General Discussion Triathlon Talk » First ever triathlon-Mini-triathlon Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2009-07-22 2:47 PM


27
25
Subject: First ever triathlon-Mini-triathlon

I am in the Air Force and we are having a mini-triathlon on base August the 5th.  The race is a 500m swim, 10k bike, and a 5k run.  The will be my first attempt at any type of triathlon.  I love to swim, bike, and run.  The problem I found is when I get out of the pool I am dizzy.  What do I do?  Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated.  The other bad thing is I have to ride my full suspension mountain bike with off road tires.  One of these days I will get a road or triathlon bike.  As of now I swim 500m everyday then go home after work and run 3 miles. 



2009-07-22 3:09 PM
in reply to: #2302205

User image

Expert
1075
1000252525
Champaign Area, IL
Subject: RE: First ever triathlon-Mini-triathlon
try wearing ear plugs
2009-07-22 3:14 PM
in reply to: #2302205

User image

Pro
5169
50001002525
Burbs
Subject: RE: First ever triathlon-Mini-triathlon
Good luck and have fun !

Yeah, try earplugs - they should help with the dizzy feeling.
2009-07-22 4:09 PM
in reply to: #2302205


27
25
Subject: RE: First ever triathlon-Mini-triathlon

Do I need specific ear plugs?

2009-07-22 4:13 PM
in reply to: #2302205

User image

Master
1356
10001001001002525
Subject: RE: First ever triathlon-Mini-triathlon
Hey, some of us call that a sprint distance and are perfectly happy racing at those distances.  My mini was more like a 100y/2mi/1mi. 

hAve fun!
2009-07-22 4:15 PM
in reply to: #2302205


27
25
Subject: RE: First ever triathlon-Mini-triathlon
Thank you!  I can't wait to see how it turns out.  I can do all three seperately, but how do I put them all together without passing out?


2009-07-22 4:45 PM
in reply to: #2302205

User image

Veteran
253
1001002525
Sarasota FL
Subject: RE: First ever triathlon-Mini-triathlon
The big trick is to simply slow down each part.  As in, smooth speed, not gasping speed. 
Also, that distance is usually called a "sprint" distance triathlon.
It's the only distance I do, and it's very popular. 
Best of luck
steve
2009-07-22 4:46 PM
in reply to: #2302205


27
25
Subject: RE: First ever triathlon-Mini-triathlon
Thank you all for your responses.  They will be put to good use.
2009-07-22 4:56 PM
in reply to: #2302205

User image

Extreme Veteran
597
500252525
Fairfax
Subject: RE: First ever triathlon-Mini-triathlon
One other thing I'd recommend looking in to is slicks for your mountain bike.  They're not very expensive and you'll immediately notice a big difference.
2009-07-22 5:17 PM
in reply to: #2302205


27
25
Subject: RE: First ever triathlon-Mini-triathlon
Do you have any recommendations for a company?  I need the same size only in slicks right?
2009-07-22 5:53 PM
in reply to: #2302205

User image

Extreme Veteran
547
50025
Canyon Hills (Lake Elsinore), CA
Subject: RE: First ever triathlon-Mini-triathlon

Depending on your wheel width, you can get a narrower tire.  1.5" "city" or slick tire should work on most MTB wheel widths.  Make sure to get the right diameter (it will say the size on your current tire.)



2009-07-22 7:03 PM
in reply to: #2302518

User image

Master
2426
200010010010010025
Central Indiana
Subject: RE: First ever triathlon-Mini-triathlon
Congrats on the decision to tri !  And thank you for your service.

Most any MTB (mountain bike) slick tire will do (typical sizes 1.5 or 1.75" wide) & improve your speed significantly (for me 17-8 mtb on MTB w/knobbies= 20+mph on slicks). Get some soon so you can get a feel for how your bike handles with 'em on the street. (Assuming the bike portion of the tri is on road).  And get a helmet if you don't have one as most tri's now require 'em ANYTIME you are on the bike (even riding in to set-up (transition) area before the race starts).  You can usu find MTB slicks for ~$15ea or less (on-line if no good local shop) & helmet for ~$20 (all meet same safety standards-so you can buy a cheapie at base exchange or Wal-Mart).  Slicks & helmet are useful for commuting, too.

I'm an experienced cyclist (usu 4-5+k mi/yr) but also a tri newb (2 sprints so far).  +1 on the advice to slow down.  Pace yourself.  Common tactical mistake is to let excitement of your 1st tri take over at the swim start & waste all your energy.  Unless you're a competitive swimmer, swim SLOW at the start & watch your breathing.  Early in bike, rehydrate & maybe take a gel (if you like 'em).  Last 1mi or so on the bike-pedal quicker in a little lower gear to help loosen the legs for the run.  Start running easy and in rhythm first 1/2mi or so until the legs feel right, then up the pace based on how you feel.
Between now & the tri you might practice transitioning a little, esp that bike-run to get used to running just after a hard ride.  Think about & rehearse both transitions: swim-bike (T1) & bike-swim (T2).  Don't try for top speed in transitions, but preparation will make you more relaxed on event day.
Plenty of good articles about 1st tri stuff on this site or do web search.

Most important- HAVE FUN!!!!!

Edited by Oldteen 2009-07-22 7:04 PM
2009-07-22 7:43 PM
in reply to: #2302205


27
25
Subject: RE: First ever triathlon-Mini-triathlon
Wow thank you for the information about the tires!!  We have some awesome people on this website.
2009-07-23 11:23 AM
in reply to: #2302205


27
25
Subject: RE: First ever triathlon-Mini-triathlon
Lucky me I just had a friend offer me his bike for the race.
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » First ever triathlon-Mini-triathlon Rss Feed