General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Planning My First Tri in June... Realistic? Rss Feed  
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2010-03-15 2:22 PM

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Expert
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Subject: Planning My First Tri in June... Realistic?
Hello everyone, five weeks into my training and I am coming out from lurking.  I am shooting to complete my first triathlon in late June.  Currently I am thinking I'm going to attempt to complete an Olympic distance tri.  Is this too ambitious for a first timer?

Here's my background: I am somewhat overweight (5' 11", 240 lbs) and am hoping to use training for a tri to help me get in better shape.  I have never competed in a distance race in my life, but I am somewhat athletic.  I'm most comfortable with the bike section as I've commuted by bike for the past two years and mountain bike often in the spring and summer.  I am using the 16 Week Olympic- 2x Balanced plan as my training guide and have (and plan to continue) to keep to the training schedule. I added two weeks to the training by repeating weeks one and two.  So I am starting my fifth week of training but am really only on week three of the program. 

As of now, I can swim 1500 meters in about 45 minutes (with a couple breaks), I've run 4 miles in 44 minutes, and have biked 25 miles in 80 minutes.  I haven't done any of these consecutively. 

So, what do you think?  Is completing an Olympic triathlon this June doable?  And what time for each leg of the race should I be shooting for?

Thanks.


2010-03-15 2:35 PM
in reply to: #2727355

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Subject: RE: Planning My First Tri in June... Realistic?
I would say with your current fitness as described, you can definitely do an Oy by the end of June.  Slowly building your running miles will be key, and don't be afraid to try a run/walk mix as you slowly build.  There was quite a long discussion recently on the topic or check out the Galloway (sp?) running site for more info.  Welcome, and good luck!
2010-03-15 2:41 PM
in reply to: #2727355

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Subject: RE: Planning My First Tri in June... Realistic?
By June? Yup, I believe you can.

Time? Don't even consider it. You have no basis for reference and your first tri will make you realize that. Just go out to finish the thing and give yourself a baseline for your next tri.
2010-03-15 2:41 PM
in reply to: #2727355

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Subject: RE: Planning My First Tri in June... Realistic?
I agree, you are right where you need to be 2-3 months out from a race.  If you can finish the distances, which you are close to - just build that run - you will be FINE!  I started from NOTHING last march and ran my first Sprint in June, you can do this!
2010-03-15 2:48 PM
in reply to: #2727355

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Planning My First Tri in June... Realistic?
I started last July and did my first Oly in Sept.  Like suggested above, go out and have fun for your first one.  Be careful though, after you do one in June, you will be scanning to see what other ones you can sneak in before the end of the year. 
2010-03-16 2:42 PM
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Subject: RE: Planning My First Tri in June... Realistic?
absolutely, did trained for my first last year with 2 months of training, but I over did it with the running and had hairline fractures on both shins 2 weeks before the race.  I did the event with compression socks which saved my day but I couldn't walk normally for weeks afterwards and just began running again.  Key is to train enough to complete all transitions but not to excess, and worry about the time the next time around.  I found the run to be the most difficult as I didn't do much transition training as I should have.  If you haven't already, try riding your bike hard for 20 miles then jump off your bike and run for 5 miles.  Simulations will get you prepped for the day.  Oh, I almost forgot, if you have never done open water swimming, don't make the event your first.  Swim freaked me out, but was actually my favorite leg of the race.


Edited by qclabrat 2010-03-16 2:44 PM


2010-03-16 2:45 PM
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Melon Presser
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Subject: RE: Planning My First Tri in June... Realistic?
Very doable. You're not actually that heavy (there are some fun threads and good advice in the Clydes/Athena forum, too) and you're used to biking which is the most of it. Also, you're following a good training plan.

I agree--don't focus on time, you'll be fine.
2010-03-16 2:48 PM
in reply to: #2727355

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Subject: RE: Planning My First Tri in June... Realistic?
Welcome to BT!  Your race is completely realistic!  25miles in only 80minutes is better than I can do and I'm currently training for an Oly and HIM.
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