Training for My First Tri in Gwinnett

Congrats, and welcome to the cult, I mean club!

The "My first tri" is a great place to start. They arent really good at pre-race information/pickup/awards and logistics. But the course is great, the volunteers are very cheerful, and the people around are SOooo helpful-ask anyone around for something and youll likely get 3+ people (athletes) to help.

Swim is along the shore-you can literally stand at any point in the race. Run to T1 SUCKS though. Bike is mildly challenging for a newbie. Run is mildly challenging for a newbie as well (1 real hill).

I also swim @LTF (alpharetta). I ride wed nights @Reality Bikes (4 groups A/B1/B2/C) distances/speeds vary GREAT gruop to ride with.

We all have trouble staying motivated. Post it on the fridge, theres plenty like you.

Wow, thanks a bunch!  I keep hearing that the My First Tri is very fun and rewarding.  I will keep training and take your advice about posting on the fridge to stay motivated.

vettegirlhw - 2011-04-11 3:13 PM YAY, I'm happy to see another newbie nearby.  I just joined here today and am also a newbie and live nearby in Johns Creek.  I am contemplating registering for the My First Tri at Lake Lanier, too.  I just did my first race/run etc ever by completing LifeTime Fitness' Indoor Tri and the Alpharetta location this past weekend with the goal just to finish it LOL.  I just started exercising again about 10 weeks ago after a 9 or so year hiatus, so it was so rewarding and I was pleased with myself.  I think I've caught the Tri bug and am ready to take the step to biking on the roads and swimming in open water - those are two things that I really have to work on as I'm stronger in running than any area, but want to take on this challenge.  I'll stay tuned to hear how training is coming along 

Also Congrats!

If your serious about road riding then I can't speak highly enough of Reality bikes wednesday 6pm ride. There a 4 groups so there are alot of us, safety in numbers. The C group has alot of instruction as well. Give it a shot.

Tues night Lifetime alpharetta has a nice group as well. alot of friends from reality sometimes ride a recovery ride there, Ive only done it once. Nice group though.

If you're looking for a group ride, consider the Bicycle Wheel in Johns Creek.  It leaves at 8:00 am Saturday, is a no drop ride with a variety of skill levels.

Congratulations on signing up!  I fell off the wagon back in June when I move to Georgia from SC.  Since then I've gained weight and am also struggling to get motiviated.

Reading your post is helping!!  Like you I just need to break out the road bike and go on these group rides.

Do you run with any groups around Gwinnett?  I wonder if there are any lunch time groups anywhere??

@CD

I remember reading your post when you first moved to Buford!

I dont know of any lunchtime runs during the week but theres always a weekend posting in this forum for the suwanee trail on the weekends.

And I just got an email from a running group in gwinnett, look into that if your interested.

As for more motivation, Journal EVERYthing, and use FB/twitter/athlinks etc to be held "accountable"

Good luck!

Thanks Frank!  Just loggin into here is helping.  I'm working on changing my schedule now to free up more "me" time if you know what I mean.  I'm looking forward to a good sweat on a run!  Just can't get too down about that sweat showing up at mile 1 rather then mile 7!!

@CD----GREAT news the run is only 3 miles, not 7!!! so your all good!

Welcome to the club and congrats on taking the first step.  Just as a fyi I am the cycling coordinator at Johns Creek Lifetime and lead a group of beginners - advance riders every Sunday @ 8:30.  We have a handful of newbies training for their first tri.  Come out and join us if you need motivation or are just looking for company.

Kevin

Thought of a simple one I use-

Use the internet on your phone, copy the logo for the next event your doing-paste it as your home screen!

Talk about a reminder!!!

Good luck to everyone.

And Kevin--even THIS sunday?

One word of advice for the "My First" races - get there early to set up in transition.

I did this one last year and they did not have enough racks in transition, so latecomers had to lean their bikes against the fence - not optimal. In addition, the organizers did not have volunteers posted at the transition entrance to restrict access, so anyone could come & go as they pleased - not, IMHO, the way a race should be organized. Despite those issues, it was a fun race with lots of cheering spectators.

- Kerry

Thanks for posting this, I may work up the confidence to come! I've literally never left my neighborhood on a bike so the road rides make me a bit nervous, but I need to just get out there and do it!  What course do you guys take, how far?  

Thanks, I might join you.  Sunday mornings are a great time for me to ride. I only have a mountain bike right now though, and that is the bike I will have for the tri.  I have been riding on my own and covering some great mileage but I get a little concerned when I read about pace and cadence etc.  I am truly a newbie and know very little about the techincal aspects of riding.  I am looking for all the help I can get.

Keicha