new to tri... i think.

Well, to give my few cents worth... I did my first tri a few weeks ago and had started training in January. My only exposure to this tri stuff had been through roommates who had all done at least one tri. I looked at training guides, but I found them hard to fit into my lifestyle. (I have heard this from others as well) My best advice came from the roomies who were always willing to share experiences. When I first started, i just wanted to see where I was as far as fitness. Then made little goals to improve each week, knowing I needed to be comfortable swimming about a mile, biking 30 miles and running 7 miles (just barely overshooting the Olympic distances). Setting your own consistent schedule should be as good as any guide.
I tried to hit each swimming, biking and running twice per week. I, like you, hadn't been in a pool since highschool, and I'm 27! That was my biggest hurdle to overcome. Swimming one length was a test at first, but I improved quickly and was swimming a mile straight in only a few months. Since you are good at the biking, make sure you don't turn to that as a fall on days you don't want to do something else. One of my shortfalls was knowing where I should be in my training so many months and weeks before a race, and I wasn't completely confident I was ready for my first race.
Good luck and enjoy
-Kris

yes, if u want to keep it simple then:

• Just figure out the distance u want - sprint or olympic.
• Train each sport 2x week minimum. 1-2days rest per week.
• Increase duration or distance by 10%/week (no more).
• Take a rest week in each discipline once a month - 30-50% decrease in training.
• Make sure u can hit your distances come tri time.
• Listen to your body...take it easy when overly tired, rest when noticing pain anywhere.

     Many training programs to build up base r similiar to what is above (although this is the most simplistic)  Usually most of the programs out there r for your final 8-18 weeks leading up to your tri where u will have already established your base through the above bulleted principles BUT the final 8-18 weeks r a series of peaks, rest and tapering.  u will notice it on the sprint program on this site.

     I feel u will definately want to follow one of the programs leading up to your tri as they have important training aspects to them.  So there is a sprint program at Sprint plus a few pointers on building a base before starting one of these programs at GettingStarted.  Should u decide to do an olympic race i have a great program on my hard drive.

    It's not science and i'm willling to bet that a lot of others can offer good programs and ideas.  Do what's works for you while training smart.

Edited by Ron 2003-08-03 2:34 AM

One other thing that I would suggest in addition to the great advice you have already gotten is to go and watch a couple of tri's. Get there early and watch what goes on. Watch how competitors set up their transition area. Learn from them. Watch for mistakes that people make, such as forgetting to put their race number on before they leave on the run. By going to a couple with the idea of competing in the future, you will watch from a new perspective.

Still Tri'n
Michael