1st Sprint Tri need advice

Forum guidelines BT super discount
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » 1st Sprint Tri need advice Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2006-04-13 1:29 PM

User image

Regular
65
2525
Lubbock, TX
Subject: 1st Sprint Tri need advice

I have been training to compete in my first sprint this June, but everything has been going so well I have had a change of plans. There is a sprint April 22 near where I am so I decided to do it and see where I really am. It is shorter than what I was training for at 400 yd swim, 10 mile bike, 5K. What I was wondering is during my training this next week should I taper back some, and since I have never done a brick should I incorporate one before this race? If there is any other advice out there feel free to provide it.

Thanks! 

2006-04-13 1:36 PM
in reply to: #395868

User image

Resident Curmudgeon
25290
50005000500050005000100100252525
The Road Back
Gold member
Subject: RE: 1st Sprint Tri need advice
It's nearly always a good idea to taper back some during the week before a race and to do a brick (or several) before your first tri.
2006-04-13 1:44 PM
in reply to: #395868

User image

Not a Coach
11473
5000500010001001001001002525
Media, PA
Subject: RE: 1st Sprint Tri need advice

OK, here's what I'd suggest. 

Either this weekend or early next week (no later than Tuesday) go out and do a 10mile bike at about what you'd think would be your race pace.  Off the bike run easy 10-15 minutes.  Just go long enough that your legs start to feel "normal".  You want to know that they will not feel normal when you start your run (the "ICK" in BRICK) and that after a few minutes they should (though you'll still be more tired than just going for a run of course). 

Aside from that, train whatever's normal for you until Tues.  Wed. should be easy whatever you do.  Take Thurs. off to rest.  On Fri, if you can, try to do each sport for 15-20'.  Most of this should be very easy, but throw in a few (maybe 3-6) accelerations (30sec on the bike & run, 25s or 50s on the swim).  Take a full rest after these before going again.  Have fun on Sat!

2006-04-13 1:44 PM
in reply to: #395868

User image

Elite
3201
20001000100100
South Florida
Subject: RE: 1st Sprint Tri need advice
Defnitely do some bricks. They don't have to be long, but you need to see what it feels like to go from the bike to the run. I was so surprised at how heavy my legs were (even after reading it on here several times), but it didn't bother my husband much at all. I think I'm doing my first tri of the season next week (same distances as yours) and I need to do some bricks soon!
2006-04-13 2:08 PM
in reply to: #395868

Veteran
298
100100252525
chicago
Subject: RE: 1st Sprint Tri need advice
practice transitions!!! it gets pretty crazy, and it's easy to get flustered. Figure out what you need, practice getting on/off your bike quickly etc. Knowing what you're going to need, the order you're going to do everything (I suggest helmet on first so you don't foget and end up in trouble) helps you to stay calm.

Good luck!
2006-04-13 3:08 PM
in reply to: #395868

User image

Extreme Veteran
359
1001001002525
Guelph
Subject: RE: 1st Sprint Tri need advice
I'd agree with most of the posts here. Bricks are invaluable as a training tool. I would also highly suggest tapering even if it's just a little bit.

Remember to enjoy the race. It's easy to get caught up in the "pack" mentality and forget to enjoy the experience.

Good Luck!

2006-04-13 4:26 PM
in reply to: #395868

User image

Champion
10668
500050005001002525
Tacoma, Washington
Subject: RE: 1st Sprint Tri need advice
Yes, try a brick prior to race day, just to that "big thigh, short stride" feeling doesn't take you completely be surprise and make you feel like the wheels are falling off your race. In reality, you're just FEELING that way, but you're still scooting along just fine, so doing the brick gets you past that mental barrier.

Taper? No. If your training is on track for something longer, then just use it like a long, fast training day.
2006-04-13 7:24 PM
in reply to: #395868

User image

Veteran
114
100
Toronto
Subject: RE: 1st Sprint Tri need advice
I just did my first sprint tri last Sunday. I had been doing bricks as part of my training and it really helps to know how your going to feel/perform. Also I took 2 days before the race off completely and I was really fresh and energized for raceday!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am riding 150 miles to help find a cure for the MS Society on May 6th & 7th. Please help me by sponsoring me. Thanks

http://www.nationalmssociety.org//FLS/personal/go.asp?z=p&wtr=17948...
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » 1st Sprint Tri need advice Rss Feed