General Discussion Triathlon Talk » beginner friendly races in AZ Rss Feed  
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2008-03-19 1:33 PM

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Member
21

(North) Phoenix, AZ
Subject: beginner friendly races in AZ
Hi all, first post... (well second, because I originally posted this in the general forum)
I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for my first race (I'm stressing beginner friendly...). I think I should start with a sprint. I have been training for a few months, I think (maybe...I dunno) that I'm in alright shape. Becoming a little tentative about actually doing one, which means I should probably just get it over with... Did I mention beginner friendly?...


2008-03-19 2:14 PM
in reply to: #1280933

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Master
2411
2000100100100100
Goodyear, AZ
Subject: RE: beginner friendly races in AZ

This race company does great beginner races:

www.trifamilyracing.com

If you are female, you could do the tri for the cure which is a pool swim, or in May there is a woman's only tri in Tempe lake- the SheRox tri (www.redrockco.com)

 

Good luck!

2008-03-19 2:19 PM
in reply to: #1280933

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Elite
3221
20001000100100
the desert
Subject: RE: beginner friendly races in AZ
x2 on the trifamily races being beginner friendly. If you're ready now, they have one on March 30 in Scottsdale (my first one last year).  I have a friend doing it as his first. I think it's only 300yds swim, 12mi. bike, and a 5K.
2008-03-19 3:50 PM
in reply to: #1281100

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Member
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(North) Phoenix, AZ
Subject: RE: beginner friendly races in AZ
Thanks to the replies! It was just the advice I was looking for. I looked into those two events, and will do one or both...
2008-03-19 5:37 PM
in reply to: #1280933

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Elite
3221
20001000100100
the desert
Subject: RE: beginner friendly races in AZ

The only other thing I'll add is to use the training logs on this site. Some people don''t because they think they don't do enough or that they're too slow or whatever reason, but the log help.

They'll help you see what you doing, and

by letting others see your training, they can offer advice and inspiration.

2008-03-19 6:28 PM
in reply to: #1281390

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Expert
1330
100010010010025
Arizona
Subject: RE: beginner friendly races in AZ
I'd recommend the CFC Triathlon.

For me the swim was the scariest part, and because of the pool setup you actually
have a series of short swim legs with chances to rest if you want.

My son (will be 7) might be doing it this year.

-Jot


2008-03-19 11:20 PM
in reply to: #1280933

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Expert
748
50010010025
Big Bear City, California
Subject: RE: beginner friendly races in AZ
Tempe International is a good first Open Water Swim Tri as it is only a 400m swim. It was my first. Its mid-May so pretty hot.



Edited by robot 2008-03-19 11:21 PM
2008-03-19 11:22 PM
in reply to: #1280933

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Elite
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Mesa, AZ
Subject: RE: beginner friendly races in AZ
Rocky - and who would I be if I did not invite you to come out for some group training. There is no better place to become more acquainted with triathlon than being around other triathletes and people in the same boat as you! There are some GREAT tri clubs in AZ that have seasoned veterans and people like you (brand new triathletes) training together! GOOD STUFF!

Keep an eye out on the forums for our training get togethers and WELCOME!
2008-03-20 8:51 AM
in reply to: #1280933

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Veteran
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Subject: RE: beginner friendly races in AZ
I am doing my first tri in April... the tri for the cure. I picked that race because any of the charity races tend to draw on some people who are out there just for the cause. Plus it is all women...I figured my slowness wouldn't stick out as much. That being said... I am pretty anxious about it.

So... my vote for you is tri for the cure...it is soon enough that you can't think too much about it and if you end up enjoying it... there are plenty of races left to do this spring.

Elizabeth
2008-03-20 10:07 AM
in reply to: #1280933

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Subject: RE: beginner friendly races in AZ
My girl is doing the tri for the cure (we think). She's 7. She likes the idea of it being all girls too.
2008-03-20 11:02 AM
in reply to: #1280933

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Master
1696
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Surprise, Arizona
Subject: RE: beginner friendly races in AZ
Sally (riorio) and Tom (triguyfitz) really hit the nail on the head.  The tri family racing events are great for beginners, as is the Tri for the Cure.  Logging your workouts here is also great so that you can get feedback and inspiration from other members as you prepare.   Good luck!!   


2008-03-20 3:05 PM
in reply to: #1280933

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Member
21

(North) Phoenix, AZ
Subject: RE: beginner friendly races in AZ
Thanks everyone!
I have another question...
How much time do you usually leave between races? I know it's going to depend on a lot of things (ie. distance, fitness level, etc), but I was just looking for a general idea.
2008-03-20 3:34 PM
in reply to: #1283691

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Expert
1330
100010010010025
Arizona
Subject: RE: beginner friendly races in AZ
You're right...it depends on a lot of things.

Right now for me:

Sprint: I could probably do a every other weekend for a few weeks.
Olympic: I could probably do this every other weekend for 2 or 3 times.
Half: No idea. I haven't done one yet, but have one in May. I suspect
that it's about every 6 weeks.
Full Iron: Once a lifetime.

My training is basically: 3 weeks on/1 rest week.

Weeks on are between 11 and 15 hours a week.
Rest weeks are about 7.

HTH.

-Jot
2008-03-20 4:26 PM
in reply to: #1283691

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Master
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Byhalia, Mississippi
Subject: RE: beginner friendly races in AZ

rockykito - 2008-03-20 1:05 PM Thanks everyone! I have another question... How much time do you usually leave between races? I know it's going to depend on a lot of things (ie. distance, fitness level, etc), but I was just looking for a general idea.

Many rank their races as "A" down to perhaps"D" with an "A" race being one that they are training for to beat a time, gain a personal record, or complete a longer race length.  The "B" races may be fall back plans to pick up a race if your are ill/other issues on an "A" race, and C/D are fun races that are realy training days for future events or excuses to race with freinds for fun.

That said, most of us are Beginners as in amatures.  So we learn from each other, ask alot of questions, experiment on nutrition, and pick one or two "A" races in a season.  The other events are to participate with freinds, or just to show Chris that he has to wear the pink Crocs and the pink Tutu when he is beat by the slow chubby guy (Me) that is just using the race as a training step for the June Half-ironman.

Like SportyJ, I would tell you to try to train with a group and meet new people.  I happen to know that ESCKTC runs on Wed nights at Tempe Town Lake and has group rides most Saturdays or Sundays and soon Open Water swimming.  Groups improve safety, and provide company in a sport that we all love.

Soooo - sign up for as many events as you can stand but rank them according to your own goals.  (Always remember that the "sprint" in this sport is not seconds, rather over and hour or two, so do not be fooled into doing one every weekend or two!)



Edited by perkins_jerryw 2008-03-20 4:27 PM
2008-03-26 10:32 AM
in reply to: #1280933

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Mesa
Subject: RE: beginner friendly races in AZ
I don't believe it was mentioned...

The Splash & Dash races are great for getting started with open water swim racing.

These are more like a brick training day with an open water swim.

http://www.4peaksracing.com/

(disclaimer*** I don't know how they will run now since they are run by 4 peaks racing which is the split off from the old DCB partnership... but they should run just fine)
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