General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Help me figure out; Sprint or Oly this Sunday Rss Feed  
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2010-07-12 8:44 AM

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Subject: Help me figure out; Sprint or Oly this Sunday

I’m doing a tri this weekend, and can’t decide between doing the Oly or the Sprint.  For the Oly, I’m ok for the swim distance, good for the bike, and no good for the run.  The most I’ve run (ever) was 5 mi.  Essentially, if I do the Oly, I’m looking at walking part of the run portion. Not the whole thing, I’ll probably do a walk/run conbo and try to save enough energy to run the last mile and cross the finish line strong. 

Question is, if I go into the Oly knowing that I can’t run the whole thing, should I even do it? Or just accept my limitations and switch to the sprint? (Already asked the RD, and it’s fine to switch if I choose).

Another thing I’m wondering, but having trouble articulating it, is does it really “count” if you don’t really compete the whole way through? ie; walking part of the run.  I know this is a loaded question, since the only person I need to satisfy is myself.  But I don’t have an answer and was wondering your opinions.

At this point, I want to do the Oly, because when I set out originally to do a Tri, it was going to be an Oly. And this is probably my last race of the season (other stuff is coming up in August that’ll drastically limit my training.) But I think I'm leaning towards the Sprit.

Thoughts? Suggestions? Experiences?



2010-07-12 8:48 AM
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Subject: RE: Help me figure out; Sprint or Oly this Sunday
Don't overthink it too much- A lot of people do that with triathlons.
If you think you can complete the distances safely and want to do the Oly- go for it.
I have had some of my better run splits by having to walk a little.

If you cross the finish like, you have completed it.
2010-07-12 8:55 AM
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Subject: RE: Help me figure out; Sprint or Oly this Sunday
Apotheosis - 2010-07-12 9:44 AM

Question is, if I go into the Oly knowing that I can’t run the whole thing, should I even do it? Or just accept my limitations

Thoughts? Suggestions? Experiences?



I suggest you not create limitations for yourself. How do you know you can't complete it? So you've never run more than 5 miles. Big deal! First 10K I ever did I had never run more than 4 miles. First marathon I did I had never run more than 20 miles. In fact, the first time I did anything I had never done it before.
2010-07-12 8:57 AM
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Subject: RE: Help me figure out; Sprint or Oly this Sunday
What race are you looking to do? 
2010-07-12 8:58 AM
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Subject: RE: Help me figure out; Sprint or Oly this Sunday
If you can run 5 miles, then you can run 10K. Go for the Oly.
2010-07-12 8:59 AM
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Subject: RE: Help me figure out; Sprint or Oly this Sunday
Oly oly oly oxen free Get the bang for your buck. There are circumstances under which world-class triathletes have had to or have chosen "alternate movement" on a segment of the tri (treading or breaststroking, walking bike, walking or in certain famous cases crawling on the run). Certainly doesn't make their race or their medal any less real

Triathlon's an experience. If you can move from point A to point B legally within the time limit, it REALLY counts.


2010-07-12 9:00 AM
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Subject: RE: Help me figure out; Sprint or Oly this Sunday
In fact, the first time I did anything, I had never done it before.


That totally sounds like a Yogi Berra-ism!

It's a good point. I shouldn't create limitations for myself. 
This is mostly based on personal experience.  After my 5 mile run, I pretty much felt like falling over and curling into a little ball.  I can't imagine doing 6.2 miles after the Bike and Swim too. But you're right, I don't know until I try.
2010-07-12 9:04 AM
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Subject: RE: Help me figure out; Sprint or Oly this Sunday
Mrschach - 2010-07-12 9:57 AM What race are you looking to do? 


Asbury Park "MetroMan" Tri.

1500m swim / 21 mi bike / 6.2 mi run

(They call this the "Intermediate" distance, I think because the bike portion is shorter. But there's another tri I was looking at with a 22.5 mi bike that was called an official Oly, so I say 'screw it', as far as I'm concerned this is an Oly.)
2010-07-12 9:05 AM
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Subject: RE: Help me figure out; Sprint or Oly this Sunday
Apotheosis - 2010-07-12 9:04 AM
Mrschach - 2010-07-12 9:57 AM What race are you looking to do? 


Asbury Park "MetroMan" Tri.

1500m swim / 21 mi bike / 6.2 mi run

(They call this the "Intermediate" distance, I think because the bike portion is shorter. But there's another tri I was looking at with a 22.5 mi bike that was called an official Oly, so I say 'screw it', as far as I'm concerned this is an Oly.)


I was asking because there is another one further south in NJ that the water failed the first test and they are retesting tomorrow.  If it fails again, it will become a duathlon!  I know a few people that are registered for the Oly but said they will change to the sprint if the swim is cancelled.

Go for the Oly!!!
2010-07-12 9:09 AM
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Subject: RE: Help me figure out; Sprint or Oly this Sunday

(double post, sorry)



Edited by Apotheosis 2010-07-12 9:13 AM
2010-07-12 9:12 AM
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Subject: RE: Help me figure out; Sprint or Oly this Sunday
One other consideration:

I just did a Sprint tri with a friend, and we came in within a minute and a half of each other.  Without having trained together at all.  It was amazing how closely matched we were. (He beat me, btw.)

This weekend I have it in my mind that we're straight up racing, and I want to kick his butt! 
So the other aspect of the decision is:
Full on RACE against my friend. Loser buys the first round.
Or compete to complete, (the Oly) and not race.

Still, a tough decision!   It may come down to how I feel the day before!


2010-07-12 9:19 AM
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Subject: RE: Help me figure out; Sprint or Oly this Sunday
Everybody's goals are different.  If just making the distance, even if you have to walk a bit, is your goal, then the Oly is the longer distance to be proud of.  for me- I want to train for the distance I'm going to race- and be able to give it my all through the whole thing. 

I personally would never go into a race 'believing' that I couldn't make the run.

It sounds as if you've trained for the sprint distance.  So- give it your all, have a great swim, bike and run that 5K with everything you've got.
2010-07-12 9:59 AM
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Subject: RE: Help me figure out; Sprint or Oly this Sunday
I'd do the sprint.  In my experience/opinion it's more fun to "race" the whole way.  Having a little friendly competition will help push you along.  Train up for next year or later in the seaon for the longer distance.

Not sure if you're personality is like mine but to me it's not enough to just complete the race (meaning walk part of the run).  I just don't feel the accomplishment is complete enough unless I run the entire distance.  That's just me.
2010-07-12 10:24 AM
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Subject: RE: Help me figure out; Sprint or Oly this Sunday
race against friend>alone
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