Do you think training for a sprint tri is needed?

Due to the current fitness level of some sprint triathletes I would say yes they need to train. For my first sprint I ran 2-3 miles a few times and I mountain bike a lot anyway so I was covered there. I did not swim at all though and the swim took a lot out of me. I could barely stand up when I came out of the water. I still ended up in the MOP for my AG but I am in pretty good shape with B-ball, mtb etc.

Did I wish I had trained? Yes
Did I waste tons of time in the transition by not practicing it? Yes
I knew how to run (high school track), I knew how to bike (mtb) and I can swim, just not far.
But I did it to see if I wanted to pursue tri's and to finish. I loved every second of it and now I am hooked and now I train.

I agree that they need some skills as far as pacing, swimming and biking.



There are several people who do not currently have active lives and without training I don't think they could complete a sprint without training. IMHO

Edited by TooTallTri 2009-09-18 4:31 PM

Well... I think it depends on the particpants background and goals. A reasonably fit person who is capable of completeing the swim distance probably can FINISH a sprint triathlon with little or no training. But if someone is coming completely off the couch to do their first sprint, they will definitley need to train. If someone has time goals they want to meet, that person needs to train, too. Someone who's athletic and just wants to finish probably doesn't really need much training, though.

I've never seen the show but did see a clip of Natalie and Hoda the other day. 

I think that one of the two (I'm not sure which is which) will finish the race and enjoy the experience because she seems to be taking it more seriously than the other.  The other, I'm not so sure she'll enjoy it.

A triathlon can be completed without training if one can complete the swim portion of the triathlon and the course doesn't have serious hills (most sprint triathlons don't), but s/he'll be walking much of the run course.  If someone wants to complete it without walking and also enjoy the experience, training is important!

Brian

X2

I'd say the biggest caveat is the swim.  It is possible to do the bike and run with no training (ok, it probably would end up being a bike/walk, but still...). I did a oly many years ago with some college friends in a relay.  The bike leg was done by a friend who despite several months of time did literally NO riding before the race.  He rode an ancient Schwinn/Huffy type bike, in street clothes.  He came in 30-40 minutes after the very next to last rider (obviously, HE was the last rider).  So it can be done.  But unless it is a pool swim, or OWS close enough to shore for walking or standing, swim training is needed to be able to cover the distance safely.

Perhaps if you finished off the question with "...in order to...." finish?  compete? not embarrass yourself? etc.

That may narrow down the possible answers for you.

x2. I know a lot of couch potatoes that could drift the swim, manage the bike and walk the run. It would be ugly and slow, but they would finish.

If you want to save some pain and agony, yes, training is recommended.

John

What do you think - is training for a sprint tri necessary? I say yes; not in terms of overall fitness, but due to the various 'specialties' related to the sport.

I agree with previous posts that it depends on whether completing it is the only goal or if finishing somewhere in the middle of the pack is the goal.

I disagree with the statement "not in terms of overall fitness"  Running 5k is difficult for most people.  Swim 400m and bike 12-14 miles and then run a 5k with no real fitness?  c'mon. 

I suppose if the racer doesn't mind biking along at 7-8 mph & walking the 5k, it's a true statement. Other than that, I think it's a load.

I was also wondering about the following statement:

There is currently a debate going on within the triathlon community regarding whether or not training for a sprint triathlon is necessary.

Is there really a debate, or is it just the comments regarding the statements on the show?  I'm not plugged into a whole lot of triathlon sites or other media, so my perspective on this is somewhat limited.

+1

But to answer orig question as 1st yr newb- I agree that swimming is the key.  My 1st tri was an early Spring 400M pool swim/10m bike/5k run.  Plenty of newbs, but WAY too many who just could not swim the distance.  Hanging on sides of pool & on lane ropes.  Easy to bike slow & walk the 5k, but even in a pool a very weak swimmer could pose some risk.

"Troll alert"?  What's the world coming to?  I never would have thought about it until you mentioned it.  I hope that is not why she is doing this.

Anyway, to the OP.  I liked most of your article with one huge exception (see below).  I agree that training is necessary.  But then, I think practice and preparation is needed for anything one does if they want to do their best. I guess the difference is I would not do anything without also wanting to do my best and to do my best (regardless of my fitness), I would need to train first.

Your point about "triathlon-related issues" in the article is warranted and I agree with what you wrote in your five points.

I really disagree that you think training is not needed "in terms of overall fitness".  For sprint races, most age-groupers are out there for 90 minutes or more.  Much of America would definitely NOT have the fitness to get off the coach and participate at an elevated HR for 90 minutes.  No - I don't have any facts to back that up, but just look at the obesity rate in this country.



Edited by Gritty 2009-09-18 7:49 PM