes~after doing one you'll be hooked I guarentee.