Scheduling a sprint before first Olympic?

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2009-07-14 11:30 AM

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Subject: Scheduling a sprint before first Olympic?
Hi, I'm new to triathlon and have signed up for the MiamiMan event in November.  Really enjoying my training, following the basic 20-week plan here on the site (now in week 5).

Question is about whether and when to do a sprint triathlon before my Olympic?  I've seen several events around Florida that are 600 / 10-12 / 3.1.  Participating in one of those might be a great way to acclimate to racing.  Then again, I'm concerned it might interfere with my training or increase likelihood of injury.

Does anyone have advice as to when or whether to schedule a sprint with four months to go before my first Olympic?  Thanks in advance! 

2009-07-14 11:54 AM
in reply to: #2284322

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Subject: RE: Scheduling a sprint before first Olympic?
Go for it!  If anything, you'll get to practice transitions and figure out what's going on during race day.  Race day can be really hectic, so the more practice, the better.  Nothing can simulate race day.

I wouldn't worry about it interfering with your training, at worst it'll be a long training day if things don't go as planned.

Do you have any open water experience?  I'd highly recommend practicing open water swimming or finding an open water sprint beforehand because OWS is a whole different animal than the pool.
2009-07-14 2:04 PM
in reply to: #2284322

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Subject: RE: Scheduling a sprint before first Olympic?
I second the recommendation. You don't have to treat it as a serious event, but as a nice brick workout. Don't worry about times, or competitiveness, just do it for the experience and to get in a good workout.

The hardest part is to avoid going full-tilt, truly treating it as just another good workout. It is easy to become competitive, especially when people pass me on my training "brick" sprints.
2009-07-14 2:19 PM
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Subject: RE: Scheduling a sprint before first Olympic?
Doing a sprint TRI as others have said is a good idea. I suggest doing one around week 10-12 of your training plan. If possible at the end of a recovery week. Focus on the getting through T1 and T2 smoothly. Knowing how to prepare and go through the S/B/R will let the Olympic TRI be less stressful.

If it is an OWS make sure you get a few swims to get comfortable doing them.

Good Luck.
2009-07-14 2:22 PM
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Subject: RE: Scheduling a sprint before first Olympic?
do it.

The learning experience is totally worth it.  The improvement I made between my first and second (with only a month in between so it's not like I was in significantly better shape) race was quite significant.   
2009-07-14 10:35 PM
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Subject: RE: Scheduling a sprint before first Olympic?
I have done an olympic before but I am doing another one at the end of August. I am also doing a sprint the weekend before the olympic. I plan to use it to get better at race day transition and to feel more comfortable all around on race day. Go for it!

2009-07-14 10:43 PM
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Subject: RE: Scheduling a sprint before first Olympic?
I highly recommend it. I did a sprint 2 weeks before my oly last year and it was the best thing I could have done.  It really helped build my confidence. If I wouldn't have done the sprint the Oly would have been very nerv racking. It's good for training as well because it gives you an idea as to how you feel and how you've progressed.
Good luck and remember to take it all in. Even smile at the kaos of it all. Most important, have fun.
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