General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Too late to tri? Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2009-08-03 12:12 PM

New user
2

LaGrange Park, IL
Subject: Too late to tri?
I had planned on doing my first tri this summer, but life got in the way. Now its August and things have calmed down a bit, so I would like to get my first race in this season. I've found a race (sprint) by me at the end of September, a mere 7 weeks away. Is the doable? I have a strong competitive swimming background and feel comfortable biking and running, just out of practice on all three.

I found a 12 week program that seems like something I can do, should I just start in the middle of it (week 6) and continue from there?


2009-08-03 12:17 PM
in reply to: #2324251

User image

Member
381
100100100252525
Subject: RE: Too late to tri?
i think you will be fine doing a sprint in seven weeks. starting seven weeks out with the training plan would be a reasonable approach IF you feel fine doing the workouts in the week you will start with. in particular i would be careful about jumping in too quickly with the running mileage. based on your overall fitness, i'd guess the bike part of the training will be fine.

just my .02, 'cuz all of this is based on nothing more than the few sentences you provided to describe your fitness/ability.
2009-08-03 12:18 PM
in reply to: #2324251

User image

Not a Coach
11473
5000500010001001001001002525
Media, PA
Subject: RE: Too late to tri?
Sounds like you've got enough time to do one this season.  Just be careful about jumping into a program.  If you haven't been working out much (and, especially if you haven't been running much), you'll be better off going into the race a little 'undertrained' this time than trying to make up for lost time (and increasing your chance for an injury).  Get the experience and have some fun and then train 'properly' for something next season.
2009-08-03 12:18 PM
in reply to: #2324251

User image

Master
1572
10005002525
PA
Subject: RE: Too late to tri?

Yes, doable.

2009-08-03 12:18 PM
in reply to: #2324251

User image

Sensei
Sin City
Subject: RE: Too late to tri?
I don't think there is a problem.  Swimming would be my only concern, but it sounds like you have experience in that.

As for the program, if it were me, I would probably do the second half even it if is a little unwise - but I have never been very smart.

It's probably safer to do the first 6 weeks instead for several reasons.  These are typically your base and building weeks.  So they start of gradually and build up.  Typically, with lower intensity training to get you body used to it.  It's a safe building approach.

You could be asking for injury if you jump in the middle of the plan that has a lot of volume AND it could be at a higher intensity - both something your body may or may not be ready for.

I would say you know yourself better than  anyone.  Look at week 6 of you plan and if the volume and intensity seems doable, then go for it.  Just be honest with yourself though and don't let you ego get you in over your head.

Edited by Aikidoman 2009-08-03 12:20 PM
2009-08-03 12:19 PM
in reply to: #2324251


30
25
Subject: RE: Too late to tri?
That's Cool


2009-08-03 12:20 PM
in reply to: #2324251

Expert
950
5001001001001002525
Ann Arbor
Subject: RE: Too late to tri?
That seams very doable.  Especially if you are a strong swimmer. 
2009-08-03 12:25 PM
in reply to: #2324251

Member
195
100252525
Akron, OH
Subject: RE: Too late to tri?
Go for it. You'll do fine. I echo the above which is to be careful with the running so you don't get injured, ie shin splints, ITband issues, etc. I'd probably consider starting making my own schedule being careful not to up the running too quickly.
2009-08-03 12:36 PM
in reply to: #2324251

User image

Veteran
294
100100252525
Papillion, NE
Subject: RE: Too late to tri?
You will be fine. I just finished my first tri last Saturday and had 8 weeks to prepare. I had no swimming, biking, running background.
Like the others said, just don't do too much too quick, especially with the run. I had some issues with achilles/calves that I had to address from running too much, too quick.
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Too late to tri? Rss Feed